VOL. 173, NO. 47~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ November 19, 2003

Commission appeals ruling

OCCOPS challenges court decision approving plan to disband Prescott police

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A court ruling that gives the green light for Prescott to disband its municipal police department is being challenged.

The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) has given notice of its intent to appeal the findings of a three-judge panel that ruled in favour of the town's proposal to disband the Prescott Police Service and enter into a contract with the Ontario Provincial Police. The divisional court decision, which was released Nov. 3, followed a judicial review hearing held in Toronto June 13.

OCCOPS indicated in Dec. 2001 it would not be willing to approve disbandment until certain conditions had been met. The court ruled OCCOPS has no authority to compel the OPP to opt for binding arbitration with Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis. The OPP refuses to offer employment to Davis, a former OPP officer.

With the arbitration matter and other conditions having been met, the court indicated the disbandment shall be granted. The municipality received word of the commission's intention Thursday.

"It is up to our counsel to convince the Ontario Court of Appeal that this is an issue of sufficient importance that they should hear it," stated OCCOPS official Hyacinthe Miller in a release sent to The Journal Thursday.

OCCOPS will have 30 days after giving notice to submit its arguments supporting an appeal of the court ruling. Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said the town would then have 15 days after receiving that position to counter with one of its own.

A three-judge appeals panel would then review the two submissions and decide whether to grant OCCOPS a chance to appeal. If OCCOPS succeeds, a new hearing could be held.

In its notification to the town, OCCOPS did not state the grounds on which it believes the court decision should be challenged.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn told The Journal Thursday he was surprised by the OCCOPS decision to seek an appeal. Lawn attended the hearing in Toronto and has read the court's written decision.

"I thought it was so cut and dried," he said. "I guess it was wishful thinking."

Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville has been asked to obtain additional information pertaining to the policing proposal. Revised cost estimates of an OPP contract as well as maintaining the municipal department might be considered by the incoming council as it decides whether to proceed with disbandment.

The new council begins its three-year term at the beginning of December.

It is expected disbanding the Prescott Police Service would also result in the loss of several civilian positions, most of which are in municipal police and fire dispatch. The town plans to contract out fire dispatch; the OPP has its own communications system.

THIS WEEK

Keep those traffic lights flashing: council

PRESCOTT ­ The traffic lights at the intersection of King and St. Lawrence streets will keep flashing for the foreseeable future, town council decided Monday night.

Councillor Terry McConnell, who was not at the meeting, had asked council recently to consider bagging the lights during the fall, winter and spring. The red, yellow and green signals would then be used during the summer months.

A report by Police Chief Bryan Somerville indicated the town could bag the lights and place stop signs on St. Lawrence Street. However, councillors Nancy McFarland and Jo-Anne Beckstead questioned the need to do so.

"I always liked those lights," McFarland said. "It slows cars coming into town."

Town staff noted they had not been receiving complaints about the flashing lights.

A motion to have Town Engineer Clyde Solomon proceed with amendments to Prescott's traffic bylaw was defeated.

Guitar trio makes return to Prescott Friday night

PRESCOTT ­ The second Fort Town Concert Association presentation takes place this Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, corner of Centre and Dibble streets.

The concert features Around the World with the Montreal Guitar Trio, which consists of Sébastien Dufour, Glenn Lévesque and Marc Morin. The trio is making a return visit to Prescott, having performed at Wiser Hall in late May as part of an inaugural St. Lawrence music and fine arts festival.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling 925-5050.

The Nov. 21 concert is sponsored by Dr. Gauri Shankar (Prescott Chiropractic Centre) and doctors Lance McIntosh and Kim Hansen (Prescott dentists).

Flu shot clinic at school

PRESCOTT ­ It is not too late to get a flu shot this fall.

A free clinic will take place Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District High School. Influenza immunization is also available through family physicians.

Here comes Santa Claus

Annual parade set for Friday night marks half century of fire department tradition

PRESCOTT ­ The guy with the big white beard and red pants will have plenty to be jolly about this Friday night in Prescott.

The Prescott Fire Department is celebrating 50 years of hosting Santa Claus parades, the last several of which have been held at night.

This year's Light Up the Night event will feature marching bands, dozens of floats and other entries and, of course, a visit by Old St. Nick.

Prior to the parade, a spaghetti supper will be served from 4 to 6 pm at the Legion Hall on Henry Street.

The stage show has been replaced by a tree-lighting ceremony that will take place at 7 pm at clock tower square. The blue spruce in the middle of the parking lot will be the focus of the ceremony; several smaller trees on the north and south sides of the lot will also shine as part of what might become an annual tradition that will grow bigger each year.

At about the same time as the lighting takes place, the first entries in the parade will leave the high school parking lot.

As always, the parade will head south on Edward Street, west on King Street and north on St. Lawrence Street. Parade spectators are encouraged to have non-perishable food items with them; volunteers with the annual Spirit of Giving campaign will be at the parade to collect donations.

Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be distributed by Giant Tiger and the Rotary and Lions clubs at three locations along the route: Giant Tiger, Edward Street near Riverside Pontiac-Buick and King Street near the clock tower.

Offering refreshments during the parade will take the place of the post-parade party that would normally have been held at the Legion.

This year's parade co-chairs are Ken Burton and Barry Moorhouse. For last-minute entries, call fire dispatch at 925-4777.

Motorists are reminded to avoid the parade route and the clock tower lot Friday evening.

Brockville's night-time Santa Claus parade will take place Saturday.

Voting by mail gets mixed reviews

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ The vote-by-mail system used in the Augusta Township municipal election for the first time this fall is getting mixed reviews.

The new process that eliminated traditional polling booths is being heralded as the reason for voter turn-out reaching 55 per cent - an 18 per cent increase over the 2000 municipal election.

That is an excellent response, said CAO Sharon Wilkinson, adding any level of government that can claim a voter turn-out of more than 50 per cent is doing very well.

As ballots arrived at the Maynard municipal hall from about mid-October, they were stuffed and locked into 11 ballot boxes. There were approximately 300 ballots in each box, but there was no criteria for sorting. The declaration envelopes was previously separated from the ballot envelopes.

Counting of the ballots was started after 8 pm Nov. 10 at the Maynard municipal hall by 23 election officials and deputy returning officers guided by Wilkinson. Two high school students participated in the counting to earn hours for their community service requirements; Wilkinson expressed regret more students did not come forward to become involved and learn about the election process.

About 35 citizens and Augusta candidates gathered on election night at the Maynard Recreation and Education Hall located behind the municipal building to hear the results.

While there were some grumblings among the crowd about the length of time it was taking to get results, Wilkinson said since a hand-counting system was used, getting the first results in at about 10 pm was reasonable. The winners were known at about 11:15 pm.

In comparison to Merrickville-Wolford which did not have a final count until almost 1 am, Wilkinson said Augusta did quite well.

Not everyone was disappointed by the time frame, however. "It's like a family party. Who cares?" said Gib Wilson while surveying the scene in the hall that had groups of people gathered in conversation and enjoying snacks and coffee provided for the occasion.

Some candidates said they were disappointed by the vote-by-mail system that could not separate ballots according to the area in which a voter lives, as would happen in traditional voting.

"I regret not seeing poll-by-poll results so you could see where your strengths and weaknesses lie," said defeated reeve candidate George Vail.

There was some concern among candidates the vote-by-mail system shortened the campaign period. Defeated deputy reeve candidate Bill Buckler said campaigning had to be more intense and every opportunity had to be used to look for votes. On the plus side, the process allowed those who are home-bound to vote, he said.

However, councillor-elect Pauline Cyr noted candidates were provided with regular updated lists from the township office on who had already voted, so they would know where to concentrate their campaigning.

Darlene Banning, who ran unsuccessfully for reeve, believes people were not given enough warning of the new process and were not well enough informed. She was "amazed" by the number of people who didn't know it was happening. Some discarded their election kit, she said, while others were still looking for a place to vote Nov. 10.

Catholic school board trustee-elect looking forward to upcoming term

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A change in provincial government could be good news for local educators, according to the new Grenville County trustee on the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.

Brent Laton defeated incumbent Tony Jozefowicz by a margin of 947-678 in the Nov. 10 municipal election. Laton, a Prescott resident, will begin serving his three-year term in December.

"I am looking forward to working with the director of education, staff and the new and returning trustees," Laton told The Journal Friday.

The Grenville County trustee represents English Catholic school supporters in Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford. Laton received more votes than Jozefowicz in Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal; Jozefowicz, who has served one term as trustee, came out on top in Augusta.

The trustee-elect said Catholic schools in Prescott and North Grenville "are doing an excellent job" with the resources available. Increasing enrolment shows parents see the quality of education being provided at those local schools, according to Laton. He added one of his goals will be to ensure educators have access to the resources they need, especially in the area of early years literacy.

The prospect of dealing with the Ontario Liberals at the helm in Ontario might be reason for optimism, according to Laton. "I believe the new government is receptive to the needs of educators," he said.

However, Laton added the board must still lobby the government to recognize the special needs of rural boards.

Closer to home, Laton noted several English Catholic school supporters had not been marked as such when they went to vote in the municipal election. In noting the need to ensure accurate voter lists ­ the names of several deceased persons appeared on those lists ­ Laton also stressed the importance of increasing the number of Catholic education supporters.

Joan Hodge was acclaimed as the English public school board trustee for Grenville County. The French public and French Catholic district school board trustees were also acclaimed.

Spirit of Giving campaign is under way

High school students, Kinsmen begin 2003 holiday drive

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Spirit of Giving campaign is set to begin this week, and organizers hope it will be a great year.

Beginning Tuesday, members of the Spirit of Giving club will be canvassing homes in the area for donations to help needy families this Christmas.

The club began at South Grenville District High School in the mid-1980s. It started as a project in Bernie Courier's accounting class. The campaign was repeated the next year, and it became an official school club. After a few years, the response to the campaign was so great, it became too much for the school to handle themselves, so the Prescott Kinsmen decided to get involved.

"We joined forces when it got too big for the school to handle alone," said Dave Travis, a member of the Kinsmen Club.

Some members of Spirit of Giving have been concerned this year due to the increased publicity for the Food For All Food Bank. Some are worried the drives for Spirit of Giving will not be as successful as in the past. Julie Putman, co-president of this year's club, agrees this is possible but isn't too worried about it.

"I think the publicity for the food bank is a good thing because it shows people Spirit of Giving and the food bank are two different things, and they aren't just donating to the same thing twice," she said.

Travis also stated Spirit of Giving forwards all its leftover food items to the food bank.

The students involved in the Spirit of Giving club, which is South Grenville's largest student club with more than 150 members, will be taking part in drives through the South Grenville area to collect non-perishable food items. They will also be accepting cash donations used to purchase items that are added to Christmas boxes distributed in December. The drives are scheduled for the evenings of Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Spencerville, Tuesday. Nov. 25 in Maynard, Thursday, Nov. 27 in Cardinal, Tuesday, Dec. 2 in Johnstown, Thursday, Dec. 4 in Riverview Heights, Tuesday, Dec. 9 in Prescott East and Thursday, Dec. 11 in Prescott West. The club will also have a float in this year's "Light Up the Night" parade, and will be accepting donations then.

South Grenville residents who wish to register to receive Spirit of Giving Christmas boxes can do so Nov. 27, 28 and Dec. 1, 2 and 3 from 1-3 pm at the Kinsmen room in the tennis club building behind Walker House on King Street West.

Limerick Forest hosts seminar on fishers tonight

By Jen Fraser, Journal Co-op Student

LIMERICK FOREST - A series of wildlife seminars will be held at the Limerick Forest Chalet in the upcoming months.

The seminars are a joint effort between the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Grenville Land Stewardship Council and Limerick Forest.

The first session will be tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 19) at 7 pm at the Limerick Chalet on Limerick Road. The presentation on fishers will include some facts and misconceptions about the species.

Sessions to be held in January, February and March will feature the increase of the local deer population, the changing forest and wild turkeys.

There is a nominal fee to attend the sessions.

For more information on the sessions, contact Ed Reynolds at the United Counties at 342-3840 ext. 329 or Jack Henry at the Grenville Land Stewardship Council at 342-8528.

Augusta reeve-elect enthusiastic about prospects

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ It is time to attack the business of running Augusta as a team with sound management, says the reeve-elect of the township.

John McCrea was the favoured candidate of four in the Nov. 10 municipal election to take the top job of reeve, beating out contenders Adrian VanSchie, Darlene Banning and George Vail.

Borrowing a page from the rule book of his political hero Hazel McCallion - the respected 82-year-old longtime mayor of Mississauga - McCrea said he plans to work toward good management and sound financial management, and then get the council to work as a team and buy into that philosophy. That, he said, is the formula to do well.

After the hard-fought campaign in which he felt his strongest opposition was coming from VanSchie, McCrea is ready to jump into the deep end.

"It's like waiting to play sports or go to bat in a crucial situation; let's get at it," he said.

His council brings a variety of experiences and backgrounds to the table that McCrea feels will be an asset to the township. "We're going to be all right," he said, noting Pauline Cyr offers former council experience and a small-business background, John Fischl is a retired corporate executive who can bring a business perspective, and Garry Ferguson is a retired 30-year employee of Augusta's public works department.

Deputy Reeve-elect Doug Barton, the only incumbent on council, is experienced and "down to earth," McCrea said.

Whether train whistles should be eliminated, continuing noise concerns from the Maitland Ultramar plant are lingering issues that also need to be dealt with, he said.

"My concern is safety," McCrea said in regards to train whistles. However, if the majority of council is persuaded by the people and safety is addressed, he said he is obligated to take that with sincerity.

While McCrea cautions he is not trying to straddle the fence with indecision, he said he needs to be convinced it is safe before tossing aside the practice of horn blowing.

McCrea also expects the people want a good government that is open and accessible, and committees are the ideal way to achieve that, he said. "Come to the committees and give us advice," he suggests.

The reeve-elect also advises bringing possible solutions to the council table, rather than just the problem. He pledges residents can expect a response and a position taken within a reasonable time period.

Newcomers ready to serve as voters opt for change

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ As was the case three years ago, the incoming Prescott council will be much different than its predecessor.

Four women ­ more than at any other time in the history of Prescott ­ have been elected to serve on town council. The top three vote-getters for councillor ­ Nancy Lane, Suzanne Dodge and Jo-Anne Beckstead ­ will be joined at the council table by Sue O'Hanlon as well as by Chuck Street and Bob Pelda.

"I feel honoured to serve the people of Prescott," Lane said the day after the election.

The top finisher said she was somewhat surprised only one incumbent (Beckstead) was elected. "I expected incumbents to have an edge," said Lane, who added she is pleased Beckstead won.

Beckstead, who was elected councillor in 1997 and acclaimed in 2000, said she is very appreciative of receiving as many votes as she did. "I felt comfortable about getting back in, but then so did everyone else," she told The Journal.

The councillor believes voters have endorsed the work she has done during the past six years.

O'Hanlon, who placed fifth in her first bid for political office, estimates she visited about 1,200 homes during the campaign. "I was an unknown," said the candidate who moved to Prescott less than two years ago. "But it (the campaign) went very well.

"The people have spoken; they said they wanted change, and now they have change," O'Hanlon added.

Change will not take place overnight and the new council will have tough challenges ahead, she noted. However, O'Hanlon is happy with the people with whom she will be working on council.

Lane noted she heard some "grumblings" during the campaign about the manner in which the town was being run. The introduction of "new blood" to council is "a really good sign" for the future of Prescott, she said. "Obviously, people wanted change."

Even with 12 candidates vying for six councillor seats, voter turnout in 2003 was just 47 per cent. In the 2000 election in which five of six councillor spots were acclaimed, voter turnout was about 52 per cent.

New digs for new council

PRESCOTT ­ Plans to swear in the incoming Prescott council in the newly-renovated Dibble Street municipal building remain on track, according to CAO/Clerk Robert Haller.

The first meeting of the new council will take place Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 pm. The new council chamber is located on the second floor of town hall. The million-dollar renovation project is nearing completion.

Haller told the outgoing council at its final meeting Monday night it is unlikely staff will have moved back to the second floor by the Dec. 1 meeting. An open house is expected later in December.

The departing council dealt with what Haller described in a written report as "another unforeseen problem." The surface of the first floor was found to be "a very unstable asphalt substance;"

it was recommended new ceramic tiles should not be placed on the surface until changes are made.

Council agreed to spend an additional $6,000 to repair the sub-surface by removing it and pouring a proper levelling cement. Haller said by doing so, the project would stay on schedule. Had council opted for repairing the sub-surface and laying a carpet-tile product, there might have been a delay of four to six weeks.

Prescott council also agreed Monday night to award a contract for upgrades to security and monitoring of municipal facilities. Falcon Security was the more expensive of the two quotes obtained by the town, but Community Services Director Randy Pelehos recommended the company because of its ability to recognize problems and offer solutions.

The bid of $7,000 plus monitoring fees of $1,500 includes coverage of town hall, the marina, arena, public works and Walker House. Much of the new equipment will be used at the Dibble Street building.

Prescott says goodbye to departing councillors

PRESCOTT ­ Departing members of Prescott council were thanked Monday night for their contributions to the community.

Councillors Nancy McFarland and Seeley Pillar opted not to seek re-election. Councillors Garry Dewar, Jim French and Terry McConnell were defeated in the Nov. 10 election.

Town staff presented plaques to McFarland and Pillar, the only two departing councillors who attended the Monday meeting. The plaques feature a photograph of lower Prescott shot from the St. Lawrence River.

Community Services Director Randy Pelehos referred to Pillar as "very friendly and pleasant" as well as straightforward and honest.

In congratulating fellow Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead and the other five candidates who were elected councillor last week, Pillar advised them to do "what your heart tells you to do." He added it is an honour and privilege to sit at the council table.

Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller noted McFarland always made an effort to obtain information and work behind the scenes even if she could not attend all the council meetings because of work. For her part, McFarland also said it has been an honour serving on council. She commended those who decided to run for office and thanked staff for their assistance during the past three years.

"I've certainly learned a lot," she said. "Like Seeley says, speak from your heart."

Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby noted French has been finance chair for three years and should be congratulated for this and the other council terms he has served.

"He did always try to hold the line on taxes," Kirkby said. "He put his heart in it."

Mayor Robert Lawn, who was re-elected to a second term, also thanked council members for their service to the community.

St. Andrew's bazaar

PRESCOTT ­ A Christmas bazaar and tea will be held this Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 am to 1 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, corner of Dibble and Centre streets.

Take-out orders will be available. Call 925-3725.

Farmers updated on status of mad cow restrictions

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - More than 40 people showed up Thursday night for an open forum hosted by the Grenville Federation of Agriculture at the Spencerville municipal hall to hear about the status of the beef industry stemming from a single case of mad cow disease in Western Canada earlier this year.

The crowd heard from representatives of Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Division and Ontario Cattlemen's Association about the status of the beef industry and work the government is doing to try and get the industry back to normal.

Nancy Noecker, a beef cow calf specialist with Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture and Food, indicated the government has been working on disease investigations, international efforts, compensation programs and policy changes in the past months and considered it a positive that Canada is one of the first countries not to experience reduced beef consumption after mad cow was reported.

"All the provincial governments have tried to pull together and are working hard to gain access to the U.S. trade," said Noecker. "In August, the U.S. has started to accept some boneless beef products and today the Philippines was the first country to open up to some bone in beef product. It's moving slowly but steadily."

John Newman who is a director on the Ontario Cattlemen's Association board, indicated thousands of people are working on various parts of the program to get Canadian farmers out of the mess they are currently in.

"It's showing that the people of Canada have gotten behind us and have shown their support," said Newman, "but that will fall off, since it is not sustainable. We need a lot more promotion and it's at a time where there is not a lot of money left for promotion. It will take a long time to fully recover from the situation."

Algonquin-area farmer Keith Matthie suggested opening previously closed packing plants was a solution that should be looked at.

"We need to get packing plants open to get rid of old cows," said Matthie. "We also don't need cows coming in from New Zealand and Australia to fast-food places. We need to concentrate on killing facilities and develop our own methods."

Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Spencerville farmer, Geri Kamenz added, "I take great exception that processors are giving us the gears and are lining their pockets at our expense. It's always us saying to the processors 'What do you need' and they're making money off of it, why are they not asking us what we need. In Denmark, the producers own 90 per cent of the supply and 90 per cent of the processing side of things and we don't control anything."

Merrickville-Wolford Mayor Doug Struthers was on hand to take in the event and indicated he believes one of the major problems was relating to the consumer and getting the message out that it affects everyone.

"I was the author of a resolution at the united counties on May 22 in support of the farmers," said Struthers. "I think that a lot of people don't really understand what is going on and aren't exposed to the agricultural impacts in our region. The average consumer will say 'what's the problem.' The average consumer has not picked up that it affects the whole community. We need to get the message out there and above the fold in papers so people know you're not getting a fair show. There should be an onus on the farmers and the media to get the information out there."

Kamenz was pleased with the feedback the meeting provided, but still feels it may not be enough.

"The idea was to give people the latest on where the industry and the program development is at," said Kamenz. "I think a lot of people made some excellent suggestions, but the problem is we will all leave this hall and the things we know need to get done, won't get done."

All hands on deck for a dining experience

PRESCOTT ­ The Rothesay, a 200-foot wooden side-wheeler steamer that sunk in the St. Lawrence River west of Prescott in 1889, has been resurrected in a restaurant across the road.

The Rothesay Restaurant, with a nautical theme and view of the St. Lawrence River, has opened on County Road 2 at Merwin Lane.

Owner and Augusta resident Deborah Roulston has remodeled the building to accommodate a family-style dining experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The restaurant's namesake is the boat that rests mostly intact in about 25 feet of water and is a popular dive site. The Rothesay was launched in New Brunswick in 1868, and was carrying passengers between Brockville and Montreal when she collided with the tug Myra and sank a couple hundred feet off shore at the foot of Merwin Lane.

Diving has always been a curiosity and interest to Roulston, and when she noticed the 8,000-square-foot building available, all the pieces fit together. With a background in cooking and catering for large gatherings, Roulston felt she had a talent for the business.

"I enjoy cooking; I guess that's the Ukrainian in me," she jokes. "When you leave (the restaurant), you'll never say you're still hungry."

The varied menu includes such items as yellow fin tuna and salmon fillet, turkey platters, Angus striploin steak and ribs, and pasta specials. Among the featured appetizers are stuffed mushroom caps, potato skins and breaded clams. There is also a full breakfast menu and a Sunday brunch.

Roulston's mother, Pauline Moodie, bakes all the desserts, which include a selection of pies, cakes, squares and muffins.

The Rothesay has a non-smoking 210-seat dining room that can accommodate banquets or receptions, a dance area and a lounge. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Anniversary celebration is Thursday

BROCKVILLE ­ A celebration evening to mark anniversaries of the diabetes association and its tri-county branch as well as diabetes education programs at St. Vincent de Paul and Brockville General Hospital will take place this Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 9 pm at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 on Park Street in Brockville.

For tickets, call 345-0992.

November is Diabetes Month.

Tea time is today

PRESCOTT ­ The Wellington Rebekah Lodge #108 will be hosting a bazaar and tea Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.

Take-out orders will be available.

See the lights shine at UCV

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We plan to go and see the lights at Upper Canada Village Tuesday, Dec. 16. The bus will leave Walker House at 5:15 pm and return at 9 pm. We have reserved a wagon to take us around the village. Following the ride, we will warm up with soup or supper of your choice at the Harvest Barn. Everyone is welcome to join us. Please call 925-5300 to save your seat.

Members are reminded we have a quiet room-library upstairs. A newspaper is delivered each day. You are welcome to come enjoy a quiet time overlooking the river or borrow books, puzzles etc. for home use.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Richard Kingston; 2nd, Ruth Betsworth; door, Isobel Locke. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Joan Salmon. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; door, Richard Kingston. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Jean McCrady; 3rd, Alice Crowder; door prize, Pat McPhee.

Bazaar at St. Paul's

PRESCOTT ­ St. Paul's United Church will host its Christmas bazaar and luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 26 in the church hall on George Street between Dibble and James streets.

The bazaar will take place from 10 am to 1:30 pm. There will be baked goods, crafts, decorations and other gift items available.

Lunch will be served from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door.

Giant craft show is tops

PRESCOTT ­ A craft show this giant just can't get any bigger, but it continues to grow in popularity.

The 26th annual Giant Arts and Crafts Show held at South Grenville District High School Saturday and presented by the alumni association attracted more than 3,000 people. A precise total of the number of visitors is difficult to attain, since children under 12 do not pay admission and are therefore not counted. About 2,800 adults paid to get in the doors to view the works and purchase the handcrafts from 225 display tables.

The show raised $10,645 - up from almost $10,000 the previous year. Proceeds are returned to the school for such activities as the athletic association, football team and Spirit of Giving campaign.

"We had a really good day," said Judi Baril, who organizes the show along with Joan Hodge. She noted plenty of compliments were received from vendors and visitors. "That's what I deem success; it makes everything worthwhile."

By the end of Saturday, 120 tables had already been booked and sold for next year's show, Baril reported. She expects 170 will have been sold by the end of this week, with all 225 tables taken for 2004 by March. "That's really great news for all of us," Baril said.

Organizers can't increase the size of the show anymore and still provide adequate space for vendors. Three gyms and all main floor hallways of the school are now used. But Baril does launch an extensive advertising campaign each year to attract visitors from the Ottawa, Cornwall and Kingston triangle. Vendors come from across Ontario and Quebec.

Baril had to turn down 60 crafters the week prior to Saturday's show. "People are desperate to get in," she said.

Part of the attraction of the annual show, Baril suggested, is vendors know it is well-organized. "We know what the vendors want and how to attract the customers."

High school Principal Brenda Ramsay commented the show is a win-win situation for everyone involved. The school provides a service to the community, and the community has an opportunity to come into the school. Students are also able to pick up hours to earn their community service credit and earn money for school activities.

Students were involved in helping set up tables, working in the canteen, directing traffic within the building, or by working in the babysitting room, where shoppers could drop off their little ones while roaming through the exhibits.

OPP BRIEFS

Collection box stolen during break-in at Blue Church

AUGUSTA ­ Someone kicked in the front door of the Blue Church late Friday night or early Saturday morning, according to Grenville County OPP. A cash donation box chained to the floor was stolen; the chain was cut. It is believed there was about $10 in the box. Damage to the building is estimated to be about $100.

Anyone with information on the break-in is asked to contact Constable Runciman at the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Two in custody following assault

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Two people were in Kemptville OPP custody Monday morning after Constable Duke responded to an assault call at about 7 am on Tuttle Point Road off North Channel Road. A 34-year-old man who was bleeding from the head and face was transported to Brockville General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A male and female were taken into custody; further details are unavailable as the investigation continues.

Two-thirds of crashes involve deer

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Six of the nine motor vehicle collisions investigated by OPP in South Grenville last week involved deer.

Of the 91 incidents investigated by police, 74 were in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal; the rest occurred in Augusta.

Thieves like snowblowers

KEMPTVILLE ­ Two Prescott stores were not the only ones to lose big-ticket items to theft recently.

Two Yardworks snowblowers were stolen from in front of Canadian Tire in Kemptville sometime between 12:45 and 3 pm Saturday, Nov. 8, according to Grenville County OPP in Kemptville.

Several snowblowers were stolen a week earlier from Canadian Tire and Beach Home Hardware in Prescott.

Driver takes off after car hits building

PRESCOTT ­ Town police are investigating a collision that caused an estimated $3,000 damage to a building at the corner of Edward and Dibble streets.

On Saturday at about 10:42 pm, a car struck the back of 392 Edward Street, the former funeral home and flower shop. The driver failed to stop and report the accident, according to a police news release. The car is believed to be an older-model dark blue metallic Camaro or Trans Am. Constable Ostrander is investigating.

In all, the Prescott Police Service investigated 72 incidents and three motor vehicle collisions during the week of November 10.

Two vans were reported stolen last week. On Nov. 13, a resident of 315 Water Street told police his green 2001 Dodge van (licence plates 792 JVL) had been stolen from the lot behind his building. As of early this week, the vehicle had not been recovered. Constable Foster is investigating. A Montreal resident told police Nov. 14 he had left his 2001 Dodge van in the high school parking lot Nov. 11; when he returned, the vehicle was gone. Montreal police reported Nov. 14 the van had been recovered.

On Nov. 12, police received a report from Family and Children's Services that a four-year-old boy had complained of being assaulted by his father. Police investigated; the father, 21, was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm. The man was held for a bail hearing and later released on conditions to appear in court. To protect the identity of the child, police are not releasing the man's name. Constable Cindy Bisson is investigating.

Constable Lapensee is investigating an assault complaint made Nov. 14 by a female student at the high school.

An overnight break-in at a St. Lawrence Street residence netted three wallets containing $35, personal ID, bank and credit cards. The break-in was reported Nov. 11. Constable Ostrander is investigating.

Damage to a park bench at St. Mark Catholic School was reported by the principal Nov. 12.

Another counterfeit $20 bill has surfaced. On Nov. 14, town police were advised the phony bill (serial EWF5976066) had been received by a King Street business. The investigating officer is Constable Lapensee.

Two pop machines on the grounds of South Grenville District High School were broken into, a caretaker reported to police Nov. 11. The machines were damaged; it is unknown how much money was taken. Constable Ostrander is investigating.

A Churchill Road resident advised police Nov. 15 his vehicle had been sprayed by a fire extinguisher. Constable Davis 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I also admired his knowledge and memory of the issues...
There must be something in the Diet Coke you drink."

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Councillor Peter Martin, referring to departing Mayor Dave Dobbie

Editor's Notebook

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE: Fifty years of maintaining an important community tradition is a significant accomplishment, and current and former members of the Prescott Fire Department who have helped make it happen are to be congratulated. The parade, whether it is on a Saturday afternoon or Friday night, is the biggest social event of the season in this community. Residents and visitors mark the date on their calendars and look forward each year to the event that, in many ways, signals the actual start of the prolonged holiday season.

Weather conditions have proved challenging at times for the firefighters and parade participants who have faced everything from showers, freezing rain and ice pellets to sub-zero windchills and bone-chilling temperatures. However, spirits are rarely dampened as throngs of spectators from home and away line the streets to catch a glimpse of the annual Santa spectacular.

Prescott did not invent the concept of a night-time parade, but it should be noted the folks in Brockville must have been impressed by what town firefighters have been doing ­ the city to the west opted last year to have its Santa Claus parade at night the day after the Prescott event. (The same holds true this year.)

Hats off to the volunteer firefighters who continue to show they serve their community in many different ways.

BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP: The fact four of seven members of the incoming Prescott council are women is an achievement. After all, there have never been so many women elected to town council, and it would be a rare occurrence in just about any other small-town municipality one could name.

Although it would be fair to assume each candidate was elected (or not) based on his or her own merits and those of the competition. Even in 2003 as we have supposedly become so enlightened when it comes to bridging the gender gap, the results of the 2003 municipal election are historic.

Not surprisingly, though, many people are speculating as to when the first "cat fight" will occur.

When men disagree, it tends to be more of a "pissing contest" than a cat fight. As we saw with the soon-to-be former council, there were several occasions when the bickering and pointed comments would have made even the most staunch supporters of free speech to reconsider their position.

Is it unfair to assume four women cannot work together on something like municipal council without an occasional claw coming out? Yes. Is it in example of gender bias and sexism drilled into many of us throughout our lives? Of course.

Will that change the fact some people are waiting for the first cat fight to occur? Probably not.

Tim Ruhnke

In this technology-challenged household, cable is a science

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

We do not live in a technologically- advanced household. We still don't have a fancy phone with an answering machine or even call display. If I want to screen calls, the kids answer.

There is no computer with its fancy gizmos, but I do have a perfectly good electronic typewriter that comes in handy late on Sunday nights when one of the kids suddenly has a report due the next day. That trusty standby will do nicely until the ribbons, daisy wheel and correction tape are obsolete. Hmm, maybe I should stock up now while these essentials are still being made.

The pressure is on to acquire a computer, but you can't just have a computer. You need the printer - colour is best - and Internet and e-mail to complete the package.

In the meantime, the public library is a stone's throw away, and if homework is scheduled according to the library's hours, those systems work quite nicely.

In an age when many people have moved on to satellite TV or some other newfangled technology, or just cancelled out on TV entirely, what we have now - for better or for worse - is cable TV. To our favourite movie rental store manager: this is why we don't see you as often anymore.

Signing up for cable seemed like a sensible plan. We would save money in the long run by not renting movies, and I would get to watch the news all the time. Wishful thinking.

If I raise a protest loud and long enough, I can slip in a few minutes of news over supper and skip the lousy cartoon shows that were the reason for cancelling cable several years ago and which the kids think they'll die over if they don't watch. This is when they troop upstairs to watch the smaller and slowly fading older TV upstairs.

In these rare and brief times when I have the TV to myself or almost, I tightly grasp and hoard the remote. If the news is over, I start surfing about, secretly scanning each station quickly for MASH and Gilligan's Island reruns. Now that was TV; none of the nonsense and garbage that kids are growing up with these days. Doesn't that just sound like a parent? Give me a good documentary or Get Smart any day.

At the very least, I feel more in the loop now. When others talk about a particularly memorable commercial or some new reality show, I sort of know what they're talking about, even if I don't care.

Now I just need to figure out how to turn the TV on and off using the remote.

Badminton season opens in 1933 with a tournament and tea

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 16, 1933

* Forty entrants took part in the Prescott Mixed Doubles Badminton tournament in the town hall. Following the tournament, tea was served by the entertainment committee with Mrs. Harold Johnston, Miss Elizabeth Elliott and Miss Dorothy Barry as hostesses. This marked the official opening of the Prescott Badminton Club for the season of 1933-34. The prizes for the evening's play, presented by Mr. G. McCarthy, were won by Miss Hildred Hall and Mr. William Plumb. The captains of the ladies and men's teams were responsible for the success with which the play was run.

Nov. 19, 1953

* An audience of some 200 persons enjoyed the opening film festival of the Prescott Film Council, shown in the public school auditorium. The showing is the first of a contemplated series of such events designed to acquaint the people of Prescott with the facilities the council has to offer, and to give people an evening of educational entertainment. Five films were shown by A.G. Halliday, projectionist, and were introduced by M.E. Dickey, president of the council

Nov. 20, 1963

* The third annual Riverview Heights Ratepayers Association Ball was held at the Prescott Golf Club with proceeds in the aid of the building fund of the community centre. The large number of guests was welcomed by Donald MacLeod, president of the association.

The outstanding event of the evening was the winning of a fur Kolinsky stole by Mrs. Donald Irvine, valued at more than $150. The stole was immediately re-donated by Mrs. Irvine to be raffled off for further assistance to the community centre fund.

Nov. 16, 1983

* SG Giants coach Bill Carlyle was given the traditional victory ride on the shoulders of Brent Dobbie and Terry Weststrate after the football team claimed LGESSA honours in Brockville. The Giants ended nine years of Brockville domination and crushed the TISS Pirates 28-6. Not since 1974 when the LGESSA Football League was formed has the championship been won by a team outside of Brockville. This marks SG's first LGESSA football title.

Nov. 17, 1993

* Drivers in Prescott had better plan to slow down as the town considers an updated traffic bylaw that would reduce the speed limit on town streets from 50 to 40 km/h. "Council is considering this reduction to address the speeding problems on Churchill Road and King Street East," said Mayor Tom Doyle. The bylaw is expected to be introduced at the next council meeting.

After many moves, new TV set finds its place - do not adjust this set

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

We are overwhelmed! After only one week and four complete attempts to redecorate our seniors' site (aka Curmudgeon's Cave) we have found a place for pleasant viewing for our new 52" HDTV, a place for resting and sleeping in close proximity to our palatial powder room, and an uninterrupted, 12-foot line of vision from our easy chairs (one for the Yorkies and one for the Old Yorker) to the TV. The antique arm chair we use as our half-way approach to the clothes closet and our bulky, big armoire that collects mostly uncollectables and king size golf shirts, have not found spaces that disrupt our wall art and thermostat displays, but we are assured that, after four complete configurations they are as close to having a permanent home as they ever will.

And we have been told we should be pleased that our treadmill, desk, filing cabinet, computer desk, printer and shredder, all fit rather unobtrusively in front of a north window so we can hear the train "toots" while we do research on our next book, "Murder on the Bisseltown Freight".

*****

The only obstacle left to overcome is the weekly TV guide that comes with our Saturday daily newspaper. We almost panicked when we saw we now had access to several hundred channels, but we were calmed by technowife who made up a list of channels and corresponding numbers for our viewing pleasure. Only thing we'll miss will be the two or three Detroit TV stations with their "Murder of the Day" which COGECO insists we need. A real plus is that we can now receive the main news station from Seattle, WA, which means that when we now call our family out there we can have a two-way Canadian conversation, i.e. both their weather and ours.

*****

We want to pass along our thanks and congratulations to all South Grenville candidates, successful and unsuccessful, who ran in last Monday's municipal elections. And we are not going to criticize those voters who did not show enough interest in the November 10 election, not only here, but across the province. The turnout in the South Grenville area ran between 35 and 55% of the eligible voters, but this is not bad when we consider the diluted spending authority allotted local councils over the past decade. They probably only have control over 10 or 15% of their actual budgets.

*****

Of all three types of balloting that we monitored in this past election, the vote by mail was probably the most convenient for the voters, and the best in terms of voter response. For the record: Prescott, 47%, down from 52%; Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, 40.8%, down from 43.7%; Augusta, 55%, up from 37%. Prescott and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal voted in the traditional manner, while Augusta voters voted by mail.

*****

Two neighbouring municipalities, North and South Dundas, used the CanVote system of balloting whereby voters exercised their franchises by either telephone or computer. North Dundas experienced a disappointing voter response of only 47%, while South Dundas, which had a 58% vote by mail in 2000, boosted that to 59% with the CanVote system this year.

South Dundas consists of the former townships of Matilda and Williamsburg and the villages of Iroquois, Williamsburg and Morrisburg, and boasts some close connections to Prescott. The municipal CAO is Andrew Brown of Cardinal, former Prescott CEO, and the long-time mayor and now a councillor, Johnny Whitteker, is the father of SGDHS principal Brenda Ramsay. South Dundas's 59% voter turnout is close to, if not a record, in Ontario, and in being returned to office as a councillor, Mr. Whitteker will mark his 50th year in municipal politics in Williamsburg Township. He has just served a three year stint as Mayor of South Dundas and was re-elected to council. Most of the 47 years he spent on the Williamsburg council were as township reeve.

*****

We remember 30 years ago referring in this column to the Grey Cup weekend as the Grand National Drunk and Canada's most unifying annual celebration. Even before we had uncorked our first 26 of Wiser's Deluxe for the weekend we had been fully chastised for even mentioning the words Canadian and drunks in the same sentence.

It was about that time, however, that sobriety began to sneak its foot in the door of wild weekend celebrations, because it was just 21 years ago that our neighbour and good buddy, Dangerous Walter, sat through a Grey Cup game we could both remember the next day. This was brought to mind Sunday as we sat in a comfortable chair in a warm room, watching the Grey Cup on a 52-inch screen, which afforded a better view of the game than the score or more games we had been accused of attending in person.

But back to the past! Word had gone out across the land and throughout Riverview Heights that there was to be no more smoking within the confines of 44 Alta Vista, which called for alternative action. We had a small colour TV set on our kitchen counter which we could see through the kitchen window. Only problem was the window was eight feet above the patio.

Not to worry; we lugged our step ladder from the garage, placed a cushion on the top step, arranged our bar and cigars on the window sill, turned up the sound, cranked open the windows and it was almost like watching Hamilton and Winnipeg in one of their classics of 50 years ago.

Five minutes to kick-off we were joined by Dangerous Walter and his step ladder, his du Mauriers and empty glass. There we were, just the two of us on the 55-yard line, wondering what the rich people were doing that evening.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Junior and intermediate students enjoyed collecting items for the Christmas shoe box program. Packages were picked up by our community volunteer, Rocky, to be delivered to Ottawa where they will be sent overseas.

Two fundraising activities are now under way. Our Grade 6 students are selling tickets for their Christmas Basket Raffle in support of their planned trip to Ecole de Neige early in the new year. First prize is a gift basket, second prize is a pair of Senator tickets. The Grade 7 and 8 students will be selling Avon Christmas ornaments to raise funds for their trip to Quebec in May 2004.

Mr. LeBlanc's students organized the Remembrance Day assembly in which our choir participated. The following students were recognized for social and academics: Jessica Houweling, Shawn Patterson, Kyle Biscope, Abi Coville, Jordan Marshall, Meghann Shedrick, Norman Aubin, Michael Lafrance, Harley Kennedy, Andrew White, Zack Fleming, Tara Ditchburn, Dylan Sanger, Amber Kunde, John Jackson, Josie Dudley, Luke Jansen, Lyndsay Coville, Kristine Harwood, Kaci Carter, Amanda Dailey, Dillon Stoddard, Amanda Hurford, Gilbert Pankhurst, Taylor Lane, Shannon Shackles, Miranda Stubbs, Shannon Hargreaves, Lauren Carter, Brittany Anderson-Boyce, Karlee Daynes, Megan Birtch, and Dana Stephenson.

Report cards go home Nov. 24, and student-led conferences will be scheduled for later in the week.

Hot lunch this Friday will be Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: So far, November has been a busy month at Centennial '67/North Edwardsburgh.

We are presenting two family literacy nights for children and parents of Kindergarten and Grade 1. These workshops teach parents how to read with their children and foster good writing skills.

On Nov. 11, out students observed Remembrance Day in services at both schools. Mrs. Miriam Woodland trained the student choir at Centennial that took part in the community ceremony. Our student council representatives laid a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of all the students.

Report cards are being prepared and will be sent home Tuesday, Nov. 25. Parent-teacher-student interviews will take place Thursday evening, Nov. 27 and Friday morning, Nov. 28. Please call the school secretary to book an appointment.

Intermediate volleyball practices are continuing, and the teams are playing in competitions with other local schools. We are proud of our teams' efforts and their sportsmanship.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to the following Good Samaritans at St. Joe's for the week of Nov. 10: Hope Dalton, Holly Crozier, Bobby Kimmerly, Andrew Dick and Kelleagh Moore.

Father Appelman has been busy at St. Joe's visiting classrooms and hearing confessions. Before we know it, Advent will be here.

We were pleased to welcome Mr. Greg McNally, our director of education, to St. Joe's on Friday, Nov. 14. Mr. McNally toured the school and spoke to many students and staff members.

DuPont Canada "Science Helps Us!" posters are due Nov. 24. Students are enthusiastic! Dupont is sponsoring this poster contest.

Report cards will be going home Wednesday, Nov. 26. Parent-teacher interviews will take place Thursday, Nov. 27 from 4 to 6 pm and from 7 to 8 pm and on Friday, Nov. 28 from 9 am to noon.

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to St. Joe's Nov. 26, 27 and 28. See you there!

Parents, please remember to pick up your McMillan's order at St. Joe's from 10 am to noon Saturday, Nov. 22.

St. Mark Catholic School: Our first term is drawing to a close, and teachers are busy preparing report cards. Interview slips have been sent home and should be returned as soon as possible in order to book a first-term parent-teacher mandatory interview. Report cards for JK/SK A students will be issued Monday, Nov. 24 and on Tuesday, Nov. 25 for JK/SK B to Grade 3 students.

Sunday, Nov. 23 is Feast of Christ the King. The first week of Advent is Sunday, Nov. 30.

Our All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Unstuck Strategies: Move On."

Hot lunch this week is hot dogs.

South Edwardsburg Public School: We welcome Alicia Selleck, our co-op student from South Grenville DHS.

On Thursday, our "B" Kindergarten class, and Friday our "A" Kindergarten class, will visit the police station, fire station, post office, and the Coast Guard in Prescott.

Report cards go home Monday, Nov. 24. School council will host a Scholastic Book Fair Nov. 26 from 9 am to 3 pm and again Nov. 27 from 9 am to 8:30 pm. We welcome all family and community members.

Congratulations to Austin Tetreault, October's newsletter winner.

Hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Speak up now or lose dedicated police force

The Editor;

I have been following the news of the possible but probable disbanding of the Prescott Police Service.

Having been born and raised in Cardinal, I can say that having the services of your own police force is something you will appreciate but unfortunately it will be after it is gone. I feel safe saying residents of Cardinal do miss having their own police force, but with monopolizing provincial regulations in place today, Cardinal would have eventually switched due to cost alone.

Most people in Prescott I have spoken to are certainly proud of the police they can call their own, and the dealings I have had with the Prescott Police Service have been very positive and professional. The whole idea of having officers who know the community and people they serve and have a civilian staff that knows you by voice when you call, and know where they are dispatching police and as well fire personnel is a very unique service to have.

People of Prescott who are sitting on the fence about the whole idea of disbandment should pick up their phones and call someone they know or just do a random phone call to Kemptville or Carleton Place and ask them if they are happy with the current level of policing they are receiving from the Ontario Provincial Police. Cardinal would not be a fair comparison since they are not paying for the level of service Prescott will be if it goes through. When a municipality is used to having the services of their own dedicated police force, anything less in police services will never be accepted as enough, and when it is gone it will never return.

In closing, I hope those in Prescott will not wait until the bitter end to voice their opinion to council but will act now. You have been fortunate to have the services of your own dedicated police service and a dedicated civilian staff to call your own. Are you as residents prepared to give up a service as valuable as this?

Robin Yandeau
Augusta Township

Ward 1 is not just Cardinal

The Editor;

During the election campaign, I received literature from all three candidates for councillor in Ward 1 of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. All of them seemed to stress the point that they wanted to represent Cardinal.

Now that two of them have been elected, I hope they will remember that they represent Ward 1, not just the village of Cardinal. Some of your constituents are out here on the rural roads, guys.

Elaine Johnson
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal

Heritage plants selected for municipal building

By Astrid Strader, Project Controller, Horticulturalist and Garden Designer

Christmas is in the air ­ we've been involved with getting lights and decorations up downtown and finishing off the parkette on the old Daniels' Hotel lot. The buzz is in the air ­ Santa is coming to town this Friday and we're excited to be putting our own float together for this year's special 50th anniversary of the annual Light Up the Night Santa Claus Parade.

We've done all we can for the front of the municipal building this year. It is definitely not finished but with all the rain we've had, our plants will be better able to survive the transplant. You're probably wondering what has been planted there? I can visualize the finished look but certainly appreciate that, right now however, it is looking rather poorly.

Seeing that the building was built in 1930, I set out to research plants and gardens of that time. Among others, I came across a wonderful book called Early Canadian Gardening, by Eileen Woodhead, published by McGill-Queen's University Press. In the end, I came up with a planting scheme, which you could call heritage and native ­ an example of garden plants from Eastern Ontario from 1900 to 1935.

I found it interesting that at the turn of the century there was a movement happening to green our urban centres. Sounds strange for lush Ontario? But industrialization wiped out trees and plants from our urban centres and people were getting sick of the barren, harsh effects of this ­ physically and emotionally.

Many of the beautiful native flowers and shrubs, which were not known to the European settlers, started to be favoured. Still, there were plants from the homeland that were peoples' favourites and they would become a part of the garden too.

We dug up natives from the Mac Johnson Nursery: highbush cranberry, silverberry, red osier dogwood, and serviceberry. We bought more from the Ferguson Forest Centre: pagoda dogwood, silky dogwood, june berry, red elderberry, nannyberry, mugo pine, and chokecherry. Others we included: pyramid cedars, shrub rose, fragrant sumac, hazelnut, meadowsweet and jonquils (sweet daffodils).

One of the greatest discoveries was the Old Field Habitat Garden and Wildflower Nursery, in Oxford Station. Here, native plant enthusiast Philip Fry supplied us with helianthus, tiarella, mitella, red and white trilliums, monarda, bloodroot, pearly everlasting, hollyhocks, sanguisorba, burnet, culvers roots, solidago, St. John's wort, and columbine Canadensis. I can't wait until I see the trilliums glow in the spring. Did you know it takes seven years from seed for a trillium to bloom?

We thank the generosity of Sue Hiltz, Prescott Blossoms supervisor, for donating heliopsis and purple coneflower.

Oasis Gardens (my own) donated nursery stock: purple iris, everlasting peas, phlox, orris root, lemon balm, violets, rose campion, ribbon grass, hemerocallis, lily of the valley, peonies, chives, sage, hyssop, artemisia absythium, malva and larkspur.

All the plants, except evergreens, are dormant for the winter now ­ but it won't take long come May when the whole garden frontage of the municipal building will spring to life ­ maybe that's why it's called spring?

Mayor gives friendly farewell

COUNCIL NEWS

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Outgoing Mayor Dave Dobbie was given a friendly farewell and thanked by council and staff Monday night.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald started things off by thanking the mayor for his support and wishing him the best in the future.

Ward 2 Councillor Peter Martin also got up and thanked the mayor and addressed the positive features he brought to the council table.

"I have to congratulate you on your 11 years you've served," said Martin. "I really admired your leadership and knowing people on a first-name basis and your attention to detail."

Martin also joked about the mayor's drink of choice at the council table.

"I also really admired his knowledge and memory of the issues," said Martin. "There must be something in the Diet Coke you drink."

Dobbie thanked everyone for their kind words and addressed his time as mayor and the future of the township.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at the helm of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal," said Dobbie. "We were lucky enough to tap into the infrastructure money and among the things we've used that money for include a new ice surface at the rink back here, three new bays at the Pittston garage and the paving of considerable amounts of roads."

Dobbie indicated the past few years have been challenging, with the downloading from the provincial government and de-amalgamation and hopes council will keep an eye on it in the future.

"I would hope council will keep an eye open at what happens in Kawartha Lakes," said Dobbie. "You should keep an eye open on what the province will allow them to do."

Dobbie indicated he believes his best decision with council was the purchase of the ports, which he claimed was very profitable and has about $3 million in the bank. The outgoing mayor also indicated his worst decision with council was very clear.

"I think everyone knows what that is," said Dobbie. "We did have a gun to our head with amalgamation and we should have held out like Westport. They're thriving and they're smaller than Cardinal. There is a lot of resentment out there and it's too bad. Amalgamation has ruined friendships and that shouldn't be."

Dobbie reiterated this is the end of his role in municipal politics, claiming he will take the route of old reeves from the township.

"You won't see me at council meetings, here stirring up issues," said Dobbie. "Reeves have always seemed to just walk away and blend into the crowd."

Dobbie ended his last meeting as mayor advising council not to look back, because if they do then they will never move ahead.

The journey begins

Almost 1,200 shoe boxes make their way to needy children

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL ­ The journey is just beginning for 1,189 shoe boxes filled with small treasures for children in countries ripped apart by disease, war, poverty and other disasters.

Saturday morning, the boxes piled into the back of a truck to be distributed to children through Operation Christmas Child, a program of Samaritan's Purse, an international religious charity.

Churches and individuals in South Grenville and South Dundas took part in the project organized in this area by Cardinal resident Donna Patrick. This is the fifth year she has organized the project; to date, almost 5,400 boxes of gifts have been collected locally, with St. John's United Church in Cardinal acting as the distribution and collection centre.

Since the international program's inception in 1993, more than 18 million children have received a seasonal gift box; for some, it is the only gift they ever receive. The boxes are filled with small toys, stationery items and personal hygiene articles.

In previous years after the boxes were collected, Patrick noted she would say a prayer for their safe delivery and for the children. "The exciting part for me - my journey doesn't stop when the doors close on the truck this year. My journey is just starting."

In January, Patrick and a team of other Canadians, including several doctors and nurses who will provide medical assistance, will travel to Mexico to be part of the shoe box distribution.

"It's just so incredibly exciting to be part of the distribution," Patrick said. People understanding the process of getting the treasure boxes from the home where it is filled to the volunteers who arrange for its delivery, and then to the needy children is an important part of the project, she added.

She has been able to raise the $2,100 needed to cover her expenses for the week-long trip to Mexico and four other states, including Michoacan, Tlaxcala, Oaxaca and Morelos. "Everybody helped so much," she said.

Truck stop seeks sewer connection

SPENCERVILLE - Township council is considering granting permission for 730 Truck Stop to transport and dispose of water waste in the Cardinal sewer system.

Council reported it had received correspondence from Trow Associates Inc. requesting special permission on behalf of the business to transport and dispose of waste in the sewer system.

The correspondence indicated the request was due to a failure of the existing on-site septic system and it is along the same lines as the ongoing discussions regarding an extension of the sewage system to the 730 Truck Stop.

The committee was agreeable to looking at the options for disposal, despite there being several outstanding matters to be resolved.

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated the truck stop had put in a peat moss system years ago, and it is not working as well as they had hoped.

"Most of the waste coming from the truck stop would be water from the showers," said Dobbie. "The plant in Cardinal has the capacity to treat it and besides there is also the lagoon in Spencerville. For a business which pays such considerable taxes in the township, we should look at the options; also, it could be a revenue generator for the plant or lagoon."

Dobbie indicated there is still a lot of work required to be done before anything could happen, but pointed out Cardinal may be able to use this to offset some of the costs of the upgrades to the water treatment plan.

Water meters scrapped

SPENCERVILLE - The tenders for the purchase and installation of water meters in Cardinal have been thrown out, it was reported at Monday's regular council meeting.

At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Public Works Environmental Services Committee voted to reject all tenders submitted for the project and that the municipality not proceed with the project.

The decision was made after the committee went in-camera to discuss the matter.

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated Monday the decision was made for a few different reasons.

"First of all, all the meters are a certain brand and when the committee did tenders, we took a tender package from another municipality," said Dobbie. "Our meters are Neptune and it was quoted as Neptune or comparable meters and we want all the meters to be the same."

Dobbie indicated Bill 175, which would require a user-pay system such as water meters, had not been passed by the Ontario legislature.

"It hasn't received royal ascent yet," said Dobbie. "But I believe it will within the next couple years."

Township hall office staff appointed

SPENCERVILLE - Township council passed a bylaw at Monday's regular council meeting to appoint an assistant to the CAO/deputy clerk.

Mayor Dave Dobbie indicated council had chosen Debbie McKinstry to fill the position. McKinstry has done reception, clerical and secretarial work in the municipal office in Spencerville, as well as previously working at the Township of Rideau.

Kawartha votes to de-amalgamate on election ballots

LINDSAY - The amalgamated municipality of Kawartha Lakes voted in favour of de-amalgamation as part of the Nov. 10 municipal election.

The township of Kawartha Lakes was given permission to pose a non-binding de-amalgamation question on the ballot by former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Chris Stockwell. By a margin of 16,802-15,918, voters opted in favour of a two-tier form of government with one upper-tier and 16 lower-tier municipalities.

The Progressive Conservative Government had denied a similar ballot for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal after Mayor Dave Dobbie sent a letter requesting a de-amalgamation vote for the township. The request was denied.

High demand for volunteers

BROCKVILLE ­ Calling all volunteers: your services are needed more than ever.

The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville is actively recruiting people who are willing and able to help one of the 140 non-profit agencies in the united counties area.

Cheryl Marshall, the bureau's executive director and a resident of Prescott, estimates 98 per cent of those agencies are currently seeking volunteers. "There is a real need right now," she told The Journal Friday.

Marshall succeeded long-time executive director Betty Haley, who retired earlier this year.

Volunteers are being recruited in the Prescott area. Everything from driving people to medical appointments, visiting seniors and working in offices and with computers is in demand. "There is just a real variety of things," Marshall noted.

One of her duties is to interview prospective volunteers, get a handle on their interests and which skills they have and refer the people to an appropriate agency that can make use of those skills. Marshall said she meets with prospective volunteers in their home communities; for example, she conducts interviews at the health centre in Prescott.

The volunteer bureau is funded in part by the United Way of Leeds and Grenvillle. Money is also raised through bingos in Brockville, the annual Mayors Walk and donations from foundations, groups and individuals.

To sign up for the volunteer bureau, call 342-7040 weekdays or visit the office at 42 George Street in Brockville.

The bureau's new Web site ­ www.volunteerleedsgrenville.com ­ will officially be launched Dec. 5, which is International Volunteer Day.

British director coming for Shakespeare festival

PRESCOTT ­ A British director will guide the main production at next year's St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott.

Sonia Ritter, who has worked with Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London and The Royal Shakespeare Company, will direct The Comedy of Errors when the second annual festival is presented at the amphitheatre on the waterfront at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour.

The 2004 Shakespeare festival will run from July 12 to Aug. 7.

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company has also announced it will offer a second production ­ Playhouse Creatures ­ as part of the 2004 festival.

Ritter, a director and actor, is the first guest artist coming to Canada under a program driven by British-based The Windchill Factor, an initiative that enables artists from Canada and Britain to experience cultural differences in each other's countries.

"Sonia, with her extensive educational experience with Shakespeare will offer a unique opportunity for professional actors in Canada," stated Deborah Smith, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival founder and artistic director.

The festival's inaugural season, which ran from June 26 to July 25, drew a total of just under 2,000 visitors to the St. Lawrence company's performances of The Tempest.

Community choir prepares annual Christmas concert

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Community Choir will be holding its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7 pm at St. Andrew's-St. James Presbyterian Church in Cardinal.

The 26-member choir will be performing Christmas carols and music in a mix of four-part harmony and duets.

The choir will be under the direction of Carol Morris, who has headed up the choir for the past seven years.

Euchre and darts top activity list

The Cardinal Legion is preparing for a busy week of activities including euchre and darts.

The Legion will be sponsoring a public euchre session Saturday. Games will start at 1:30 pm with a nominal fee to participate.

Ladies darts will take place tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 19) at 7 pm, with euchre to be held Thursday at 7:30 pm and mixed darts Friday at 7:30 pm

SGDHS volleyball teams eliminated at EOSSAA

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

ERNESTOWN - The South Grenville Giants junior boys basketball forced the host Ernestown team to a third set before being defeated in the final of the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association junior boys volleyball final last Tuesday.

"We did extremely well, especially since we didn't know what to expect going in," said coach Derrick Byrd. "It was somewhat disappointing coming so close, but we showed how strong we are. Ernestown has won it the last four years in a row and they had a gym full of their fans and we had three parents there cheering us on, but they self motivated and fought hard and we're really pleased."

Junior player Jeff Connell added, "It was a little tough since we were so close. We could have played better, but we're happy with what we did accomplish."

The Giants, who lost to Ernestown in straight sets
25-19 and 25-11 in pool play, rebounded to go undefeated
with a pair of straight set victories over Plantagenet 25-17 and 25-14 and Renfrew 25-21 and 25-16.

The four wins were enough for the Giants to qualify for a re-match with Ernestown in the final.

South Grenville got off to a strong start in the first set of the final, exposing weaknesses in a strong Ernestown defence to take 25-20 win and a 1-0 lead in sets.

Ernestown rebounded to tie the match at one set apiece after scoring a 25-10 victory in the second set, forcing a third and deciding set.

After a series of long rallies and good defensive play Ernestown managed to score a 15-9 victory to take the title and force the Giants to settle for the silver.

Byrd was quick to compliment his players on their performances.

"The guys really came together at the right time," said Byrd. "Nathaniel Hayes played well at middle blocker, Chad Campbell and Scott Hall played excellent defence and they're not known for their 'D', Chris Hall provided leadership for us and setter Stephen Jodoin just got stronger as the day went on. Our Grade 9 kid Josh Parsons did really well, attacked the ball and just had a good all round effort."

Connell, who will be moving up to senior next year, hopes to get the chance for a little revenge.

"I'm going to try out for the seniors next year and I hope I make it so I can go back next year," said Connell. "I really want to beat Ernestown."

Seniors fall in EOSSAA semi-final

South Grenville's senior boys volleyball team had a strong showing Thursday in Carleton Place as it made it to the semi-finals before losing in an emotional three-set heart breaker to the tournament host Carleton Place.

"It was very disappointing," said coach Kevin Devaney. "We had a better team than last year; we just let their emotion get into the game. We did great in the round robin and we couldn't have come into the game in a better mind set, but they just (Carleton Place) ran on the emotion and it really helped their team out. The boys were just distraught after the loss."

Giants player Andrew DeDekker added, "We just fell apart when the crowd got into it. Our defence played well and we always seemed to be in the right spot all day, but I think by the time we played Carleton Place we were a little tired and over-confident and it hurt us."

The Giants took the first set 26-24, but then let the Carleton Place crowd into the game as they dropped the second set 25-23 and tie-breaker 15-10.

South Grenville had cruised through pool play with a perfect 4-0 record defeating Renfrew 25-18, 25-17 and Le Citadel of Cornwall 25-11, 25-23 to advance to the semi-final.

Despite the disappointment with the semi-final defeat, Devaney was happy with the kids and their willingness to adapt.

"All of these kids are great, they really are a great group of kids," said Devaney. "But I really have to recognize Mike Ayerst. He played the middle for us after we lost (Ryan) Fischer and this is only his second year of volleyball ever. He's a great guy and a smart athlete always working hard to improve. Another was (Andrew) DeDekker who played really well having to learn a new position in three days notice, and Mike Armstrong who did a good job as setter in his first year of senior."

Devaney expects good things as he looks ahead to next year.

"We have a good core that will be returning so we should be untouchable," said Devaney. "I hope we go on to win OFSSAA like I know we can."

Giants junior basketball team falls short in LGSSAA final

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants came on strong late in its game against the St. Mary Crusaders Friday night to fall just short of the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association junior girls basketball championship.

The Giants battled nerves to start the final, falling behind to the Crusaders 10-3 at the end of the first quarter.

South Grenville began to settle down in the second quarter to narrow the lead to 11 points by halftime to trail 20-9.

South Grenville came out aggressive after half time as Lyndsay Biccum and Sara Watt caught fire providing a strong one-two punch for the Giants to end the quarter at 28-21.

In the fourth quarter, Watt got on a tear taking control of the game's tempo to pull within three points, before a series of fouls and travelling calls allowed St. Mary to begin to pull away.

St. Mary managed to finish off the game 39-29.

In its semi-final match-up last Tuesday, the Giants rolled 49-26 over a strong TISS Pirates team.

South Grenville got off to a quick start in the game taking an 11-7 lead into the second quarter, before getting on a roll to extend its lead 26-12 at half time.

The Giants defence was equally as stingy in the second half, allowing only 14 points by the Pirates to win the game handily.

Sarah Perrin led all scorers with nine points, followed by Kerri Neddow, Sara Watt and Kaitlyn Ashby who each chipped in nine.

In the senior girls basketball final South Grenville dropped a heartbreaker as a Giants player committed a foul on a North Grenville player who sank the basket and ensuing free throw for a three point play.

Seniors lose semi-final match-up

South Grenville's senior girls basketball team fell into hard times as it dropped a 35-32 decision the North Grenville Knights in Kemptville.

The Giants had some difficulties early, scoring only ten points in the first half of the game.

Coach Joe Latham was hoping for a better performance from the team.

"The girls played nervous," said Latham. "Shots we'd normally make were nowhere close to being in."

Despite the rough outing, Latham did see positives in his team's play.

"It was probably our best game of the year defensively," said Latham. "It was just that nobody could put the ball in the basket."

Ashley Weir led the Giants with nine points, while Samantha Joudoin added six and Alex Ward added four.

South Grenville District High School will now play host to the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championship today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday), with the Giants receiving a wild-card berth into the tournament for the sixth seed.

"It's looking like we'll get one more shot," said Latham last Thursday. "I called some of the other coaches up Kingston way we played against and they agreed we're a stronger team."

Despite the early exit in the LGSSAA semi-final, Latham is hopeful for the EOSSAA championship.

"The three LGSSAA teams which will likely be in the tournament stand a really good possibility of winning the title," said Latham. "We're probably the three strongest teams in there."

Jr. B Rangers four points out of first after win and loss

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers managed a win and loss in action this weekend, leaving them four points out of top spot in the Rideau Division.

On Sunday night, South Grenville gave the hometown fans something to cheer about as they scored a 6-2 win over the Winchester Hawks.

The Rangers took advantage of their strong special teams units to score five of their six goals on the powerplay and the other short handed.

Dave MacKinnon, returning to action after playing with last year's Rangers team, would score unassisted to open up the scoring for the Rangers in the middle of the first period.

The Rangers would then build on the momentum as Alex Rees would convert a Brandon Kelley feed for a 2-0 lead.

MacKinnon would round out the Rangers scoring in the first period with his second of the game, as Jacob Wiley and Rees picked up helpers.

With only a few ticks of the clock left in the second period Jacob Wiley would score an unassisted shorthanded marker to extend South Grenville's lead to 4-0 after two.

The Rangers would continue to light up the Hawks as MacKinnon completed the hat trick, with Rees and Jacob Wiley picking up assists.

Peter Veltkamp would close out South Grenville's scoring, with Eric Ruigrok and Selleck picking up helpers.

Midway through the third period, the Hawks would come alive to score a pair of goals to spoil a shutout bid by South Grenville's Greg Richardson.

On Friday night, the Rangers traveled to Williamstown, coming up short in a 6-5 loss to the Char-Lan Rebels in a very back-and-forth game.

Char-Lan opened up scoring in the game to take a 1-0 lead,
but Veltkamp tied things up for the Rangers late in the period; Kelley and Rees picked up helpers.

Char-Lan would take the lead late in the second period, but the Rangers would once again tie things up as Jacob Wiley scored, to knot things at two. Selleck picked up an assist.

South Grenville continued the pressure as Rees scored, with Cahl Gerow picking up an assist to take a 3-2 lead.

Char-Lan would answer the call as Steve Jarvo scored his third and fourth goals of the game for the Rebels as they took a 4-3 lead.

South Grenville's Justin Wiley would then take a feed from Jacob Wiley to once again tie things at four.

The Rebels took a late 5-4 lead, but Selleck would tie things with less than five minutes in the game, with MacKinnon picking up an assist.

Char-Lan put pressure on late and managed to slip one past South Grenville's Ben Knapp in order to sneak out with a 6-5 win.

The Rangers host the Westport Rideaus Saturday at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The Rangers will then travel to Athens Sunday for a 7:30 start.

Novice Ice Hounds win pair of games

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds scored a pair of victories last weekend over Smiths Falls #1 and Athens #2.

On Nov. 16, South Grenville played host to Smiths Falls #1 defeating the Bears 4-1 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Matt Fox had a hat trick to lead the Ice Hounds, while Mika Turnaski added a single. Ryan Brown, Spencer Disheau, Nick Campbell, Jody Sullivan, Alex Boswall and Luke Severson chipped in with helpers.

On Nov. 15, the Ice Hounds travelled to Athens and came home with a 6-2 win over Athens #2. Fox scored a hat trick in the victory, while Sullivan, Disheau and Turanski netted singles. Boswall (2), Jonathan Bernier, Kirtus Selleck, Spencer Cook and Brianne Harnum added assists.

Paul DeJong had a strong game playing goal.

South Grenville midget house league team settles for draw

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville midget house Rangers had to settle for a 4-4 draw with Smiths Falls #2 Saturday at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Ryan O'Brien netted a pair of second period goals while Matt Duguay also netted a pair in the draw. David Code (2), William Minish, Tyler Miller and Ryan Sobie chipped in with helpers.

The South Grenville Rangers house team extends its sympathy to the Meppleder family and teammate Dan at the loss of the team's trainer John Meppleder, last Thursday. John has been a trainer in South Grenville for many years and will be missed by the hockey community.

The team dedicated its home game last night against Kemptville in memory of John; a moment of silence was held before the game.

Peewee C Rangers sit at 7-2-1 after first ten games of season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee C Rangers house team #2 is off to a fast start this season, registering a
7-2-1 record in its first ten games.

The defensive pairings of Jamie Lee Clare and Matthew Gilligan, and Zack Bright and Andrew Adams, has kept scoring chances to a minimum for opponents, while goaltender Nathan Denneboom has registered a pair of shutouts and a 2.00 goals-against average.

The forward lines of Sean Perrin, Danny Calhoun and Zack Bernier, Mitch Bernier, Kyle McNamara and Mike Rochon and Cory Todd, Cory Robertson and Cody Patenaude have all found the net with Perrin also notching a five-goal performance and McNamara a hat trick.

Bernier leads the team with 10 assists on the season.

The team will travel to Smiths Falls Saturday to participate in a one-day tournament.

Atom B Rangers #2 victorious at Carleton Place tournament

CARLETON PLACE - The South Grenville Rangers atom house team #2 managed to capture the Carleton Place tournament Nov. 8 after going undefeated in three games.

The Rangers played strong all tournament and did not allow a goal throughout the tournament as Devin Eaton and Sam Cleary split duty in goal for the shutouts.

The Rangers opened the tournament against the Petawawa Wizards, scoring a 5-0 win.

Michael Lawless netted a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Mike Morrell, Josh Bailey and Payton Marriner added singles. Zach Fleming chipped in with a helper.

In their semi-final match-up, the Rangers continued their strong play with a 6-0 shutout over the Morrisburg Lions.

Broydon Stufko led all scorers with a pair of goals, while Rhys Larry, Bailey, Marriner and Lawless netted singles. Morrell had a pair of assists.

In the final, South Grenville dominated play and scored a 9-0 win over the Nepean Thunder.

Bailey had a hat trick to
lead the Rangers, while Lawless added a pair and Marriner, Stufko, Gilbert Pankhurst
and Dylan Dorey added
singles.

Sydney Wehmeyer, Nathan Hamilton and Ryan Maggio had assists.

On Nov. 12, South Grenville travelled to Brockville, scoring a 7-1 win over the Brockville Warriors #2.

Maggio led all scorers with a hat trick, while Lawless, Dorey and Marriner added singles.

Hamilton (2), Fleming (2), Wehmeyer and Bailey added assists.

South Grenville minor midgets win three straight in league play

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville minor midget Rangers continued their winning ways after scoring wins over South Stormont, Louisville and Alexandria.

On Nov. 12, the Rangers
hosted Louisville at the
Leo Boivin Community Centre and came away with a 5-3 victory.

On Nov. 5, South Grenville managed to hang on for a 9-7 win over the Alexandria Glens in Prescott.

Kevin Beach back-stopped the Rangers in goal for both home victories.

On Nov. 3, South Grenville travelled to Long Sault where it came away with a 4-1 victory over South Stormont. Corie Toye had a strong game in goal for the Rangers in the win.

Matt Deeks, Mike Lawrence and Ryan Landon had four
goals apiece in the last three games, followed by Wes Polite with two and Justin Rust, Andrew Wilson, Mike Leeder and Sam Whitley with singles. Josh Joudoin and Polite had four assists, while Wilson, Deeks and Landon had three, Nathaniel Hayes had two and Whitley had one.

Major midgets still undefeated at 8-0-1

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville major midget Rangers continued their undefeated streak with a pair of wins to move to 8-0-1 on the season.

On Nov. 13, the Rangers travelled to Long Sault where they came out with a strong performance to beat the South Stormont Selects 8-2.

Jonathan Baldwin scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Mike Armstrong, Ryan Davy, Kirk Donovan, Allan Robertson, Logan Gillard and Nick Maggio added singles.

On Nov. 11, South Grenville played host to Alexandria tying the Glens 4-4 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

David Wallace led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Maggio and Baldwin added singles.

The Rangers will travel to Maxville tomorrow to take on the Eastern Ontario Cobras at 7:30 pm.

Novice Boltz drop game to Panthers

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Novice Lightning Boltz dropped a 10-5 decision to the Kemptville Panthers Sunday at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

Broydon Stufko had a hat trick in the Boltz loss, while Brett Van Stralen added a pair. John Lawless and Brandon Worden each had a helper.

High school set to host EOSSAA basketball today and tomorrow

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will play host to the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association senior girls basketball championship today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday).

TISS, Perth, North Grenville, Vankleek Hill, La Citadelle, Renfrew and Ernestown will join the sixth-ranked Giants in the field.

The Giants first game will be tomorrow at 1 pm against Ernestown, and they will then play at 5:30 pm if they lose, and 7 pm if they win.

Semi-finals will take place Thursday beginning at 10 am, with the consolation game at 2 pm and the final at 4 pm.

Falcons senior A hockey team set to return home Dec. 6

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons senior A hockey team will return home to the Leo Boivin Community Centre Saturday, Dec. 6 when they take on the last-place Deseronto Bulldogs.

The game will start at 8 pm.

The Falcons, who haven't played since Nov. 1 are busy practising and healing injuries to prepare for a busy month of December which will see three home games.

The Falcons currently sit in third place in the standings with a 4-3 record and eight points, with three games in hand on the division leading Tamworth Braves who sit at 7-2 on the season for 16 points.

SGMHA preparing for busy tournament schedule

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association is preparing for a busy tournament schedule in the upcoming weeks.

The bantam B Rangers hockey team will play host to a tournament Saturday at the Leo Boivin Community Centre with games beginning at 8 am and running throughout the day.

On Nov. 29, the peewee B house league Rangers will host a tournament in Prescott with games beginning at 8 am.

On Nov. 30, the minor midget B Rangers will be hosting a tournament at the Cardinal and District Community Centre with games slated to start at 8 am.

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