VOL. 173, NO. 50~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ December 10, 2003

Read all about it

Prescott Public Library receives $14,000 for new reference materials

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ Two funding grants recently awarded to the Prescott Public Library will help ensure readers have plenty of new material and information in 2004.

The Brockville Community Foundation (BCF), established in 1974 to assist community-based non-profit organizations, donated $5,000 to the library Thursday night. The funds will be used to purchase the Great Canadian Children's Non-Fiction collection, which will include new study materials, a research computer, reference CDs such as the Canadian Encyclopedia and about 100 quality non-fiction books full of information on various topics, the country and the world.

The materials will be suitable for children from toddler stage to high school age students. The project "will create a fresh new children's non-fiction collection to make reading and learning fun and educational," said library board Chair Christine Endicott.

Many of the library's resources are old and outdated and can no longer be used as reliable reference materials, Endicott said.

The library has 2,600 active patrons.

Public libraries are an important resource in the education of children, she said, and the new collection will help ensure a healthy future for the community.

BCF has given out more than $450,000 in the past five years to community initiatives in the areas of youth, recreation, heritage, arts, seniors, health, education and the environment.

Foundation board Chair Robert Hammond noted the Prescott library donation is an example the organization reaches beyond Brockville borders, despite its name. The goal is to use its funds generously within Leeds and Grenville.

The foundation makes funding awards twice yearly; other recipients included in this fall give-away of more than $28,000 were Risk Watch, CNIB, VON, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Environmental Outdoor Education Association and YM/YWCA.

The organization received more than $250,000 in funding requests for the latest round of grants. Applicants undergo a vigourous screening process.

BCF receives its funding from private donations, endowment funds and from Nevada ticket sales at the 1,000 Islands Mall.

Foundation grant committee member Doug Locke, who presented the cheque to library officials, said he is proud of the library and Prescott, his home town. As a community safety officer with the Brockville police, Locke said he knows how important books can be to a child's development.

"We know students learn and love books, and we can really enrich children with new and current books," Locke said, adding the foundation was happy to "help revive" the library.

Trillium grant

The Prescott Public Library also recently received a grant of $9,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The money will purchase the Great Canadian Non-Fiction Collection for adults.

The public and local schools will be asked for suggestions for book selections for both the adult and children's section.

The Trillium grant will also fund the Webstacks upgrade to the library's new automation system, expected to be operational within the next six months. Using Webstacks, library users will be able to search the collection from any computer over the Internet.

Library staff are continuing to barcode the entire library collection, which will eliminate the outdated card catalogues.

"This is just fantastic news," said Endicott in referring to the two donations. "The library has never had a year like this."

The Trillium foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Culture and makes grants to community organizations from funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.

THIS WEEK

Move over, make way for emergency vehicles

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being reminded by the Ontario Provincial Police to yield the right of way when emergency vehicles with red lights flashing approach.

There have been recent incidents in which officers have been responding to calls and vehicles did not move to the right of the roadway, according to Constable Holly Howard, community services officer with Grenville County OPP. Although emergency vehicles may make use of an alternate lane when available, Howard notes it is the public's responsibility to pull over to the right side as much as possible.

"It could be your loved one we are travelling to protect or assist," she stated. "Help us arrive safely, so we can do our jobs."

Motorists are also reminded a new law in Ontario requires them to, when possible, move into a clear lane away from emergency vehicles stopped on the side or shoulder of a roadway.

Seniors see the lights

PRESCOTT ­ The return of the annual Seniors Light Tour is being planned for Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Organized by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott and the local Knights of Columbus, the tour gives senior citizens a chance to see many of the Christmas lights displays in place between Johnstown and Maitland.

Buses (including one that can handle wheelchairs) will pick up the sightseers starting at 6 pm at Wellington House and Mayfield House, followed by 567 Hyde St. (6:15), Walker House (6:20), Prescott Place (6:25) and St. Mark's Parish Centre (6:30). Refreshments and entertainment will be offered at the parish centre following the tour. Seniors will then be taken back to their pick-up areas.

The tour is free of charge courtesy of the Kinsmen and Knights of Columbus.

Next women's network meeting set for Dec. 17

PRESCOTT ­ The next meeting of the Prescott and Area Women's Network will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 am at the Prescott Health Centre, 555 King St. W.

Assessment tops priority list of new reeve

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ Increasing residential property assessments will be a focus of the 49th reeve of Augusta Township during his term of office.

John McCrea, who took the declaration of office Monday night at the inaugural council meeting, said assessments rising by as much as 30 per cent is worrisome, and seniors on fixed incomes and maple syrup producers will be particularly impacted.

"I wonder if this MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) is getting way too remote from reality when this sort of long distance determination is made," McCrea said in his opening address.

It is disturbing that property assessments for maple syrup producers are being bumped up to industrial class, he said, adding there are a handful of producers in the township.

CAO-Clerk/Treasurer Sharon Wilkinson stated during her report to council assessments have recently risen for all sectors, including commercial, industrial and agriculture. She encouraged residents to file a request for reconsideration with the Assessment Review Board, for which there is no fee involved.

Formal appeals can also be made for a fee, although Wilkinson said the process can be a "gambling crap shoot" with no guarantee the assessment will be reduced by taking that route.

Information is available at the township office on filing an appeal or request for consideration, she said. The amount a resident pays for property taxes is based on the assessment.

Co-operation is key

In his opening remarks, McCrea also pledged his council would be committed to looking after the interests of Augusta residents while being financially accountable.

He also suggested council members support each other, actively try to understand others' perspectives "and not take individual setbacks personally."

McCrea also recapped his election campaign promise to involve community members on township committees. Community interest is vital, he said, and council needs the input, commitment and knowledge from residents, who should be reimbursed for their time.

Council members who took the declaration of office administered by Wilkinson were Deputy Reeve Doug Barton and councillors Pauline Cyr, Garry Ferguson and John Fischl.

The ceremony included the handing over of the chain of office by former reeve George Vail, and the presentation of the gavel by Wilkinson to the new reeve.

Local EI claims rise

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The unemployment rate went down but Employment Insurance (EI) claims went up last month, according to figures released Friday by Human Resources Development Canada.

The jobless rate for the region that includes South Grenville was 5.2 per cent in November compared to 5.6 per cent in October. There were fewer people in the labour force and fewer people reporting they were either employed or unemployed, an HRDC news release stated.

More people were collecting regular and or special EI benefits at the end of November. The Prescott HRDC office reported 1,057 claimants, an increase of 12.1 per cent over the October total of 943.

Local teen preparing for the adventure of a lifetime in Katimavik program

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School student Katie Beatty is preparing for a trip she'll never forget as she leaves in January to take part in the Katimavik program.

The exclusive seven-month program will see Beatty travel across Canada with 10 other youths volunteering for 35 hours a week in the communities of Gimli, Manitoba, La Pocatiere, Quebec and Burns Lake, British Columbia.

Beatty is excited about the trip and feels it will provide her with a diverse experience.

"I'm so excited about it," said Beatty. "I'm a bit nervous about it. I get to live with 10 other youths and will get to experience cultural diversity. It's a big adventure, it's like starting over, you get to sort of re-invent yourself and get a fresh start."

Beatty figures the trip will be hard, being away from her friends and family, but she plans to keep busy in order to cope with any homesickness she might suffer. "I know I'm going to miss them and the home cooking, especially since I can't cook," explained Beatty.

"Whenever I get homesick, I'll just volunteer more and find ways to keep busy so I can't think about it."

Despite all her volunteer work ­ she won the Connie Dickey Memorial Youth Award at the annual Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce Awards this year ­ she still doesn't feel she is ready for the experience.

"I feel so sheltered living in a small town," said Beatty. "Working at the youth centre and on the Connect Youth committee is the most experience I've had to some of the problems of youths. If anything, I think it will make me respect home more after experiencing different cultures and living with them."

The Katimavik program provides Beatty with basic food, shelter and toiletries, but she is required to be equipped with numerous other items which will cost her roughly $1,000. Donations from the community are being accepted for Beatty at the Prescott Youth Centre, with the youth centre getting the ball rolling with a $100 donation.

Seaway men's group will serve breakfast Dec. 13

PRESCOTT ­ The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will host its next monthly breakfast meeting this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 am in the St. Paul's United Church hall at George and Dibble streets.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast includes tea, biscuits, muffins and fresh fruit. Tickets will be available at the door. All are welcome to attend.

This month's special guests will be the Thousand Island Harmony Singers.

MPP's annual reception set for Sunday

BROCKVILLE ­ Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman and his wife Jeannette will be hosting their annual community wine and cheese reception Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 pm at the Quality Inn Royal Brock Hotel on Stewart Boulevard.

The special guest at the Runcimans' annual Christmas reception for constituents is 580 CFRA talk show host Lowell Green. Mr. Runciman has been a guest on Green's open-line morning show a number of times.

The Bruce Kerr Quartet will perform at the reception, and Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance.

Joyce Morris show premieres Thursday

CORNWALL ­ A solo show of etchings and drawings by local printmaker Joyce Morris opens this Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Cornwall Regional Art Gallery on Pitt Street.

The show, which runs until Jan. 16, kicks off with an opening reception to be held Thursday at 7 pm.

For more information on gallery hours, call (613) 938-7387 or Morris at 657-1040.

Thieves make off with cash, bank cards, night deposits and other items

PRESCOTT ­ Town residents are being reminded not to leave items of value in parked vehicles.

On Dec. 5, the Prescott Police Service received a report someone had smashed a passenger window of a vehicle parked in the golf course lot. A purse containing credit cards, personal ID and $525 in cash was taken. An ATM card and credit card were later used (totalling $680) in Brockville. Constable Richard Champagne is investigating.

Town officers investigated 74 incidents and seven motor vehicle collisions during the week of Dec. 1.

The manager of Bank of Montreal reported Dec. 4 three bank deposit envelopes containing a total of about $1,200 had been stolen from the night deposit. The investigating officer is Constable Mike Lapensee.

A vehicle reported stolen from behind a Water Street apartment building was destroyed by fire on Glen Smail Road. The theft was reported Dec. 4; Constable Mike Ostrander is investigating.

A Jessup Street resident advised police Dec. 1 her bank card had been stolen from her vehicle. She later discovered $400 had been taken from her account. An investigation revealed a 15-year-old girl was responsible; she was dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Constable Champagne is the investigating officer.

When responding to an assault complaint at a Dibble Street residence, police seized several guns for unsafe storage and not being properly licensed. Constable Cindy Bisson is investigating.

On Dec. 3, a young male from Brockville reported he was approached by a male (about 20 years old) on King Street at St. Lawrence Street and was threatened with a gun. It is unknown whether the gun was real or a replica. Constable Ostrander 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.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE BRIEFS

Minor charged with impaired driving

NORTH AUGUSTA ­ A 17-year-old Augusta Township male has been charged with impaired driving and two provincial offences.

OPP Constable Elaine Barr was on patrol Dec. 5 at about 3 am when she observed a 1991 Chevrolet S10 pick-up truck being driven erratically on County Road 15. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was arrested and charged. The youth was also issued offence notices for consuming alcohol as a minor and exceeding the 0-mg blood alcohol level while operating a vehicle and being a G2 licensed driver. The accused is to appear later this month in Brockville court.

Under federal law, the name of the youth cannot be released.

Paintball shots could result in charges

SPENCERVILLE ­ A residence and vehicle at the corner of Henderson and Bennett streets were hit numerous times by purple paintballs late last week. The incident was reported Dec. 7 at about 3 pm. It is believed the incident occurred during the overnight hours. Constable Jason Butcher is the investigating officer. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Paintball attacks constitute criminal charges of mischief, according to police.

Caught speeding coming and going

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A Mississauga man was pulled over for speeding twice in three days at the same location on Highway 416 south of Spencerville, according to Grenville County OPP.

The driver was clocked at speeds of 152 and 162 kilometres an hour respectively Dec. 5 in the northbound lanes and Sunday in the southbound lanes. Ashburn Morgan, 25, was issued summonses to appear in Brockville court. Constables Ozon and Kavanagh are the investigating officers.

Local entertainers release children's CD

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A group of artists from the area has a new CD out.

Members of the H & S Express, which consists of Harold Robool, Sue Denneboom, Neil Paddle and Al Torrance, are excited about the launch of their first CD entitled "Back to School."

The group, which has been together for eight years, typically performs for children and families, has two original songs on the CD, and a variety old-time favourites children would generally recognize.

Robool, originally from Maitland; Denneboom from Prescott; Paddle from North Augusta and Torrance from Kingston, are excited about the reaction they've received so far about their CD.

"We've just gotten an excellent response," said Denneboom. "Last weekend, we did a show for DuPont at South Grenville District High School, where it was a lot of kids who have seen us play before and they were excited to know we had a CD out. We made a few sales there."

Denneboom explained the group's cornerstone is Robool, who recognized the need for performers for the children of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark and started performing solo, before being joined by the other members of the band.

"We perform at a lot of schools and we really strive for a lot of audience participation, which the schools like," said Denneboom. "We try to get kids who would normally be shy to come out of their shell by bringing them up on stage and letting them try an instrument or do the actions to a song and really get involved."

The group is actively performing in the area with its next performance Friday from 5-6 pm and 8-9 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall.

H & S Express CDs are on sale at the band's Web site at www.choochoo.ca and at the W. L. Peters superstore in Prescott.

The need for blood does not take a holiday

South Grenville welcome to attend upcoming clinic

BROCKVILLE ­ Residents of the Prescott area are being encouraged to give the gift of life this holiday season.

A blood donor clinic will be held Monday, Dec. 22 from 1:30 to 7:30 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre. "The more the merrier" is the theme of the holiday promotion by Canadian Blood Services (CBS), the not-for-profit organization that manages blood supplies in most provinces as well as Canada's bone marrow donor registry. Blood donors might find it difficult to find the time to attend clinics during the holiday season; this places additional constraints on a blood supply that relies on a small number of regular donors.

"You'll be helping hospital patients across Eastern Ontario receive the blood and blood products they need so that they too can enjoy the holiday with their friends and families," stated Elaine Senack, director of CBS in Ottawa.

Groups of co-workers, families and friends are being asked to consider attending the upcoming blood donor clinic in Brockville.

For more information or to book an appointment for the Dec. 17 clinic, call 1-888-2-DONATE. Appointments are recommended.

Blood donor clinics are also held twice a year at South Grenville District High School in Prescott. The local clinics are sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club and Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with the high school.

Blood donors who attend the Brockville clinic will be eligible for the next Prescott clinic in the spring.

Council votes to keep certain meetings closed

MAYNARD ­ A quest for more openness at council meetings will not be easily achieved for the new reeve of Augusta Township.

John McCrea's resolution to open committee-of-the-whole meetings to the public except to discuss certain matters as determined by council was defeated Monday night at the first council meeting of the new term. Some council members indicated they preferred to have the present system remain in place.

McCrea sought an amendment to an existing procedural bylaw that indicates committee-of-the-whole meetings shall be closed.

During his election campaign, McCrea said he would ban "pre-meeting meetings," and advocated more public discussion.

He noted during Monday's meeting the resolution was brought to the table in a "spirit of openness."

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I know I'm going to miss them and the home cooking,
especially since I can't cook."

Katie Beatty, who will be crossing Canada as part of the Katimavik program

Editor's Notebook

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Although the dust has yet to settle on the newly-created Conservative Party of Canada, it would appear there is now a "united right" that could grow to become serious competition for the domineering Liberals. Despite the high percentage of PC members who voted in favour of the merger, it is clear some Tories cannot accept unification with their righter-wing cousins. It remains to be seen how the new party will play in Ontario and the Maritimes, and whether any of the potential candidates for Conservative leader will rise above the others and offer a strong alternative to Prime-Minister-in-Waiting Paul Martin.

In theory, the new Conservatives represent what many Canadians have been calling for the last decade. We know the effects vote-splitting has had on the ability to create a formidable opposition to the ruling Liberals. In Leeds-Grenville, the results of the 2000 federal election indicate a combined PC-Alliance vote would have been more than enough to defeat Liberal MP Joe Jordan. However, the mere creation of a united right does not a formidable opposition make. Both sides still have to finish the power struggles and in-fighting that will come with deciding who will carry the new party's banner and which policies will form the basis of the Conservative platform.

Peter MacKay and Stephen Harper insist the new party will provide a strong, united and principled alternative to the Chretien/Martin Liberals. With an election likely to be just months away, the Conservatives have their work cut out for them. This is undoubtedly a historic endeavour, but the Conservatives will have to demonstrate they are worthy of support just like any other political movement.

MORE WORK AHEAD: If we are to believe the numbers, unemployment is not much of a problem in South Grenville. According to Human Resources Development Canada, the regional jobless rate fell to 5.2 per cent in November. Sounds good, doesn't it? Factor into the equation those who left the labour force (including people who gave up finding employment) and others who are not working but are receiving some form of assistance, and the real unemployment rate is a much different number.

We tend to place emphasis on the fact more than 1,000 Employment Insurance claims were being handled by the Prescott HRDC office at the end of November. There might be plenty of commercial activity in the north end of town, but we also notice one intersection downtown that has five consecutive storefronts with "for rent" signs placed in the door or window.

Having a jobless rate of just over five per cent is better than a ten-per-cent mark, but we know there are other numbers out there to remind us there is much work to be done to improve the local employment scene.

Tim Ruhnke

Taking the short cut is not always the best route

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

Allow me to share with you a few observations from recent walks in the north end of town.

For example, as I was heading south on the Edward Street overpass one morning I watched someone crossing the tracks along one of the trespassers' routes of choice. What would prompt an intelligent person to make what some would consider an unwise and potentially life-threatening trip? I suppose it was the two cups of coffee this person was carrying in one of those handy trays. Having to climb the overpass would add two or three minutes to the trip, and the risk of getting anything less than piping-hot java must make the option of entering the exclusive domain of freight and passenger trains travelling at speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour quite tempting.

A freight train did come from the west about two minutes later; in fairness, there was no "close call" in this case.

Perhaps the people who really want to get rid of train whistles in Prescott should consider hanging out near the tracks (several choice trespassing sites from which to choose) and thanking trespassers for making it difficult for a no-whistle bylaw to become a reality.

Look, I understand the appeal of rail lines to youngsters. I also understand why most able-bodied people whose senses of sight and hearing are still in tact do not believe they are at risk when they walk on the railway right-of-way. But the fact remains there are reasons to stay out of that area. It's an inconvenience having to do some extra walking or driving, but the consequences of taking the shorter route just aren't worth the risk.

During another walk one night, a big rig pulls into the lot in front of the former valu-mart and Canadian Tire stores (near the temporary town hall). The driver gets out and, well, takes care of business. It's not like the guy was standing behind the truck; this was in clear view of passersby on Edward Street. Yes, it was dark, but there are a few lights in the vicinity and there are two rest rooms open all night right across the street. I suppose he really had to go!

There is something about this for which we should be thankful, I guess. The trucker had the courtesy to pull off the busy street. The vast majority of truck drivers do, but there are still a few who insist on parking their rigs in the right northbound lane as they go into the store ­ even though there is ample space in the vacant lot beside that location.

Maynard PS takes county-wide volleyball championship

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Dec. 14, 1933

* At seven o'clock this evening, there will be a banquet in honour of A.C. Casselman, KC, MPP and J.A. Sanderson, MPP, at the Daniels Hotel. There will be several special speakers including the Hon. Leopold Macauly, Minister of Highways and R.M. Smith, Deputy Minister of Highways. An effort is being made by the town council to have some necessary work done on the provincial highway in and near Prescott that would take care of some of the local unemployment, and it is expected the minister of highways will give a statement regarding this work at the banquet.

Dec. 12, 1973

* The Prescott municipal building gymnasium has become a popular rendezvous for local youngsters and for the next ten weeks it will be the scene of a creative classroom. The ten, two-hour sessions now under way are sponsored by the Prescott recreation department, and instructors John Connell, Ken Stethem, Paul Boivin and Paige Hugh will teach the young people such crafts as leather work, crocheting, carving, free art, candle making and macrame.

Dec. 14, 1983

* Boys from Maynard Public School are the Leeds and Grenville elementary school volleyball champions following a tournament Dec. 3 at South Grenville District High School. They defeated St. Mary of Brockville to claim the championship. Members of the winning team are David Kelly, Darryl Droppo, Mike Harper, Danny Michel, Brian DeJong, Ken Spicer, David McColl, Brad Gipson, Lee Whitley, David Cobey and coach Jim Toshack.

Dec. 8, 1993

* Mayor Tom Doyle cut the ribbon to officially open Prescott's newest restaurant, the Lee Sing, in the former King Edward Auto Parts location at the corner of King and Edward streets. Also present for the ribbon cutting were building owners Lewis and Lynn Beach and restaurant owner Limin Tan and his family. The new restaurant specializes in an authentic Chinese buffet.

Nickel Bell would toll for inductees into International Peace Navy

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

With an exact date to work with, and with the vast knowledge of our Prescott Journal archives possessed by Monica Whitney of our news staff, we have been able to piece together the strange and scary history of Prescott's mysterious "Peace Bell". The bell actually belongs to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and its presentation by the International Nickel Company Ltd. was the highlight of the St. Lawrence International Peace Centennial Celebrations organized by the Prescott and Ogdensburg chambers of commerce June 30 to July 6, 1938, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Windmill, the last armed conflict between Canada and United States.

Such an event really happened, and the celebration snowballed to include the Polish embassy in Ottawa, representatives of the New York state legislature, and Prime Minister Wm. Lyon Mackenzie King who claimed to have had an ancestral connection to both Canadian and American sides in the fateful Windmill escapade.

The origins and purpose of this 200 lb. nickel alloy bell recently erected in front of the Prescott fire hall, makes us wonder if maybe the councils and chambers of the two border communities had not found some of Hon. Allen Newell's secret cache of Wiser's Deluxe.

Purpose behind the celebration was the inauguration of the St. Lawrence Peace Navy, a mythical fraternity that would bestow honourary titles such as Admiral, Vice Admiral and Captain. On this matter Prescott Journal Editor Wm. Hogle wrote: "...the Peace Bell will form a fitting belfry under which prominent business and government leaders from all over the continent, from time to time, will be enlisted and initiated into the honourary order according to their various stations in life and presumed usefulness in furthering the cause of peace and international harmony...."

At one time in the history of Fort Wellington there were plans to build a roadway from Hwy 2, north to Dibble St., between the eastern limits of the fort field and the moat on the fort's western side. In early town maps this was called Rose St., but the International Peace Centennial committee had it renamed Peace Ave. Many local residents, especially baseball players, will remember this narrow roadway that stretched along the edge of the fort's west moat. It was built for the 1938 ceremony, with plans for a peace tower and arch (with the Peace Bell serving as the arch capstone) to be erected at the Hwy. 2 entrance to this narrow street.

The roadway was torn up when the federal government landscaped the fort field in the late 1950s and eliminated its effectiveness as a sports field that for over 100 years featured lacrosse, baseball, softball and football games.

Negotiations for permission to build the arch and tower were being carried out with the federal and provincial governments by Grenville-Dundas MP, A.C. Casselman, who also negotiated a temporary site for the bell inside the ramparts of Fort Wellington, just west of the listening post entrance. The structure to support the bell was built by DLD employees and the cement foundation at the temporary fort location, poured by the DLD, three days before the unveiling.

In a Friday, July 1, 1938 ceremony, Member of Parliament A.C. Casselman, accepted the bell on behalf of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce from W.A. Collins, of the International Nickel Company of Canada. Quoting the Inco President, R.C. Stanley, Mr. Collins stated: "May the cultural and commercial bonds between Canada and United States, which have so successively endured for the past century, continue to withstand the stresses and corrosion of world politics in the generations to come".

The movers and shakers from Prescott and Ogdensburg who conceived the St. Lawrence Peace Navy concept and the Nickel Peace Bell, included A.C. Casselman; Mayor J. Horan; Chamber president James P. Doyle; publicity chairman Lorne F. Knight, and secretary Wm. Hogle (Journal editor). Chairman of the overall celebrations was George B. Jenkinson, with sub committee chairs being Moss Dubrule, international ceremony; H. Beaumont, Polish contingent; and E.A. Cooke, out of town participants. Committee members included J.B. White, Wm. J. Johnston, Mac Lyons, J.W. Bain, S.E. Errett, R.J. Peterson, R.R. Dowsley and John H. (Jake) Morris.

From the U.S. side were Senator George Graham; U.S. Consulate Attache, John Farr Simmons; Sen. Bethram Snell; Assemblyman H. Allen Newell; and Messrs. Little, Tyo, MacDonald and Murphy.

Much ado was made in local and national newspapers of the St. Lawrence Peace Centennial, including a wrong-headed history lesson perpetuated by Prime Minister Mackenzie King; and the large contingent of proud Poles who thought Nils Von Schoultz, the anti-hero of the Battle of the Windmill, was a warrior of honour and courage and a Polish hero.

These ironies of history will be dealt with in our next couple of columns. In the meantime, Prescott residents should give some thought as to the future of what could be the Fort Town's "Infamous Nickel Peace Bell".

Trees and shrubs make great gifts

By Astrid Strader, Prescott Blossoms Project Supervisor, Horticulturist, and Garden Designer

Christmas is around the corner and for the person who has everything, how about honouring them with a tree in the Prescott Heritage River Trail Arboretum? It's also a great way to recognize a special volunteer or group - a lasting memento of your appreciation, which creates a living legacy for your family, town and planet.

We are more than one-fifth of the way there; 38 of the 187 trees/shrubs have been purchased by donors who are recognized on the main gateway sign at the beginning of the trail. The three levels of $500, $300 and $100 indicate which choice of tree and includes planting materials such as topsoil, stakes, wiring, bone meal, etc.

One hundred dollars purchases a shrub, such as a rose; $300 purchases a regular tree (trembling aspen, white ash, etc,); and $500 purchases a specimen tree such as an oak or red maple. These trees and shrubs meet the specifications as outlined in the plans donated by Parks Canada.

John Perrin, Phyllis and Anthony Bevan, Ray Young, Hands Fireworks, Tom and Marilyn Campbell and Allan Gillis bought donor trees after July 1 this year.

As a donor, your dedication will be acknowledged on an individual plaque which will be mounted on the main 'donor tree' ­ all part of the main gateway sign to the trail. These plaques will be erected each Canada Day in a celebration held at the main gateway sign.

To find out which trees are still available for purchase, call me at 657-4688 or e-mail ras@ripnet.com. All donors receive a tax-deductible receipt. Considering the maple? The arboretum will feature a number of sugar maples (Acer saccharum) and red maples (Acer rubrum). Often, they are difficult to tell apart. A sugar maple is more rounded in form, having slightly larger leaves, is a slower growing tree, and hence, it is often referred to as a hard maple.

Both are adverse to salt, pollutants and small, compacted planting spaces such as small lawns or boulevards - they're best for large lawns and parks. Both provide varied autumn colour from yellow to orange to red - no guarantees though, unless you buy a named cultivar from a nursery.

The flowers open up before the leaves and are red on the red maple and yellow on the sugar maple. Then, when the leaves open up on a red maple, they are tinged with red and are slightly grey underneath, which is not true of a sugar maple. The red maple, a great Canadian symbol, was the first tree planted at the waterfront on Canada Day 2002.

Trees and shrubs planted to date (Total: 112)

Red maple, 9

Eastern cottonwood, 3

Silver maple, 1

Trembling aspen, 3

Sugar maple, 6

Black cherry, 2

Black chokecherry, 3

Pin cherry, 3

Paper birch, 3

Chokecherry, 3

Grey birch, 2

Downy serviceberry, 2

Hackberry,1

White oak, 1

Grey dogwood, 2

Red oak, 6

Beech, 2

Bur oak, 2

White ash, 11

Yellow chestnut oak, 1

Red ash, 2

Fragrant sumac, 3

Butternut, 2

Elderberry, 2

Black walnut, 1

Showy mountain ash, 3

White spruce, 3

Meadowsweet, 7

Red pine, 1

White cedar, 2

White pine, 3

Basswood, 5

White Elm, 1

Highbush cranberry, 6

Pitch pine, 2

Ironwood, 1

Trees and shrubs remaining
to be planted (Total: 75)

Bitternut hickory, 6

Red hickory, 2

Canada plum, 1

Sweet chestnut, 5

Wild crabapple, 2

New Jersey tea, 3

Yellow chestnut oak, 1

Hazelnut, 3

Black Locust, 1

Beaked hazelnut, 3

Prickly wild rose, 9

Downy hawthorn, 1

Smooth wild rose, 14

Huckleberry, 4

Blackberry, 4

Eastern red cedar, 1

Raspberry, 7

Spicebush, 4

Bladdernut, 4

Sunday afternoon is Christmas get-together

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our annual open house and Christmas get-together will be held this Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for snacks and punch. Please plan to come.

We still have seats on our bus to Upper Canada Village Tuesday, Dec. 16. We will leave Walker House at 5:15 pm. After a ride to see the lights, we will be warming up at the Harvest Barn. Call to get your name on the list.

Rather than stay at home alone, why not join us here Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 4 pm. We will have a pot luck dinner and watch a movie. For our gift exchange for the season, we need gifts that are less than $10, if possible homemade, and suitable for a man or woman. A gift is not necessary, but if you bring one you receive one and it should be fun to see the variety.

Over the holiday season, some of the groups will take a little holiday. If you have a question, please call 925-5300. All groups will resume as usual the week of Jan. 4, 2004.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; door, Jean Farlinger. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Wanda Wilson. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Jessie Shaver; 3rd, Jean McCrady; door prize, Lou Baldwin.

Augusta library receives Trillium grant

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Augusta Township Public Library has received a $10,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to purchase additional reference material and shelving for the library. The grant is part of the foundation's Strategic Granting Initiative for Library Boards 2003, which was designed specifically to help small libraries in communities of 20,000 people or less. The grants were announced last spring, and libraries had two months to complete the application.

Linda McKittrick, chairperson of the Augusta Library Board, is delighted with the grant. She says it gives the library a chance to start addressing some specific areas in which there are few resources. McKittrick says the first purchases will include World Book Encyclopedia 2003, World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia 2003, World Book Encyclopedia of People and Places 2003 and World Book Young Scientist. The board plans to turn a small room at the back of the library that was used for periodicals, into the "Trillium Reference and Reading Room," where patrons of all ages will have a quiet place to do research and work. The room will house periodicals, reference materials and local history materials.

Part of the grant will be used to purchase large print books and talking books as well as French language books. A few movies will be purchased in the DVD format and the Trillium Classical Music Collection will also be initiated by purchasing CDs. There is also an allocation for shelving for the new materials.

The cheque has already been received by the board and the board has six months to complete their purchases and submit the final report. Angie Knights, head librarian, is excited at the prospect at being able to offer a wider range of materials for patrons.

Library move on track

Relocation not expected to disrupt normal service

By David Dickenson by Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Preparations to move the Cardinal Public Library are under way.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated work on the library's future home at the former Cardinal municipal building has begun, with Ed Bush Construction Ltd. placing a steel beam in the library to replace a wall which will be removed to open up the upstairs area.

"As I know it, it's going great guns on the renovation," said McDonald. "I believe we had a completion date by the end of the year so we can move early in the new year."

McDonald explained plans are to keep disruptions at a bare minimum.

"We want to keep it as minimal as possible," said McDonald. "We'll likely do it on days whenever the library is not open. It should probably only take a couple days to move, that's probably realistic."

Cardinal Librarian Margaret Ann Gaylord explained no exact date has been set aside for the move, but they expect it to go smoothly.

"I think we'll be able to work around everything to avoid inconveniencing our clients," said Gaylord. "I don't think there will be much interruption, and we won't be closed for any length."

Gaylord explained the library will be looking for volunteers to help with the move in the new year and is hoping to get a hand from students who still need to fulfill their community service hours to graduate high school. Those wishing to volunteer should contact the library at 657-3822.

OPP NEWS

Fire van hit by truck

CARDINAL ­ An Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal fire department van was struck by a vehicle while responding to a medical assist call early last Wednesday afternoon.

The van was arriving at a Dundas Street location when it was hit on its side by a pick-up truck. No serious injuries were reported in the collision; the vehicles sustained moderate damage, according to Grenville County OPP.

David Anthony Cook, 34, of Brockville was charged with following a fire department vehicle too closely.

House decorating contest planned to light up village

CARDINAL - The festive season is preparing to hit Cardinal, and people are getting their Christmas lights ready as Cardinal in Bloom is staying active in the winter with the Christmas house decorating contest.

The area to be judged will include the village of Cardinal, County Road 2 from Blair Road to Marine Coast Road, Marine Coast Road, Froom Road, Scott Road, Blair Road and Shanly Road up to Highway 401.

Judging will take place Thursday, Dec. 18 with judges from out of town being brought in to assess appearances of homes during both the night and day.

No registration is required as the entire area is to be judged.

Prizes for first, second and third place are gift certificates for hydro (Hydro One or Rideau St. Lawrence, depending on location) and ten honourable mentions will receive certificates and ornaments.

For more information on the Christmas decorating competition, contact Marj Kempffer at General Dollar at 657-1764 or Lori Pennell at 657-1400.

LEGION NEWS

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Legion continues its busy month of December.

On Dec. 11, the Legion will host euchre at 7:30 pm, with mixed darts to be place Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm and ladies darts at 7 pm Dec. 17.

The Legion will also host a children's Christmas party and craft day Saturday, Dec. 13. Those wishing to participate in the party and crafts should pre-register by calling Hazel at 657-8933.

Sugar and spice and everything nice at Cadet bake sale

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Navy League will be holding a Christmas Bake Sale this Saturday, Dec. 13 as a fundraiser for the Cardinal Sea Cadets.

The bake sale will run from 8:30 am until 3 pm between the LCBO and the Euro Deli at the Cardinal Village Mall.

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School recognized the following students of the week for responsibility and reliability in the month of November:

Nov. 3-7, Taylor Calhoun, KA; Meghan Laming, 1-2; Sarah MacDonald, 2-3; Miranda Holmes, 3-4; Dawn Wright, 4-5; Jessica Vout, 5-6; Holly Alexander, 6-7 and Brittany Leggo, 8.

Nov. 10-14, B.J. Campbell, KB; Matthew Disheau, 1-2; Ryan Leggo, 2-3; Thomas Carrothers, 3-4; Emma Patrick, 4-5; Brock Murphy, 5-6; Brittany Hamilton, 6-7 and Brittney Veley, 8.

Nov. 17-21, Jeffery Trillo, KA; Abby Porter, 1-2; Ty Stobo, 2-3; Troy Tousignant, 3-4; Cody Adams, 4-5; Deinka Adams, 5-6; Terra Batty, 6-7 and Zach Stitt, 8.

The Spirit of Giving barrel will be picked up Dec. 19. Any contributions of non-perishable food items would be appreciated.

Prescott #6 in top spot in Seaway darts

CARDINAL - Prescott #6 sits atop the Seaway Interbranch Men's Dart League standings as of Dec. 1.

Prescott #6 has 87 points to hold the lead, followed by Prescott #1 with 81 points, Iroquois #5 with 79 points, Iroquois #7 with 66 points, Cardinal #4 with 65 points and Prescott #3 with 27 points.

Tom Coville had the most games won with 18, followed by Tom Rae, 17; Wayne Bellinger, 13; Glen Adams, 13; Bill Hutt, 12; David Haynes, 10; Rick Sayeau, 10; Jerry Carr, 9; Tim Gonczowski, 9; Jeremy Adams, 8.

Bob Juby had the high finish of the week with a score of 98 points.

Ron Bradford was the high scorer of the week with 180-160, followed by Bellinger, 180; Rae 177-140x4; Jeremy Adams, 140x5; Haynes, 140x5; Glen Adams, 140x3; Juby, 140x3; Carr, 140x2; Bobby Sayeau, 140; Steve Lear, 140; Tom Coville, 140; Gonczowski, 140.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: The senior girls volleyball team participated in the St. Joseph Catholic School Invitational Tournament this past Saturday. Boundary Street took home the championship trophy. Congratulations to all players, volunteers and the coaches, Mrs. Fortier and Mrs. Bischof.

Junior and Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1/2 visited Fort Wellington on Tuesday to experience a Christmas from the past.

The choir will be singing at Wellington House Dec. 15. On Dec. 18, it will be performing at Central Public School and at Centennial '67 Public School.

Native artist, Will Morin, will be leading Madelle Becker's class and Mrs. Fortier's class in traditional native art activities Thursday, Dec. 11.

Congratulations to Kim Ditchburn on receiving a $500 scholarship for the Recorder & Times' Personal Best award.

Hot lunch this Friday is hamburgers.

Central Public School: The Grade 8 graduating class/parent committee will be hosting a bake sale Dec. 17 at 6 pm. Donations will be greatly appreciated. Please bring them to the school on this day.

A message from student council: We're hosting a spirit week next week with lots of activities. Come ready to join in the fun! Monday, Dec. 15 - Red and Green Day; Tuesday, Dec. 16 - Pyjama Day; Wednesday, Dec. 17 - Holiday Hat Day (antlers welcome); Thursday, Dec 18 - Jersey Day; Friday, Dec 19 - Crazy Hair Day.

Other Activities include: Monday - cane cane count; Tuesday - holiday photos with student council ($2); Wednesday - colouring contest and door judging; Thursday - student vs. teacher volleyball games; Friday - student of the month assembly and holiday wrap-up.

Parent Council announcements: pop can challenge winner - Miss. Polite's class; MacMillan's cookie dough top seller - Felicity Smith; top selling class - Mrs. Graham; Regal top seller - Wendel Thompson.

Just a reminder there is still half a week left to sell chocolate bars.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to the following Good Samaritans at St. Joe's for the week of Nov. 24: Christian Saumier, Chris Walasek, Samantha Halfpenny, Paul Roode, Jamie McFarlane, James King, Payton Williams, Kayla McNally, Christina Simpson, Torin Marcynuk and Cody Haché.

Our second Advent celebration was held Monday, Dec. 8 with the help of Grade 5B and Ms. Bongard.

Congratulations to the winners of the Invista "Science Helps Us" poster contest. First place went to the following students: Rebecca Filion, Lukas Henderson, Jessica Francica, Allison Dedekker and Mark Wynands. Second place went to Sierra McGuin, Ethan Zahn, Alex Blanchette, Hallie McFarlane and Erin Wynands and Jamie McFarlane and Nick Francica.

The St. Joe's Christmas Dance will take place Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 pm. The admission cost is reduced with an item of non-perishable food. Please pay at the door. Students must be dropped off and picked up in the front hall of St. Joe's. See you there!

There will be a Christmas Sharing Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 1:30 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend.

The St. Joseph annual Christmas Lunch will take place Thursday, Dec. 18. Lyon's Family Turkey Farm is donating turkeys and many volunteers will be cooking the turkeys.

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to week two of Advent. At St. Mark Catholic School, our students are trying very hard to complete good deeds during Advent.

For each good deed completed, students receive a piece of straw to place in the manger. Baby Jesus will be placed on a huge bed of straw representing all our kind deeds.

We continue to collect canned goods for the Spirit of Giving and "gently used" toys for donation to needy children of our community.

Individual classrooms have a variety of ongoing Advent projects.

We will have our Advent mass Monday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 am at St. Mark's Catholic Church. All are welcome to join us for this beautiful celebration.

Our All Star Reading Strategy this week is "Unstuck Strategies: Look at the marks."

Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.

Our bingo is Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8:30 pm at Bingo International.

Have a wonderful second week of Advent.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Congratulations to our "nukumball" teams who played a tournament at Maitland PS Monday Dec. 8.

The South Ed. choir entertained our seniors at the Johnstown United Church yesterday. Next Monday we will all be enjoying our first seasonal dinner.

Please join us for our holiday celebration concert next Wednesday, Dec. 17. A silent auction will take place from 5 to 6 pm and a musical presentation will begin at 6 pm. A bake sale will also be available sponsored by our grade 5/6 class to raise funds for école de neige.

Hot lunch today is hot dogs.

The school's first student recognition assembly of the year took place Friday, Dec. 5. Here are the winners:

Grade 7/8 - Jacob Piette, Brooke Kelly, Jason McCullough, Amelia Baynham. Grade 5/6 - Taylor Garswood, Taylor Spychi, Taylor McNeil, Bailey Swerdfeger, Thomas McIlveen, Hayley Latulippe, Harrison Latulippe, Devin Greengrass, Kirsha Martelle, Skyler Ford. Grade 1/2 - Curtis Ross, Zachary Broniszeski, Clayton Sanderson-Ryland, Shannon Horan, Hannah Albers. French - Morgan James-Harper, Mike Dalley, Chris Wilcock, Chelsea Ferguson. PA announcers - Amelia Baynham, Aaron Greengrass, Lindsay Foster, Janet Greenhorn. Special artwork and designing recognition certificate - Janet Greenhorn.

Support the Spirit of Giving

PRESCOTT ­ This year's Spirit of Giving campaign needs donations to help fill the Christmas baskets that will be distributed later this month.

Monetary donations are used to buy turkeys, eggs, bread, apples, oranges, margarine and other dinner items which are supplemented by non-perishable items collected during door-to-door canvassing conducted by students of South Grenville District High School.

Cheques can be mailed to the Kinsmen Club of Prescott, Box 1150, Prescott ON K0E 1T0.

About 265 families have registered to receive Spirit of Giving boxes.

SG yearbook a great gift

PRESCOTT ­ Christmas giving for a child or grandchild who is a student at South Grenville District High School can be made easier with the purchase of a yearbook.

Gift certificates for the 2003-2004 yearbooks are now available.

Call the school at 925-2855 for more information, or stop by the school weekdays between 8 am and 2 pm.

Jr. B Rangers drop 4-3 decision to Char-Lan Rebels

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers dropped another close decision last Wednesday as they lost 4-3 to the Char-Lan Rebels.

Rangers coach Rod Simmons was happy with the performance of his troops playing with a short bench.

"It was a hard fought battle," said Simmons. "We're missing some guys with injuries and sickness and we still came back and fought and never quit. That is something we're looking to build off of in the second half of the schedule. Char-Lan played well, but we'll just have to continue to work hard down the stretch.

Rangers' defenceman Alex Rees added, "We've been losing a lot of close games. We'll get behind, then come back, but we just haven't put together a whole game. We've been in a bit of a slump, but it looks like we're slowly starting to climb out of it."

The Rangers battled throughout the game against a hard-forechecking Rebels team which posed problems in their own end.

Rangers' 15-year-old phenom, Brandon Kelley got the team on the board first as he found the net for his 17th goal of the season. Adam Toussant managed to find Kelly streaking to the net, to pick up the assist.

Char-Lan managed to pressure Rangers goaltender Greg Richardson to sneak one in on the short side to tie the score at one.

With under a minute left in
the first period, Char-Lan capitalized on a Rangers penalty to score on a screened shot from the point.

The Rangers managed to regroup in the second period to get their powerplay working in order to tie the score. The Rangers took advantage of their five-on-three advantage to work a passing play, where Cahl Gerow and Peter Veltkamp managed to find an open Jacob Wiley to tie the score at two.

Richardson managed a series of good saves the rest of the second to keep things knotted at two.

Char-Lan came out firing in the third, scoring less than a minute into the period to take a 3-2 lead.

The Rebels continued their strong forecheck to poke away at Richardson until they added another marker to take a 4-2 lead.

South Grenville's Lucas Spencer, who previously played with the Rangers two seasons ago, asserted himself into the game physically with a couple bone-jarring hits to rally the troops.

Eric Selleck took advantage of the shift in momentum to take a pass while streaking into the Rebels zone to out maneuver a defencemen and find the top corner to bring the score within one. Spencer and Ben Bowden picked up assists on the play.

Despite a late flurry of shots on the Rebels goaltender, Char-Lan managed to hang on for the 4-3 victory.

The Rangers will play host to their arch-rivals the Brockville Tikis, Saturday at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. South Grenville will then travel to Gananoque Sunday to take on the Islanders at 7:45 pm.

Rangers looking to make some deals

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers have done some tinkering with their line-up to help renew some of the spark which saw them start the season in first place.

The Rangers unloaded their captain, Liam Tyrell, to the Winchester Hawks - the team from which he was originally acquired, from for future considerations. Aaron McDonald, who had previously been acquired from the Tikis in a trade for Derek June, was also sent to the Hawks.

To make up for Tyrell's physical presence on the blueline South Grenville brought back Lucas Spencer, who had previously played for the Rangers two years ago.

South Grenville has also added some more experience with the return of one of last year's top scorers in Dave MacKinnon.

The Rangers still have seven cards available, with General Manager Dennis Van Luit
still expected to add a couple new faces to the roster to bring in some more veteran experience.

Falcons Sr. A hockey team puts the bite on Bulldogs

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team returned home Saturday after nearly one month on the road to score a 6-1 win over the Deseronto Bulldogs.

The Falcons started on a tear, peppering Bulldogs goaltender Jamie Tompkins who stood on his head throughout most of the first period until new Falcon Adrian Haird managed to snipe a rebound into the top corner to give St. Lawrence a 1-0 lead. Chris Ferguson and Chris McCann picked up helpers.

The Bulldogs finally found a solution to Falcons goaltender Tim Markus early in the second frame, banging one past him to tie things at one.

The Falcons continued to skate hard and hit the Bulldogs wearing down at their short bench in order to come out blazing in the third period for a five goal performance.

The Falcons put offensive pressure on Tompkins all period with Ferguson scoring to take a 2-1 lead. McCann and Ian Miller picked up assists on the play.

St. Lawrence capitalized on the momentum shift as Karl Herbison converted a powerplay marker, with Tyler Dukelow and Kevin Spero adding assists.

Lloyd Marks scored the third goal of the period for the Falcons, with Charlie Froment and Wayne Garlough chipping in with helpers.

Miller got into the act with less than three minutes left in the game to take a 5-1 lead over Deseronto. Froment and Spero picked up helpers.

McCann added a goal with 17 seconds for his third point of the game, with Marshal Merkley picking up a helper.

Markus had a strong game in goal for the Falcons, stopping all but one of Deseronto's scoring chances, including a late first-period rally.

The Falcons now sit at 5-6 on the season for ten points, eight behind league-leading Tamworth with 18 points.

The Falcons will continue play Saturday when they host
the Tamworth Braves at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Falcons forum

The Falcons have now launched their official Web site: www.falconshockey.ca. The team has also picked up three new players this week in Adrian Haird, Tony Switzer and Andrew Dickson.

Bantam Rangers house team doing well in regular season

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Kriska bantam B Rangers house team has had a strong showing in the regular season, scoring three wins and two losses in league play.

On Oct. 25, the Rangers scored a 13-4 win over Brockville Carefree Pools in Brockville. Zach Stitt led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Ronnie Burns (2), Josh Newton (2), Adam Kelly (2), Mark Wynands, Travis Stephenson, Chris Bryden and Ryan Armstrong adding singles. Stephenson, Armstrong and Burns chipped in with helpers.

On Oct. 6, South Grenville travelled to Brockville scoring a 3-1 win over Brockville #3. Stephenson, Burns and Jordan Daw scored for the Rangers, while Wynands, Bryden, Armstrong, Newton and Adam Patrick chipped in with helpers.

On Oct. 25, South Grenville travelled to Kemptville dropping a 5-2 loss to the Kemptville Panthers. Kyle Lavery and Armstrong scored for the Rangers, while Stephenson and Kelly chipped in with helpers.

On Oct. 17, the Rangers dropped a 4-3 decision to Brockville #2. Armstrong, Ashley Clarke and Daw scored for South Grenville, while Lavery, Stitt and Bryden added assists.

On Nov. 17, the Rangers played host to the Smiths Falls Bears scoring a 4-2 win at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Kurtis Merkley had a strong game in goal to lead the Rangers, while Stitt, Lavery, Burns and Stephenson scored for South Grenville. Burns (2), Lavery (2) and Wynands picked up helpers.

Rangers selects win and draw

ATHENS - The South Grenville Rangers Selects (atom C house #1) scored a 1-1-1 record in recent league play.

On Nov. 22, the Rangers scored a 3-3 split with the Athens Aeros. Matt Fox led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Jody Sullivan added a single.

On Nov. 23, South Grenville travelled to Kanata scoring a 8-1 win over the Blazers. Fox had a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Sullivan and Dawn Wright had a pair of goals apiece and A.J. Larocque chipping in a single. Stephen Poaps and Fox added helpers.

On Nov. 29, the Rangers travelled to Finch where they advanced to the second round of the Finch tournament.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 10-1 win over the South Stormont Selects #1. Fox received the hustler award with a four goal performance, while Sullivan (3), Billy Myers (2) and Grimes also scored for the Rangers.

In their second game, the Rangers fell short in a 3-1 loss to Cornwall. Sullivan scored the Rangers' lone goal, while Wright picked up the hustler award for her efforts.

On Nov. 30, the Rangers dropped a 4-2 loss to Kemptville #2 in Kemptville. Phillip Biccum scored both South Grenville goals in the loss.

Atom B house teams go head-to-head

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Rangers atom B house teams 1 and 2 played a home-and-home series in Prescott and Spencerville.

On Nov. 25, South Grenville #2 scored a 1-0 win over South Grenville #1 in Prescott. Joshua Bailey scored the game's lone goal, with Broydon Stufko and Ryan Maggio chipping in with helpers.

On Nov. 26, South Grenville #1 battled South Grenville #2 to a 1-1 draw in Spencerville. Spencer Lee scored for South Grenville #1, while Bailey replied for South Grenville #2.

RSL atoms post 1-1-1 record

PRESCOTT - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major atom Kings completed a three-game week which saw the Kings post a 1-1-1 record.

On Nov. 29, the Kings travelled to Kingston scoring a 5-2 win over the Kingston Predators on their showcase day. Ronnie Harrison, Logan Giesbrecht, Russ Hinch, Clark Seymour and Tanner Benton scored for the Kings, while Ryan Van Stralen, Jarrett Williams, Benton and Lee Charlebois picked up helpers. Slater Koekkoek was named the game MVP as selected by the Predators. Drew Larson had a strong game in goal stopping 14 shots, including a flurry of in the first period.

On Dec. 2, the Kings travelled to Gloucester dropping a 3-1 decision to the Rangers. Harrison scored the Kings lone goal, while Williams chipped in with a helper. Richard Joudoin faced 14 shots in the loss.

On Dec. 6, the Kings played host to the Eastern Ontario Cobras setting for a 2-2 draw
at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The Kings killed off
six minor penalties in the game, with Drew Lawson facing 15 shots in net. Van Stralen and Hinch scored for the Kings, while Hinch, Seymour, Williams and Charlebois picked up helpers.

South Grenville major midgets continue strong regular season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville major midget Rangers scored a pair of wins in recent league play to continue their strong play.

On Nov. 25, the Rangers scored a 5-1 win over North Glengarry-Stormont at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Allan Robertson, Matthew Hayes, Kurtis Summers, Jonathan Baldwin and Nick Maggio scored for the Rangers in the win.

On Dec. 2, South Grenville was able to squeak out a 3-2 win over the Kemptville Panthers, to hand the Panthers their second loss of the season.

Robertson scored a natural hat trick, with a pair of second period goals and one in the third to pull the Rangers ahead and secure the win.

Midget Rangers house team scores win over North Leeds

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville midget Rangers
house team scored a 6-5
win over North Leeds Nov. 25 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Matt Duguay scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Tyler Halliday, Mark Rundle, Ryan O'Brien and Matt Fahrengruber added singles. David Code, Jimmy Utman, Justin Polasz and Rundle chipped in with helpers. The Rangers sat in top spot in the West Division as of Nov. 25.

Ice Hounds win squeaker

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds managed to squeak out a
6-5 win over Brockville #2 Dec. 7 at the Brockville Youth
Arena.

Matt Fox scored a hat trick to lead the Ice Hounds, while Paul DeJong, Mika Turansky and Nick Campbell added singles.

Turansky (2), Damon Jarvis, Luke Severson, Fox and Zach St. John chipped in with helpers.

RSL Kings holding Kings Day Saturday in Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings will be holding their 15th annual Kings Day this Saturday, Dec. 13 in Spencerville.

The major atoms, minor peewee, major peewee, minor bantam, major bantam and major midgets will be participating in the event.

The Kings organization will also be giving away six Alister Brown Conditioning Camp spots, with one player drawn after each game.

There will also be a food drive with proceeds going to the Spirit of Giving food drive which is run by the Prescott Kinsmen.

Opening ceremonies are slated to begin at 10 am; several dignitaries are expected.

Come out and support the Kings organization and double-A hockey in the region.

St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey searching for volunteers

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team is currently looking for volunteers to help out for the remainder of the 2003-04 season.

Volunteers are required to help out in a variety of roles with the team.

The Falcons are a regional team, which plays its home games at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Those wishing to volunteer should contact Greg Simpson at 345-4752 or Kevin Kukk at 342-3311.

Giants senior boys basketball team ready for action

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior boys basketball team will take to the court for a few more games before the Christmas holidays. The Giants are last year's LGSSAA champions and looking to repeat.

The Giants will travel to Brockville this Thursday, Dec. 11 to take on the St. Mary Crusaders at 4:30 pm.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Giants will return home to play host to the Gananoque Trojans at 4:30 pm in Prescott.

In its final game before the holidays, South Grenville will travel to Brockville Thursday, Dec. 18 to take on the TISS Pirates at 4:30 pm.

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