VOL. 173, NO. 38~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ September 24, 2003

Still two days left to enter the race

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The municipal election picture is shaping up to be a mix of too many and too few candidates.

The deadline for nominations is this Friday afternoon. As of the beginning of this week, voters in Augusta were facing the prospect of choosing from four candidates for reeve and two for deputy reeve. However, only two people had filed for the three councillor positions.

At least seven people will be vying for six councillor seats in Prescott, but incumbent Mayor Robert Lawn might not be challenged in this year's election.

As of late last week, there were two candidates for mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. Two councillors represent each of the three wards in the amalgamated township. As of late Friday, there were two candidates in each ward.

School trustees must also file by Friday

School board trustee candidates face the same deadline for nominations as their municipal council counterparts.

English public and Catholic school trustee hopefuls must file their nomination papers at the Municipality of North Grenville office. Incumbent Tony Josefowicz of the Spencerville area and Brent Laton of Prescott had declared their candidacy for the position of English Catholic trustee in Grenville County.

Prescott resident Joan Hodge is seeking re-election to the Upper Canada board.

Voters will elect trustees to three-year terms as part of the Nov. 10 municipal election..

Provincial candidates face voters in Prescott

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The incumbent was not there, but his political opponents were.

Four of the five provincial election candidates in Leeds-Grenville were on hand Thursday night at the Prescott Legion to take part in a meeting organized by workers at Brockville Psychiatric Hospital (BPH) in conjunction with the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union.

Candidates who attended the meeting were Steve Armstrong of the New Democrats, Jerry Heath of the Green party, Stephen Mazurek of the Liberals and Melody Trolly of the Family Coalition party. Absent was Progressive Conservative candidate and incumbent Bob Runciman.

More than 70 people attended the meeting, which focused on the local economy and health care issues. Each candidate was given an opportunity to make opening remarks and then respond to a series of written questions.

On the health care front, Armstrong said the NDP would restore funding taken away by the Tories. Heath suggested reducing poverty and pollution would go a long way to reducing the number of people showing up in emergency rooms. The Liberals are pledging 150 community-based clinics offering round-the-clock service and freeing up emergency rooms for more serious cases, according to Mazurek. The health-care system could never get enough funding, he added.

Trolly emphasized the need to provide doctors to underserviced areas and more home care services.

When asked about raising the minimum wage from its current rate of $6.85 an hour, Armstrong said the NDP would raise it immediately to $8 per hour. Heath said the Green party would raise the minimum wage to $8.80 an hour, adding the working poor are treated "abysmally."

The Liberals favour an increase to $8 per hour over a four-year period, Mazurek noted. He also said a lot of small business owners make much less than minimum wage given the long hours they work each week.

Trolly said a lot of employers could not afford a hike in the minimum wage. Instead, Family Coalition supports the idea of raising the basic personal exemption to $14,000 per year.

The candidates were also asked about the province's electricity woes. Heath said the grid has to remain public, and the majority of generation should also be public. Energy conservation and developing renewable energy sources are needed, he said.

Armstrong noted the NDP's commitment to public power. It would be unethical to privatize the system, he said.

All four candidates pledged at least some degree of support for maintaining jobs at BPH.

Runciman's absence was noted by Mazurek and Heath in the closing remarks. "I guess Bob is in charge of safety and security, so he's looking after his own," Heath said.

Mazurek said the others are good candidates, but he is the only one who can deliver change. Heath asked voters to make history by being the first riding in Canada to elect a Green candidate.

Candidate meetings were also held Friday in Kemptville and Monday in Brockville.

THIS WEEK

Blood donor clinic to be held Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ A blood donor clinic will take place this Thursday, Sept. 25 from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School.

All blood types are in demand. Although donors are encouraged to book an appointment time, walk-ins will be accepted. For more information, call CBS at 1-888-2DONATE.

The Sept. 25 clinic by Canadian Blood Services is sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club and the Kinsmen Club of Prescott.

Stop signs receive green light from town

PRESCOTT ­ A three-way stop will soon be in place at the intersection of Churchill Road and Massie Drive.

Prescott council approved the move when it amended the town's traffic bylaw Monday night. A group of residents had petitioned council this summer to establish a three-way stop at the intersection of Churchill and Mackenzie in an effort to slow down traffic on Churchill. Council accepted the recommendation of the police chief and town engineer to place the stop signs at the Massie intersection.

Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, who lived near the site of the new three-way stop for many years, said drivers on Churchill "tend to stare straight ahead" in that area. "We need a lot of signs" alerting motorists to the new stop signs, she noted.

Public invited to talk about future of library

PRESCOTT ­ The future of the Prescott Public Library will be the subject of a special meeting to be held this Thursday at 7 pm at the library on Dibble Street West.

Anyone with an interest in the community facility is invited to take part in this planning session organized by the Friends of the Library group in conjunction with the library board.

The agenda includes a review of architectural plans and developments to date, a brainstorming session and strategic planning to create a five-year plan. Public input is encouraged. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call 925-1210 or the library at 925-4340.

Mayfield expansion approved

PRESCOTT ­ A proposed expansion of Mayfield Retirement Residence has cleared a major hurdle.

Prescott council approved a zoning bylaw amendment Monday night that paves the way for a 15-room expansion at the Wood Street West facility.

No one spoke against the project at a special public meeting that preceded the regular council meeting. A site plan agreement was introduced Monday and will be voted on by council Oct. 6.

Expansion will mean a net gain of 12 beds and an additional 5,200 square feet of space. Co-owner Robert Pelda told council the project has a value of $1.4 million.

The expansion will include installation of an elevator and air conditioning for the majority of the building. An additional three full-time jobs will be created; approximately 35 people are currently employed at the Mayfield.

With expansion, there would be a total of 54 resident rooms.

Pelda said support from local doctors and the community in general has been overwhelming. The expansion will extend the old building's life expectancy and help support affordable retirement living in Prescott. Pelda noted the proposal will not affect the rent structure now in place. Additional revenue will be generated from the new rooms.

He noted construction could begin my mid-November, with a completion date of Sept. 2004.

Certain site plan details must still be finalized, and the rezoning matter is subject to a 20-day public appeals period. However, the fact no one came forward to object to the expansion makes an appeal unlikely.

"There is no question everyone on council supports this," Councillor Garry Dewar said.

The Park Street landscaping will include a circular driveway and a bronze fountain. Additional off-street parking will be provided in that area.

Supporting food bank is the Bottom Line

Non-perishable food items being collected at grocery store as part of Oct. 4 event

PRESCOTT ­ Community groups and businesses are being invited to take part in the first annual Bottom Line Challenge and support the Food For All Food Bank.

The new event, which is being sponsored by The Prescott Journal, 101.5 The Fox and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer, will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 at O'Reilly's on Prescott Centre Drive.

Non-perishable food items collected by participants will be placed on a line outside the store. The group with the longest segment of the line covered will win bragging rights and help local residents in the process.

Bonnie Gommert, the food bank's office co-ordinator and promotions director, said she is excited about the new event. People can gather at the store and show off their community spirit; participating groups will be given space to showcase their activities. The event starts at 10 am and is expected to run until about 1 pm.

Gommert said she expects at least 1,000 items to be collected as part of the event. Donations to the food bank, located on Henry Street in Prescott, decreased this summer and have yet to rebound in September.

The food bank serves residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Groups and individuals interested in taking part in the Bottom Line Challenge are asked to register in advance by calling the food bank at 925-2444 or 348-1409.

The challenge is one of several special events being presented by the food bank. A Halloween food drive involving students from South Grenville District High School is set for Oct. 31. The food bank is trying to target different segments of the community at various times during the year, according to Gommert.

"We're not trying to saturate the market," she said.

The food bank is open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Annual Take Back the Night march to be held this Friday

BROCKVILLE ­ Take Back the Night will take place this Friday, Sept. 26 at Blockhouse Island in Brockville.

The purpose of the annual event is to remind the public violence against women and children still exists even with the gains women have made in society. The Leeds and Grenville event is being organized by the Assault Response and Care Centre and Interval House.

In addition to a march involving women and children, the program includes speakers, music and a candlelight vigil. Female artisans will be on hand to showcase their work as a tribute to the accomplishments of women.

Although it is noted men who support the anti-violence theme are welcome to attend, they are asked not to take part in the march.

In the event of rain, Take Back the Night will be based at Wall Street United Church.

For more information, contact Ev at the Assault Response and Care Centre (345-3881) or Lin at Interval House (342-4724).

Overpass replacement not needed, but repairs could cost $850,000

PRESCOTT ­ The good news is the Edward Street overpass does not need to be replaced.

The bad news is the estimated cost of repair work needed be done within the next three years is in the range of $850,000.

An inspection of the structure was conducted in July by the Ainley Group. It appears the overpass "...is in good condition and is not in need of replacement," Town Engineer Clyde Solon writes in a recent report to Prescott council.

However, major work will have to be carried out; the last major rehabilitation of the structure took place in 1981. The work should be carried out within the next three years to avoid further deterioration and keep repair costs to a minimum, according to Solomon.

The estimated construction cost is $706,250 plus GST and engineering fees.

One lane of traffic would be open at all times during construction, he adds.

The estimated cost of replacing the overpass is $3 million.

Prescott council agreed Monday night to accept the report for information purposes and recommend to the incoming council it begin preparing for the work as part of 2004 budget deliberations.

The Progressive Conservative government has proposed taking over responsibility for maintaining bridges in Ontario. Councillor Terry McConnell noted the town will hopefully be ready to take advantage of such a program because the overpass study has already been done.

The south portion of the sturcture was resurfaced this summer.

More than 100 sign up to use skate park

Grand opening of popular new facility to take place

this Saturday in Prescott

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - In less than one week more than 100 kids have had their parents sign waiver forms in order to use the new Prescott Kiwanis Skatepark.

The final touches are being put on the skate park this week in order to be fully operational for its grand opening this Saturday beginning at 11 am.

One of the key figures in the creation of the park, Nancy Lane, is thrilled with how well the park has gone over with the kids and is looking forward to seeing the finishing touches put on the park.

"It's just the lights and a guard rail which still need to be installed," explained Lane last Thursday. "It's all for safety purposes."

Lane has had waiver forms available for the kids to take home and have them signed by their parents since last Friday so the kids could get some use of the park before the winter hits.

"We had 102 kids sign waivers in just under a week," said Lane, "and they don't have to sign each time they come, so it's for 102 different kids. We've been really getting a lot of kids including some coming up from Brockville."

While Lane is not at the park at all times, she indicated things have been going well with a wide variety of age groups of kids all skating together.

"The kids did the work and really look after it like they own it," said Lane.

"They police it themselves and work together with everyone getting along. Although they do have my cell phone number if there is something they can't handle."

According to Lane, she estimates there have been 40-50 kids using the park each night, with more kids asking for the waiver forms all the time.

"I'm so proud of it," said Lane.

"It really is beautiful. The kids are still running the canteen raising money for the next stage of the park."

Waivers are available at the canteen at the Kriska Field as well as at the park's grand opening Saturday.

The opening will feature a skate demonstration, barbecue and live music.

Another Prescott councillor decides to seek re-election in November

PRESCOTT ­ Terry McConnell says he would like to finish what he and Prescott council has started.

The councillor has decided to seek re-election. The chair of the town's transportation and environmental services committee told The Journal Monday this council has accomplished a lot during the past year, adding he would like to be part of the next council that will see some projects through to completion.

"We're finally making some progress," he said.

For example, the town has begun work on a new road in the industrial area north of Highway 401 and east of Edward Street. McConnell would like to see additional businesses locate in that area.

McConnell would also like be on board to see a residential development created on land in the Mackenzie/Massie area now owned by Ontario Realty Corporation. The town has entered into discussions to acquire the land. Securing federal funding for a new sewage treatment plant is also a municipal priority, according to McConnell. Finding a solution to problems facing town water customers who live in Augusta Township was also noted as one of McConnell's goals.

"I would enjoy getting these things done," he said.

McConnell has served a total of four terms as councillor dating back to the late 1970s. He said "in spite of our differences," the current council has been able to get results recently.

"You're there to co-operate with the people at the table," he added.

The other candidates vying for six councillor seats are Robert Pelda, Sue O'Hanlon, Graham Cudlipp, Suzanne Dodge, Garry Dewar and Kelly Benish. Nominations close this Friday at 5 pm.

Prescott cannot afford to sit by and wait, according to town council candidate

PRESCOTT ­ Kelly Benish believes there is a real need for new blood on town council.

Benish, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor three years ago, is running for councillor in the Nov. 10 municipal election.

The candidate said something needs to be done to improve the town's economic prospects. Prescott cannot afford to sit by and wait for companies to come to town, according to Benish. "It's time to go out looking for them," she added.

Too many people have expected others to step forward and get things done, Benish said. As a councillor, she would make every effort to ensure people with heart and leadership are involved in various community projects and activities.

Benish, a waitress at Nan'C's, indicated she hears a lot of what people like and dislike about Prescott. Many are frustrated with the current state of affairs, she noted. The town should take a more assertive role in promoting its assets both in terms of industry and tourism, according to Benish. Gains are being made in the tourism sector, but Benish insists a more proactive approach is needed. "But I don't want to see taxes raised," she added.

Although she noted there is no "quick fix," Benish is confident that she can help give Prescott a better future and involve more of the community in shaping that future.

"I'd like younger people who have lost faith to start speaking up and voting," she said.

Benish is one of seven candidates who had filed nomination papers as of Monday. Six councillors are to be elected.

Johnstown church marks anniversary

JOHNSTOWN ­ A turkey supper in recognition of the 124th anniversary of Johnstown United Church will take place this Thursday, Sept. 25 at 5 pm at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre.

Children under the age of five eat for free. Tickets will be available at the door.

An anniversary worship service will be held Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 am at the church. Rev. Keith Brown will be guest speaker.

A musical evening will follow at 7 pm.

Seaway colour tour a showcase for local artists

PRESCOTT ­ The Seaway Autumn Colour Studio Tour makes its debut Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4.

This is a new opportunity to meet crafters and artisans in South Grenville, while enjoying hospitality as they open their studio doors from 10 am to 6 pm.

Visitors to the sites can take in a variety of artistic expression, from painters and quilters to potters and woodworkers. The locations are in South Grenville between Cardinal and Merwin Lane, just west of Prescott.

The artisans and crafters are Vivienne Cudlipp, Marilyn White, Christina McCarthy, Ronald Landry, J. Allison Robichaud, Wendo Van Essen, Thelma Cameron, Pat Lemaire, Bonnie Lemaire, Robert Westfall, Linda Potter, Mary Scott, Marianne Leeck, Millie McLaughlin, Fiona Macintyre, Alan Cathcart and Milley Bennett.

For more information, call 925-3987. See next week's Prescott Journal for extended coverage of the tour.

Guest speaker series begins today

SPENCERVILLE ­ The first in a series of guest speaker presentations at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library is set for today (Wednesday) from 1 to 3 pm.

The talk featuring artist/printmaker Joyce Morris, whose specialty is etching and experimental drawing. She studied at McGill University, Toronto School of Art, Open Studio and at Sheridan College, where she taught life drawing.

See Green as more than just fringe party

PRESCOTT ­ Jerry Heath says the Green party has become more mainstream without compromising its principles.

The retired engineer and former DuPont worker is hoping voters in Leeds-Grenville will get beyond the belief Green is a fringe party. "If you don't break through this vicious cycle, you'll never get any change," he said.

Heath was the Leeds-Grenville Green party candidate in the 2000 federal election.

The Delta-area resident describes the provincial government of the past eight years as mean and pitiful. Tax cuts are a farce and the Conservatives under Premier Ernie Eves seem to have a new policy every 15 minutes, according to Heath.

The Green party is not banking on casinos, big box stores and theme parks to provide economic growth, Heath noted. Emphasis should be placed on creating co-ops and supporting local businesses that invest their profits in the community and do not move away, he said.

Increasing the minimum wage and providing decent jobs "is the best form of welfare," according to the Green party.

On the health-care front, Heath supports the idea of tackling the root causes of illness, such as pollution and poverty. By doing so, the demand for acute health-care services should decrease.

Green policies are being used somewhere in the world, according to Heath. The party has matured and developed social policies that make Green a viable option for voters, he said. The Conservatives have "trashed" Ontario's most important institutions and do not have a vision for the province, according to Heath.

Heath is hoping to do well enough so other parties take notice and borrow ideas from the party, something he believes has already started to happen. "We're getting a lot more people coming to us," said Heath, who added the party is experiencing significant growth in terms of voter interest.

Putting family back into the forefront

PRESCOTT ­ Family values are at the heart of one local candidate's provincial election campaign.

Melody Trolly is the Family Coalition party candidate in Leeds-Grenville. The North Grenville resident is the former owner of a Christian bookstore and is an active volunteer who serves her church and a number of community organizations.

The first-time candidate said she, like many people, "grew up loving this country" and the value of human life and strong families. Governments no longer seem interested in protecting those values, according to Trolly.

"There is something wrong when governments take away power from parents," she said.

Trolly believes reform of the education system is needed. People should be given the freedom to choose what is best for their children, she said.

Education reform is one of seven "sensible" reforms being advocated by the party. The others are health care, taxation, economic, electoral, government and family law. The rights of life, freedom and ownership of property, and the values of integrity, accountability and responsibility form the basis of the party's platform.

Ontarians have a right to expect better government, according to Trolly. Politicians appear to be more interested in being elected than serving families and society.

Trolly acknowledged her party will not form the next provincial government. However, she believes Family Coalition addresses the need for change and a stronger emphasis on family values.

"I know I can make a difference."

Among the Family Coalition party's proposals are an increase in the basic personal exemption to $14,000.

Addressing the need for physicians in underserviced areas and improved home care services, as well as the creation of medical savings accounts to help contain health-care costs and provide better service for all, are among the other reforms being proposed by Family Coalition.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It just amazes me they were allowed to do it."

Prescott Chamber Director Ken Durand, commenting on Canada Post selling greeting cards

Editor's Notebook

DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO CANADA POST: There is no doubt Canada Post is trying to adjust to a changing marketplace that no longer relies on so-called snail mail. The last thing taxpayers want is for crown corporations and government departments to lose money and not maintain basic services.

The bottom line, however, is Canada Post's mandate should not be to branch out into the retail sector and compete with small-town business interests.

As much as there is logic and convenience associated with having greeting cards available at a post office, established businesses in the community should not feel threatened by a federal Crown corporation that, unlike other components of the government, is not hemorrhaging red ink.

Yes, Canada Post is a business. Yes, it should be responsive to its customers and make effective use of its retail space. No, Canada Post should not be doing so at the expense of others in the marketplace. The private players already have the market covered. There is no pressing need to have a federal Crown corporation offer yet another place to buy cards; it is not as if these items are not available anywhere else.

Canada Post may opt to continue its partnership with Hallmark. If that is the case, consumers can still make a statement by not buying their cards there. If political pressure does not lead to change, poor sales figures might just do the trick.

Memo to Canada Post: stick to stamps, delivering the mail and, if absolutely necessary, unaddressed junk mail. Leave the birthday cards and gift items to businesses whose survival depends on them.

LAST CALL FOR CANDIDATES: It now appears most voters in South Grenville will have some degree of choice when it comes to selecting new municipal councils.

Although as of the beginning of the week it remained to be seen whether Prescottonians will have to elect a new mayor (unlike three years ago), they will be asked to vote for up to six councillors (also unlike three years ago when they had to select one of two candidates and accept five acclamations).

There might be acclamations for several councillor seats in Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, but there are shaping up to be elections for the top council job in both townships.

We reiterate our hope some of the declared candidates in certain races might consider shifting their focus onto a different council position that is receiving little or no interest from other people. It would be a shame to lose council experience and the talents of those prepared to serve their communities.

For those who have been considering the possibility of running for council or school board trustee, now is the time to act. The deadline for nominations is this Friday afternoon.

Tim Ruhnke

I hope the Americans didn't catch Canadian Idol

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

I must admit I was recently a witness to one of the most horrible and pathetic displays perpetrated by Canada and its television industry.

Yes, that's right, I caught a few of the episodes of Canadian Idol, and I must say it was horrible. I actually kept watching for a few weeks just to see how bad it actually got.

Now I was a fan of the original American Idol and its large group of talented contestants, but then I was sickened by American Idol 2, which I dubbed AI2: The Ugly Singers, and now even worse is the Canadian version.

Now here's the key: the best part of the original show was watching Simon Cowell rip on these teary-eyed contestants when they were crappy, being a real critic and not a stupid rah-rah cheerleader like that '90s reject Paula Abdul. What did the Canadian version have? Brian Mulroney's son Ben Mulroney proving nepotism still lives, an unfunny Ottawa comic in Jon Dore, a group of judges no one has ever heard of (yes, even you, Sass Jordan) who are trying to act like the American Idol judges, and a crop of singers I can honestly say are mediocre at best.

My one hope from the whole thing is that no Americans were watching the program to further fuel any more Canadian jokes.

Ryan Malcolm of Kingston wasn't horrible, but he would have been ousted in the first round of either of the American Idol shows, and that Billy Clippert guy of Calgary wouldn't be a bad rocker if he hooked up with a good band and provided good old Canadian rock music.

The one that made me the angriest was that Gary Beals guy who was a finalist on the show. After seeing the guy sing I simply wanted to punch him for being annoying. I maintain that after hearing him perform three songs, (I'll use the word perform since he obviously didn't sing it) that I did not understand one single word out of any which he performed.

It was a very sad display of Canadian talent to which there has traditionally been a lot. Look at the celebrities of the world who have come from Canada,, the Guess Who, Steppenwolf, Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Tom Cochrane and Shania Twain. Those are all examples of Canadians with talent who have made it. Whether you like them or not, you can say they have talent.

That list doesn't even include the Canadian circuit bands which are great, but haven't crossed over into the mainstream American pop culture. Bands like Our Lady Peace, the Tragically Hip, the Odds, Blue Rodeo and Three Days Grace.

None of them may ever win a karaoke contest like Canadian Idol, but at least they play good music and don't make you want to wretch.

County-wide TB tests achieve satisfactory results in 1953

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Sept. 23, 1943

* Mary Miller was elected to the presidency of the student council of Prescott High School. Ted Brickenden becomes vice-president, while Jean Payzant is secretary-treasurer.

* Chief of Police F.L. Burke has recommended to Prescott council that traffic signs be placed on side streets of the town, particularly in the vicinity of schools and churches. He suggested telephones be placed at the extremities of the night patrolman's beat or the employing of a desk clerk so emergency calls may be handled without delay when only one man is on duty. Burke recommended moving the police quarters and detention cells to the market building because of the condition of the cells and the stairway leading down.

Sept. 24, 1953

* Garry Dewar is the champion of the annual Prescott Canadian Legion Coaster Car Derby. Others winners were Richard Young, Ian Somerville, John Ross and Allan Barratt.

* Results of the mass chest x-ray survey carried out in Grenville County by the Leeds and Grenville Tuberculosis and Health Association were termed quite satisfactory. A total of 4,707 people in the county took advantage of the free x-ray. In Prescott, 1,803 people were tested, while 806 were tested in Cardinal and 404 in Spencerville.

Sept. 25, 1963

* The new motel on Edward Street, next to the high school, is nearing completion and has added considerably to Prescott's appearance in the north end.

Sept. 28, 1983

* Residents of Edwardsburgh Township may have municipal garbage collection service by January if the majority of homeowners are in favour. Council agreed to distribute a survey asking for opinions on the collection service.

Sept. 29, 1993

* Toll-free two-way calling between Spencerville and Brockville will go into effect Oct. 6, Bell Canada has announced.

Spencerville exchange customers will see their phone rate increase from $6.40 to $8 monthly.

First-time voter no match for rural polling booth veterans

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

We left our readers last week with a rather undemocratic picture of this aging scribe looking on at a polling station in Marlborough township about 50 years ago while the clerk and deputy clerk opened our ballot before depositing it in the ballot box. Many wonder why, with our present pernicious aptitude toward voter fraud, that this isolated Orange Hall violation was left unchallenged.

Truth is, it was our first time to cast a ballot and we were alone in the hall with the two poll officials who seemed quite knowledgeable and efficient in the task at hand. We didn't learn until a few days later that the task at hand meant to find out how the "young feller" voted.

We found this out a few days later when we mentioned the voting routine at the Midtown Restaurant morning coffee club in Kemptville. Our story brought a few snickers and side glances from some of the village's sage residents who told us we shouldn't have let them open our ballot and what the poll officials did was very illegal.

We countered that this was the first time ever that we had voted and that we thought these election officials had the right to inspect our ballot.

Reeve Joe Patterson quieted our hecklers by noting that opening and looking at the marked ballot was the easiest of several methods that could have been used - and that yes, it was their responsibility to the political party that appointed them to find out, if possible, how suspected non-Tories and strangers voted.

Joe, a veteran of scores of municipal, provincial and federal elections, then went on to describe some of the methods rural poll clerks and deputies used to identify how ballots were marked.

The two most common methods, he pointed out, were to position themselves in front of a curtainless window, or a lone light bulb that dangled from the ceiling on a long cord about six feet in front of their table.

So positioned, the poll clerk would hold the ballot up to the window or light as part of the process of tearing off the ballot stub, thus giving him a view through the ballot as to which name had the 'X' marked beside it. This was in the era when it was unusual if there were more than a Grit and a Tory name on the ballot.

Another ploy used at the poll to identify the vote was often used to learn how elderly women, especially widows who could not be influenced by their husbands, were going to vote.

"The trick here," Reeve Joe explained, "was for the deputy clerk to search the names on the voters' list slowly, then say, 'ah, here you are Mrs. Hulbert', do you want a Conservative ballot or a Liberal ballot?"

With that information she would be handed a ballot and told to put her 'X' beside Mr. Ferguson's name. "Worked most of the time," the reeve said as he concluded Rural Voting 101 for a very green constituent who had to get smart fast in order to survive as the youthful editor/publisher of the local weekly newspaper.

The 1950s pretty well marked the end of the great provincial patronage purges in Grenville County, Kemptville in particular, where party politics was the principal requirement for obtaining a job at the Kemptvllle College, G. Howard Ferguson Reforestation facility, or in the agricultural or forestry extension branches in the town.

*****

In the present provincial campaign Tory incumbent Bob Runciman is likely to see his 1999, 6000-vote margin in Leeds-Grenville cut dangerously close by Liberal candidate Steve Mazurek, a small business owner from Brockville.

Both will be cheering hard for their party leaders, Premier Ernie Eves and Liberal Dalton McGuinty.

This column is being written two days before the Tuesday night TV debate between Eves and McGuinty and NDP leader Howard Hampton, but it is such a close horse race between Eves and McGuinty that the debate could make or break the Tory hold on Ontario.

Although Leeds and Grenville has been Brockville Bob's territory this past decade, history shows that a strong contender could cover the riding red. Point in case was the 1987 provincial election when Runciman just squeaked by neophyte Liberal candidate Jim Jordan by 198 votes.

One vote per poll in the two counties would have seen Jordan at Queen's Park instead of his ensuing elections to the House of Commons.

Plan to see politicking invigorated by last night's debate and remember your vote is an important part of this election process.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Frosh week has changed for the better

The Editor;

I am writing to address some of the comments made regarding frosh week practices. I am a fourth-year student at Queen's University in Kingston, currently working towards an honours degree in history and English literature. My frosh week experiences have been vastly different.

Many people identify Queen's as having one of Ontario's most raucous frosh weeks. But it has changed a lot over the years. To the relief of many, Queen's frosh are no longer rolled down Princess Street in barrels. However, the images of hazing, forced drinking and countless trips to the local emergency room still haunt frosh week. Luckily, these images are beginning to fade and change.

Frosh week's focus is orientation ­ not alcohol. Orientation includes the school, university life, Kingston and each other. I have been involved in four frosh weeks: once as a frosh, twice as a leader and once as an organizer. Nothing is as meticulously organized as frosh week ­ it's the biggest event of the year.

Training begins in April, where 700 leaders are trained by the university to become role models for the new students. We taught about the legal implications of drinking, what to do if it occurs, as well as how to keep alcohol from being the focus of any event. Additionally, we are trained to deal with any other issue - from human rights to classes and homesickness. Training reconvenes in the final week of August to prepare for the coming of 2,500 frosh on Labour Day. On the eve of their arrival, every leader signs a contract stating they will not drink during the entirety of frosh week. This ensures that all leaders are better equipped to deal with any problem that may occur, and allows them to become better role models.

Come frosh week, every event is regulated - including informal get-togethers. If you are to have a house party where frosh are, it's registered with the university and city police. These organizations then check every house to ensure that there is no underage drinking. If there is alcohol, it is on a BYOB basis, leaders provide non-alcoholic drinks and food.

Frosh week is a time to become acquainted with university and all that comes with it. I am not saying that frosh week is completely alcohol-free. However, many universities have taken steps to control excessive and underage drinking. Some still see alcohol as a core principle of higher education, but it is no longer the "school-sanctioned boozing" of 20 years ago. Frosh week may not be what it used to be, but in my opinion, it has changed for the better.

Amy Whitehorne
SGDHS Class of 2000

Conservatives should rethink amalgamation

An open letter to Mr. Runciman;

It was a pleasure to meet you on Dundas Street in Cardinal last Saturday morning (Sept. 13) and I hope you were able to get a sense of the frustration and concern the voters of Cardinal feel over the amalgamation of Edwardsburgh and Cardinal. I wanted to contact you to reiterate what I mentioned about the lack of understanding and representation we face due to the ward system which was put into place with amalgamation. I also want to emphasize what was mentioned to you about the power and control exercised by our mayor over the council, and specifically our Ward One councilors.

In a recent move by Mayor Dobbie, he approved the expenditure of $61,000 to move our library from its purpose-built building to our previous municipal hall. This was over the some very forceful objections by local citizens and the business association, but council still approved the move. The estimated cost was originally stated to be somewhere around $5,000 simply for the physical relocation and some furniture. One of our local contractors warned council that he felt they had not studied the building properly and it was not constructed to hold the weight of a library on the main floor, but this was brushed aside. When Mayor Dobbie announced, as an adjunct to regular council business, that the move would take place shortly, he failed to include the cost in the announcement. When questioned as to why he failed to mention this by one of our ward councilors, he said it was immaterial as council had voted to proceed with the move.

This is an outrageous waste of the taxpayers' money. The building in which the library is presently housed was built as a library, is more accessible to those that walk in town and to Benson School, and the funds to build it were largely raised by citizen supporters. A delegation of local physicians and citizens has requested that the former municipal hall be used as a wellness centre for the community, bringing all social services under one co-ordinated roof, this request has been ignored by Mayor Dobbie and he proceeded with the library move solely on the assertion of the librarian and Friends of the Library that more space was needed. This is the type of representation we are left with since amalgamation.

I truly hope the Conservatives in Ontario decide to rethink the amalgamation process and permit communities to return to the efficient, responsive and representative form of governance that had served them so well for so many years. This would certainly go down well with a lot of voters in our area.

Chris W. Kempffer
Cardinal

Parks targeted for tree planting

By Astrid Strader, Project Controller, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

Witnessing such community effort coming together as with the Kiwanis Skateboard Park is quite something to behold. Volunteer Joe McCarville was on a roll with our own Kylie Daub, who also volunteered to stay late to finish roofing the skateboard canteen building. It's been a whirlwind week with sod being donated by Manderly Sod and all of it laid in a long day. Congratulations are due to Anthony Foreman, Ken Robinson and Peter Higginson of our team who worked very hard to get the sod laid. It's going to happen - the Skateboard Park will open on schedule. Festivities begin this Saturday at 11.

Prescott Blossoms and the town is fortunate to have the opportunity to create something wonderful through a new partnership formed with the Grenville Land Stewardship Council. Earlier this month, Public Works Foreman Hans Van Helden, Community Services Director Randy Pelehos and myself met with Chris Bellemore, Trees for Peace co-ordinator, and Jack Henry, both with the Grenville Land Stewardship Council. We toured many areas of Prescott to identify possible tree/shrub planting sites.

At the health unit Sept. 11, Chris Bellemore and Jack Henry gave an interesting presentation on native tree and shrub planting projects co-ordinated through the stewardship council. In particular, areas in Prescott were targeted, with goals to improve ground water quality, reduce contaminated surface water run-off into the river, improve wildlife habitats and park scapes for human enjoyment. As well, care and maintenance was addressed - tree guards shown to be a necessity. Town staff and the public were invited, as these planting projects affect all of us. In attendance were Prescott Blossoms team, Myrne Hart, an interested resident, and the president of the stewardship council.

Planting areas targeted for this fall are Faders Park, Churchill Park, Edward Street overpass, library, municipal building, Daniels' lot and arena. Blossoms will identify and lift native plant material from the Mac Johnson Nursery and plant this fall, if all goes well.

Planting areas targeted for the spring are Centennial Park, Fairways Park and Kiwanis Skateboard Park. Other than Centennial Park, these areas would be co-ordinated by Chris Bellemore through the Trees for Peace Program which includes free plant material and planting with grades 4, 5 and 6. A small part of Centennial Park is recommended to be a riparian planting demonstration site, with interpretive signage installed to educate the public on the necessity for this type of planting.

Anyone wishing more information about these programs can find handouts available at the municipal office, as well as the public library.

Library relocation more expensive than originally anticipated by council

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council accepted the bid by K.E. Bush Construction for the renovation of the former municipal hall last Monday.

Council voted to approve the tender, which will see the former municipal hall in Cardinal converted to house the Cardinal Public Library.

Work on the project will not begin until October because Bush's workers are busy at CASCO.

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated the completion date on the library was set for December 19, with the members of the Cardinal Library Relocation Ad Hoc Committee and the Friends of the Cardinal Library involved in the plans.

The cost of the project has been slated at $61,000, which was higher than originally anticipated by council.

"Everyone at the meeting was comfortable with Ed Bush," said Dobbie. "Not once did we suggest going outside of the area for tender."

Ward One Councillor Peggy Taylor questioned the reasoning of the increase in costs for the project.

"$61,000 is a lot more money than we originally thought," indicated Taylor. "That's a lot of money and I was wondering what the biggest part of the cost was."

Dobbie responded, "With moving some walls we have to put in a support beam. Initially, we though it would cost us $50,000 or a little more. It needs to be opened up.

"We've worked with Ed Bush before, actually on this lovely building here (the Municipal Hall in Spencerville) and we've been satisfied with the work he's done for us."

Taylor asked the mayor for clarification of where the cost of the project will come from, with Dobbie indicating it would be coming out of reserves for capital expenditures for the entire township.

Signs in the works for Spencerville branch

SPENCERVILLE - The Friends of the Edwardsburgh Library spoke to council at last Monday's regular council meeting requesting new signage for the library.

The friends group, which consists of 30 members, outlined its contributions to the library and their work at improving the library.

Annalee Ladouceur, speaking on behalf of the friends, made the request to council.

"We would like some library signs on the building, the corner of the libraries entrance on Spencer Street and one near the Spencerville sign coming into town," said Ladouceur. "It's important to us to get these signs up in time for an event we are planning to hold in October."

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated some the township already has some of the signs available, which were requested.

"I guess the answer would be that we'll get a sign up on the building," said Dobbie. "We can get a library sign from the road signs. We'll talk to the road super who has quite a list of signs to choose from. We'll see what we can do."

High-speed Internet company erecting tower

SPENCERVILLE - It was reported at the Sept. 4 Administration Committee meeting that Digital Networks is in the process of erecting a tower to provide high speed Internet access to the Spencerville area.

At the committee meeting, township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald was advised to contact Grenville Mutual to determine if its requirements for high speed had been met.

When asked of the situation of the Digital Networks tower which is being erected on Goodin Road, McDonald indicated there were some issues regarding its construction.

"They've supplied us with site plans, but haven't given us the site plan we need yet," said McDonald. "The footings which they've already put in are now going to be abandoned, and the whole tower is going to be moved to their dismay."

Operation Christmas Child co-ordinator plans trip to spread the joy in person

Donna Patrick to deliver gift boxes in Mexico

CARDINAL ­ Donna Patrick says this is where she is supposed to be.

The local co-ordinator of Operation Christmas Child will see first-hand how gift-filled shoe boxes can make a difference for needy children in countries affected by war, poverty, natural disaster or disease.

"This is what I am meant to do at this moment in my life," she said.

Patrick will be one member of a team of Canadians that will travel to Mexico in January to provide medical support and other assistance. She will get to see children's faces as they open their gift boxes. "There isn't a moment in the days that go by I don't think about it," Patrick said Saturday as empty shoe boxes were being distributed.

Operation Christmas Child, which includes donors in Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia, is a program of Samaritan's Purse, an international religious charity. More than 18 million boys and girls have been able to share the joy of Christmas as a result of the program since its inception in 1993.

Churches in Cardinal, Prescott, Spencerville and South Dundas are once again taking part in the project, although Patrick noted schools and other groups and individuals can also take part. The local allotment of 1,200 Operation Christmas Child boxes has been distributed; regular shoe boxes and containers of a similar size can also be used.

Shoe boxes can be filled with toys and other small gifts, including school supplies, hard candy and unused hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. Among the items not be included are food items other than hard candy, used items and anything that could freeze, melt, leak or break or could scare or harm a child.

The completed gift boxes will be collected Nov. 15.

"The response because I am going is just overwhelming," Patrick said.

She noted she has raised about half of the $2,100 needed to cover her expenses for the week-long trip to Mexico.

For more information, contact Donna Patrick at 657-3604 or by e-mail at rpatrick@ripnet.com.

Clarification sought from cemetery board

SPENCERVILLE - Township council indicated it would ask the board of the Adams Cemetery to speak to council regarding the transfer of the cemetery to the municipality.

It was explained at last Monday's council meeting the cemetery board has made preliminary inquiries regarding the possible transfer of the cemetary which is located just south of Ventnor.

Members of council were unclear of what the cemetery board is looking for, as Mayor Dave Dobbie understood the situation to be different than that of which the request indicated.

"It is my understanding that the board doesn't want us to take them over," explained Dobbie, "but they would possibly be a committee under council in order to get under our insurance blanket, since that is what they can't afford."

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald explained he wasn't sure of the particulars of insuring a property the township does not own.

"I would think the property would have to fall under the ownership of the municipality," said McDonald. "It's something we would have to look into."

Dobbie added, "If we can help them out with insurance without us taking them over, it would be better for us."

With council unclear of what the cemetery board was seeking, Ward One Councillor Peggy Taylor indicated the group should be asked to come to speak with council in order to clarify what the board is seeking.

Mystery man in photograph is Tim Buckley

The Prescott Journal published a photo in the Sept. 10 edition that pictured a man with the S.S. Magog in Cardinal in 1927. The photo was sent by Don Boone of Collingwood, who said the man sold newspapers, cigarettes and candy at the Cardinal lock.

Peggy McMullen (formerly Clarke), now of Johnstown, has solved the mystery of the man's name. It was Timothy Patrick Buckley, and he was Irish and an orphan, McMullen wrote in a letter to The Journal.

Buckley worked on the building of the new canal, and married Mamie O'Brien, wrote McMullen, who said she would have been eight years old when the photo was taken. He sold gramophones to start, and gradually sold candy, ice cream and papers and his trade kept growing until he had a fair-size grocery store. They lived over the store, and had three boys - John, James and Billy.

McMullen's father built a shack at the locks which was their family's cottage for several years, and he and Buckley were great friends.

Buckley's identity was confirmed by several others who called or e-mailed The Journal or Don Boone.

Fish and game club big buck draw tickets are now available

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club's Big Buck Draw tickets are now on sale.

The draw will feature $150 for the heaviest buck, $75 for the heaviest doe and a ticket draw for $50, with all prizes handed out by the club during the first week of January.

Tickets are available from MacEwen's Gas Bar/Bayview Convenience in Johnstown, Cardinal Creations, Rona in Cardinal, Mustard's Variety in Iroquois or Iroquois Bait and Tackle.

For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

SCHOOL SCENE

ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL: New to our school, and to each elementary school this fall, is the position of library technician. The technician will work one day per week in each of his/her assigned schools. It is with great pleasure I announce after many years of doing this job on a volunteer basis, Mrs. Young now will be officially joining our staff at Algonquin.

Certainly, too, as principal, it gives me great pleasure to welcome back Mrs. Lavender, Ms. Snow, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Reavie, Mrs. Loroway and Mr. Weedmark.

Beginning at Algonquin this fall is the "Character Counts" program. This character education program focuses on ten specific character traits. At the open house evening Sept. 16, parents saw posters describing each of the traits on which classroom activities will focus. The posters also include a suggested reading list. The school will be focusing on one character trait per month, starting with friendship in September. This will be followed by responsibility in October, respect in November and generosity in December.

CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: It's been a busy few weeks at both Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh, as we get back into school routines. Students from grades 3 to 8 are using agendas to record homework assignments and important information from the school. Parents, please check your child's agenda each evening and feel free to use the agenda as a method of communication between home and school.

Safety is a prime concern at our school and bus safety presentations were made to students at both sites, even those who do not take a yellow school bus on a regular basis. Mrs. Whiteman and Mrs. Smith were the driver-presenters from Laidlaw Bus Limited.

We all enjoyed the Spencerville Fair Sept. 12. We acknowledge Laidlaw Bus Limited for donating a bus to bring our North Edwardsburgh students to the fair. We also acknowledge our many parent volunteers who accompanied us to the fair.

We look forward to our open house and BBQ this Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please join us for a BBQ meal, and have your child give you a tour of his/her school and introduce you to the staff. There will be student work on display and information booths from community agencies. In case of rain, we'll move the event into the gymnasium.

CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL: A warm welcome to three new staff members this year: Miss Penney (grade 5/6), Mrs. Wilcox (gr. 1-8 core French and Gr. 7 science) and Mrs. McKay (SERT).

It's that time of year again! Central's fall fun fair will be held this Thursday, Sept. 25 from 4:30 to 6 pm. There will be a silent auction, barbecue, book fair, fun and games and lots of prizes. It's a great time to meet the teacher and support the school. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming cross-country meets will take place Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Kemptville and Thursday, Oct. 2 at Sweet's Corners School. Championship meet will be Oct. 10 at the Memorial Centre in Brockville.

School council meeting will be today (Sept. 24) at 6 pm.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: The September Celebration of the Eucharist originally scheduled for Sept. 24 has been cancelled, as many of our students will be away at a cross-country meet. Our first mass will now be on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 11 am at St. Mark's Church. This Thanksgiving Mass will provide the forum for thanking God the Father for his gifts of creation, family, friends and talents. We will also offer thanks for the wonderful start to the school year. Thank you Lord!

Try-outs have been under way for the St. Joseph cross-country team as well as our intermediate boys and girls soccer teams. The first two meets will take place today in Iroquois and Oct. 1 at Grenville Christian College. Both soccer teams will play in tournaments Oct. 3.

Our theme for this school year is "service." Each week we honour Good Samaritans at St. Joe's. The following students have been nominated as Good Samaritans in September: Christine Leonard, Amanda Kinch, Braeden Smith, Victoria Boyd, Sarah Norton, Holly Crozier, Brandon Beckstead, Colleen Dixon, Samantha Halfpenny, Kristen Coligan and Christina Crawford.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Welcome to autumn!

On Thursday, Sept. 25, St. Mark Catholic School Council Elections Committee will hold a meeting at 7 pm in the school library.

On Friday, Sept. 26, we will hold our weekly assembly at 1 pm.

Monthly hot lunch and milk orders are due at the school by Sept. 26 in order that they can be processed for hot lunch which begins Oct. 1.

On Monday, Sept. 29 at 9:30 am, Father John Appelman will celebrate our first school year mass. All are welcome to join us.

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, a representative from St. Mark will be attending the DuPont Partnership "kick-off" meeting. We will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair workshop at the school library from 4-6 pm.

Yard sale caps Legion Week events

CARDINAL ­ Legion Week activities hosted by Branch 105 wrap up with a yard sale at the Cardinal pavilion this Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8 am to noon. The event will take place rain or shine.

For more information on the sale or to make a donation, call Hazel at 657-8933. The yard sale will be followed by a silent action at 2 pm and a ham supper at 5 pm at the branch.

The Cardinal branch of the Royal Canadian Legion also runs charity bingos at Bingo International in Johnstown each Sunday beginning at 1 pm. Public euchre is played at the Legion every Saturday at 1:30 pm and Thursdays starting at 7 pm.

OBITUARY

W. Gordon Connell, 101

W. Gordon Connell, 101, of Spencerville, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 at Kemptville District Hospital. He had been a patient there for 15 months.

He was born Feb. 26, 1902 on the family farm near Spencerville to Caleb Connell and Mary Raycroft. He married Freda Peterson May 26, 1927 at the Spencerville United Church manse.

He farmed for many years, worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway during its construction, and also worked for the roads department for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Mr. Connell was an avid deer hunter, hunting for many years at Flower Station. He also made numerous trips to various Northern Ontario areas to hunt moose.

He snowmobiled until he was 91, and he also rode a moped. He enjoyed driving around the countryside until age 97, viewing the crops, visiting friends and having coffee at different restaurants in the area.

He was affiliated with the United Church. He was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge at Shanly for 60 years.

Mr. Connell is survived by his daughter, Donna (Don) Thorpe, and son Everett, all of Spencerville. Also surviving is his sister Phyllis Connell of Iroquois, grandchildren, Kelly (Greg) Lightle of Barrie and Sherry (Jeff) Craig of Kemptville; great-granddaughter Katie Craig of Kemptville, whom he adored so much. He was predeceased by his wife, Freda, in 1985; sisters Maud and Lena, a brother Howard in infancy, and a great-grandson, Connel Craig.

The funeral was held Saturday, Aug. 16 at Grant Brown Funeral Home, Purcell Chapel, Spencerville, with Rev. Patricia Swann officiating.

The active pallbearers were Stuart Irving, Joe Hopkins, Steven Henderson, Douglas Moore, Dale Montgomery and Harlow Dukelow. The honorary pallbearers were John O'Dette and Mac Wales. Burial followed at Union Cemetery, Spencerville.

Memorial donations were made to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation.

Sr. A Falcons drop offensive match-up to McFarlands

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team dropped its inaugural exhibition game to the Belleville McFarlands 11-6 Sunday evening at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The Falcons skated well against the much larger Belleville squad, with St. Lawrence's defence at times struggling to match up with Belleville's offensive skill.

"We played fine," said Falcons coach Rick McNair. "We looked good out there, played with one another. We'll have a competitive team out there, that's going to have some fun. We tried out three goalies tonight, testing everyone out using a pre-season game what it's meant for."

Falcons defenceman Jason Hawkins added, "It's only our first game, but there is certainly lots to improve on. We were bad in our own end, but we had good energy. We didn't give up and our work ethic was strong. This was a good sign that we'll be competitive."

St. Lawrence showed its strong offensive potential throughout the game led by Chris Ferguson, who showed both the physical and skilled sides of his game after netting a pair of goals, making a flurry of big hits and later being given a misconduct for his part in a scuffle after a play late in the game.

"We did alright for our first game playing together," explained Ferguson. "We're somewhat pleased, although we don't like the outcome. Being off for two years it's been a bit difficult for me to get back to playing at a high level of intense hockey, but we're practicing two times a week and should be good."

The Falcons took a little time finding their wings as they fell behind 3-0 in the first period, before Marshal Merkely scored St. Lawrence's first ever goal with Bryan Shepherd picking up the assist.

The Falcons narrowed the lead to one as Chris Ferguson was able to steal the puck and muscle his way to the net fighting off a defender to find the corner to score unassisted.

Belleville answered back, but Ferguson once again found the net for his second of the game as he received a long pass from Hawkins to be sent in alone where he beat the McFarlands goaltender to keep things close.

The visitors then took it upon themselves to pepper Falcons goaltender Dan Armstrong to score a pair of goals, after the defence was unable to clear the puck.

In the third period, the McFarlands picked up where they left off in the second, picking apart the Falcons defence to score three more goals in the first seven minutes of the third period.

St. Lawrence's Patrick Pelda helped mount a late comeback try as he scored unassisted when finding the bottom corner after connecting on a slap shot while being hauled down.

Belleville responded with another pair of goals to close out the game, while Shepherd was able to add another for the Falcons, with Brian McCarthy picking up the assist.

Belleville's Randy Uens who had a hat trick was the game's first star, Ferguson was named the game's second star for his pair of goals and Belleville's Ken Chesher was the game's third star.

The Falcons wore South Grenville Ranger jerseys for the exhibition.

Jr. B Rangers open season in first after a pair of wins

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers are red-hot as they started their Rideau-St. Lawrence Jr. B Hockey League regular season with a pair of wins.

The new group of young and hungry Rangers including Americans Adam Tousant, Justin Wiley, Brandon Kelley, Greg Ingerson, Wade Sessions, Jacob Wiley and goaltender Greg Richardson made their impact in South Grenville's opening weekend of play.

The Rangers managed to hold off the Westport Rideaus Saturday for a 6-5 victory in Cardinal, before following up their fast start with a 5-4 overtime road win Sunday against the Athens Aeros. With the pair of wins, South Grenville sits in top spot in their division as the only undefeated team with four points. The Brockville Tikis and Gananoque Islanders are their closest rivals with 1-0-1 records after the first weekend of the
season.

Rangers General Manager Dennis Van Luit liked how the team performed to start the season.

"We have the offence we didn't have last season," said Van Luit. "We have some good players who played hard, but got in
a little bit of penalty trouble. They did well; it's nice to get 11 points up on the board right off the bat after our first couple games."

On Saturday, the Rangers proved to be late bloomers as they scored four third period goals on their way to handing a 6-5 defeat to Westport.

Sessions had a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Ben Bowden, Cahl Gerow, Eric Selleck and Drew Lawrence each added singles in the win.

Alex Rees, returning from playing with the Brockville Braves last season, had three assists, followed by Adam Lawrence (2), Braden Miller (2), Justin Wiley, Kelley, Tousant and Bowden.

Overage goaltender Ben Knapp, acquired from Westport, had a strong game in goal.

On Sunday, South Grenville's Kelley took centre stage scoring two goals including the winner in overtime to lead the Rangers to a 5-4 win over the Athens Aeros.

Kelley opened up scoring for the Rangers with a power play goal, while Ingerson also added a power play marker, while Jacob Wiley and Sessions had the Rangers other goals. Jacob Wiley (2), Rees (2), Gerow, Drew Lawrence and Liam Tyrell each had helpers.

Rookie keeper Greg Richardson managed to keep South Grenville in the game late.

The Rangers will continue their season tonight (Wednesday) in Brockville at 7:45 pm, before hosting Gananoque Saturday at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

Giants junior football team starting season from scratch

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - While South Grenville District High School's senior football team is boasting much more experience, the Giants' juniors will be looking to rebuild.

The consensus of the team is the talent is there; it's just a matter of how fast the team picks up the game and its fundamentals as it gets set to start its season Friday at 2 pm as the Giants host the TISS Pirates.

The junior Giants this year will have a returning core of about six players with the rest of the team being made up of incoming Grade 9 students with no prior football experience.

"We're starting from scratch with the kids," said junior coach Ian Ross. "We're working on tackling, blocking, passing, running and catching. It's just a matter of teaching them all of the fundamentals."

Ross pointed out he is expecting big things from four of his returning players: Kyle LaFlamme, Kyle Tyo, Ryan Killick and Cory Greenwood.

"They'll probably be our key guys this year," said Ross. "They've already started the growing process and have already started to learn the game."

Despite all the newcomers, Ross thinks his team will make some mistakes but still be very competitive.

"I have a feeling they're going to have to find out about their mistakes the hard way," said Ross. "These guys can compete against TISS and BCI, but we're likely going to be in tough against the northern teams."

For his veterans, they're confident in the team and how it will do.

"I think we should have a pretty good team," said Killick, who will be one of the junior team's quarterbacks this season. "We've got a big team and should be able to use that to our advantage."

Returning rush end, Laflamme added, "We definitely know we have a lot of potential. But it's a different team; I think we'll have a strong offence, where last year we were a lot stronger on defence."

With so few players returning with any experience, the veterans are doing their best in helping the new Grade 9s pick up the game.

"It's easier for us to help out the younger guys with their positions this year," said returning cornerback Tyo. "We know a lot more of the defensive plays and can let them know what worked for us."

EFSC holding fall registration

SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club is gearing up for another season as it holds its first registration session tonight (Sept. 24) at the Spencerville arena.

The club's registration session will be split into two days with the first tonight (Sept. 24) from 6 pm until 8 pm and the second from 9 am until noon Sept. 27.

During the registration sessions, the club will also have a selection of used clothing and skates for sale.

The club will once again offer many programs including CanSkate, Skate Canada's National learn-to-skate program. Incorporated in the program is a TotSkate program designed for younger skaters with less time on the ice.

The club will also have Skate Canada's relatively new StarSkate program, which is put forth to provide opportunities for skaters who wish to go beyond CanSkate and further develop their figure skating techniques. The program offers lessons in freestyle, dance and skills for preliminary, intermediate and senior groups. Skaters can also enter the Skate Canada Test Stream to try to progress from the preliminary levels up to the gold level.

The club will also be offering a 22-week CanPowerskate program taught by Spencerville's Allister Brown, which will help enhance balance, power, agility and speed for the hockey player.

The professional coaching staff of Donna Daw, Debbie Seary and Scott Waddell all return, and will be joined by former club members Tara Hickman and Chelsea Lawrence.

The skating sessions will begin October 14, running Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until Mar. 19, the date of the annual ice show.

For more information on the club or its programs contact club President Sandra Lawrence at 658-2777 or club membership chair Sandra McNamara at 258-1646.

SGDHS seniors gain experience at McGill

MONTREAL - The South Grenville Giants senior girls basketball team gained some valuable experience as it played last weekend in a tournament at McGill University.

South Grenville opened up the tournament with a 75-45 loss to CEGEP school Dawson College. The Giants trailed by seven at the half, but weren't able to keep up as Dawson College quickly proved how strong a team they are and the Giants began to
get hit by the injury bug as Julie Ozon injured her knee and
didn't play the rest of the tournament.

"It was very close early on," said coach Joe Latham. "But then Dawson showed us that they were probably going to go to the final, but it was a good experience for us. Ashley Weir shot well for us and Sam Joudoin controlled the ball well, but they were a bigger team and we just couldn't compete."

The Giants rebounded in its second game as they held on for a 55-36 win over St. Joseph of Cornwall.

"We played much better this game," explained Latham. "Alex Ward just had a great game; Shannon Campbell also played well and Erin Heibein really started to take a leadership role with the team."

In its final game, South Grenville was decimated by injury and dropped a 72-58 decision to St. Peter of Ottawa. The Giants trailed 38-33 at the half, but injuries then limited South Grenville's bench.

"We lost a lot of players to injury that game," said Latham. "Amanda Watt hurt her thumb and couldn't play, Alex Ward hurt her ankle, Miranda Kenney hurt her ankle and Sara Watt hurt her ankle and were all out of the game. The girls knew that this was a team they could have beat if they were healthy, so it was tough. It'll be interesting to see if we play them again later this season."

The Giants hosted the Rideau Lions in their regular season opener Tuesday night and will host St. Mary Friday afternoon, with the seniors starting things off at 1 pm and the juniors to follow at approximately 2:30 pm.

The Giants will also be in action as they take part in an exhibition tournament Saturday at St. Mary Catholic School in Brockville. South Grenville is scheduled to start their day against the Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute Redmen
at 10 am, before battling Brockville Collegiate Institute Red Rams at 11:30 am and closing the day with a 4 pm game against the host St. Mary Crusaders team.

Minor peewee Kings score win in season opener

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings managed to split a pair of games to start the season.

The Kings were able to score a 5-3 win Saturday in Spencerville, before travelling to Pakenham Sunday where they lost 10-1 to the Ottawa Valley Titans.

Derek Froats scored in the opening minutes of the first period, but he game battled back and forth, with Tyler Gallinger solid between the pipes.

Other Kings goals came from Jayson Harmer, Cody Johnson, Colin Halladay and Ryan Vincent, while Josh Pitt, Shayne Morden, Casey Crooke, Jordan Moran and Froats added helpers.

Michael McGahey and Cameron Armstrong each had strong performances on the Kings' blueline.

On Sunday, the Kings were outmatched as they lost to the Titans 10-1, with Pitt scoring the lone marker for RSL.

Michael Lalande, Alex O'Neil and Dylan Casselman had strong games defensively.

SGMHA desperately seeking senior officials for 2003-04 season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association is desperate to find more senior officials for the upcoming 2003-04 hockey season.

The officials will referee all ages of minor hockey, but will mostly be responsible for the bantam and midget aged games.

Anyone interested should contact Carolyn Mason at 657-3581.

Prescott Tennis Club holding family pot luck day

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Tennis Club will be hosting a family tennis and pot luck supper this Saturday, Sept. 27.

The event will start at 10 am and run until 2 pm.

New members are welcome, with junior and adults expected to team up for some friendly family competition.

Prescott Curling Club preparing for winter season

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club is gearing up for its fall season.

Things are expected to kick into full gear in October with the regular season starting Oct. 6, the Bern Kirkby Memorial Swing and Sweep Oct. 11, the Opening Mixed Bonspiel Oct. 14-18 and the Little Rocks/Junior Family Day Oct. 19.

The swing and sweep, Opening Mixed Bonspiel and Little Rocks/Junior Family Day are all open to the public, and members, with various skill levels.

The activities are part of the club's annual week of activities to draw in the public and get them involved in the club and learn the sport of curling.

Let us know about upcoming events and achievements

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Journal is interested in promoting local sporting events, recreational activities of interest. Monday is the deadline to submit information.

Call Dave Dickenson at 925-4265.

All content is copyright 2001 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.