VOL. 173, NO. 52~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ December 24 2003

Soup for the Soul serves holiday cheer

Prescott teens spearhead third annual dinner attended by at least 450

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The sense of community spirit was apparent as the annual Soup for the Soul campaign reached new heights with more than 450 people taking part Sunday at St. Mark Parish Centre in Prescott.

The organizers of the event, Mackenzie Eaton and Kaitlynn Dodge, considered the dinner to be a success.

"We have had some big rushes and the place has been busy," said Dodge. "People started getting here at 2 pm and having some tea."

Eaton added, "We got about 450 people and we were getting a little low on food so we went over to Your Independent Grocer and picked up some more corn and stuff like that, but it ended up we had enough."

Eaton indicated roughly 20 people from Brockville came in to the dinner on the buses provided by a religion class at St. Mary.

"It wasn't bad," explained Eaton, "but we had a group of about 20 people who were supposed to come in on the buses but didn't show up because they thought it might be cancelled because of the snow storm we had yesterday."

Kay Bowden, who came in from Brockville for the dinner, was impressed with what she saw from the numerous volunteers.

"The teenagers really did an excellent job," said Bowden. "Everyone is working together and has been very good to everyone."

Ron Stevens of North Augusta added, "This is my third year coming to this, and it's the best place for a meal of this kind in Brockville or Prescott. It's a great thing for the community, and I definitely hope this is going to continue."

Ron Perrin, who recently moved to Prescott, was just thrilled with the support that the meal provides.

"It's a wonderful thing at Christmas for the entire community and people of moderate means," said Perrin. "This is the true meaning of what Christmas is all about."

The idea for the dinner came about three years ago as the girls wanted to promote community spirit as well as help out those less fortunate.

"It was just something we wanted to do for the community," said Dodge. "We wanted to do something which would benefit everyone, especially the lower-income families."

With the increased crowds, the girls were happy to have all the volunteers they did from St. Mary, South Grenville District High School and Brockville Collegiate Institute.

"We had a lot of help," said Eaton. "Groups and businesses like the Catholic Women's League, the Knights of Columbus, the Prescott Lions Club, Tim Hortons, DuPont, Flower World and Giant Tiger have really been great with donations of time and money."

Dodge added, "Really, though, the main people who helped out here were our friends and family who put in about as much time as we did on this."

For the girls who thought up the project while on their long bus ride from Prescott to St. Mary Catholic School in Brockville, this year's event was extra special since it will be their last year at the helm of the project.

"We'll both be off at school so we can't head it up next year," said Eaton. "We'll still be involved and will be looking forward to coming back to volunteering; we just can't be the main people."

The girls have no one in particular in mind to take over the project to ensure it keeps going, and have indicated they will wait until January to look at that.

"We have exams coming up and we were pretty focused on the event itself," said Eaton. "We decided that for the past three months we should hold off on thinking about next year and just to concentrate on this year."

Dodge added, "We can't just hand this off to someone and expect them to pick this up and run with it. If someone doesn't have the initiative and desire to be there it won't be a success, it takes about five months to plan and that's no small commitment.

"It has to be in a person's heart to want to do this, and we're waiting for someone to hopefully come to us because they want to do this."

The girls were quick to let people know they still expected the event to continue in the future despite not being in charge.

"It's sad in a way that it's our last year being in charge of this," said Eaton. "But it will still be the same with us just volunteering."

The two winners of the ham draw were Myrtle Shahan of Prescott and Lee Dewsbury of Cardinal.

THIS WEEK

Offices and most stores closed for the holidays

PRESCOTT ­ The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed tomorrow (Christmas) and Friday, Dec. 26 (Boxing Day).

For those hoping to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, keep in mind most retailers will not be open tonight and will close a bit early this afternoon.

Government offices and banks will be closed Christmas and Boxing Day. Retailers are permitted to open Boxing Day.

The next edition of The Journal will be distributed Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Hutt sentenced to three years for fatal crash

BROCKVILLE ­ A Johnstown man has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of impaired driving causing death.

Terry Hutt, 51, has also been banned from driving for the rest of his life in connection with a two-car collision that took place in late January of this year on County Road 2 just east of New Wexford. Hutt was sentenced by Justice Charles Anderson last Tuesday in Brockville court.

Jane Stuart Kines, 68, was killed when the vehicle she was driving was struck head-on by Hutt's car. Hutt sustained serious injuries in the crash.

The accused was also convicted on a blood alcohol charge. A charge of criminal negligence causing death was stayed.

United Way campaign goes over the top

BROCKVILLE ­ The United Way of Leeds and Grenville has surpassed its 2003 fundraising campaign goal, it was announced Friday.

The local campaign went over the top thanks to a corporate contribution of $10,400 from Trillium Health Care Products. This brought the total raised to more than $754,716, the most ever raised by the Leeds and Grenville organization.

The goal of this year's campaign, which was extended earlier this month, was $750,000.

The United Way provides funding to more than 25 agencies in the united counties area.

Seaway shipping season comes to end this week

CORNWALL ­ The St. Lawrence Seaway's 2003 season is scheduled to end later this week.

Barring severe climatic conditions, the navigation season will end this Friday, Dec. 26 at 11:59 pm. The Welland Canal is also scheduled to close its season Dec. 26. The Canadian and American corporations that oversee seaway operations have indicated all vessels must be clear of the system by Dec. 29.

The 2004 season will likely begin by late March.

Christmas is for the children

The Prescott Journal is pleased to include its annual Christmas greetings section in this week's paper.

The 24-page supplement features some of the drawings and poems submitted by young artists from elementary schools in South Grenville. Participating schools include Algonquin, Maynard, Central, Boundary Street, South Edwardsburg, Benson, Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh public schools, St. Joseph and St. Mark Catholic schools and Grenville Christian College.

We thank those who took part in this special section. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Teens help boost Spirit of Giving

Prescott Kinsmen maintain holiday season program;donations down this year

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - In what has become a seasonal tradition in South Grenville the annual Spirit of Giving campaign has made an impact in the community.

The annual campaign sees Christmas boxes prepared for low income families in South Grenville; the boxes include various canned goods, gifts for smaller children and ingredients for a Christmas dinner.

Members of the Prescott Kinsmen, who oversee the elaborate campaign which receives help from numerous local businesses and South Grenville District High School, indicated registration and monetary donations were slightly down this year.

"Our registration is down about 10 people from last year to about 274," explained Prescott Kinsmen Spirit of Giving co-chair Mike Baril. "It's been pretty steady. We haven't really dropped off a lot in any other area than donations."

Despite final tallies not being completed by the time sorting began at the high school Friday, Baril was fairly certain cash donations were down.

"As of our last Kinsmen meeting, we had about half of what we needed," said Baril. "Things have picked up since then, but I don't know where we'll end up."

Baril explained how the monetary donations are important to the campaign with a variety of products for a Christmas dinner which the Kinsmen use the money to buy.

"We buy a lot of stuff like turkeys, potatoes, eggs and vegetables for the packages," said Baril. "Just the turkeys alone cost us $5,000, and we get a lot of great deals from the stores and companies where we buy these things. Places like Kriska, Kraft, and Grenville Mutual have been great with doing what they can to help us out. We hope to have enough money or we'll have to pay out of our bingo and other projects."

The Kinsmen cite competition and growth of the campaign as one of the reasons making it so hard to keep the program running.

"People have to remember that with the packages they get enough food for about a month with all the staples," said Kinsmen member Fred Holmes. "This is not just a one-shot deal."

The Kinsmen were quick to credit the students of the high school for their work canvassing the area for donations.

"The kids do a lot around the community for this," said Holmes. "They really did a good job collecting."

While money has dwindled for the campaign, Baril was impressed with overall how much the campaign has grown over its 21 years, since it first began in the early-1980s at the high school when teacher Bernie Currier and one of his classes launched the event.

"It really has grown a lot since its start," said Baril. "We never used to buy anything for this and now that's a large part of it. Also, the number of toys has really picked up. It wasn't originally something asked for, but people just started donating them and the totals grow every year."

SGDHS vice-principal shaves head to help holiday season campaign

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School students were waving money in the air at Friday's annual Christmas assembly, hoping for the chance to shave their vice-principal's hair.

South Grenville DHS Vice-Principal Jo-Ellen Bauder made an agreement with the Spirit of Giving group at the high school earlier in the year to shave her head if the group raised more than $2,000 for the campaign on top of their canvassing for non-perishable goods.

Despite not having final tallies on the total money raised the co-chairs indicated they were well over the $2,000 goal and estimated to have raised about $3,000.

Bauder was happy to perform the stunt and was pleased with the efforts despite the students surprising her with a twist to their agreement.

"They auctioned off the chance to shave me," said Bauder. "It's okay, they did a good job and followed my rules. I told them it couldn't be completely bald and I needed to keep my bangs and they held up to that."

Spirit of Giving co-chairs Ryan Delaney and Julie Putman were happy with the outcome.

"We had about five people come up to help shave Mrs. Bauder's head which raised about another $80," said Delaney, "and we had more people in the crowd offering $40 to shave Mrs. Ramsay's head or one of Mrs. Bauder's eyebrows."

Delaney indicated most of the cash donations raised were from jars around the high school's cafeteria which outlined the contest, with other donations coming from the canvassing and some donations from O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer, McDonald's and Tim Hortons.

"It was all the talk around the school," said Delaney. "If we didn't have Mrs. Bauder willing to make the sacrifice, it wouldn't have been the same."

"We were really active with the campaign," said Putman. "We did a food drive in all the major areas of South Grenville, going to Prescott, Riverview Heights, Johnstown, Cardinal and Spencerville while working with the Kinsmen."

Youth centre open part of next week

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Youth Centre will be closed today (Christmas Eve), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The centre, which is located on King Street West across from the Coast Guard base, will be open Monday, Dec. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Jan. 2 from 1 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm and closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Regular operating hours (weeknights from 6 to 9 pm) return Monday, Jan. 5.

Holiday season hours in effect at food bank

PRESCOTT ­ The Food For All Food Bank will be closed today (Wednesday, Dec. 24) and on Christmas.

The food bank, which is located across from the Prescott Legion on Henry Street, will be open Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 10 am to 2 pm. The food bank will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 1.

Regular hours of operation (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm) resume Jan. 6. Food For All serves residents of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta.

Christmas church services in Augusta

AUGUSTA ­ The Christmas and new year's seasons are being celebrated by several churches in Augusta Township.

A lay service will take place Christmas Day at 10 am at the Maitland Community Reformed Church on County Road 2. On New Year's Eve, the local church will combine with Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Brockville to celebrate in Maitland at 7 pm. The speaker is Pastor Tom Vander Schaaf.

Pastor Phil Phillips will conduct worship services Sunday, Dec. 28 at 10 am and 6 pm at Maynard United Pentecostal Church on Charleville Road.

A pot luck dinner will follow the 7 pm New Year's Eve service at Maynard United Pentecostal.

Father Claude Delorme will conduct a family eucharist Christmas Eve (this evening) at 6 pm at St. Peter's Anglican Church, North Augusta, and at 7:30 pm at St. James Anglican Church, Maitland. Children will be the focus of both evening services. Holy eucharist will be celebrated at 10 pm at St. James.

There will be no Christmas Day services in the parish, although holy eucharist will be held Sunday, Dec. 28 at 8 and 11 am at St. James, Maitland, and at 9:30 am at St. Peter's, North Augusta.

St. Theresa's Catholic Church in North Augusta will celebrate mass Christmas Eve at 8 pm and on Christmas Day at 10 am.

Augusta holiday operating hours

MAYNARD ­ Special operating hours will apply to the Augusta Township municipal office in Maynard and at the landfill and transfer stations during the holiday season.

The township office will close today (Wednesday, Dec. 24) at noon, and will remain closed through Friday, January 2.

The Maynard transfer station and North Augusta landfill site will be closed today (Wednesday), Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25), Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 1. The stations will be open Friday, Dec. 26.

West-end water testing might not be needed

Legal branch of environment ministry to define status of Augusta-Prescott area

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Months of frustration experienced by the owners of several properties on the border of Augusta and Prescott may have all been for nothing.

The prospect of having to pay thousands of dollars each year to have water tested in a small area near County Road 2 is up in the air following an information meeting held Thursday afternoon at the health centre in Prescott. On hand were several residents of the affected area as well as all five members of Augusta council, five members of Prescott council, other officials from each municipality and the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) that oversees Prescott's water system.

Seven properties situated in Augusta Township just west of the Prescott town line have been hooked up to town water for decades. On the belief the area constituted its own water distribution system, the Ministry of the Environment determined daily sampling and testing of water from those residential properties would have to be conducted at an estimated cost of upwards of $3,000 per year. The issues of who would pay for the testing and whether something could be done to correct the situation were discussed by the two municipalities; The office of Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was also approached and met with some of the parties involved.

In October, the ministry advised the property owners and municipalities a written agreement between the two municipalities would resolve the situation.

At Thursday's information meeting, ministry representative Jim Mahoney outlined how stand-alone drinking water systems are defined. Six or more units is considered a small municipal residential system. During the meeting, Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller noted the properties are serviced separately. There are connections to municipal water lines located at the end of King, Henry and James streets.

Mahoney said he had been under the impression the seven properties were serviced by the same connection. Mahoney said the ministry's legal services branch would have to provide a definition of whether each property is considered a private residence or the entire area is considered a stand-alone system. If each property is deemed to be on its own, there would be no water testing requirements

Mahoney expects the answer from legal services will not be available until at least mid-January.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's over," said property owner Robin Shire.

Adding to the confusion is the fact small portions of some of the properties are situated in the Town of Prescott, meaning property owners pay taxes to both municipalities. Don and Ann Pender referred to a 1958 severance document stating the town shall provide water service to that property forever.

This latest turn of events has added to the frustration experienced by the affected property owners. Although they have not been billed for the water testing OCWA has been doing in recent months (the township has an agreement in place with the town), some of the owners are expressing disappointment with the way the situation has been handled. However, there is now hope the matter will soon be resolved.

"I think it will work itself out in the end," Mrs. Pender said.

The possibility that Prescott could annex the affected area, including the Ward farm property, was raised by some members of the previous town council. There was no talk of annexation at Thursday's information session.

"All of us in this room are committed to a safe and relatively simple solution," Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said.

GRENVILLE COUNTY OPP BRIEFS

Most collisions can be prevented

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP based in Prescott responded to 41 collision calls between Dec. 15 and Dec. 21.

Most of the collisions occurred Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 on highways 401 and 416 when weather and road conditions were poor. Minor injuries were reported in two of those crashes.

Police say many of the collisions could have been prevented if proper driving techniques were used. Motorists should slow down and allow extra stopping distance when conditions are bad.

Three RIDE checks net one impaired charge

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ OPP constables McDade, Large, Crawford, McConnell and Kavanagh conducted three RIDE checks this past weekend.

One hundred two vehicles were checked Dec. 19 at county roads 2 and 22 in Cardinal. One roadside screening test was conducted; no charges were laid. The second RIDE check took place later that night on the Shanly Road overpass at Highway 401. Two provincial offence notices were issued; 203 vehicles were checked.

A 43-year-old Edwardsburgh/Cardinal man was charged with impaired driving and possession of a controlled substance at the third RIDE check held during the early-morning hours of Dec. 20 near county roads 44 and 21 at Spencerville. The man is scheduled to appear in Brockville court in February. A 12-hour licence suspension was also issued at the check.

Local police in the Prescott area will continue to conduct periodic RIDE checks throughout the holiday season.

Local bank reports another counterfeit $20 bill: police

PRESCOTT ­ Yet another counterfeit bill has surfaced in town, according to the Prescott Police Service.

The fake currency was reported Dec. 19 by one of the banks. The serial number of the counterfeit $20 bill is EWA4830780. Constable Cindy Bisson is the investigating officer.

In all, Prescott police officers investigated 65 incidents and three motor vehicle collisions during the week of Dec. 15.

On Dec. 16, a female student at South Grenville District High School complained she had been assaulted by another female student. A female youth will be dealt with by way if extrajudicial measures under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The investigating officer is Constable Terry Foster.

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.

Christmas services being held in town

PRESCOTT ­ Churches in Prescott are marking the Christmas season with a number of special services tonight and tomorrow.

St. Mark's Catholic Church on Dibble Street will conduct Christmas Eve mass tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm. There will also be a midnight mass. Christmas mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11 am.

A joint Christmas Eve service involving St. Paul's United Church and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church will begin Thursday at 6:30 pm at St. Andrew's on Centre Street at Dibble.

St. John's Anglican Church, corner of Centre and James streets, will conduct two Christmas Eve services tonight at 6:30 (family service includes birthday party for Jesus) and at 9:30 pm. The Christmas Day service begins tomorrow at 10 am.

Seaway Christian Church on Churchill Road will conduct a family communion service tonight at 7 pm. The Pentecostal church will also host a special supper Dec. 31 at 5 pm, followed at 10:30 pm by a watch night service.

Be fire safe this festive season

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The goodwill and cheer of the holiday season can be scarred by unnecessary and preventable fire injuries and deaths.

Here are a few tips from Prescott Fire Captain and Fire Prevention Officer Brent Norton that can help ensure happier holiday celebrations and avoid a needless tragedy:

* Homes are busier places at Christmas, with family, friends and relatives getting together. There is often more activity and cooking in the kitchen; take extra precautions, be aware and practise fire safety. Keep a working fire extinguisher close at hand.

* Ensure smoke detectors are operational. Have extra nine-volt batteries on hand; don't remove batteries for use in toys. "Smoke detectors are there to save lives - they're not for toys," Norton said.

* Fresh Christmas trees should be properly watered. Beware of running extension cords under carpets and overloading electrical outlets with too many fixtures.

* Make sure there is a household escape plan and that all residents and visitors to the house are aware of the safe route outside and of the meeting place.

* Do not burn wrapping paper and gift packaging materials in a fire place or a wood burning appliance. Wrappings often have special coatings that can give off toxic gases. As well, the excess paper burning can make the chimney too hot too fast. The draft will pull burning paper up the chimney, creating a fire hazard on the roof. Fireplaces and other fuel-fired appliances should have a screen in front.

* Candles should not be placed near combustible materials or left unattended.

As for fire-related injuries and death at Christmas, "we have been fortunate in this immediate area, but that doesn't mean we should drop our guard," Norton said.

According to the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, during November and December of 2002, 19 people in Ontario lost their lives to fire and many more suffered burn injuries.

Holiday celebrations often mean an increase in cooking, smoking and alcohol consumption - three of the leading contributors to fire, a council news release states. Combine these activities with other hazards such as Christmas trees, fireplaces and candles, and the potential for disaster is great.

Fires ignited by candles have been a steadily increasing concern for the fire marshal's office. Over a seven-year period, candles fires in Ontario rose by almost 50 per cent, and these are just the occurrences that are reported.

Grade 9 math scores released

BROCKVILLE ­ Results of Grade 9 math tests conducted earlier this year show there is still room for improvement at the Upper Canada District School Board.

Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) administered province-wide testing in January, May and June of this year.

The Upper Canada public school board met the provincial average in applied math; 23 per cent of Grade 9 students who wrote the test achieved the provincial standard. In academic math, 61 per cent of Upper Canada students met the standard, six per cent below the provincial average.

At South Grenville District High School in Prescott, 61 per cent of Grade 9 students tested in 2003 achieved the provincial standard in academic math and 15 per cent made the grade in applied math.

Director of Education Gino Giannandrea stated in a news release the board has dedicated more resources to help students and teachers prepare for the tests. "However, we must continue to analyze our results to improve upon them, especially for our academic math students."

The Upper Canada board has shown a marked improvement ­ seven percentage points in applied math and 10 percentage points in academic math ­ since the first EQAO test was written in 2001.

Mayor notes challenges facing new council

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Members of the new Prescott council have agreed to treat each other with courtesy and respect, according to Mayor Robert Lawn.

The mayor addressed council at its first formal meeting of the term Dec. 15. Lawn noted council members had met informally earlier this month and had indicated a desire to work together as a team.

"I firmly believe that co-operation is the way to survive," he told council last week.

The mayor, who is beginning his second term at the helm, outlined a number of challenges the new council will face in the months ahead. Lawn said strengthening community partnerships with volunteers, the business community and neighbouring municipalities is a priority.

"We cannot go it alone," the mayor said.

The mayor said he would like to see the quality of life improve for all residents, especially children and the elderly. Lawn noted he senses the new council has "a renewed interest" in health, recreation and social issues.

Securing a new waste water system, meeting local housing needs and rehabilitating the town dock area of the waterfront are other challenges facing the incoming council, according to the mayor. In stressing the need for a balanced team approach, Lawn acknowledged there will not always be total agreement around the council table. "The minority mustn't take it personally," he commented.

The town must also develop long-term strategies when it comes to economic development, downtown revitalization, land use, financial management and heritage, Lawn stated. Council should not proceed with long-range planning without community involvement, according to the mayor.

The mayor noted he is pleased with renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building, adding the office area on the second floor had become "an awful place" early in the previous council term.

"In the process, we have neglected the library," Lawn remarked. "I'm prepared to work as hard as I can" to address the needs of the public library, he indicated.

Following the mayor's remarks, Jo-Anne Beckstead spoke on behalf of the councillors. Beckstead, who is beginning her third term as councillor, said "you never stop learning" when it comes to serving on council.

Voters have chosen an "energetic and enthusiastic" group to oversee the municipality, according to Beckstead.

"What we can't get done we can plan to get done," she added.

Council's next regular meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 5 at 7 pm on the second floor of 360 Dibble St. W.

Runciman attacks youth plan

TORONTO ­ The provincial Liberal government's plan to transfer responsibility for violent young offenders to a new ministry for children is "naive and dangerous social engineering," according to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.

The Progressive Conservative member responded last week to an indication by Children's Minister Marie Bountrogianni that responsibility would be transferred from corrections by the end of the year.

"The reality is that many of these young offenders are vicious and unconscionable criminals, and treating them as children only re-victimizes the people who've suffered from their frequently horrific acts," the MP stated in a news release.

Runciman stated sexual predators and killers who are 16 and 17 and would be treated as children "...belies a Liberal mindset that all young offenders are victims of their environment and need coddling instead of punishment."

The local MPP and former minister of public safety and security is urging the government to consult police and victims groups before proceeding with its plan.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"This really makes you realize how big of a deal it really is."

SGDHS Spirit of Giving co-chair Ryan Delaney, referring to the impact of the annual holiday season campaign

Editor's Notebook

PRESCOTT'S DYNAMIC DUO: Two years ago at the age of 15, Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton organized a community Christmas dinner that filled a void in Prescott and demonstrated the positive contributions teenagers can make. That, in itself, is a significant achievement.

But that was not enough for these two best friends. They did not walk away from the table; instead, they helped set the table a second and third time in consecutive years.

At least 500 people came to dinner Sunday and shared in some holiday spirit, and it is all due to the hard work of Kaitlynn and Mackenzie.

It is too bad it took the Ottawa media two years to realize what a good thing we have going in Prescott. It is not the first time the big city has tended to focus on the negative and overlook the positive when it comes to this area, but we are pleased there are now tens of thousands of people throughout Eastern Ontario who are aware of what Kaitlynn and Mackenzie have done for this community.

With these young women heading off to university next year, we hope there is another dynamic duo of young adults out there who can take the reins and carry on what has become an important holiday season tradition in South Grenville. It would be a real shame to lose a community event that offers a bright spot for those whose Christmas might be something that is endured rather than celebrated or enjoyed.

To Kaitlynn and Mackenzie who have set an example for young and older adults alike, we say thank you.

NO TIME TO COP OUT: This never-ending saga about the future of policing in Prescott might be drawing to an end after all.

Even as we await a decision on whether there will be an appeal of the order to proceed with disbanding the Prescott Police Service, town council is being asked by one of its own to approve a resolution which, in essence, says the town's police department should remain intact until it can be shown there is a good reason to disband it.

Now is the time for members of this community to come forward and have their say. If maintaining the municipal service is something you would like to see happen, let your council know about it. If you are in favour of switching to the OPP, tell your elected officials. Regardless of whether there is an appeal of the recent court ruling, the ultimate decision rests with Prescott council.

We would all like this mess resolved as quickly as possible; it has dragged on far too long. However, this might be the last chance the public has any meaningful input into the future of policing in this town.

Tim Ruhnke

Warm wishes for children in the rare silence of Christmas

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

In my annual quest to write a seasonally-appropriate column, I have hit a brick wall, and that's not a seasonally-appropriate thought. Nothing is coming naturally, and I've been stewing over this for a couple of weeks.

A Christmas column needs just the right flavour - the perfect mix of ingredients to make it a soothing medley of prose fit for a holiday read. Something that might provoke a hint of a smile, a long-lost memory or a tiny tear, a flash of emotion, maybe a frown.

Still, a road block. This year's gift is wrapped up tight somewhere, unreachable. I scan back to Christmas columns past. Maybe an idea, a clue to begin is hidden there.

But I've written about special Christmas angels, mint ribbon candy, red and green twinkly lights, glorious choir singers, snow-covered mittens and huge Polish suppers to beat all suppers. The perfect ideas are used; it's all a fog. I can't write about something I can't feel - what hasn't been lived, cherished, experienced.

It's the midnight hour; I'm desperate to have this written. All is quiet in the house - I should be able to do this. And there it is - four children tucked safely in their beds, with (hopefully) visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. There's a stir - maybe he's dreaming and wondering if I'll get another pack of pistachio nuts and several more cartons of eggnog for the holidays.

Another rustle of covers... a dream about decorations with little gold metallic stars, or maybe a wish for that cool gift: a CD player or a hair braider, perhaps a remote control monster truck.

And that is the gift, I realize, when all is quiet in the house with only the occasional clunk from the furnace in the basement to stir the midnight quiet.

I have four beautiful children (made even more perfect at this particular moment because they are quiet). So it doesn't matter if the tinsel isn't hanging like frozen icicles and reflecting flashes of brilliant light. There are four children here who are special because... they are, and there are so many children who need to be loved, who need a place to call home, where there is warmth and happiness. If my children feel that warmth, my gift is wrapped to perfection.

A joyful holiday to you, to all children, and four very special people in my life - Alexander, Jacob, Courtland and Stuart.

Christmas eve fires keep local department busy in 1943

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Dec. 30, 1943

* Prescott was given a mild case of the "fire-jitters" on Christmas Eve when two alarms were given. The first call was to a chimney fire in the business block on King Street southeast above the M. Pender store.

No sooner had the excitement subsided from this alarm than another came from the ferry dock. This also proved to be of a minor nature, being from a car that had taken fire. Little damage resulted.

Dec. 27, 1973

* University degree credit courses could be available to Leeds and Grenville residents starting next summer, subject to final approval of a plan now being worked out jointly by St. Lawrence College, Brockville and the University of Ottawa. The project was initiated by the college in order to expand the educational opportunities available to the community.

Dec. 28, 1983

* The annual Christmas promotion campaign of Prescott's downtown businesses ended this week, and many area residents got a little more than they expected when doing their holiday shopping. Robin Blair of Brockville was the grand prize winner in the draw entered by those shopping downtown this year and was awarded an RCA VCR valued at over $600.

Dec. 29, 1993

* At a recent ceremony at St. Paul's United Church, 12 new members joined the third Prescott Brownie Pack. They were Julie Cameron, Heidi Reinstra, Kaitlin Tomalty, Mallory Leger, Ashley Veenstra, Jean Sayeau, Katrina Cipra, Lori Hall, Cindy Arthurs, Kaitlynn Dodge, Leah Wichmann and Saskia Vreeswyk. At the same ceremony, several volunteers were recognized for their contributions.

Von Schoultz's phony Polish origins misled nation for over 130 years

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

In this day of enlightenment and information overload it is difficult to imagine that the tale Nicholas Von Schoultz spun for his new-found American friends in the Syracuse area as well as his captors and their ancestors in Canada still existed 100 years later, in 1938, when the centennial of the Battle of the Windmill was celebrated on the highest level of government involvement in this country.

The sham of Von Schoultz's heritage survived as he had told it until about 1970 when Toronto author Keith Scott uncovered his true identity while researching the first authentic version of the Battle of the Windmill.

Von Schoultz was in fact a Swede, born there in 1807, and received a commission in the Swedish Artillery. He resigned his commission in 1831 because of debts and fled the country. He next surfaced in Italy in 1833, joining his mother, brother and sister. He met and married a young Scotswoman of modest means in Italy and returned to Sweden in 1834. He used his wife's money to fend off creditors of both new and old ventures, and in 1836 he deserted his wife and two young daughters and fled to America.

The story told in America by Von Schoultz was that he was a Polish aristocrat and cavalry officer and that most of his family had been killed fighting the Czar's army in a nation-wide revolt and that his mother and sisters were languishing in a Siberian prison. He claimed he had been captured by the Czar's army but managed to escape and make his way to France where he joined the newly-formed French Foreign Legion. Von Schoultz claimed he deserted the Legion in Africa in 1834 because of the atrocities committed against the Arabs by the Legionnaires, and eventually made his way to America.

Records show he started work in the Salina (Syracuse) saltworks in 1837, and that he joined the Patriot Hunters late in the summer of 1838, just a few months before the Canadian invasion. Nor was he duped by the synthetic cause of liberating Canadians from the yoke of British imperialism. Among his possessions when he joined the Patriot flotilla at Sacketts Harbour was an elaborate, self-designed officer's uniform which he was wearing when captured and sentenced to death.

Von Schoultz was indeed a soldier of fortune and not the hero of liberation he claimed to be, nor the soldier of a noble cause which he duped Canadian and Americans into believing for over 100 years.

It was the bogus Polish aristocrat that the Polish consul and Canadians and Americans of Polish descent gathered in Prescott on Friday, July 1, 1938 to honour, believing he and his fellow Polish patriots had fought to liberate Canada in 1838. Alas, research in the past 30 years reveals the Polish contingent at the Battle of the Windmill consisted of one, lone, bankrupt Swede.

According to the July 7, 1938 edition of The Prescott Journal the special Polish ceremony planned for July 1 at the Windmill had to be moved to St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church because of a heavy rain storm. It was attended by a crowd of about 400 people of Polish origin, including Jan Pawlica, Polish Consul General in Canada, C. Kaminisk, chairman of the Federated Polish Society in Canada, plus priests from several Polish Catholic parishes throughout Ontario, Quebec and New York State.

Mr. Pawlica, speaking in both Polish and English, told the large crowd at St. Mark's that he saw - "this martyred countryman as one who had made a great contribution to the cause of freedom in Canada, bringing about many of the liberties enjoyed here today, and for which he paid the supreme sacrifice."

Later in the day the Polish contingent paraded to the Windmill for the unveiling of a plaque in Von Schoultz's memory. This plaque remained fixed to the Windmill for about 30 years when it mysteriously disappeared without a trace. The Canadian government's explanation was that it was not in both official Canadian languages, so it had to be removed.

Whereas Prescott residents and Polish patriots throughout Ontario and Quebec were beating their patriotic breasts following the International Peace Centennial celebrations, Col. Andrew A. Gray told a large Orange rally in Brockville on July 12.... "it is a sad thing for the young men of these counties to see a tablet unveiled to a foreigner who led a band of foreigners to invade Canada, while nothing has been done to honour the memory of the men from these counties (Leeds & Grenville) in quashing the invasion.

Prescott Chamber of Commerce president James P. Doyle, in the July 14 edition of The Prescott Journal, replied to the Orange Lodge official: "the charges of Col. Andrew Gray, while containing an atom of truth, are wholly erroneous in substance. Evidently Col. Gray is sympathetic to the principles of Fascism which ruled in Canada for so many years before his birth. He should be thankful that we were able to celebrate an event as we did in this age.

"Grenville has constantly put forward the contribution of the Windmill to Canadian welfare, and it is now up to Col. Gray to bring forward a like goodwill offering from Leeds."

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Spirit of Christmas lives in community

The Editor;

The Spirit of Christmas is alive and well and living in Prescott!

One very worthy event to demonstrate this is the annual Christmas light bus tour sponsored by Kinsmen and Knights of Columbus members. It was held on Dec. 17, with pick-ups at every senior citizens' residence and a tour from Johnstown to Maitland, then back to the parish centre where the CWL offered refreshments and the choir sang Christmas carols. Of course, Santa Claus and his one elf visited everyone and left each one a Christmas treat. Appreciation is due to all the young men who were lined up like Brinks guards to escort the passengers on and off the bus and then to their very doors.

Because the Spirit is contagious, two very enterprising girls, Kaitlynn and Mackenzie, devised the plan to organize a community dinner for Sunday, Dec. 21 for all and sundry. This is their third year to plan this event, and they have had much support from churches, organizations, CWL, stores, restaurants and citizens. Their team has grown to include many young people, pre-teen and others, to pick up donations, serve and hostess in the parish centre from 3-7 pm.

What a beautiful thought for Christmas! And what a wonderful town. Thanks to our volunteers.

Louise Mayes
Prescott

A note on old-fashioned good manners

The Editor;

At this time of year, a number of us are privileged to be invited to share some good cheer with friends and family.

It surprises me when I here that some people do not respond to an invitation or do so at the last minute. To be blunt, it is rude and a definite affront to the hosts who think enough to invite you.

RSVP means please respond, whether you can make it or not.

It is so important to do it right away; otherwise, you may forget and responding right away says you really appreciate being in their thoughts. Do not RSVP at the last minute. The message you send is "You had nothing better to do." Not a message you want to send.

Your hosts need to know the number of guests coming so they can plan how much food and refreshment to purchase.

If you don't respond? It means you think less of them than they do of you. Don't be surprised if you never receive any more invitations.

When you go, take a little gift of appreciation. It doesn't have to be big or expensive and could be something you made. Not required or expected but a nice touch.

A day or two after, give a thank you. Your hosts will love to hear you enjoyed yourself. It says you appreciated being thought of and the effort they put in to the event. You'll be invited again.

Courtesy, or lack of it, says so much about who we are.

Happy and safe holidays to all.

Gavin Martin
RR1 Prescott

Dance the night away

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Education and Recreation Board is celebrating the new year by sponsoring a New Year's Eve dance at the MERC Hall Dec. 31. Doors open at 8 pm. There will be dancing to DJ Super Sound Productions and a finger food buffet will be put out at 8:30. The bar closes at 2 am. There are a few tickets still available from Tina Atcheson at 348-1894.

Work on the Cedar Street rink has begun with the boards being put up by Jim Grimes and helpers. Colder weather will be needed before the flooding can begin.

Rainy weather threatens the year's luminaire display in Maitland Park. The display will be cancelled if it is raining.

Hosting a party has obligations

OTTAWA ­ Party hosts need to be proactive about serving alcohol or overseeing a "bring your own bottle" event, according to the Canada Safety Council.

It is not just businesses that have responsibilities when it comes to drinking and any associated problems that could arise. "When you decide to host a party, you take on the obligation to monitor and supervise the service and consumption of alcohol," notes council President Emile Therien.

Toronto lawyer Shelley Timms recommends having a plan in place to help prevent or handle problems. "This may let you enjoy your own party," she says.

Among the options party hosts should consider include:

* Either do not drink or limit your own consumption so you can keep track of guests.

* Serve plenty of food that has protein and fat. Salt encourages more drinking, and sugar does not mix well with alcohol.

* If the guest is drunk, encourage him or her to give you his or her car keys. Buddy up with a friend to help persuade the intoxicated person to take a cab or have a sober person drive him or her home. If the person is quite intoxicated, keep that person with you until they have sobered up or can be left with a responsible person. Additional fluids or food will not sober up the person. Offering a spare bed is a good idea.

The lawyer also suggests calling the police if the person refuses to part with his or her car keys or spend the night. Although this seems drastic, it could be a choice between an upset friend and a much more tragic situation, according to Timms.

For more information on social host liability, visit www.safety-council.org.

Music, humour and food served at open house

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our open house Sunday was a great success. We appreciate the musical groups who shared their time with us. Despite the weather, two folks from Brockville joined one of our members to bring us some Celtic tunes. Everyone found a time to enjoy. The second group shared a few more traditional tunes but added a touch of humour which was also greatly appreciated.

As usual, the cooks outdid themselves and we had every type of sweet or nibbly you could imagine. While some of the craft ladies helped with the decorating of the tree, our artists shared a display of their work. We appreciate everyone who helped prepare this good afternoon and the 40 who came to enjoy it.

The office will be closed from Christmas until after New Year's. While some groups are also taking a holiday, some will continue as usual. Please check with your group if you are in doubt.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Joyce Nesbitt. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Candy Alexander. Wednesday bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Brenda Humphry. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jessie Shaver; 2nd, Jean Annable and Wanda Wilson; door prize, Jean King.

Village lights up for season

Cardinal in Bloom names winners of lighting contest

CARDINAL - The night was alight in Cardinal Thursday as Cardinal in Bloom held judging for its annual Christmas Lighting Contest.

"It was a gorgeous night to be out and about," said Cardinal in Bloom committee member Lori Pennell. "The village and surrounding judging area was extremely well lit up."

Pennell indicated the contest was a success, with a job well done by everyone who took the time to decorate.

"It was very difficult for the judges to pick a winner," said Pennell. "There were so many well-done and brightly-lit houses. We noticed that there was a lot of new decorations and some very creative ideas about."

Ed and Carolyn Douesnard of 2075 Shanly Rd. won the top prize of a $100 gift certificate for hydro, followed by Doug and Maryln Casselman of 2056 Dundas St. finishing in second place winning a $50 gift certificate for hydro; Sheldon and Ann Gill of 530 Gill St. finished third and won a $25 hydro certificate.

Ten honourable mentions were handed out: Kevin and Lynn Murray of 5190 Meadowlands Dr., Marilyn McLaren of 2061 Dundas St., Simon Van Stralen of 2095 Dundas St., Marcy Harper of 605 East St., George and Evy Mallett of 93 Empire Hanna Rd., L. and E. Brewer of 929 County Rd. 2, Norm and Barb Plume of 1003 Scott Rd., Claude Melbourne of 816 County Rd. 2, Gay and Robert Rust of 548 Middle St., and Dick and Olga Byers of 228 County Rd. 2.

Each of the ten received ornaments.

Spencerville Royal Bank construction on hold

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Construction of the new Royal Bank branch in Spencerville has hit a snag and will be delayed until engineering reports can be finalized.

After tearing down the original building on Bennett Street last spring and removing contaminated soil caused by gas tanks from when a gas station previously was on the lot, construction of a new branch began in early December.

When the construction crews from Robert Construction broke ground on the project two weeks ago, it was discovered the soil would not be suitable for a two and a half tonne cement building, despite being suitable if a home were being built on the site.

"We're still awaiting the engineer's report and results from the soil samples taken," said Royal Bank Sales and Market Manager, Ron Sauve on Friday. "The issue is the soil might not be strong enough to support the structure. We're not sure if we can go ahead or if we have to wait for the soil can compact. We want to make sure that if we continue it won't drop three feet into the ground."

Sauve explained that because of the building having a cement surface base, different to that of a house which would be drilled down to the bedrock, that the reports are needed before the project will continue.

"It is new soil that's only three or four months old," said Sauve. "We just need to make sure the soil can stand the surface weight of the building."

Sauve indicated construction on the project will continue despite the delay and no time line as to when construction will continue.

"It's definitely a go; it's all approved," said Sauve. "We were surprised when this occurred, but there will definitely be a new branch there, the sooner the better."

The project was set to be completed by March of 2004. The bank will remain open at their temporary location on Sloan Street next to the municipal offices until the new branch is completed.

Churches preparing for holiday services

With the holiday season upon us, churches in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be preparing to host their annual Christmas services.

The Johnstown United Church and St. John's United Church in Cardinal will be holding Christmas eve services. Johnstown United will hold its service Dec. 24 at 6 pm with holy communion, with St. John's United to hold its service at 7:30 pm. The themes for both sermons will be "Angels tell the story." Both churches will also have carols and lessons at the regular Dec. 28 services, as well as celebrate epiphany with holy communion at their Jan. 4 services.

St. Andrew's Knox Presbyterian Church in Spencerville will be holding a Christmas Eve service Dec. 24 at 8 pm.

Shanliwood Baptist Church will be holding a Christmas service Sunday, Dec. 21 at 11 am, as well as a candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 pm.

The Anglican Parish of Edwardsburg will be holding a number of ceremonies over the Christmas season.

On Dec. 24, holy communion will be held at 7 pm at St. James Anglican Church in Crystal Rock and at 9 pm at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Cardinal. There will also be holy communion Christmas Day at 10 am at St. Paul's.

On Dec. 28, lessons and carols will be presented 9 am at St. James and at 11 am at St. Paul's. The sermon is entitled "The Holy Innocents."

Holy communion will be offered in Crystal Rock New Year's Eve Dec. 31, while St. Paul's will hold holy communion New Year's Day Jan. 1 in Cardinal.

Both churches will celebrate the Epiphany with holy communion on Jan. 4. The service will be at 9 am in Crystal Rock and 11 am in Cardinal.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will host Christmas Eve mass Dec. 24 at 6 pm and 9 pm, with Christmas mass Dec. 25 at 9 am.

CARDINAL'S PAST

Dec. 16, 1943

* The Sacred Heart Church in Cardinal sponsored a very successful feather party in the town hall with a large crowd in attendance. The old familiar game of bingo was enjoyed by both young and old with the fishing pond patronized by the kiddies, and the fancy work booth being completely sold out.

Numerous other games were played, all doing flourishing business. Several drawings also took place. Mrs. Arnold Myers was the winner of a beautiful quilt, Miss Mary Emburgh winner of a toilet set, Mrs. John Feeney winner of a box of chocolates and Rev. M.E. James, winner of a war certificate which he returned as a donation.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Spirit of Christmas lives in community

The Editor;

The Spirit of Christmas is alive and well and living in Prescott!

One very worthy event to demonstrate this is the annual Christmas light bus tour sponsored by Kinsmen and Knights of Columbus members. It was held on Dec. 17, with pick-ups at every senior citizens' residence and a tour from Johnstown to Maitland, then back to the parish centre where the CWL offered refreshments and the choir sang Christmas carols. Of course, Santa Claus and his one elf visited everyone and left each one a Christmas treat. Appreciation is due to all the young men who were lined up like Brinks guards to escort the passengers on and off the bus and then to their very doors.

Because the Spirit is contagious, two very enterprising girls, Kaitlynn and Mackenzie, devised the plan to organize a community dinner for Sunday, Dec. 21 for all and sundry. This is their third year to plan this event, and they have had much support from churches, organizations, CWL, stores, restaurants and citizens. Their team has grown to include many young people, pre-teen and others, to pick up donations, serve and hostess in the parish centre from 3-7 pm.

What a beautiful thought for Christmas! And what a wonderful town. Thanks to our volunteers.

Louise Mayes
Prescott

A note on old-fashioned good manners

The Editor;

At this time of year, a number of us are privileged to be invited to share some good cheer with friends and family.

It surprises me when I here that some people do not respond to an invitation or do so at the last minute. To be blunt, it is rude and a definite affront to the hosts who think enough to invite you.

RSVP means please respond, whether you can make it or not.

It is so important to do it right away; otherwise, you may forget and responding right away says you really appreciate being in their thoughts. Do not RSVP at the last minute. The message you send is "You had nothing better to do." Not a message you want to send.

Your hosts need to know the number of guests coming so they can plan how much food and refreshment to purchase.

If you don't respond? It means you think less of them than they do of you. Don't be surprised if you never receive any more invitations.

When you go, take a little gift of appreciation. It doesn't have to be big or expensive and could be something you made. Not required or expected but a nice touch.

A day or two after, give a thank you. Your hosts will love to hear you enjoyed yourself. It says you appreciated being thought of and the effort they put in to the event. You'll be invited again.

Courtesy, or lack of it, says so much about who we are.

Happy and safe holidays to all.

Gavin Martin
RR1 Prescott

Dance the night away

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Education and Recreation Board is celebrating the new year by sponsoring a New Year's Eve dance at the MERC Hall Dec. 31. Doors open at 8 pm. There will be dancing to DJ Super Sound Productions and a finger food buffet will be put out at 8:30. The bar closes at 2 am. There are a few tickets still available from Tina Atcheson at 348-1894.

Work on the Cedar Street rink has begun with the boards being put up by Jim Grimes and helpers. Colder weather will be needed before the flooding can begin.

Rainy weather threatens the year's luminaire display in Maitland Park. The display will be cancelled if it is raining.

Hosting a party has obligations

OTTAWA ­ Party hosts need to be proactive about serving alcohol or overseeing a "bring your own bottle" event, according to the Canada Safety Council.

It is not just businesses that have responsibilities when it comes to drinking and any associated problems that could arise. "When you decide to host a party, you take on the obligation to monitor and supervise the service and consumption of alcohol," notes council President Emile Therien.

Toronto lawyer Shelley Timms recommends having a plan in place to help prevent or handle problems. "This may let you enjoy your own party," she says.

Among the options party hosts should consider include:

* Either do not drink or limit your own consumption so you can keep track of guests.

* Serve plenty of food that has protein and fat. Salt encourages more drinking, and sugar does not mix well with alcohol.

* If the guest is drunk, encourage him or her to give you his or her car keys. Buddy up with a friend to help persuade the intoxicated person to take a cab or have a sober person drive him or her home. If the person is quite intoxicated, keep that person with you until they have sobered up or can be left with a responsible person. Additional fluids or food will not sober up the person. Offering a spare bed is a good idea.

The lawyer also suggests calling the police if the person refuses to part with his or her car keys or spend the night. Although this seems drastic, it could be a choice between an upset friend and a much more tragic situation, according to Timms.

For more information on social host liability, visit www.safety-council.org.

Music, humour and food served at open house

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our open house Sunday was a great success. We appreciate the musical groups who shared their time with us. Despite the weather, two folks from Brockville joined one of our members to bring us some Celtic tunes. Everyone found a time to enjoy. The second group shared a few more traditional tunes but added a touch of humour which was also greatly appreciated.

As usual, the cooks outdid themselves and we had every type of sweet or nibbly you could imagine. While some of the craft ladies helped with the decorating of the tree, our artists shared a display of their work. We appreciate everyone who helped prepare this good afternoon and the 40 who came to enjoy it.

The office will be closed from Christmas until after New Year's. While some groups are also taking a holiday, some will continue as usual. Please check with your group if you are in doubt.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Joyce Nesbitt. Fun bridge ­ 1st, Candy Alexander. Wednesday bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Brenda Humphry. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jessie Shaver; 2nd, Jean Annable and Wanda Wilson; door prize, Jean King.

Falcons overcome road woes to score a pair of victories

DESERONTO - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team hit the road on the
weekend pulling out a pair of wins to move to .500 on the season.

On Saturday, the Falcons travelled to Deseronto and managed a 5-2 win over the Deseronto Bulldogs.

Speedy winger Chris McCann had a strong offensive showing to lead the Falcons with a four-goal performance, while Tyler Dukelow chipped in with a single.

On Sunday, St. Lawrence continued its road trip taking a shortened bench to Cobourg, to rally for a 9-5 win over the Lynx.

McCann once again came up big on the road as he scored four times to lead St. Lawrence, while Wayne Garlough (2), Pat Pelda, Dukelow and assistant coach Tom Kirton, who was forced to dress for the game due to the shortened bench, also scored. McCann (2), Dwight Merkley (2) and Garlough (2) chipped in with helpers.

With the pair of wins, the Falcons improve to 7-7 on the season to sit in third place in the Eastern Ontario Sr. A Hockey League.

The Falcons will return home for a holiday match-up against the Belleville McFarlands this Saturday, Dec. 27 at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The Falcons will once again host Belleville Saturday, Jan. 3 at 8 pm in Prescott.

Giants senior hoops team bounces back from loss

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior boys basketball team has rebounded from its regular season loss to St. Mary last week to score a win and loss in league play.

On Dec. 16, the Giants played a strong game, making extensive use of their deep bench to defeat the Gananoque Trojans 62-42 in Prescott.

Andrew DeDekker had his best game as a senior coming up with 18 points to lead the Giants. DeDekker came alive in South Grenville's transition offence in the second half to score 10 of his game-high 18 points while playing a variety of positions including point guard. Other top scorers for the Giants were Curtis Bucking with eight, Jon Baldwin with seven and Mike Ayerst with six.

Mike Ayerst and Shane Pettifer played well in the paint, providing a strong post presence the Trojans couldn't match.

On Dec. 18, the Giants once again stumbled as they dropped a 65-47 loss to the TISS Pirates in Brockville.

Team leader Jamie Clarke led the Giants with 14 points in the loss, while Mike Ayerst chipped in 13 points.

In junior action, the Giants continued their strong play with wins over Gananoque and TISS.

On Dec. 16, the Giants managed to hang on for a hard-fought 38-23 win over the Gananoque Trojans. First-year high school guard Mike Froom and returning junior Nathaniel Hayes led South Grenville with eight points apiece, while Scott Hall chipped in with seven.

The junior Giants continued their strong team play by scoring a 60-44 win over the TISS Pirates in Brockville.

Sam Whitley scored 14 points to lead the Giants.

The Giants will continue their season Jan. 8 in Prescott against the Athens Warriors. The junior game will tip-off at 12:30 pm, with the senior game to follow at approximately 2 pm.

Jr. B Rangers win and draw to narrow gap in division

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers had
a strong weekend pulling out a win and tie in inter-divisional play.

On Saturday, the Rangers started slow but battled back
to secure a 3-3 draw with
the Kemptville 73's at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

On Sunday, South Grenville followed up its strong game against Kemptville by scoring a 6-1 win over the Morrisburg Lions in Morrisburg.

South Grenville's Jacob Wiley sits in fifth place in Rideau Division scoring with 18
goals and 22 assists for 40 points, just four back of division leader A.J. Howe of the Brockville Tikis. The Rangers Brandon Kelley sits in eighth place in scoring with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points, followed
by Alex Rees in 11th with six goals and 25 assists for 31 points and Justin Wiley in 12th with
13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.

With the win and tie, South Grenville sits in fourth place in the Rideau Division with a 13-12-2-1 record for 29 points, eight behind the division-leading Brockville Tikis.

The Rangers will look to continue their strong play by hosting the Alexandria Glens this Saturday, Dec. 27 at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. On Sunday, the Rangers will travel
to Winchester for a 2:15 pm matinee game to take on the Hawks.

SG major midgets score pair of wins

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville major midget Rangers continued their strong play with a pair of wins to remain undefeated in league action.

On Dec. 9, South Grenville's offence got on a roll as it scored a 6-3 win over the Char-Lan Rebels at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Nick Maggio led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Robbie Fullarton, David Wallace, Troy Dukelow and Ryan Davy netted singles.

On Dec. 7, the Rangers managed to escape with a 4-3 over the South Stormont Selects.

South Stormont tied the game at three in the middle of the third period, but the Rangers would battle back as Matthew Hayes scored with 3:32 left in the game to secure the win. Mike Armstrong, Kirk Donovan and Maggio scored South Grenville's other goals.

Minor midget Rangers climb to second place in division

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville minor midget Rangers scored a pair of wins and and pair of losses in recent league action.

On Nov. 25, the Rangers travelled to Cornwall dropping a 5-1 decision to the Akwesasne Wolves. The Rangers played with only eight skaters, with Deeks scoring South Grenville's lone goal. Polite picked up a helper.

On Dec. 10, the Rangers played host to the South Stormont Selects at the Leo Boivin Community Centre, skating away with a 3-1 victory. Both teams had lots of scoring chances, with Justin Rust,
Mike Leeder and Josh Joudoin finding the net for South Grenville. Wes Polite,
Matt Deeks and Leeder chipped in with helpers. Rangers goaltending duo Corie Toye and Kevin Beach played strong in goal.

On Dec. 14, the Rangers played host to the Akwesasne Wolves at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The Rangers netminder, Corie Toye, was fed to the Wolves as the rest of his team failed to show up in an 8-0 defeat.

On Dec. 21, the Rangers rebounded from their previous loss with a 3-1 win over
the Kempville Panthers in Prescott. Matt Deeks scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Michael Lawrence added a single. Wes Polite (2), Josh Joudoin, Deeks, Lawrence and affiliate player Dylan Hayes added assists.

The Rangers sit in second place in the division heading into the Christmas break with a 12-3-0 record.

Novice Ice Hounds continue strong play

WESTPORT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds continued their strong play by winning the consolation final of the Westport novice hockey tournament Dec. 14.

The Rangers were in tough to start the tournament, dropping a 5-2 decision to Kingston. Matt Fox scored both of the Ice Hounds' goals, while Mika Turansky and Brianna Harnum each had assists.

The Ice Hounds would bounce back with a 5-2 win over Brockville to advance to the consolation final against Athens. South Grenville managed to pull out a 5-4 win to capture the consolation championship.

On Dec. 13, the Ice Hounds managed a 2-2 draw in regular season play against the North Leeds Stars. Fox scored both goals for South Grenville, while Ryan Brown and Kirtus Selleck chipped in with helpers.

On Dec. 21, South Grenville scored a 3-0 regular season win over the Athens Aeros
in Prescott. Fox scored a pair of goals to lead the Hounds, while Luke Severson added
a single. Jody Sullivan, Harnum and Damon Jarvis chipped in with helpers. Paul De Jong scored the shutout in goal for South Grenville.

Atom B house team #1 on unbeaten streak

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Rangers atom B house team #1 scored two wins and tie in recent league action.

The Rangers #1 hosted Brockville #2 Dec. 6 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre, scoring a 5-2 victory

Matthew Leonard, Logan Grant, Lucas Chretien, Nick Thorpe and Spencer Lee scored for the Rangers, while Grant (2), Chretien (2), Leonard (2), Lee and Tim Kippax chipped in with helpers.

On Dec. 13, the Rangers #1 played host to North Leeds scoring a 5-1 win over the Stars. Houston Bujacz led South Grenville #1 with a pair of goals, while Logan Grant, Sean Blackburn and Spencer Lee added singles. Matt Leonard was credited with an assist.

On Dec. 16, South Grenville #1 managed a 1-1 draw against chief rivals South Grenville #2. Grant scored South Grenville #1's lone goal; Mike Morrell responded for South Grenville #2.

Major peewee Kings continue strong play

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau St. Lawrence major peewee Kings have been on a roll as of late scoring a pair of wins and a loss in Ottawa District Minor Hockey League action.

On Dec. 18, the Kings travelled to Kingston coming home with a 4-2 win over the Predators. Mike Skakum scored a pair of goals to lead the Kings, while Nick McCaslin and Shungo Hosogoe added singles. Thomas Allen got the win in net for the Kings.

On Dec. 13, Rideau-St. Lawrence defeated the Cumberland Barons 3-2 at the Spencerville arena. Marc Roy, Nick Thomas and McCaslin scored for the Kings, while Justin Seguin scored the win in goal.

On Dec. 11, the Kings dropped a 5-2 loss to the Seaway Valley Rapids. Doug Utting and Torin Marcynuk scored for the Kings.

RSL scores victory

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings scored a win and tie in recent league action.

On Dec. 6, the Kings played host to the Gloucester Rangers, scoring a 4-1 win at the Spencerville arena.

Casey Crooke (2), Derek Froats and Jordan Moran scored for the Kings, while Crooke, Cody Johnson, Jayson Harmer, Dylan Casselman and Moran chipped in with helpers. Tyler Gallinger and Michael Lalande shared duty in goal for the Kings in the win.

On Dec. 1, the Kings travelled to Cumberland where they would have to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Cumberland Barons.

Moran scored the lone goal for the Kings, with Shayne Morden picking up a helper.

SG atom B Rangers win pair

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers continued their strong play on the season, rebounding from a loss to Athens to score a win over Smiths Falls and a tie with Loyalist Township.

On Dec. 8, the Rangers dropped a 1-0 shutout to the Aeros in Athens.

On Dec. 15, South Grenville had a strong offensive showing to score a 9-1 win over the Smiths Falls Bears. Ian King, Trent Corney and Shane Riddell each scored a pair of goals for South Grenville, while Patrick Froom, Cody Adams and Rik Champagne added singles. King, Froom, Corney, Riddell, Lucas Stitt, Robbie Deeks, Alex Stephenson and Coleman Colpitts chipped
in with helpers.

On Dec. 21, the Rangers travelled to Amherstview and managed a 2-2 draw with Loyalist Township. Hunter McCarroll scored short handed and Cody Adams netted a single for South Grenville in the tie.

Atom house #2 still undefeated in league

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville atom B Rangers house team #2 is still undefeated in league play.

The Rangers sit with a record of 11-0-2 on the season.

On Dec. 3, South Grenville #2 travelled to Brockville scoring a 7-2 win over Brockville #3. Associate player Broydon Stufko led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Michael Morell, Payton Marriner, Rhys Larry and Zach Fleming added singles. Dylan Dorey (3), Michael Lawless, Ryan Maggio, Morell, Gil Pankhurst, Larry and Stufko chipped in with helpers.

On Nov. 29, the Rangers travelled to Brockville to score a 4-1 win over Brockville #2. Fleming, Stufko, Pankhurst and Larry scored for South Grenville #2.

On Nov. 26, South Grenville #2 scored a 1-1 draw with South Grenville #1 in Spencerville. Josh Bailey scored for South Grenville #2.

On Nov. 25, South Grenville #2 scored a 1-0 win over South Grenville #1 in Prescott. Bailey scored the game's lone goal, while Morell and Maggio added helpers.

South Grenville holding Tim Hortons free skate sessions

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Arenas in Cardinal, Spencerville and Prescott will play host to Tim Hortons free skate sessions over the holidays.

In Prescott, the next sessions will be Dec. 28, Dec. 29, Dec. 30, Jan. 2 and Jan. 4. All free skate times will be from 2-3:30 pm.

In Cardinal, sessions will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Dec. 26 and Dec. 29.

In Spencerville, there will be sessions on Dec. 28 from 1:30-2:30 pm and Jan. 2 from 2-3:30 pm.

The free skating times are compliments of Tim Hortons in Prescott and provide a good opportunity for family fun.

SGDHS hosting SAT prep for scholarship athletes

PRESCOTT - An SAT course which is aimed to help high school athletes planning to attend American colleges and universities is being offered at South Grenville District High School.

The course will run from 11 am until 1 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with classes planned from 7-9 pm on Jan. 5, 7, 12, 14, 18 and 19, with the exam to be written on Jan. 24. Another course will not be offered until May.

Tips and strategies for taking the SATs will be discussed with all students writing the SATs before June eligible to attend.

To register or for more information, contact Norrie Spence at 658-2273.

SGMHA hockey tournaments to resume early in January 2004

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association will be in store for a busy month of January with four tournaments set in South Grenville.

On Jan. 3, the atom B house league team will be hosting a tournament beginning at 8 am in Cardinal, while the bantam B house league Rangers will host a tournament Jan. 10 at the Spencerville arena starting at 9 am.

On Jan. 18, the peewee C house league Rangers will host a tournament at 8 am at the Spencerville arena.

On Jan. 31, the major midget house league Rangers will host a tournament at 8 am in Cardinal.

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