THIS WEEK

Offices will be closed Victoria Day Monday

PRESCOTT ­ The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Monday, May 19 for Victoria Day. The offices will reopen Tuesday, May 20 at 8 am.

The display advertising deadline for the May 21 edition is Thursday, May 15 at 5 pm. The deadline for classified ads is Friday, May 16 at noon.

Banks, Canada Post and most government offices as well as many retailers will also be closed Monday.

Bogus bills continue to turn up in Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ More counterfeit bills have surfaced in Prescott.

The fake Canadian currency includes $20 bills (serial numbers JJW8186199 and EVN6659437) and $100 bills (serial numbers BJP2307427, BJP2307403 and BJJ2307488).

The investigation is continuing; however, a suspect has been identified and charges are pending.

Anyone who has questions about counterfeit bills is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252. In Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, call the OPP at 925-4221.

Child car seat clinic at grocery store

PRESCOTT ­ A child car seat clinic will be held this Saturday, May 17 from 10 am to 1 pm at O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer on Prescott Centre Drive.

Come and have your car seat inspected and learn other child-friendly travelling tips.

The car seat clinic is being presented by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit, the Leeds and Grenville Ontario Early Years Centre and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer. Representatives from the Prescott Police Service will also be on hand.

For more information, call the Early Years Centre at 925-4975.

Blood donor clinic returns to Prescott next Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ The gift of life can be given next week in Prescott.

A blood donor clinic will take place Thursday, May 22 from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School.

All blood types are in demand.

The clinic is sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club and the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with the high school.

Appointments are recommended but are not mandatory. To book an appointment or for eligibility information, contact Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283.

Harbour Days are here

Three-day Victoria Day festival starts Saturday

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town will be the place to be this weekend as Harbour Days sails into town.

The annual Victoria Day Weekend festival features more than 20 events over the course of three days. Organizer Mike Boyles said this year's Harbour Days is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with a mix of "old faithful" events and new activities for people of all ages.

"What a great weekend to be in Prescott," Boyles said.

Saturday

A giant garage sale will begin at 9 am at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Proceeds will go to the proposed skateboard park in the Kriska fields area in the north end of town. A skateboard demonstration will also be presented at the arena.

Also at 9 am, the indoor/outdoor yard sale opens at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

One of the many additions to Saturday's fare will be the medieval fair to be held on the grounds of St. John's Anglican Church on James Street near Centre Street beginning at 10 am. Robin Hood and his Merry Men along with a town crier and court jester may be some of the characters to look out for as people dressed in period costumes bring history to life. The fair will include activities for children, bingo and a barbecue.

Another new event is the Prescott Mutt Show Saturday morning at the clock tower square beginning at 10 am. The fun begins with a presentation by the Brockville Police dogs. There will also be open competitions in a number of categories, including best dressed dog and best trick.

Some of the animals available for adoption at the humane society shelter are also expected to be on hand at the show.

The farmers market will be open for business Saturday morning.

The Rotary Club will be back at the square for a midday barbecue. The entertainment continues at 1 pm with a performance by a Celtic band.

Saturday will also see the downtown BIA sidewalk sale. Main street merchants will have plenty of merchandise and savings available throughout the day.

Sunday

Day two of Harbour Days kicks off at 8 am with the annual breakfast at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 on Henry Street.

An open-air Anglican Church service will be conducted at the waterfront amphitheatre beginning at 10:30 am, followed at about 11:30 by the blessing of the harbour by the Venerable Michael Pollesel.

The Parr Christie singers pay a return visit to the amphitheatre at 2 pm for an hour-long concert of popular songs and a few corny jokes thrown in for good measure.

The Legion will once again be serving a chicken barbecue at the hall beginning at 3 pm and running through the afternoon and early evening. Entertainment will also be provided at the hall.

Monday

Day three continues to be for the kids at Harbour Days. The Kiwanis soap box derby gets going on George Street; registration opens at 9 am, with races beginning at 10 am.

There will also be a car wash at clock tower square, with proceeds going to the skateboard park project.

The waterfront area will once again be full of activity beginning at 10 am. In addition to the return of the petting zoo and free pony rides, the annual Teddy Bear Picnic and Hospital (with karaoke and refreshments) and DuPont games for kids, Giant Tiger will be serving free lunch for the kids at noon. (There will be a small charge for adults).

People can also set sail for free boat rides being offered by the Grenville Fish and Game Club. The Little Dreamer will be at the marina beginning at 10 am.

Boyles notes most outdoor activities will be cancelled if it rains.

Water woes plague some Augusta residents

Those supplied by Prescott face major additional costs

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

AUGUSTA ­ ­ A handful of Augusta Township residents who receive water from the Town of Prescott are facing extreme fee increases because of new provincial regulations.

Township CAO Sharon Wilkinson said seven properties along County Road 2 at the western limit of Prescott are affected by the change in the Ontario Drinking Water Act.

The owners of six homes and a trailer park are looking at having to pay an annual special area rate charge of approximately $2,500 each to continue receiving town water, Wilkinson informed the property owners in a letter dated April 22.

Since the Town of Walkerton tainted drinking water incident, the province is putting into place recommendations and strict guidelines for water works owners, Wilkinson said.

This means the township must become a water distribution system.

As well, the property owners affected must have their water tested on a weekly basis by an accredited laboratory, she explained.

Samples must be collected by a qualified water works technician, and cannot be collected by the owners themselves and sent to a laboratory.

Prescott must also see the testing is carried out to ensure there are no cross connections which could in turn cause some form of water contamination to the town's system, Wilkinson stated in the letter.

While Wilkinson acknowledged she does not yet know the exact cost due to the new regulations, it "could be astronomical." She also stressed other township residents "should not and will not have to pay for this."

Augusta Township is not alone in having to take the extra steps; there are numerous municipalities in Ontario in the same situation, including Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal, Wilkinson said. However, she did note the government requirements are "not reasonable" for the small number of homes in Augusta affected.

"The government needs to look at this and say it doesn't make sense."

Wilkinson noted the township office has been investigating various avenues to find the most economical means of carrying out the mandatory testing so homeowners can keep costs to minimum.

An annual price of $17,000 from the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) was quoted to Wilkinson.

With the amount split seven ways, Wilkinson indicated the cost is still not acceptable.

The property owners will also have to absorb among themselves a local improvement charge for the installation of one or possibly two hydrants and a sampling station in order to be able to test the water, Wilkinson said.

Switching to a drilled well and septic bed is not an option for the owners, she said, since the lot sizes are not of sufficient size according to government regulations.

The CAO noted the homes were hooked up to town water in the 1940s. No official documentation that Wilkinson can locate exists to determine how the properties began receiving the service; the township was not aware the residences were on town water until notified earlier this spring by the Ministry of the Environment, Wilkinson said.

Attempts to contact two of the affected residents were unsuccessful; another declined to comment.

Augusta gets tough on tax arrears

MAYNARD ­ Augusta Township is getting tough with residents who have property tax arrears.

CAO Sharon Wilkinson informed council at its meeting Monday night 53 property owners in the township are now in a legal tax sale position for unpaid taxes.

Letters were sent April 22 to the owners with tax arrears asking them to contact the township by May 16 to make payment arrangements. If no contact is made, the township will proceed with tax sales without further notice according to the Municipal Act, Wilkinson said.

As of Friday, only four per cent of those in arrears contacted the office to make arrangements, she said.

The CAO also recommended the township send monthly tax payment reminders. "Monthly reminders are a positive way of collecting money," she told council. She did acknowledge, however, the task is difficult to keep up because of staffing issues.

Individual situations range from just under $1,000 to a high of about $20,000 in unpaid taxes, she said. The municipality is in a legal tax sale position when there are unpaid taxes for three years without any payment arrangements made.

Emergency team volunteers prepared to serve

Prescott graduates among the first in the province

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The graduation season in Prescott has begun with a group of volunteers who will be there for others when trouble strikes.

Public Safety and Security Minister and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was among those on hand at the health centre to congratulate the 18 graduates of the Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) program. Prescott is one of 10 communities taking part in the provincial pilot program aimed at supplementing existing emergency response personnel with civilians trained to deal with different types of problems.

Members of the Prescott CERV team live or work in the town. They received seven weeks of training this winter and early spring in everything from first aid and CPR to the psychology of crisis. Dave Clarke, a community officer with Emergency Management Ontario, said the graduates do the program and the Town of Prescott proud. The level of public safety will be "greatly enhanced" by the volunteer team, according to Clarke.

Prescott CERV team members are Jeremy Adams, Don Barton, Ken Creamer, Danny Graham, Cathy Glover, Doug Kirker, Thomas Langer, Mike Lawn, Ian MacLean, Chris Miller, Robert Moore, George Morritt, Martina Morritt, Sue O'Hanlon, Steve Rainey, Joanne Spero, Sharon Spychi and Penny Warner.

Rainey, who operates Prescott Towing, said there have been times when he would wonder "what do I do when something happens." Signing up for the CERV program is a starting point from which he and others in the community can offer their support if an emergency occurs.

"There's a whole crew of other people with the same training," he added.

Police Chief Bryan Somerville and Fire Chief Bill Lawrence were also on hand as graduates received their certificate as well as blue hard hats and reflective vests.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn commended the volunteers and noted the program is an excellent example of "people helping other people."

Prescott is one of the first communities to have CERV graduates in place. Runciman thanked the team members for caring about their community.

"I'm especially proud to have a graduating class in my own riding," he said.

The province covers 100 per cent of training costs in the first year of the program. There are already enough applicants to begin a second round of training. Clarke expects the next session will begin in late summer or early fall.

Jobless rate on the rise as EI claim total falls

KINGSTON ­ The regional unemployment rate was up but Employment Insurance (EI) claims were down in April, according to figures released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

The jobless rate for the region that includes South Grenville was 9.3 per cent last month, up from nine per cent in March. Fewer jobs were reported in the services-producing sector, an HRDC news release stated. There was a significant drop in public administration employment in the region last month. Employment in the goods-producing sector remained about the same.

The jobless rate this time last year was 8.9 per cent.

As for EI claimants, the Kingston-Pembroke area (including South Grenville) reported a decrease of 12.9 per cent in April. There were 941 active claims at the Prescott HRDC office at the end of the month compared to 1,073 at the end of March (a difference of 12.3 per cent).

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

Big prizes up for grabs in Grenville Christian College super draw

MAITLAND ­ There is still time to get in on the action in the Grenville Christian College Super Lotta Grand Draw.

There are many prizes to be won in this year's draw being presented by the university preparatory school located near Maitland.

The grand prize winner will choose between four different options: a custom dream home valued at $210,000, $150,000 in gold bullion, $50,000 and a Jaguar convertible, and a package of three vehicles (Chevy Trail Blazer, Mercedes SLK 320 Sport and a Harley-Davidson FatBoy).

The Coombe custom home being built on Cuthbertson Avenue near Millwood in Brockville, can be viewed Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.

Odds in winning are one in nine.

Richard Daub, of North Augusta, won last week's early bird cash draw for $1,000. Weekly early bird draws for $1,000 will also take place this Thursday and the following Thursday.

Proceeds from the draw go to the GCC bursary fund that provides financial assistance to young people who would not otherwise be able to attend the college.

Call the ticket hotline at 1-800-268-3253 or 341-9329; the line is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Relay for Life puts cancer society on right track

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The fourth annual Relay for Life is taking shape.

The major fundraising event for the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville unit of the Canadian Cancer Society is set for June 20-21 at the Lombardy Fair Grounds near Smiths Falls.

Teams of 10 runners, joggers or walkers take part in an overnight non-competitive relay. Each team member collects at least $100 in pledges for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The 2002 edition of Relay for Life for Grenville, Leeds and Lanark raised $305,000 for cancer research and community services for people living with cancer and their families. More than 1,300 people took part in the regional event.

This year's fundraiser features an online registration system that can be accessed by going to www.cancer.ca.

Amanda Gifford, the tri-county Relay for Life co-ordinator, notes the new online service enables users to make pledges and purchase luminaries, which are candles in paper bags that line the track in honour of cancer survivors or those who lost their battle with the disease.

More than 225 cancer survivors walked the Survivors' Victory Lap held at the beginning of the 2002 event.

For more information on Relay for Life, contact the cancer society office in Perth at (613) 267-1058 or lanarklg@ccsont.org.

In South Grenville, the cancer society's CAPE branch serves residents of Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh.

Young chef named to Team Canada

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A Team Canada jacket is what Natalie Fortier is looking forward to most after being named recently as a member of the team for the World Junior Culinary Olympics.

Fortier was selected by her professors last month to be one of eight pupils to form Team Canada which will compete in the culinary event next year in Erfurt, Germany.

"I wasn't expecting it at all," said Fortier. "I placed second at a competition earlier in the year and that probably helped me out a lot."

For Fortier, the trip to Germany will be an experience she won't soon forget, but it is still not what she is looking forward to most as part of Team Canada.

"We get nine days in Germany at the competition, and we will be cooking for a royal embassy while we're there," said Fortier. "But I just can't wait to get that Team Canada jacket; that will make the whole experience for me."

The 20-year-old Prescott native has done well for herself since discovering there is a future in cooking while a member of the South Grenville District High School hospitality program.

"I've always loved cooking," explained Fortier, "but it wasn't until I had high school hospitality with Moira Vanderwerf that I was inspired. She has been in the industry for years, loves food and is passionate about what she does; she showed me that I could have a career in cooking."

Fortier has since graduated from the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and is planning for a third year at the school studying in the pastry arts program.

Fortier is enjoying her time at home with her family, parents Joan and Peter and sister Erin, before she heads back to P.E.I. where she will spend the summer as a chef at a small inn called Dalvay by the Sea.

"I've been nominated to make a few special dishes since I've been home," said Fortier. "I'll go grocery shopping with my mom and come back with $100 in groceries to cook a meal. I like to experiment on them, but they're brave."

Federal building purchaser hopes to attract investors to Prescott

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The purchaser of the Federal Building in Prescott is hoping to attract more business to town from outside sources through the acquisition.

Chi Ho of Ottawa takes possession of the building at Centre and Henry streets June 3.

The building houses Canada Post, which is just beginning a five-year lease, and Human Resources Development Canada, currently starting a two-year lease, Ho said. Available for rent is 1,500 square feet of space on the top floor, 1,200 square feet on the main floor, and 6,000 square feet in the basement. There is an elevator in the building.

As an incentive for more people to do business in Prescott, Ho said he is offering up to six months free rent. This is also his way to "give back to the Prescott community," he added. Ho said the premises are suitable for a government agency, professional offices or even a school or exercise classroom.

Ho plans an extensive advertising rental campaign of the building from Toronto and Montreal in an effort to attract more investment in Prescott.

Ho, a medical radiation therapist at Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, said Prescott is beautiful and he sees the potential for the town to grow. In noting he also loves Canada, Ho said "if you have a chance to strive for the future, you should do it and contribute to the community."

In Nov. 2001, Ho purchased the former Chris Slater Funeral Home at 392 Edward Street, a historic stone home built in 1835. While it is currently being rented as apartments, Ho said he may return to his original plan to convert the home into a retirement centre.

He added he plans to continue purchasing properties in Prescott.

Fort opens season this Saturday

PRESCOTT ­ Fort Wellington opens its 2003 summer season Saturday, May 17.

The site will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Special activities are planned for Queen Victoria's birthday Saturday, May 24. See next week's paper for more details.

OPP NEWS

Torch Run comes to Prescott Friday

PRESCOTT ­ The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is scheduled to arrive in the Prescott area Friday at 2 pm.

Grenville County detachment officers will run from Johnstown to Fort Wellington, where they will be joined by the Prescott Police Service between 2:20 and 2:30 and then they will proceed to walk through town.

OPP are inviting local businesses to join the event by carrying a donation bucket or even carrying the torch a short distance. Donations will be accepted along the route. OPP officers are willing to pump gas for tips one last day today (Wednesday, May 14). More than $750 has been raised by officers who pumped gas the past three Fridays at the Bayview MacEwen station in Johnstown.

The Torch Run is the main fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

Woman injured when car strikes pole

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A Ventnor woman sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention after the car she was driving struck a hydro pole May 11.

A 2001 Toyota Camry driven by Pamela Gaw, 35, entered a ditch on County Road 22 near Pitt Road before striking the pole. Constable Duke responded to the single-vehicle collision at about 10 am. An OPP news release did not indicate charges had been laid.

Police Week display can be viewed at mall

BROCKVILLE ­ In recognition of Police Week, Leeds and Grenville OPP will have a display all week at the 1000 Islands Mall. The display will feature safety-oriented activities.

Rabies clinics begin today

PRESCOTT ­ Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics will be held today (May 14) and Wednesday, May 21 from 2 to 6 pm at the town public works garage at the north end of Sophia Street.

The annual clinics are presented by the district health unit.

Man arrested while attempting to get refund for item stolen from store

PRESCOTT ­ Members of the Prescott Police Service investigated 90 general incidents and one motor vehicle collision during the week of May 5.

On May 5, town police received information that a saxophone valued at $2,000 had been taken from South Grenville District High School by a student. An investigation revealed the saxophone had been pawned in the Kemptville area; the instrument was recovered. Andrew Reddick-Booth, 18, of the Spencerville area was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000. Constable Terry Foster is the investigating officer.

A Richmond Hill man was charged with two counts of theft under $5,000 after recent incidents at Canadian stores in the region. According to Prescott police, a man went to the Prescott store May 8 and tried to get a refund for a Moen faucet set with a value of $200. The man was advised to obtain the refund in Ottawa.

He asked to see a Pioneer Power CD player with AM/FM tuner car stereo valued at $200. He left the store with the equipment but without paying for it, according to a police news release.

An investigation revealed the man was at the Brockville store and tried to get a refund for the faucet set. Police in Brockville were contacted, and the man was arrested and returned to Prescott. It was later revealed the faucet set had been stolen from a Canadian Tire store in Ottawa.

Salim Gulumabbass, 40, pleaded guilty the following day in court and was sentenced to 60 days in jail. A female was arrested and charged with theft in connection with the incidents, but the charge was withdrawn.

A theft at a Dibble Street West residence was reported to police May 12. Taken from the ground floor were a Pioneer stereo and speakers valued at $600. The break-in occurred at night while the occupants were sleeping. Constable Richard Champagne is the investigating officer.

A juvenile 18-speed Komoto mountain bike was reportedly stolen from the hallway of an Edward Street apartment. The theft was reported May 7. The value of the bike is $200. Constable Mike Ostrander is the investigating officer.

On May 9, town police received a report that part of a Reese trailer hitch (insert and ball) were stolen from a vehicle parked in the driveway of a St. Lawrence Street-area residence. The cost of replacing the item is estimated at $300. Constable Cindy Bisson is investigating.

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

Alzheimer video and discussion series begins later this month

BROCKVILLE ­ A free four-part video and discussion series exploring the stages and challenges of Alzheimer disease will begin later this month in Brockville.

The first session ("The road ahead") in the weekly series for caregivers and family members will take place Thursday, May 29 from 7-8 pm on the second floor of the United Way building at 42 George Street. Subsequent meetings are set for June 5 ("On the road"), June 12 ("At the crossroads") and June 19 ("The brain and behaviour").

Refreshments will be served.

To register of for more information, call 345-7392 by May 22.

St. Lawrence River levels to be discussed

CORNWALL ­ The regulation of St. Lawrence River water levels will be discussed at a public meeting to be held Thursday, May 15 from 7 to 9 pm at the NavCanada Conference Centre, 1950 Montreal Road.

The meeting is being hosted by the Public Interest Advisory Group, a volunteer body appointed by the International Joint Commission.

The commission set in motion the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Study in 2000. The study is assessing the effects of changing water levels on all interests. The role of the advisory group is to ensure all parties are able to express their concerns about levels and evaluate options for regulating Lake Ontario outflows.

For more information, contact Michelle Tracy at (613) 992-5727.

Town officials want province to help deal with toll being taken on roads

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials say the time has come to stop complaining about provincial downloading of highways and do something about it.

Facing the need for major road repairs without the benefit of subsidies from the Ministry of Transportation, Prescott council now appears willing to take its case to the government.

Sections of King Street, which used to be Highway 2, have deteriorated and must be resurfaced or rebuilt. As a result of downloading that took place several years ago, municipalities are now responsible for maintaining those roads.

Another main route affected by downloading is Edward Street, a so-called connecting link because of its direct access to Highway 401.

From the town's perspective, responsibility for the former highway and connecting link was downloaded to local government without the benefit of much-needed repairs or grants to offset the initial cost of maintaining those routes.

Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said the problem is not unique to Prescott; other municipalities with former provincial highways face costly road repairs without the benefit of grants.

However, Beckstead and other councillors agreed at a budget meeting last week it is time to do something about the chronic complaining. By documenting Prescott's case and seeking support from other municipalities, town officials are hoping they can convince the government to reconsider the funding issue.

"We got taken to the cleaners big time," Councillor Terry McConnell said of the downloading of highways.

In noting sections of King Street are in need of repair, McConnell pointed out the Edward Street overpass is becoming dangerous and requires some attention. He noted the ruts in the northbound lane on the south side of the structure are now significant.

It is not just the everyday wear-and-tear that concerns town officials.

Councillor Garry Dewar noted Edward and King streets take a pounding every time a collision forces Highway 401 traffic to be rerouted through town.

Moving the town's administrative offices to the former bank building at Edward and Churchill gave municipal staff and council a better understanding of the roads situation, according to Mayor Robert Lawn. "We realize how much truck traffic there is," he said.

Dewar indicated he is not pushing for a big tax hike to repair the main routes. "Just make sure fixing those streets is at the top of the list," he remarked.

The cost of installing traffic lights at the intersection of Edward Street, Prescott Centre Drive and the eastbound ramps to and from the 401 was borne by the municipality, even though the transportation ministry has jurisdiction at that location.

Town Engineer Clyde Solomon said the total installation cost will likely run between $125,000-$135,000.

Some cuts have been made to Prescott budget

PRESCOTT ­ The town budget picture is now looking a bit brighter, but officials still have some work to do to bring spending in line with what took place last year.

When 2003 budget deliberations began last month, council was facing an additional $600,000 to $700,000 in expenditures compared to the 2002 fiscal year. With at least three meetings in the books, it was reported at a town committee meeting Monday night the excess had been reduced to about $447,000. This would translate into a tax increase of 13 to 14 per cent, according to CAO/Clerk Robert Haller.

"Staff have been extremely diligent," he told council members. "However, there is still a significant amount" to cut, Haller added.

Now that municipal departments and agencies have submitted their proposed budgets for 2003, council is beginning the process of seeking cost savings and revenue generators. The next in a series of budget meetings will take place tonight (Wednesday) at 6 pm at the health centre.

It was a fairly good year

In a public presentation that followed a closed-door session with council, Auditor Howard Allan indicated the town is holding at a time when services are being downloaded and assessment is not keeping up with inflation.

Allan said Prescott's total assessment in 1998 was $166 million. Five years later, that total has risen slightly to $168 million.

The town recorded a surplus of about $30,000 in 2002. "The town should be pleased with its results," Allan remarked.

Prescott offers competitive tax rates and is facing the same stresses and strains with which other municipalities in Eastern Ontario are struggling.

Allan credited the town with making progress in the area of tax arrears. The rate of arrears has fallen from 23.5 per cent in the previous year to 15.5 per cent. "The town has done an excellent job collecting taxes," he said.

Allan spoke of the importance of fiscal planning. The town could end up in trouble fairly quickly without adequate planning, he said.

It was noted Prescott's commercial assessment will increase when the full effects of the new stores and businesses on Prescott Centre Drive and north of Highway 401 are realized.

Council sets priorities for capital budget

PRESCOTT ­ A number of capital projects are being set aside for the next town council to consider.

Prescott council agreed at a committee meeting Monday night to defer numerous spending items being proposed as part of 2003 capital budget deliberations.

Among the major projects the town has committed to for this year are renovations to town hall at an estimated cost of more than $843,000 and a new road to be built north of Highway 401 at an estimated cost of $300,000. The road will provide access to the commercial area that will be the site of the new Riverside Pontiac Buick dealership.

On the subject of town hall, Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said she anticipates the project will cost more than the budgeted amount. It was noted renovations are to be funded by money the town received from the sale of the PUC to what became Rideau St. Lawrence (RSL). Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby said about $950,000 is in the RSL reserve.

Two of the proposed capital budget items drawing council's attention Monday were Edward Street sidewalks and crosswalks, primarily in the north end between Churchill Road and Prescott Centre Drive. Council decided to keep both listings in the budget.

As listed, there would be three automated crosswalks established at Park Street and Irvine and Victor roads at a total estimated cost of $50,000. A sidewalk for the west side of Edward Street north from Churchill would cost an estimated $100,000.

There was no consensus on how much of the proposed work would proceed this year, although council members acknowledged something has to be done to improve the safety of pedestrians near a busy road that keeps getting busier. Beckstead said concerns about the safety of students near the high school has come up in each of the six years she has served on council.

Councillor and finance committee chairman Jim French said he would rather see automated crosswalks at Park and Victor.

Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said information he has received indicates the crosswalk at Victor Road is not illegal as town officials had been told months ago. It was believed the crosswalk would have to be changed because of the traffic lights installed at the Prescott Centre Drive intersection.

Other capital items council chose not to defer Monday include an inspection of the Edward Street overpass, the painting of beams at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and the exterior of Walker House, improving the pool fence and repairing the intersection of Boundary Street and Churchill Road as well as the area in front of the bay doors at the fire hall.

With the exception of repairing a portion of the parking lot behind the police station, council opted to defer other projects involving the Prescott Police Service until the fate of the municipal department is known.

Twenty years of Fort Town music to be noted with free concerts

Association presents Impact Brass Quintet May 24

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Concert Association is having a celebration to mark its 20th birthday, and everyone is invited.

The association will be presenting two free concerts Saturday, May 24. Impact Brass Quintet will perform at Fort Wellington at 2 pm. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to St. John's Anglican Church at James and Centre streets.

The quintet will present a different musical program at the church beginning at 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.

The quintet performed in Prescott in 2001. The award-winning group, which includes trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba, consists of former students at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal.

Free-will donations to the Food For All Food Bank will be accepted at the free concerts.

Two decades of beautiful music

The roots of the Fort Town association date back to 1982. Russell McNeil, a local resident and former principal of South Grenville District High School, was attempting to organize a four-concert series to bring culture and entertainment to the community.

A committee was formed, and the opening concert featuring the Guy St. Onge Jazz Trio took place in October at St. Paul's United Church.

A partnership between the Fort Town group and what is now known as Jeunesses Musicales of Canada (JMC) was established that first year. JMC provides tour packages that makes it more cost-effective and convenient to bring top-quality musicians to Prescott.

Concerts are held in an intimate setting at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Since 1995, the concert association has partnered with the South Grenville Guild of Fine Art to feature solo artists at each concert.

In addition to its subscriber base, the Fort Town group has received financial support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Town of Prescott, as well as from businesses and companies that sponsor concert nights.

Visiting musicians are also making appearances at local schools as part of the association's effort to expose young people to classical music.

Regional venture fund is seeking to stimulate economy of rural Ontario

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ New and existing businesses in South Grenville have access to a $4 million venture capital fund through a regional organization that assists with equity financing, business planning and business resources services.

The annual general meeting of the Community Ventures Capital Fund Inc. (CVCF), headquartered in Cornwall, was presented at the Prescott Golf Club last Wednesday. Fund Manager James dePater noted since the program was launched in Prescott in Sept. 2000, 14 investments have been made into 11 companies in Eastern Ontario; of those 11, eight were business start-ups, and three existing companies received assistance to accelerate growth.

The main purpose of the non-profit organization is to encourage job creation and a stronger economy through investment within the contributors' geographic area. The areas served include Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott Russell, Leeds and Grenville, Lanark and Brockville. Financial support is obtained through member community futures development corporations - such as the Grenville development office located in Prescott - which receive funding from Industry Canada, private investors, the provincial government's OSTAR program, Eastern Ontario Training Board, and the municipalities of Prescott Russell and SDG.

CVCF receives about 50 new inquiries each year; only about three of those receive an investment, dePater explained. Several leads originated in the South Grenville area, he said, although none of them were considered viable proposals for investment.

Typical investments are in the range of $250,000 to $500,000. Generally, company proposals take three to five months to investigate, dePater said. The cost of putting together an equity deal is long and complex, and it is a sophisticated and difficult process to determine if CVCF should make an investment. Decisions are governed by a board of directors; Vic Allen, a Spencerville-area resident who is also a director with Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, is treasurer.

The investment fund was created in response to the fact access to venture capital is a major barrier to economic development in rural Ontario, dePater said at the annual meeting.

"There's nobody out there doing this," he said. "It's the only one (program) of its kind. You cannot get access to growth and venture capital in Canada."

Canadian banks are typically non-supportive in the area of commercial credit and do not become involved in equity loans, dePater added.

For more information, contact dePater at (613) 932-4333.

June would be a good time to learn to quilt

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

A new "learn to quilt" class will start Thursday, June 5 at 1 o'clock. By the end of June, each participant will have made a small project such as a pillow or runner, piercing by hand or machine. These techniques can later be applied to making a large bed quilt. Please call 925-5300 to register.

Don't forget our lunch this Friday, May 16. We ask you call in advance so we know the numbers.

Mark your calendars for "clean up" Friday, May 30. Lunch will be provided for workers. There will be some outside work but we also need help to tidy some closets and kitchens. A sign-up sheet will be up at Walker House.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Doris Mossman; 2nd, Mary Singleton; door prize, Charlie Steiner. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Joan Salmon. Tuesday night cribbage ­ high hand, Mary Reynolds; 1st, Lou Baldwin; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Eleanor Gilligan. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Hugh Evely; 2nd, Nancy Coligan; door, Andy Britnell. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Pete Lowry; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; 3rd, Bea Hemsley; door prize, Pat McPhee.

Licensed area would serve festival-goers

PRESCOTT ­ Plans to establish a festive concession area in conjunction with the upcoming St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival were discussed briefly at a town committee meeting Monday night.

The Rotary Club of Prescott, which is co-ordinating concessions at the month-long festival opening June 26 at the amphitheatre, is seeking a liquor licence to serve beer and wine in what will be an enclosed area behind the Rotary Lighthouse. Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller noted alcohol would be served an hour before and during the intermission of each performance of The Tempest. He added the licensed area would only be open to ticket holders.

Rotary members are taking a smart serve program in preparation for the licensed concession, according to Haller.

Although there were some questions from council on liability and the enclosed area, no one on council opposed the plan.

Profits from the licensed area would be split between the festival and the club, Haller said.

In addition to food and non-alcoholic beverages to be served at concessions, the South Grenville Guild of Fine Art will be setting up a display area near the amphitheatre. "It will be quite the posh event," Haller said of the festival.

Augusta budget not on agenda

MAYNARD ­ Deliberations concerning the 2003 budget for Augusta Township have yet to begin.

CAO Sharon Wilkinson said at Monday night's council meeting the budget sessions and dates would be advertised and open to the public.

The township should be stepping into the budget process on good footing. Chair of the personnel and finance committee, Councillor Jane Fullarton, said she had recently met with the township auditor; she was informed the "municipality is in very good shape in general."

During the past year, $144,000 was added to reserves, she said. The auditor had no issues or concerns about how records are kept, and the township is on target for achieving its plans, Fullarton said.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The government needs to look at this and say it doesn't make sense."

Editor's Notebook

Crossing the line

The cost of silence may indeed be too high for the Town of Prescott. Given the fact 12 people were caught trespassing in the CN Rail corridor over the course of a few days recently, it could be difficult to convince railway officials train whistles can be eliminated without having to implement increased safety measures near the tracks. Erecting a fence along both sides of the corridor would be costly; an item included in the town's 2003 capital budget proposal lists the price at $125,000, although the actual cost may be somewhat lower.

Prescott council decided Monday to defer the train whistle fencing project. It was noted there has been no formal indication a fence would be needed. The town is not necessarily going to drop the process and abandon plans to pass a no-whistle bylaw.

However, it was obvious the prospect of spending that much money on fencing did not draw much in the way of support from council at a time when it has to set priorities. There are plenty of roads and sidewalks to repair, and many of them will have to be set aside because the town just does not have the money to fix all the problems.

There are many other projects that the town has identified as important, but they will also be put on hold because the financial resources are not there.

Until all the facts are in and the town knows exactly what will have to be done to allow a ban on train whistles, council made the right call by opting not to incorporate a worst-case scenario amount in its capital budget.

As much as there may be many town residents (and some members of council) who would prefer not to have to hear train whistles at all times of the day and night, even the biggest backers of a proposed ban would be hard-pressed to justify such a significant expenditure for two fences.

If the municipality can avoid spending big bucks on fencing, there is still a chance council may opt to proceed with the elimination of train whistles. However, in terms of budgeting, the town has enough on its plate right now.

The apparent trespassing problem must be dealt with regardless of whether the town pursues a train whistle ban. There are still people (not just kids) who seem to think taking a short cut across the rail lines is worth the risk. Until the town is able to convince the powers that be there is no trespassing problem in Prescott, the debate over how much fencing would cost and how the absence of train whistles would provide relief to a segment of the community does not really matter.

Tim Ruhnke

You can remove the knee, but you're left with a jerk

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

This has been an especially challenging time for me. The treatment (or lack of treatment) of a certain affliction has proved to be somewhat distracting and may have produced certain side effects, the most significant of which has been an increase in the extent to which I have been an absolute a-hole. It has become apparent I have at times been less than joyous in my recent dealings with some of you, and I would like to make it up to you in the spirit of co-operation.

So for the out-of-towners who had the opportunity to hit me up for a donation three times in one weekend, please understand why I stiffed you and just did not want to have anything to do with you. Also, to the woman who made the somewhat smart-ass remark in the store: I apologize for not being responsive and walking away with only a feeble attempt at a wave to acknowledge your wit and your presence.

I would like to offer heartfelt regrets to Prescott council and staff for not being my usual bubbly self at recent meetings. I usually welcome the bickering, posturing and campaigning that goes on at such gatherings, but that has not been the case as of late. For daring to suggest information stated at a public meeting should not be stated if it is not to be made public, I am sorry. What was I thinking? How rude of me!

Please accept my apologies in the spirit in which they were intended.

To Bobby Clarke, I am sorry I lashed out at you because I stuck to my guns and picked the Flyers to defeat Ottawa in six games even though I knew it would never happen. Please understand, Bobby, it was the fourth time in five years I chose Philly to make it to the final four (making it the fourth time in five years I was let down). I should have known better. My fault.

Hopefully, this prolonged malaise is ending and I will no longer be plagued by this tendency to let the "knee jerk" in me emerge on a regular basis.

Getting rid of the "jerk" in me will be a much more difficult feat to accomplish (assuming it is even possible).

Permit me to wish my good friend Jo a happy 29th birthday. This may be the first of many 29th birthdays for Jo, who has trouble accepting she will soon be in her 30th year. (In fairness, she has trouble hearing me point out repeatedly she will be entering her 30th year.)

Out with the old and in with the new for Prescott in 1953

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 14, 1953

* A small sign, roughly printed in crayon on a piece of cardboard, announced to the public C.H. Thompson's Dry Goods store was closed, bringing to an end an establishment that had served Prescott and district for more than 69 years. The large store on King Street East was launched in modest fashion by the late C.H. "Col." Thompson after serving his apprenticeship in Iroquois and Cardinal dry goods stores. Ed Thompson continued to run the shop with old-fashioned courtesy and the ease of earlier days after his brother's death.

In the final month of operation, bargains went out like leaves before a fall wind, and the prosperous business passed into history, at a time when Prescott is looking toward great things as the town expands with incoming industry.

Along with a great host of modern goods, the storeroom still held merchandise from the 1890s, including 400 straw hats, 800 pairs of shoes, blazers and caps of the early touring days, boys suits and bathing suits from the gay 20s.

* Building is at a brisk pace on the Fairways subdivision, where homes are springing into being at an amazing rate. In these fields, west of the Prescott golf course, "Fairways - the site of beautiful homes," is fast taking shape, and already work is under way on six homes, with plans under way for at least 36 more before the summer ends.

The site is one of two housing areas now being developed within the corporation. The houses are one-and-a-half stories, and cost will run from $10,500 to about $15,000. Land owner M.P. Salmon said "these houses are custom built with modern methods... and will provide a new area of which Prescott will be justly proud."

* The first milestone in the history of production by the new million-dollar RCA Victor Company electronics plant in Prescott was passed as the first radio set came off the production line. Mayor J.P. Doyle was on hand at the official ceremony to receive the first mantel radio, called Little Nipper. The first television set is expected to come off the production line in late July.

May 8, 1963

* The radiant Elizabeth "Lib" Reade was crowned queen of the spring prom at SGDHS by Sharon Cook. Don Thompson, student council president, handed her a beautiful bouquet of red roses.

Lucy's last litter stays in family as gifts for left coast grandchucks

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

Miss Lucy, our prolific little Yorkie puppy producer, has retired from active motherhood after giving birth to 14 healthy and perky little Yorkies in four litters over the past three years. Right from her first litter of four tiny terriers, which included saucy little daughter Maggie who tips the scales at four pounds, her puppies have been in high demand. It is only fitting that the last litter of just two little guys should stay together and stay in the family.

In the family, yes, but not in Canada. Jack and Wade Morris, our two grandchucks in Seattle, Wash., are each going to be surprised with two-month-old Yorkie puppies next week as Nana flies from Ottawa to Seattle via Vancouver with her precious little cargo tucked under the seat in front of her in a specially-built puppy carry-on. With the way these two little packages of black and tan fur have at each other in their spacious cage in our kitchen, we're glad to let proud Nana assure the passenger in front of her, under whose seat the puppies will be lodged, that they will not bark and growl and squeal for the entire six-hour flight to Vancouver.

It costs $65 plus change to take each puppy on Canada's national air line (meals are not included) and the rule is they are not to be taken out of their carry-on cage during the flight. We're willing to bet that somehow word is going to spread to every youngster through the aircraft before it hits cruising altitude, that the lady in the aisle seat in row 22 has two cute little puppies with her. And we're willing to raise you five and see you that the puppies will be out of their cage and in the arms of little girl and little boy puppy worshippers most of the flight.

As we said, we don't envy Nana this trip to America's left coast with a cargo that is going to make Wade and Jack the two happiest little boys in the entire U.S.A. We know that with Nana in charge the puppies will reach their destination. With yrs. trly. near the cage door, we might be inclined to look for a toddler in first class who would love a puppy and whose mommy or daddy would have the kind of cash these little critters are worth in the U.S.

Because of their lineage and because of the conformation of Miss Lucy's other puppies, these little Seattle-bound pooches could be worth a couple of grand each. Wow! We thought, when we remembered we bought our fist MGA in 1957 for only $1800.

Which little grandchuck will get which puppy should not prove to be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Although they are brother and sister, they are almost identical.

This was not always the case, however. When they were born the little girl puppy was a big honkin' eight ounces, while her tiny little brother barely tipped the scales at two ounces. It was touch and go for the first week of his life as to whether or not midwife Jennifer Stephenson of North Augusta could save him with almost hourly feedings from an eyedropper.

Jennifer's care and kindness and the little guy's tough Yorkshire heritage combined to wean him from the eyedropper and turn him over to an anxious momma Lucy whose standard six-pack was more than enough for two little puppies.

Right after birth, of course, the name the puppy game got under way. Our choice was Tuffy and Turtle. Tuffy for the fight the little guy put up in order to survive. Turtle for his sister who enjoyed a six course meal every couple of hours and became so fat that her tummy became so large her little legs couldn't reach the ground and she sort of "flippered" about the cage.

Although the naming of the puppies will be the privilege of the Seattle grandchucks (we forgot to mention they don't know they are getting them) all four adults are having fun suggesting names.

From the left coast have come George and Laura, but these were scratched when the possibility that tree-hugging, peacenick Democrats might sick their pit bulls and shepherds on these Republican rovers in self defence.

Because Yorkshire Terriers look like they were bred to become, on their demise, furry slippers for Yorkshire's royalty, the names Marmaduke and Marmalade were suggested, but forgotten when it was pointed out that Marmaduke was a more fitting a name for a Great Dane than for a four-pound Yorkie.

Sugar and Spice were dropped as being too cute. We suggested Margaret and Tony, two right wing British leaders who remain on George W's guest list, and offered to have tiny Union Jacks tattooed on their tummies. These names might stick but would not be the creation of their two, new young masters.

We applied the same thinking to another set of political names, Bill and Monica, but vetoed them with the explanation that these two little guys were not that kind of dogs!

SCHOOL SCENE

BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: Congratulations go out to Lyndsay Coville, Jenna Kirker, Rechelle Krieger and Megan Seaman-Holden who were the winners of the Upper Canada Art Galleries. Their artwork will be placed in various hospitals in Brockville.

On Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15, Mrs. Sugarman's Kindergarten classroom is having a Mother's Day Tea at 2 pm. There will be a program and refreshments. All mothers, grandmas and aunts are invited.

On Friday, May 16, the hot lunch is pizza. On Wednesday, May 21, there will be a parent council meeting at 7 pm.

CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: Students in grades 3 and 6 are participating in the annual provincial assessment this week. We know they are well-prepared for this assessment and wish them the very best.

Yesterday (May 13), we enjoyed a special presentation by TV Ontario's new documentary show for kids, SWAP-TV. A film crew came to Centennial '67 to record a presentation on the Reptile Rain Forest. A former student, Meagan Boyd, will be featured on SWAP-TV.

Girls and boys softball tryouts continue.

On May 15, our Grade 7/8 students will be visited by Queen's University's Science Quest, always an enriching part of our science curriculum.

Grade 7/8 girls will travel to Morrisburg Friday, May 16 for a full-day workshop on Careers for Girls.

We are very proud of several intermediate students who represented our school May 8 at the Ottawa Heritage Fair: Becky Colwell, Emily Brown, Alison Lethbridge, John Maguire and Zoe Kamenz. Alison and Zoe won for their presentation of Canadian medicine in the 1800s and have earned the right to represent the Ottawa region at the National Heritage Awards in Sudbury in mid-July.

CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL: Students of the month for April were: Kindergarten A ­ Bria O'Hanlon; Kindergarten B ­ Skylar Van Hyning; Grade 1/2 ­ Cassidy Spero; Grade 2/3 ­ Michaela Larlee; Grade 3/4 ­ Michaela Mills; Grade 4/5 ­ Rik Champagne; Grade 6/7 ­ Joshua Beckstead; Grade 7/8 ­ Trevor Madden; French ­ Brendan O'Hanlon, Aaron Brown.

Students will be taking part in Jump Rope for Heart this Thursday, May 15.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: On Monday, our Grade 2 students participated in Retreat Day at St. Mark's Parish Centre in preparation for the upcoming celebration of the sacrament of First Holy Communion Sunday, May 25 at 2 pm.

This week (May 12-16) at St. Mark Catholic School our Grade 3 students will be completing EQAO Provincial Assessments in mathematics, writing and reading.

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 ­ Unstuck strategies ("Skip it"); Grade 2 ­ Unstuck strategies ("Look carefully at each word"); Grade 3 ­ EQAO testing.

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

Swimming registration is May 31

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Registration for the backyard swim program in Maitland will be held May 31 from 9 to 11 am at MERC Hall.

There will be two sessions offered this summer. The first classes are from July 14 to July 25 and the second session is from August 4 to 15.

Jenna Avery will be teaching the Red Cross program from Mommy and Me to Level 12, depending on sufficient registrants.

The first session will be held in Marie Taylor's pool on Cedar Street in Maitland Park Estates, and the second session will be held at Taylor's pool and at Kim Frasier's pool on Rocky Road. For more information, contact Tina Atcheson at 348-1894 or e-mail at: pierretina@ripnet.com.

Line dancing

Tuesday night is line dancing night at MERC Hall from 7 to 9 pm. Enjoy an evening of fun and dance to a variety of music. For more information, call John Van Dusen at 498-9199.

Food bank support

The Augusta Township Public Library Board decided at its most recent meeting the library in Algonquin would become a drop-off location for the Food For All Food Bank. Patrons of the library can bring non-perishable food items and deposit them into the receptacle in the foyer.

Yard sale supports student activities at school

PRESCOTT ­ A yard sale to raise money for student activities at Central Public School will take place Saturday, May 24 from 8:30 am to 1 pm (rain or shine) at 3001 County Road 18, about one kilometre north of Highway 401.

The yard sale will include a touch and take table and a bake sale. A barbecue will be held from 11 am to 1 pm.

Bring items to donate or rent a table; rentals are to be booked and paid for by Wednesday, May 21. For more information on renting tables or delivering items to donate, call Tracey Hoogwerf at 925-0520.

Plans heat up for firefighters convention

June event to be exciting weekend for community

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Firefighters from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal are hard at work as they prepare to host the 91st annual Eastern Ontario Firefighters Association convention June 21.

The convention will see firefighters from Athens, Augusta, Beckwith, Carleton Place, Iroquois, Kemptville, Mississippi Mills and Prescott join the Edwardsburgh and Cardinal firefighters for a weekend of competition and festivities.

President of the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Firefighters Association, Brian Moore, expects the day to be an exciting one for the community.

"We're hoping to get a big crowd for the day," said Moore. "This is the first time since 1986 Cardinal has hosted this. So far things are looking good."

The competition will begin at 9 am on Dishaw Street next to the Cardinal and District Community Centre and will run until about 3 pm.

"The whole day should be a lot of fun, especially the competition," said Moore. "There will be a lot of water flying with all the guys out there working hard having a good time."

Bill Kenney will host a beef barbecue in the afternoon with an evening parade set to follow.

"Following the barbecue you can see all the different fire departments and marching bands in the parade," said Moore. "We have Lianne Laing of The New RO as our parade marshal."

The day's conclusion will feature a dance sponsored by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department and the Cardinal Lions Club at the community centre featuring music by the band Ambush.

Teams from stations 1 and 2 will participate in the competition and hope to step up their performance for a strong showing by the host teams.

"We're hoping to do well," said Station 1 team co-captain Brian Purcell. "Kemptville and Mississippi Mills each have a young team and usually battle it out for first place each year. After that it's usually the teams from Spencerville and Cardinal and both of us want to move into the top two."

Firefighters from the two clubs will compete in a series of hose and ladder races as well as a bucket relay.

"We start things off with the dry races where there is a hose strung out about 300 feet where you would have to couple and uncouple it in different patterns," said Purcell. "After those we get into the wet races where hoses will have to be hooked up and targets sprayed and then a bucket brigade race up a ladder will finish the day. I'm confident we should do well."

Advance tickets for the dance and barbecue are available at the General Dollar in Cardinal and Spencerville Home Hardware.

Sea Cadets promoted

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Sea Cadets 338 Defiant held its annual promotions ceremony last Tuesday at the Cardinal Resource Centre.

More than 30 cadets were on parade at the ceremony in front of more than 50 family and friends.

The cadets faced a rigorous inspection from Executive Officer Lieutenant Roger Bordeau and Commanding Officer Lieutenant Bob Lepage, before being rewarded for their efforts.

Lucie Jodoin, Brandon Neddo and Tiffany Ranger were promoted from New Entry to Ordinary Cadet.

Cadets promoted from Ordinary Cadet to Able Cadet included Katie Allard, Amelia Baynham, Haley Bennett, Jennifer Bernard, Cynthia Casavant, Christopher Dixon, Lindsay Kirker and Christina Miller.

Tiffany Batty, Meagan Fawcett, Joel Jodoin, Travis Lemery, Miranda Ranger, Brittany Robinson and Marc Scharbach made the jump from Able Cadet to Leading Cadet.

Cadets promoted from Leading Cadet to Petty Officer 2nd Class were Laura Commerford, Chantel Engelhart, Brooke Jodoin, Andrew Mustard, Adam Riddell and Bradley Toupin.

The cadets will be holding a fundraising car wash/barbecue and bottle drive Saturday, May 24 from 9 am until 2 pm at Linnen's Car Wash on County Road 2.

They are also preparing to take part in their annual review Sunday, June 1 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The public is welcome to attend with proceedings set to begin promptly at 2 pm.

Council expects to pass budget at next meeting

SPENCERVILLE - Budget proceedings for the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal are coming along.

Council will hold its next budget meeting this afternoon (Wednesday, May 14) at 5 pm at the municipal hall in Spencerville in order to ready the budget for approval at the next regular council meeting Tuesday, May 20.

"Our aim so far has been for roughly three per cent," said Ward One Councillor Peggy Taylor Tuesday morning. "There will be more talk Wednesday which will give a better idea of what will happen."

With an increase of three per cent across the township residents can expect to pay roughly $15 a year more on a house valued at $100,000, while Cardinal residents could expect to pay $70 more after factoring in water and sewer rates.

Gill finished for season

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ­ Cardinal native Todd Gill's season has come to an end.

Gill, who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks American Hockey League affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, was eliminated in its second round match-up against the Houston Aeros.

Gill added another post-season goal in the Admirals' second round opening match-up April 26 in Houston. Gill scored at 3:11 of the second period to tie the game at two. The game was tied 4-4 heading into double overtime when Gill tried to clear the puck off the glass and it ricocheted out of play resulting in a delay of game penalty, which resulted in a Houston goal and a 5-4 loss.

Norfolk rallied back with a 4-0 win April 27 in Houston and took the series lead April 30 in Norfolk with a 3-2 win.

In the fourth game of the series, Houston bounced back with a 3-2 win and again May 4 with a 4-1 win to put Gill's Admirals in a must-win situation down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Gills season officially came to an end May 7 when the Admirals were eliminated from the playoffs after a 3-1 loss to Houston.

Gill finished the playoffs with two goals and five assists in nine games, which put him third in scoring among defencemen as of May 13.

CARDINAL BRIEFS

Ratepayers meeting tonight is cancelled

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Ratepayers and Tenants Association annual general meeting is cancelled, The Journal was informed Tuesday morning by President Sharan Mathieu.

It had been scheduled to take place this evening (Wednesday, May 14) with a discussion on de-amalgamation.

Calling all convertibles

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Community Festival Board is looking for people with convertibles to volunteer their services for the annual Labour Day parade in Cardinal.

The annual event to be held Sunday, Aug. 31 is one of the highlights of the three-day weekend.

Those interested in volunteering should attend the group's next meeting Wednesday, May 21 at 7 pm at the Cardinal Village Hall or contact Nancy Toupin at 657-8800 or Marj Kempffer at 657-1764.

Junior stamp club hosts monthly meeting

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Stamp Club will be holding its monthly meeting tonight (May 14). The meeting will begin at 7 pm at the Cardinal Public Library.

Fire seriously damages Cardinal bake shop in 1933

CARDINAL'S PAST

May 11, 1933

* The Cardinal bake shop, W.W. Hunt, was seriously damaged when fire broke out in the rear of the building. Fire rapidly spread to the main frame building, causing considerable damage to the bake shop and the home of Mr. Hunt upstairs. Volunteer firemen saved a Chrysler car in a nearby garage and carried a considerable amount of supplies and furniture from the building before the blaze was extinguished. The damage to the building, owned by Mr. A. Richmire, is estimated at $2,000, and the contests at $1,000.

May 2, 1973

* The following officers will direct the Cardinal Fish and Game Club for the coming year: President Armand Bottan; Vice-President Frank Hitsman; Recording Secretary John Hutchcroft; and Treasurer Bert Turner.

May 4, 1983

* Three long-service members of the Cardinal Fire Department have announced they are retiring from the volunteer force. They are Ralph Merkley (27 years); Ron Smith (30 years); and Sheldon Gill (12 years).

* An informal proposal by Cardinal businessman Jim Pakeman to purchase and develop prime highway commercial land at the west end of the village was discussed by village council. Whether the land - formerly the marina site and across the canal from the Legion - is for sale or not was not determined. Pakeman offered to return to the village a piece of land he owns on Waddell Street and pay any difference in return for the choice piece of land he would like to develop. His long range plans call for shops, apartments and a marina.

May 5, 1993

* Several members of the Cardinal Volunteer Fire Department and one member of the Edwardsburgh department received certificates from the Ministry of Natural Resources after completing a five-week course on basic forest fire suppression. Cardinal Chief Jim Grant said this is a first for a small department and will aid local firefighters in fighting grass fires and small brush fires. Graduating from the course were Graham VanCamp, John Hanes, Jim Grant, Scott Steele, Mark Rylands, Ed Mills, Lyle Nicholls, Steve Landon, Vince Mallette, Stan MacDonald, Brad Windsor, Lyndon McNab, Ray Grant and Kevin Wallace.

* After 28 years of service with the Cardinal Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Chief Jim Grant is retiring effective July 18. On behalf of council, Councillor Charlie Burrell thanked Grant for his years of dedicated service to the village.

* Benson Public School's Peer Mediator team is dedicated to teaching fellow students how to solve problems without a fight. Members of the group are Carl Groulx, Becky Cook, Matt Gogolin, Kim Warren, Amy Walker, Sonya Landon, Sarah Byers and Justin Roderick. The students took 10 hours of training in conflict resolution to help fellow students solve problems in the lunchroom or on the playground.

May 12, 1993

* Honoured in the Branch 105 mixed darts league were Mickey Cook, Keith Patterson, Shirley Bishop, Laurie Murphy, Mary Gilligan, Bobby Sayeau, Wayne Bellinger, Brad Windsor, Donnie Dupuis, Toby Summerfield, Roger Bishop and Bob McDonald.

South Grenville scores top 25 finish at Kinsmen meet

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants track and field team had another strong outing at the Kinsmen-Hungerford Track and Field Meet last weekend at Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) in Brockville.

The Giants finished 24th overall and third among Leeds and Grenville schools with 42 points at the 46-team meet, while Grenville Christian College was close behind at 26th overall with 39 points.

South Grenville was once again led by its performance in the field events while its runners continue to improve their results as the season goes on.

Shane Pettifer once again came up with a team leading performance in the throwing events with three top ten finishes including a third place finish in the junior boys shot put, a sixth place finish in the junior boys discus and a ninth place finish in the junior boys javelin.

Kory Brontmire also came through with a good performance at the meet with personal bests in both the javelin and shot put for a pair of top six finishes to be named the Giants He-Man of the meet.

"For shot put I was watching the other guys and how they would throw and I just tried to mimic that," said Brontmire. "I was pretty happy with it, but I was even more pleased with beating my best javelin throw by more than two metres."

The Giants runners have come on strong as Kim Howitt came through with a pair of third place finishes in the senior girls 400 and 800 metre events, while Giants She-man of the meet, Julie Putnam, continues to amaze with a second place finish in the senior girls 1500-metres in her first season of organized track and field.

"Kim and Julie each had excellent meets," said Spence. "This is the first time in those events for the girls and they finished in the top four."

The meet was the last for the Giants before they compete in the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association championships Thursday at TISS in Brockville.

Notable finishes from athletes at South Grenville schools include:

Junior girls 100m

13. Brittany Byrd, SGDHS, 15.36

15. Shannon Thornhill, SGDHS, 15.50

Junior boys 100m

21. Jimmy Locke, GCC, 13.01

27. Dan Lim, GCC, 13.53

Senior boys 100m

11. Chris Clark, GCC, 12.61

Senior girls 200m

11. Sarah McNiece, GCC, 31.60

Midget boys 200m

6. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 26.04

Senior girls 400m

3. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 1:05.91

Senior girls 800m

3. Kim Howitt, SGDHS, 2:35.03

Midget boys 800m

24. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 2:26.93

Senior girls 1500m

2. Julie Putnam, SGDHS, 5:29.73

Midget boys 1500m

25. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 5:10.05

Junior boys 3000m

19. Brett Lee, GCC, 11:47.80

Junior girls 80m hurdles

12. Kristina Godwin, SGDHS, 16.73

Midget girls High Jump

8. Maggie Hutton, SGDHS,
1.40m

Senior girls Long Jump

4. Erin Heibein, SGDHS, 4.43m

Midget boys Pole Vault

2. Kevan Putticomb, GCC,
2.35m

2. Mark Farnsworth, GCC,
2.35m

Junior boys Pole Vault

2. Ho Yin Tang, GCC, 3.35m

5. Sabby Frye, GCC, 2.80m

5. Blake Chauvin, GCC, 2.80m

Senior boys Pole Vault

2. Eric Phelan, GCC, 2.95m

4. Joseph Wong, GCC, 2.40m

Midget girls Javelin

13. Erin Knapp, SGDHS, 18.64m

Junior girls Javelin

10. Natasha James-Allard, SGDHS, 19.72m

Senior girls Javelin

3. Oksana Shebatkova, GCC, 25.48m

Junior boys Javelin

9. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS,
35.90m

Senior boys Javelin

4. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 44.26m

Senior girls Discus

12. Katie Beatty, SGDHS, 21.50m

Junior boys Discus

6. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 32.66m

Senior boys Discus

8. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 32.87m

Senior girls Shot Put

6. Katie Beatty, SGDHS, 8.99m

Junior boys Shot Put

3. Shane Pettifer, SGDHS, 12.54m

Senior boys Shot Put

6. Kory Brontmire, SGDHS, 12.56m

8. Shawn Bradford, SGDHS, 11.97m

Giants rugby teams rebound for big wins

WESTPORT - The South Grenville Giants boys and girls rugby teams rebounded from recent losses to improve their records.

The boys team got off to a quick start May 7 and held strong throughout for a 27-5 win over Rideau District High School.

Alex Rees scored a pair of trys for South Grenville in the win, while Chris Seary, Dustin Drury and Jeff Byrd each had singles.

Coach Shaun Saunders was happy with the performance by the boys team.

"They really have a great ability to find space," said Saunders. "They found the open space and exploited it. We were able to control the ball for most of the game."

Saunders was proud of the team's discipline throughout the game even when things got rough.

"The guys were able to walk away from the stupid stuff," said Saunders. "They really showed good discipline. Most of our penalties were from just good aggressive play. I'm very impressed with their all round game; they are good in all aspects of the game, but seem to really excel in scrums."

The boys team continued to roll with a 60-0 win over the Athens Warriors Friday in Athens. Jason Desrosiers and David Thornhill each had a pair of trys while Rees, Joel Stone and Ben Forsythe each had singles. Tyler Stephenson converted six kicks for 12 points.

"We really walked over them," said coach Zach McGlynn. "We were more prepared and our fitness level and organization just killed them. Our guys hard work is really paying off."

Giants scrum half Chris Seary was happy with how the team rebounded after losing their opening game. "We've been moving the ball really well," said Seary. "There are a few things we still need to work on, but we're doing well. We just put out an unselfish team effort."

Girls put points up on the board

South Grenville's girls rugby team rebounded from a slow start to its season to even its record by beating Rideau 20-10 in Westport.

The girls converted four trys against Rideau including two by Ali Murray to lead the way, while Ruby Alexander and Kalla Dobbie each had single trys.

"The girls played very well," said Saunders. "They did very well playing solid defence and they also really did well in scrums."

Saunders credits the win as a good team effort with everyone fitting into their specific roles.

"The backs used some great ball movement," said Saunders, "and the forwards did an excellent job of rooking and mulling. We really controlled the ball position and were able to control the game."

Both Giants teams will host the BCI Red Rams today (Wednesday) starting at 3 pm with the girls team also in action Friday when it hosts the Gananoque Trojans, also at 3 pm.

Soccer season set to start for PDSA

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) is set to begin action Tuesday at South Grenville District High School.

Teams in five divisions - the Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12 and Under-16 divisions - are set to get their seasons under way with practices starting next week before regular season action begins.

PDSA President Rob Carr said coaches are receiving team lists this week, and players will be contacted by Saturday.

Carr indicated there are about five fewer teams in the PDSA this season compared to last, but the numbers haven't really changed any with about 20 new players for a total of about 640 kids.

"We've tried to keep the teams in Under-12 and below to a 13-14 kid maximum per team," said Carr, "but it's been tough with all the late registration. We don't want to turn kids away, but we don't want to penalize the kids who did sign up who would lose out on playing time with more kids on a team. Right now, any kids that register will go on a waiting list."

Carr also indicated the Under-16 teams will have about 16 players on each team in the eight-team league.

"This is the most teams we've ever had at the Under-16 level," said Carr. "We grew by three teams in two years; it's nice to see the bulk of the kids staying in the system at the higher levels."

PDSA sets game nights

The biggest change this season will take place in the Under-6 division where the PDSA has purchased new portable nets to allow the kids to play on smaller fields.

"We had concerns from the coaches about the size of the field for the small kids," said Carr. "Now with the portable nets the games will be played across the width of the field for a smaller surface which will give the kids more time with the ball."

The Under-6 division will sport seven teams with each team playing one or two games every Saturday starting at 9:30 am.

The Under-8 division will play with nine teams this season with teams playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 6 pm. (With nine teams each team will have one week for practice every eight weeks.)

The Under-10 division will sport 11 teams with two practices worked into the schedule with games starting at 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Under-12 has taken the largest hit of any division in the PDSA, with two fewer teams than last season for a total of eight teams. The division will hold its regular season games Wednesdays at 6 pm.

The Under-16 division will play its games on Wednesdays starting at 6 pm or 7 pm.

This will be the first season the PDSA will run an Under-11 girls team which will participate in the Ottawa-Carleton soccer league Wednesday nights. The girls team will play at the Kriska field.

The Under-14 and Under-18 boys rep teams will participate in the Eastern Regional Soccer League and will play their home games at Wolfgang Noe Field. The Under-14 team will play Tuesday nights, while the Under-18 team will play Mondays at Noe Field or the Prince Street field.

All house league teams will play at the high school.

Game schedules will be posted at the sign board at the high school.

The league is still searching for coaches for the Under-8 and Under-16 levels.

Registered players who haven't been contacted by a coach by Saturday, May 17 should contact Rob Carr at 925-1396.

Regional Ice Breakers win host tournament

CARDINAL - The minor novice Ice Breakers came away
victorious as they hosted a tournament Saturday at the
Cardinal and District Community Centre.

The regional team opened the tournament with a 4-2 win over the Ottawa 67's. Craig Kehoe led the Ice Breakers with a pair of goals, while Nicholas Lamarche and Dillon O'Neil each added singles. Conor Rodrigues and Logan Warren each had a helper in the win.

In an extremely close semi-final match-up, the Ice Breakers were able to sneak away with a 3-2 win over Kingston thanks to some strong performance in goal from James Brown. Daniel Monk, Tyler Turcotte and Kehoe each had singles while Warren, Turcotte and Jody Sullivan each had an assist.

In the final, an exhausted Breakers team was able to continue its strong team effort for a 6-2 win over the Ottawa
Capitals to capture the
tournament title. Rodrigues led the Ice Breakers with a pair of goals, while O'Neil, Turcotte, Parker Krol and Brett Van Stralen each scored singles. David Rogers, Sullivan and Krol each had two assists with Warren, Brendan Keating and Spencer Jonsson each picking up a
helper.

The Ice Breakers are a regional team based out of Cardinal with a number of players from South Grenville.

Junior and social programs available at Prescott Tennis Club

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Tennis Club is now open for the season.

The club features three courts with social programs for men, and ladies as well as junior programs and clinics.

Kader El-Fityani will return as the club instructor.

The junior program will be available for youngsters between the ages of 8 and 15. The membership fee is $30 for ages 10-15 and $20 for ages 8-9.

Lessons and supervised play time will run from June 30 until August 21 on Monday
and Thursday afternoons from 3:45 to 5:45 pm, weather permitting; with a tournament in the last week of August. The club has some raquets available for use by juniors. Proper footwear with non-marking soles must be worn. Beginners are welcome.

The club would appreciate the assistance of any parents or club members who can offer their time to help supervise the program, as juniors under the age of 16 are only allowed to play when an adult is present.

Registration for the program will take place at the tennis clubhouse on Saturday, May 31 between 9:30 am and 2 pm or by contacting Beth Morris at 925-4828.

The club will also be offering social programs in which adult members can show up at the courts with their equipment ready to play Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 am until 11:30 am; mid-season from 9 am until 10:30 am; Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm until 9 pm; Thursday nights from 7 pm until 9 pm (mixed doubles) and Saturday mornings from 9:30 am until noon.

If enough members are interested, the club will be offering a series of four sessions on serve and volley, forehand, backhand and doubles strategy. These would take place on Thursday evenings from 7 pm until 8:30 pm. The cost would be $25 per person (members only). Private and semi-private lessons can also be arranged. For more information contact Beth Morris at 925-4828.

Membership fees are $50 for adults, $90 for couples, $20 for seniors over 75, and $120 for families.

For more information on joining the club, contact Margo Christofolakos at 925-4627.

SGDHS soccer teams score win and tie in league play

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior and junior girls soccer teams scored a win and tie respectively in high school soccer action.

South Grenville's senior girls team played well despite a slow start and beat the Gananoque Trojans 3-0 Thursday in Prescott.

Sam Jodoin led the Giants with a pair of goals while Lori Hall scored on a penalty kick to account for South Grenville's other marker.

"They got off to a slow start but played well," said coach Scott Baird. "Gan only had one sub, so we kept them running to wear them down."

Baird is unsure of how the team currently ranks due to a mix-up with another team.

"I really don't know how we are in the standings," Baird said Monday. "It's hard to tell
since BCI hasn't handed in any of their score sheets to be tallied."

In junior action the Giants travelled to Kemptville Thursday where the battled St. Michael to a 1-1 draw.

Sara Watt scored South Grenville's lone goal, while Lindsay Biccum had a stellar game in goal to salvage a tie for the Giants.

"Everyone played really well," said student coach Ken Meinkle. "They're our biggest competition in the league and we played
really well. We had a really strong defensive performance, and Lindsay just played really well in goal."

The senior girls team will now travel to Brockville Thursday to battle the BCI Red Rams starting at 2:30 pm.

Teacher cracks top 20 in 5-km marathon

OTTAWA - South Grenville District High School teacher Rick Swift practised what he teaches as he finished in the top 20 of the 5-km event at the National Capital Marathon.

Swift, an avid runner and coach of the Giants cross-country team, finished the race 20th out of 3,454 runners who participated in the event. His time was 18:34.

"I'm happy with my time," said Swift. "I ran the half marathon last year for a change of pace, but this is the distance I'm most comfortable with."

Despite being happy with his time, Swift was quick to realize that it didn't match his performance at the California Run in Brockville two weeks ago where Swift finished second in the 5-km for men aged 50-59. His time was 18:08.

"That was probably my best time of the season," said Swift. "This wasn't nearly as good of a race for me, but it was fun. We have some really good runners in the area to compete against."

Jr. B Rangers hand out year-end awards

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers handed out their annual end-of-year awards April 25 at Penalty Shotz Sports Bar in Cardinal.

The Rangers posted their best record in three years, narrowly missing the playoffs the last week of the season.

Devin Payne and Spencer Utman, who shared the goaltending duties throughout the season, were named co-MVPs for the Rangers.

Dave MacKinnon won the award as the team's scoring leader, while Ryan Lawless was the team's top forward and
Tyler Libby the team's top defenceman.

Mammoth blueliner/winger Chris Curley was given the award as the team's top minor aged player, while Braden Miller was the team's top affiliate player.

Payne and Curley were also honoured for being named to the Rideau Division's first rookie team; Libby and Lawless were given appreciation awards for their efforts commuting to games from college.

Nick Vaugh was given the coach's award by Doug Lawrence, who stepped down as Rangers coach after the season.

PDSA still looking for coaches for U-8 and U-16 soccer teams

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association is searching for coaches for teams in the Under-8 and Under-16 divisions.

The season is set to start next week with practices and there are still coaching vacancies to be filled.

PDSA President Rob Carr suggested the ideal situation for coaches who had limited experience would be a pair of parents sharing the duties.

Under-8 teams will play Tuesday and Thursday nights, while the Under-16 teams will play Wednesday nights.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Rob Carr at 925-1396.

South Grenville rugby teams to host big games this week

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants boys and girls rugby teams will play some big games this week in Prescott.

Both Giants teams will host the Brockville Collegiate Institute Red Rams today (Wednesday) starting at about 3 pm at the high school.

The girls team will also be in action Friday afternoon against the Gananoque Secondary School Trojans starting at about 3 pm.

South Grenville has improved as the season has progressed. The Giants are hoping to continue to improve their records after both teams have gone undefeated since opening their season with losses to the St. Mary Crusaders.

KDMHA to host benefit dance for Adam Harlow fellowship

KEMPTVILLE - The Kemptville and District Minor Hockey Association will be hosting
a benefit dance May 30 from 8 pm until 1 am at the Kemptville Community Centre.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Adam Harlow Fellowship Fund. Harlow died tragically at the age of 10 on March 24, 2002. He played hockey in the KDMHA for three years including one as a goaltender for the Kemptville Panthers.

The fund was set up to finance registration fees for children who might not otherwise have a chance to play in the KDMHA.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at
Re-Pets Sports in Kemptville or Kemptville Truck Centre.