VOL. 174, NO. 4~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ January 28, 2004

MERC faces uncertain future

Maitland-based organization being hurt by lack of revenue

By Jane Fullarton, Journal Contributor

MAITLAND ­ The Maitland Education Recreation Corporation (MERC) Board has decided to close its doors at least until May and possibly permanently.

MERC Board Treasurer Don Farnsworth informed the board in his financial report recently the Corporation, including the MERC Hall, is no longer a viable enterprise.

Citing the lack of revenue from bingo and the lack of other revenue from rentals and programming, Farnsworth says once current funds are exhausted there is no money to pay bills and no prospect of other avenues of revenue.

The MERC Board decided to stop running bingos because they have not been profitable for some time. The cost of the licences, additional paperwork, lack of profit and difficulty getting volunteer help to work at bingo has forced the board to drop this fundraiser that was their chief source of revenue for more than 25 years.

A letter of concern regarding the effect the Thousand Islands Charity Casino has had on bingo revenues and how that has affected the operations of local charities was sent to MPP Bob Runciman, but the response from his office offered no help.

Implications for the community are that there will be no additional bookings taken for community events at the hall. The board will honour its contracts for teen dances and the Social Dance Club, but the parking lot will no longer be plowed. There will be a fire route maintained.

The monthly Seniors' Luncheon will have to find another venue to hold its event. Taylor stresses many of the MERC programs like soccer, swimming lessons, Maitland Cross Country Ski Trails and the outdoor rinks can continue without the use of the hall.

She said it is the cost of running the hall that has become a drag on the organization and the volunteers. The MERC Board will not be able to continue paying for mowing the grass at the Cedar Street Park or to pay the hydro for lighting it.

Taylor said initially it was a shock to have to make this decision, but without the regular revenue from profitable bingo there really is no choice.

Taylor said the board has not deposited its Trillium grant cheque to renovate the kitchen because one of the conditions of the grant is the sustainability of the organization. Taylor said she would contact Trillium after her meeting with council.

Taylor hopes to hear from members of the Maitland community to see if a solution can be found. Taylor can be reached at 348-3140. If the board cannot maintain the hall, it will be taken over by the township.

The MERC Board has informed Augusta Township council of the situation, and council has asked MERC President Moira Taylor to attend the next council meeting Feb. 9.

Library board

The Augusta Township Library Board has elected its new slate of officers for 2004. Lynda McKittrick was elected chairperson, Jacqueline Kelly is vice-chairperson, Doug Symons is treasurer and Darlene Banning is secretary. The next library board meeting will be held Feb. 4 at 7 pm at the library in Algonquin.

Family Literacy Day was celebrated at the Augusta Library Tuesday, Jan. 27. Guest readers MP Joe Jordan, Reeve John McCrea, Maynard and Maitland School Principal Linda Lumsden, Deputy Fire Chief Lindsay Penney and Sparky the Dog were on hand to share their favourite books. Refreshments were provided by Augusta Friends of the Library.

THIS WEEK

More phony currency turns up at bank

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 44 incidents and three motor vehicle collisions (all minor in nature and no injuries) during the week of Jan. 19.

Town police were called to the Bank of Montreal Friday to pick up seven counterfeit $20 bills that had been used in various transactions. The serial numbers of the bogus bills are WFW0805617, HAW0583617, DDW5650617, DAW8383617 and BDW0998610. Constable Pergunas is the investigating officer.

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

Ultramar on agenda at special meeting today

MAYNARD ­ A major diesel spill at the Ultramar Maitland Terminals will be a topic of discussion at a public meeting to be held today, Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 3 pm at the township office in Maynard.

Ultramar officials are scheduled to attend the meeting to address public and township council concerns regarding the Dec. 4 spill.

Although it has been determined the spilled fuel was contained within company property and off-site environmental contamination is considered unlikely, neighbours of the Church Street site have expressed their anger about the incident and the fact they were informed through media reports several days later.

Historical society AGM to be held tonight

PRESCOTT ­ The Grenville County Historical Society will hold its annual general meeting tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The meeting, at which a new executive will be elected, will take place at 7 pm at Crane House, 439 Edward St. Following the business portion of the meeting, guest speaker Peter Schulz will discuss spy radios and Camp X in Oshawa, a spy training centre for England, America and Canada during WWII.

The historical society is a volunteer organization dedicated to the research and preservation of Grenville County history. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Folk night returns to St. Paul's church

PRESCOTT ­ Music will be in the air as folk night makes its return Sunday, Feb. 1 at 7 pm at St. Paul's United Church, corner of George and Dibble streets.

Guest performers will be Malcolm Paterson and Pat Maloney. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free; a good-will offering will be accepted. Proceeds go to the church restoration fund. For more information, call 925-2795.

Brown seeks Conservative nod, second chance to unseat Jordan

Former Alliance candidate wants to run for new party

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ Gord Brown wants another shot at Joe Jordan.

Brown made it official Monday by announcing he is seeking the Leeds-Grenville nomination for the newly-formed Conservative Party of Canada.

As the Alliance candidate in the 2000 federal election, Brown was defeated by the incumbent Liberal MP Jordan by only 55 votes. Progressive Conservative candidate John Johnston placed third.

"Since then, I have continued working hard on behalf of the overwhelming majority of people who want something better," stated Brown, a Gananoque businessman, chairman of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and former town councillor.

The new Conservative party was formed late last year when the Progressive Conservative and Alliance parties of Canada merged. Brown, a former town councillor in Gananoque, noted he has been working to unite the two conservative parties for several years.

He also indicated former Alliance and PC members as well as disgruntled Liberals have been encouraging him to seek the Conservative nomination.

The new Conservative riding association will select the local candidate March 6.

A federal election is expected to be called this spring.

Brown, 43, stated he stands for, among other things, free enterprise, fiscal accountability, traditional values and a strong criminal justice system.

The Conservative hopeful said he has maintained an ongoing dialogue with the Opposition caucus to address the needs of Eastern Ontario. Brown indicated he has also been keeping a watchful eye on Jordan.

"He has an established track record of supporting the government against the wishes of his constituents," Brown stated in a news release.

Long-time Leeds-Grenville Progressive Conservative MPP Bob Runciman announced recently he will not be seeking the federal nomination.

Answer the call and support local Crime Stoppers program

KINGSTON ­ Crime Stoppers continues to help law enforcement agencies make arrests and recover drugs and stolen property.

The program enables callers to provide information to police without identifying themselves or having to appear in court. In return, callers might be eligible for cash rewards.

The Kingston/1000 Islands branch of Crime Stoppers was founded in 1988. Since then, information called in has led to the recovery of more than $40 million worth of stolen property and drugs as well as in excess of 1,000 arrests.

Rewards of up to $1,000 come from money raised by the local Crime Stoppers volunteer board. The program does not receive direct funding from police or government agencies.

Calls to the toll-free Crime Stoppers line (1-800-222-8477) are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The local Crime Stoppers program does not subscribe to any caller identification services. January is Crime Stoppers Month.

Mayor outlines process to review official plan

PRESCOTT ­ Members of Prescott council have received a preview of how a review of the town's official plan is likely to unfold.

The last official plan update was completed in 1991. Mayor Robert Lawn and some councillors maintain the plan is outdated and in need of revision.

"The plan needs serious reworking," he said.

During a presentation to Prescott's planning and development committee Monday night, Lawn noted the previous council was reluctant to proceed with a review due in part to the estimated $40,000 it might cost to hire a consultant.

The mayor said the municipality will have to make use of outside help to complete the review. "We will be limited in what we do (in-house)," Lawn said. "We operate the municipality with a lean staff."

The official plan outlines goals and objectives relating to physical change and development in a community. The plan could include proposals for economic growth and designate areas for specific uses. Revisions would also have to be incorporated in the town's zoning bylaw.

Once the town completes its official plan review, the results will be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for its approval.

Lawn said he feels most strongly the public has to be involved in the process. This means seeking input from groups and individuals and coming up with an effective communications plan instead of relying on traditional public notices, according to the mayor.

"People don't read wordy advertisements," he remarked.

The committee has yet to establish a timeframe for an official plan review, and the project has not been put out to tender. The subject is expected to be discussed again at an upcoming committee meeting.

"We've all got a lot to do," said Councillor and planning chairperson Suzanne Dodge.

Municipalities are advised to review their official plans within a certain period of time. The 13 years Prescott has waited falls outside that period.

Walker House is not just for seniors

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The town's activity centre for adults continues to be a busy place.

Walker House, a former two-storey home which is located on King Street West at Mary Street, was donated to the town by Warnaco (Hathaway) in 1985. The activity centre has been open for about 15 years.

Although Walker House is known to most people as a meeting place for senior citizens, the facility is accessible to adults of all ages.

Walker House is overseen by a management board appointed by Prescott council and consisting of volunteers from the community. Vivienne Cudlipp is the 2004 board chairperson.

Walker House had 191 members in 2003. Most members are over the age of 55 and live in Prescott, but about 35 reside in Augusta or Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal. Walker House Program Director Marnie Lippiatt said six to eight out-of-towners have signed up as new members so far this year.

There is an annual membership fee of $10; out-of-town members pay a surcharge of $25 to the town.

A number of arts and crafts groups, including quilters and rug hookers, conduct regular sessions at Walker House. Card games such as bridge and euchre are played on some weekdays and weeknights. Other community groups make use of the facility, which hosted many town-related meetings while municipal offices were being housed in the former bank building on Edward Street.

Walker House also hosts many special events, including several lunches and dinners each year and an afternoon tea as part of the Grenville County Historical Society's annual house tour. The facility was also booked for numerous presentations on health issues as well as a music night and birthday party last year.

"Every event is important to someone," Lippiatt said.

Valerie Schulz, who served as chairperson of Walker House the past five years, said the facility gives retirees and people who have lost their spouses a place to go "...so they don't have to stay at home on their own." Schulz hopes more people will make use of Walker House and the services it provides.

Walker House also offers a number of bus trips throughout the year. Last year's excursions included Stratford, Ont., Magog, Quebec and Upper Canada Village.

Cudlipp said the programming at Walker House is very important to Prescott. "It's a great way to get to know people," the new chairperson added.

She went on to indicate she would like to see more younger adults get involved in the facility.

For more information, call 925-5300.

Fleeing suspect treated for frostbite

GRENVILLE COUNTY ­ What started as an attempted traffic stop Sunday night ended with the arrest of a shoeless suspect who had fled on foot after driving a stolen car into a snowbank.

Grenville County OPP Constable Foley was conducting radar patrol on Highway 401 in Augusta Township when he tried to stop an eastbound car that was speeding. The car kept going and proceeded north on Highway 416, reaching speeds of nearly 170 kilometres an hour.

The car exited at County Road 43 in North Grenville and ended up in a snowbank on Monkman Road. The driver ran onto a nearby snowmobile trail. His shoes were located near the beginning of the search conducted by canine and ERT units which arrived at about 1 am.

About three hours later, the suspect was found inside a County Road 43 residence west of Kemptville. The young man was suffering from severe frostbite and taken by ambulance to Kemptville District Hospital; his condition was not known at press time.

Matthew Bruneau, 18, of Richmond Road in Ottawa, faces charges of speeding, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and breach of an undertaking.

The car, a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu, had been stolen from a driveway in Brockville; the owner had started the vehicle and left it running and unlocked.

Catholic high schools making the switch to uniforms

KEMPTVILLE ­ School uniforms will become a reality at all English Catholic high schools in the region.

The board of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario approved a motion in December that makes uniforms for students mandatory at new secondary schools as of this September. This will coincide with the opening of the new Holy Trinity school in Cornwall.

Also beginning in September, school uniforms will also be phased in at all existing high schools. Local advisory councils, parents and students are to be involved in the process of choosing style, selection and colours of the new uniforms.

Catholic high schools closest to South Grenville are St. Mary in Brockville and St. Michael in Kemptville.

BIA seeks directors

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Business Improvement Area (BIA) is seeking members to serve on its 2004 board of directors. Anyone interested in serving on the downtown business association is asked to contact Mary Lou Murray at 925-5265 or Lisa Taylor at 925-4265.

Shakespeare festival funding requests receive town approval in principle

PRESCOTT ­ A town committee is recommending tentative approval of a St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company request for a $12,000 letter of credit and a grant of $6,000.

The company, which is preparing for the second annual St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival this summer at the waterfront amphitheatre, asked Prescott council for the letter of credit and grant last week.

The town's finance and corporate services committee decided Monday to agree to the requests for support, but indicated it wants some assurances from the company before council votes on the recommendation next Monday night.

The letter of credit would enable the company to sign unionized actors to contracts for this summer's production. The town would not have to pay unless the festival is somehow unable to cover the cost.

Councillor Bob Pelda expressed concerns about the letter of credit and the possibility the town might have to pay some or all of the $12,000. The committee agreed to ask the Shakespeare company to clarify how it could use other funds to cover the letter of credit.

However, some council members also indicated they support both requests.

"I see this as something unique for Prescott," Councillor Suzanne Dodge said. "We want this (festival) to be a success... We really don't want this to move anywhere else."

Councillor and committee chair Jo-Anne Beckstead said she believes the town has to approve the funding request this year, but added council should review the entire system of how grant money is distributed.

Council agreed last year to give the festival a similar amount in terms of a grant. The first-year festival recorded a small surplus.

Lawyer moves practice to Prescott

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A feeling of home and family has spurred Norman Lee to move his family law practice to Prescott.

The Manitoba native, who spent nine years in Thunder Bay practising law before moving to Brockville in 2000, has lived in Prescott for a year and decided this is where he wanted to move his practice.

"I am closer to my kids who are in Spencerville," explained Lee. "That was a key factor for me. I practice family law as well as live it; that's sort of been my motto."

Lee is happy to be in his new office in the PlayitStar building at the corner of Henry and Edward streets. He feels the town has a familiarity to it.

"I quite like it here; it's a friendly place which reminds me of small-town Manitoba (where I grew up)," said Lee. "Besides, after 10 years up in Northern Ontario, coming down here is like a vacation."

Lee practises family law as well as dealing with real estate, wills and estates. He also brings a new service to the community.

"I do some work in collaborative law, which is relatively new," explained Lee. "It's so new I don't think anyone else in town practises it."

Lee explained collaborative law is used mostly in family law in which the lawyers and clients will work together to get a problem solved with a promise not to go to court. If a party then decides to go to court anyway, the lawyers will step away and let the clients find other representation.

"Family law tends to feed on emotion, and that is adversarial at the best of times," said Lee.

"It's unhealthy for the parents and the kids. You wouldn't believe how much damage the adversarial system can cause a family at times. A co-operative approach is much healthier and that's what this provides. Sometimes the legal answer is not always the right answer."

Annual Palliative Care Telethon set for next weekend

BROCKVILLE ­ The 21st annual Palliative Care Telethon will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8.

The telethon, a major fundraiser for palliative care services based at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville, will be held at the Brockville Arts Centre. The public is invited to attend the show or watch it live on Cogeco Cable 10 and call in pledges.

In its 20-year history, the telethon has raised more than $1.3 million to support terminally ill patients and their families at the hospital and in the community, including South Grenville.

Council wants renovation cost update

Proposal calls for portraits of mayors to be displayed

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has asked staff for an update on costs associated with renovating the Dibble Street municipal building.

Most of the work planned for the three-storey building is done; however, the appearance of many project-related expenditures in the town's financial reports discussed Monday night prompted the request for the update.

Most recent estimates placed project spending above $900,000. A number of extra items and revisions have been added since renovations began last year.

The municipality is using the proceeds from the sale of the former PUC as part of the creation of Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities (about $960,000) to fund the town hall project. Prescott Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby told the town's finance and corporate services committee she did not believe the municipality had surpassed that amount.

The previous council set $800,000 as a budget figure when it gave renovations the green light. A subsequent council resolution increased the amount to about $840,000.

Another additional component being considered by the committee involves reframing and refurbishing pictures of Prescott's mayors and hanging the pictures at town hall. Mayor Robert Lawn noted the pictures used to be on display at Prescott Place but were in storage until recently. All but a handful of mayors dating back to the mid-19th century are accounted for.

Lawn said some of the pictures have chemical or water damage and need to be reframed and rematted. Five firms were asked to supply quotes; two responses have been received.

Although response was positive at the committee meeting, the group agreed to put off a decision until the renovation cost update is received within the next week.

Get set for Frost Fest

PRESCOTT ­ This year's Frost Festival is just around the corner, but there is still time to get involved.

Prescott's annual winter festival is set for Feb. 13-15. Businesses, service clubs and individuals are encouraged to host events or take part in activities already in the works.

For more information or to pitch in at Frost Fest, call organizer Mike Boyles at 925-4324.

End of an era for King Street eatery

NanC's to serve its last meal later this week at site of old New Service Restaurant

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ NanC's, the main street meeting place and restaurant for the past three years, and well-known as the New Service Restaurant for 65 years before that, will close this Friday.

Nancy Craven was a seasoned professional in the restaurant business when she opened the doors of her eatery at King and George streets in Nov. 2000. She had owned Kriska's Kitchen in the industrial park for three years, and before that was a chef at the Bridgeview Restaurant in Johnstown.

She will now return to her former position at the Bridgeview.

The first year of business was "just crazy," she said, but she noticed a sharp decline in customers and King Street traffic when the north-end shopping complex opened in the fall of 2002.

"There's no people on main street like there used to be," Craven said. "Everybody's hurting. The north-end development killed it."

Craven also felt tourism dropped in the downtown area last summer.

"If you don't have the people and the sales, you don't have it," she said.

The restaurant was her "heart and soul," but "I had to make a decision; enough is enough.

"It's a shame, but it's happening."

In addition, Craven attributed the loss of her business to increasing utility rates as well as taxes and maintenance and equipment costs.

Craven started her enterprise with the help of her husband Mark, two full-time cooks and three kitchen and floor servers, and she scheduled three servers for the supper meal. As times grew rough, she had to cut back to one chef and one server for breakfast, two at lunch and one in the evening.

Switching to non-smoking premises a year ago increased the number of customers coming through the door, she said.

It was her regular, loyal customers who kept Craven going as long as she did, even though the customer base in general had dropped off.

Craven varied the menu so her regulars would not become bored and offered home-cooked meals, she said, and was rewarded with good friends - some of whom offered to help to keep NanC's open.

"A lot of people enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it too. The customers lit up my day. It was special."

She also credited her hard-working staff with creating an atmosphere where customers felt welcome.

Craven had a business meeting scheduled for yesterday (Tuesday) with a prospective buyer for the restaurant from Ottawa.

Conservatives unite in Leeds-Grenville

BROCKVILLE ­ The new Conservative Party of Canada now has a riding association in Leeds-Grenville.

The former federal Progressive Conservative and Alliance associations officially united Saturday at a packed meeting held at CJ's Banquet Hall in Brockville. A 30-member board of directors and a new executive were formed.

The unification at the local level follows the amalgamation of the two federal political parties late last year.

Tim Sutton, former president of the federal Alliance association, was elected the first president of the Leeds-Grenville Conservative riding association.

The local riding association will select a candidate Saturday, March 6. A federal election is expected this spring.

Liberal MP Joe Jordan defeated Alliance candidate Gord Brown by 55 votes in the 2000 election. Brown and John Johnston, the Progressive Conservative candidate who placed third in that election, are on the new association's board of directors.

"No longer will there be the vote-splitting in Leeds-Grenville that has given the Liberals their last three federal election victories," Sutton stated in a news release.

Also on the local Conservative board are former Prescott mayor Sandra Lawn and former Augusta reeve George Vail.

"We have a lot of work to do in a very short time frame, but we have an excellent mix of dedicated and hard-working people who represent all areas and interests in the riding on our board," Sutton said.

"I know that we can get the job done."

AIR CADET NEWS by By Lieutenant John Henry

Branch president visits squadron

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Air Cadet squadron was happy to receive a visit last Tuesday from John Martineau, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 which is the unit's official sponsor. The president represented the Legion in a full inspection of the cadets. The parade featured a presentation of a recent portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Legion by 661 squadron and also showcased a strong performance by the cadet band that sounded great thanks to the new instruments the Legion has provided. The portrait will hang at the Legion on Henry Street.

The squadron will be busy again over the next couple of weeks. The unit will head on an inter-provincial exchange trip later this week to Laterierre, Quebec, hit the slopes at Calabogie Feb. 8 and train at Connaught Ranges in a winter survival exercise at the end of February. Other activities include Monday night band, regular Tuesday night training (6 to 9 pm at the high school) and weekend sports team practices.

Area youth are always welcome to stop in and see what the squadron has to offer. Adults interested in assisting unit staff or helping the sponsors are also encouraged to give the Air Cadets a visit. For more information, call 349-0488.

Lawyer joins Chamber

PRESCOTT ­ A lawyer who has opened a practice in town is the newest member of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. Norman Lee's membership application was approved by the Chamber's board of directors at its Jan. 15 meeting.

Owners given one month to remove pop machines from main street

PRESCOTT ­ The owners of two pop machines on King Street West will be told to remove them within 30 days, Prescott's planning and development committee decided Monday night.

The move comes in response to a letter from Paul and Karen Chick, who operate a new office printing and gift shop. They note in the letter the Pepsi machine on the north sidewalk does not work, encroaches on their storefront space and causes problems for snow removal equipment.

Councillor Chuck Street said it is an aesthetic issue, adding the presence of the machine on municipal property does make it difficult for public works crews to do their jobs.

The committee opted to apply the same standard to the Coke machine on the south side of the street. Although that machine was moved off the sidewalk and is now located on the east side of the Stedman's True Value store, town officials noted the machine is still on town property.

Letters are to be sent to the machines' owners to advise them they have 30 days to move the machines or have the town remove them if the owners do not comply.

The letter from the Chicks also notes the parking space reserved for cabs on the north side of King Street is in front of their store. The Chicks asked for the town to have the reserved space moved back to in front of A.J.'s Taxi.

The committee agreed to relocate the reserved space and improve signage; it was also suggested the curb should be painted to alert drivers to the presence of the reserved space.

The Chicks indicate their customers and others have received "verbal and written abuse" (in the form of notes left on vehicles) because they parked in the reserved space. In acknowledging the problem, Street said such actions do not help promote the town to visitors.

The committee is also recommending the two spaces reserved for taxi parking on King Street be documented. In response to concerns about cabs taking up parking on King Street, the previous council agreed to provide one space for each taxi company.

Co-op experience of value to students, employers

By Jen Fraser, Journal Co-op Student

PRESCOTT - The end of this semester's co-operative education course at South Grenville District High School was marked Jan. 14 and 15.

On Thursday, students in the program took part in a career day in the high school gym. On Friday, students were able to show their gratitude to their employers at an appreciation breakfast held at the Prescott Golf Club.

Co-operative education is a work-while-you-learn course that allows students to gain experience in a field of their choice while earning credits towards their diplomas. Students either take part in two-credit co-op, in which they must serve 186 hours at their placement, or four-credit where they serve 372 hours.

All students who took part in the co-op program put together backboards displaying work they had done at their placements, pictures of the placement and the people with which they worked. The students at South Grenville as well as three elementary schools had the chance to question the co-op students about their placements and the co-op program in general.

Hayley Selleck, who did her four-credit placement at Twisted Sisters Kitchen in Prescott, indicated she would definitely recommend the co-op program. "I really enjoyed my co-op placement," Selleck said. "I had a lot of fun and had experiences I never would have had in a classroom," she added.

According to Jill Montgomery, co-op co-ordinator at South Grenville, students who go through the placement and decide they would not like to pursue the co-op job as a career might still have had a successful placement; they have made a decision about their future and didn't have to spend a lot of money doing it.

While the co-op students were presenting their projects, employers involved in various fields had booths set up throughout the gym to inform students about apprenticeship, skilled trades, the Canadian Armed Forces and many other areas of work.

At the appreciation breakfast, students presented their employers with plaques to thank them for their hospitality and guidance for the past four months. Lisa Smith, owner of House of Flowers and also a co-op employer, spoke on behalf of all employers involved in this program and was adamant about how valuable the co-op program is.

Her views were shared by Debbie Grey, an employee of Dr. Hansen's dental office in Prescott. Grey was the supervisor of Lori Hall, a two-credit student with aspirations to be a dental assistant.

"Co-op is a great program, especially now that kids graduate in four years. Students are expected to choose their courses when they're in Grade 10 now, and co-op makes that choice a lot easier. I think it's great the school board can offer this to students," Grey said.

OPP NEWS

Generator among items taken from garage

ROEBUCK ­ An overnight break-in at a County Road 21 residence was reported to Grenville County OPP Jan. 20.

It is believed the unattached garage was entered by way of a window. Among the missing items are a Honda generator ($1,150), two Poulan chainsaws ($650) and a Poulan brush saw ($800), GMC side-view pick-up mirrors ($300), loaded Fenwick tackle box ($500) and a heavy-duty extension cord.

It is also believed the culprits visited other residences in the area. Police remind property owners to follow simple crime prevention tips such as installing motion lights, installing alarm systems and locking doors and windows.

Anyone with information on this theft should contact OPP Constable Tara Johnston at the Prescott detachment (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Failing to stop at signs leads to impaired arrest

PRESCOTT ­ While on patrol just before 4 am Jan. 24, OPP Constable Barr observed a Commanche pick-up truck not stop for two stop sings in the area of Boundary Street and Churchill Road in Prescott.

The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was arrested and later charged with impaired driving. The 21-year-old Prescott man was served a 90-day licence suspension and is to appear in court Feb. 27.

An OPP news release did not include the man's name.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Welfare is for the needy, not the greedy."

Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman commenting on the Liberal government's decision to scrap the PC government's zero tolerance policy for welfare fraud

Editor's Notebook

STILL SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE: Despite recent Eastern Ontario festive RIDE campaign totals that indicate an increase in impaired driving charges in 2003 compared to the previous holiday season, statistics for 2002 show impaired driving is on the decline compared to how things were in the 1980s.

According to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, the rate of incidents reported by police was 65 per cent lower than when it peaked in 1981. Although there are more drivers and vehicles on the road, the number of deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving has decreased by almost half since 1986.

The bad news, though, is impaired driving accounts for about 12 per cent of all court cases, making it the largest category for offences.

There might be some comfort in the fact impaired driving has the highest conviction rate (73 per cent) of all Criminal Code of Canada offences. However, this comes as little or no comfort to the victims of drinking and driving and their families.

The Canada Safety Council is correct in noting this country has come a long way but still has a long way to go when it comes to dealing with impaired driving.

Targeting young people (more than half of all impaired charges are against drivers between the ages of 19 and 24) and making them aware of the serious consequences of boozing up and getting behind the wheel continues to be one of our best shots at dealing with the problem.

Whether the zero tolerance for alcohol that is now in place as part of graduated licensing of drivers should also be applied to permanent licence holders is a debate for another day, and that day will come.

As complex as the impaired driving issue has become, the simple truth is we can help minimize the problem by sticking with the message that drinking and driving is a criminal act that is socially unacceptable.

THE CAR IS KING: It is no wonder the demand for volunteer drivers continues to increase. People who, for whatever reason, do not have a vehicle of their own or can no longer drive and must go out of town for medical appointments have few, if any, options in terms of buses.

Getting to and from health-care facilities in Ottawa during the week is impossible by bus. Catching the train in Ottawa is fine ­ that is, if you can get to and from Brockville.

For a community that boasts being close to so many significant transportation routes, Prescott has an appalling lack of access to basic bus and rail service. Being in a good location is a definite drawing card, but it is of little or no use to the people whose mobility is limited.

Tim Ruhnke

Defrauding a government by e-mail not so simple

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

E-mail has seemed to become a way of life for us all, taking centre stage with everything from contacting people, sending in job applications to sharing dirty jokes.

It's a great thing, but it really still has its flaws. One major one which drives me up the wall is the amount of junk e-mails or spams that filter into your in box and you have to get through to get your messages.

I know I'll get a ton of calls or e-mails from "computer people" who will adjust their pocket protectors and begin to mock my hatred of spam similar to that of the comic book guy from the Simpsons.

They will tell me all about spam blockers and e-mail filters and all the other dohickeys and whatchamacalits you can download to get rid of all that crap, but I know enough about computers to know I've tried it all and it didn't work.

No matter how many blockers you put on and no matter to what lengths you go to screen your e-mails, there always seems to be one that seems to come into every e-mail account I've ever seen. It's that e-mail from a Tanzanian or Nigerian diplomat named either Mr. Marcus or Joseph Lami who surprisingly have the same e-mail address and need my confidential help since like Obi-Wan Kenobi, I am their only hope, despite every e-mail account I have has received one.

It states their group would like to form a business relationship with me to help them transfer $18,800,000 U.S. into a reliable personal or company account overseas which I would have absolute control over.

They get into a bunch of government misappropriation of the money and a whole sob story, which leads up to the push of them keeping 70 per cent, 10 per cent going towards settling taxation on the account and me getting to keep 20 per cent, and all they ask is for me to send my contact information as a procedure.

I thought about what kind of scam this might be, thought of the $18,800,000 and thought of the possible repercussions of defrauding an international country and figured, what the hey, lets see what kind of response I get.

I let them know I thought it was a scam, but wanted to hear more. I wanted to be James Bond and help defraud their government, so I sent them an e-mail to get the information and I never heard back.

I thought I was their only hope, I thought I was their confidential contact and therefore entitled to some of that money, but apparently it was as I first thought - Jacob Lami and Mr. Marcus are names attached to a scam e-mail, where they probably collect information to sell to junk e-mail sites.

Am I ever glad other than my e-mail address and all the other information I provided was fake, just like this annoying piece of spam that pops into my inbox daily.

Chamber of Commerce continues to honour the best

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Jan. 28, 1954

* The 1954 officers of the Prescott Branch of the Canadian Red Cross are Honourary President A.C. Casselman; honourary vice-presidents G.B. Jenkinson, Mayor J.P. Doyle, E.A. Cook, Mrs. W.I. Purkis and Mrs. W.M. Leacy; President Ed McNally; First Vice-President G.T. Appleton; Second Vice-President P.A. Dillingham; Third Vice-President Mrs. A.C. Casselman; Treasurer G.A. Miller and Secretary J.H. Fortier.

Jan. 29, 1964

* Mrs. W.C. Donovan received the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award presented by President Ronald R. Thomas. She has given more than 30 years of unselfish service in Prescott on both parochial and community levels.

Jan. 25, 1984

* Edwardsburgh Township Councillor David Sloan has resigned from his position as chairman of the township roads committee - a move which resulted in the dissolution of the entire committee by Reeve Jim Irving. Sloan said he thought some changes had to be made within the roads department and with the operation of the township garage that he felt would not have received full support from some council members. All decisions concerning the township's roads will now be made by all council members, including Allan Gillis, Art Woodland and John Hunter.

Jan. 26, 1994

* Volunteer and mother of seven, Sandi MacKay, was named winner of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce Citizenship Award at the 101st annual chamber meeting.

Kriska Transportation, the rapidly expanding trucking operation that moved to Prescott in 1988, was named winner of the corporate award.

Trevor Baril was presented with the Connie Dickey Youth Award and became the first winner of the award whose parents - Judi and Mike Baril - were also recipients of the citizenship award.

Day tripping to the ski hills produces domino effect on family traditions

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

A 40-year winter tradition has been interrupted this year for the alpine troops at Fort Morris in the snow covered alps of South Grenville. In the first time in about four decades (and three generations of alpine experts) there has been no family ski chalet in the Laurentians, Adirondacks or Vermont mountains this year. There have been, however, numerous day trips to ski races and downhill practices in the Gatineau Hills for the three grandchucks who have decided that racing the clock down hill is much more challenging and exciting than racing the ever-slowing Mom, Dad and Nana down the hill.

Not having a family chalet on a ski hill at which to collapse after a hard day on the slopes has meant day-tripping it every weekend and on the odd day during the week. It has also meant that Nana, the matriarch of the Morris mountain troops has chosen to skip the January freezies with 6 am starts and 6 pm stops. The result is that she has been frozen out of her 40-year winter ritual entirely and here we are at the end of January and she has not had the boards on even once this season.

And this has had a domino effect on family rituals.

With no skiing to replace the rigours of her daily tennis matches, Nana started to become a little more rotund than desired. This meant finding a healthy diet and following it faithfully until the desired weight change had been achieved. Success would mean that last year's togs would still fit.

This also meant that the cuddly old curmudgeon who had become accustomed to hot-toddying-it through the winter months, would be expected to lend physical and moral support to a sensible diet. Without protest we agreed, but only after we had been assured that it was the Beverly Hills Diet and not the Beverly Hillbilly Diet. You've got to know that we hate shake'n bake possum served with a medley of mushrooms, collard greens and corn pone.

We have been faithful with each and every plateful placed before us these past two months, but haven't found an adequate way of apologizing to the chef for the 3 to 2 weight loss advantage we have gained. Regardless, the chef's weight loss is still considerable and visible and it is exciting being served by such a svelte little senior.

But remember. We mentioned the domino effect.

Well, Nana was prepared to buckle on the new shaped K-2s and challenge the grandchucks to a few gates and moguls next weekend when she found she had dieted her way right out of her ski outfits. We suggested an extra heavy sweater and a pair of small puppy pillows stuffed into her sitzmarker compartment, which was advice that was really uncalled for and which went unheeded.

This meant a frantic search of the January sales catalogues. Modest success. It also meant that all the ski togs and accessories that had been stored in our 20 per cent of the family closet were going to stay there for at least another year instead of being transferred to a winter ski chalet. It also meant there was no room for us to store new clothes seeing we had dropped from a 2XX to just plain Large.

Our over-sized shirts and sweaters are still fairly comfortable and seeing that mostly our daily companions, Miss Lucy and Miss Maggie, appear to be just as shaggy as yours truly, we kept our complaints to ourselves. We did suggest that with our waistline diminished by at least six inches we should find space in the closet for a few new pairs of slacks.

We were reminded that we had plenty of "pre-185 lb." slacks in our "upstairs closet" and that we could just exchange them for some of our biggies. The logic is OK, but who wears plaid flannel trousers with three-inch belt loops today. Where are you when we need you, Len Waddingham?

There is a break in this winter's day trip routine coming up, however, with three racing families sharing a chalet in the Gatineau for a hectic long weekend of racing at three separate hills. We overheard the matron of the mountains questioning our daughter about how they were going to manage meals for about 10 persons. "Each family is responsible for meals for one day," was the self-assured response.

"What are you planning to take for your turn?" asked the concerned Nana.

"To be quite honest, Mom, I was planning on taking you!"

Having 10 persons for dinner is like a run down a single black diamond hill on shaped skis for the infamous Nana.

When we heard this bit of repartee it reminded us of a dinner table conversation last century when son Jeffrey Jockstrap asked his Mom if it would be OK to have some of his Grade 13 classmates down to our rented house in Tupper Lake to ski during the Christmas holidays.

The plan was approved on condition there would be no drinking in Tupper's many friendly taverns. We were assured there wouldn't be.

A couple of days before the event Jeff was asked how many classmates would be guests at Chez Morris the next week. "I didn't want to pick and choose," was his reply, "so I invited the entire class."

Fortunately only 23 classmates made the trip to stare in amazement as gallons of chili, deep pans of lasagna and pots of spaghetti stoked teenage hungers for three days.

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: The Prescott Curling Club provided the use of its facilities and instruction to our students. Grade 7 and 8 students enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about the sport of curling.

Staff from South Grenville District High School visited the Grade 8 students. They provided information about programs and activities available at the school. In February, students will visit SGDHS and there will be an evening open house.

Intermediate students are now participating in intramural volleyball while the junior students are playing newcomball during lunch. Girls have completed basketball tryouts and the team will be practising this week.

The homework club is running in the library at lunch.

The school council meeting was held Tuesday evening. Members have organized a Valentine's draw to be held Feb. 13. First prize is a 27-inch television, second prize is a Valentine's basket and third prize is a pair of tickets to an Ottawa Senators game. Members are also collecting Campbell Soup labels. Forward your labels to Mrs. Mundy at the school.

No hot lunch this Friday due to the PA Day.

Grade 6 students will be taking part in école de neige Feb. 9, 10, and 11. They will travel to an Outdoor Education Centre in Quebec where they will participate in cross-country skiing, skating, show-shoeing, and tubing.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: Due to the extremely cold windchill values, our students have been spending many recesses indoors. They really do appreciate getting outside when weather permits.

If weather is severe and bus transportation is cancelled, parents can get that information by listening to the radio. The announcement will state: "Transportation for the South Grenville family of schools for all English-language public and Catholic schools will not operate today." Please remember if buses do not operate in the morning, they will not operate at all that day.

There will be a school advisory council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 pm at Centennial. All parents are welcome to attend. Once again, the playground equipment at North Edwardsburgh will be on the agenda.

We encourage parents to attend the Dr. Michele Borba workshop Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at the W.B. George Centre in Kemptville.

Dr. Borba is a well-respected leader in the areas of self-esteem, anti-bullying and moral intelligence. Please call the school for information on how to register.

Central Public School: Congratulations to the winners of the noon-hour newcomball league. Winners include: Sean Perrin, Nathan Clar, Paige Blacquere-Davis, Ben Hutton, Kyle Whyte, Elly Burtch, and Siobhan O'Hanlon. Way to go!!

The senior boys and senior girls basketball teams began their practices last week. They hope to build their skills along with their amazing team spirit!

A note from parent council: hot lunch for Jan. 28 will be pogos.

Maynard and Maitland Public Schools: At Maynard and Maitland schools, even in the "dead" of winter, our students are thinking "green." At Maitland, under the direction of our fantastic custodian, Mr. Buker, the students are collecting cans for recycling. The proceeds from these cans will go toward improving the play area at the school. Depending upon the funds raised, this may include purchasing balls, skipping ropes, etc. for outdoor use, new garden shrubs or flowers, or enhancing our existing play structures.

At Maynard, under the direction of Mrs. Holmes and her assistant, Ms. May, our Garden Club students meet weekly to learn about gardening and associated crafts. Our school currently has several indoor planters created by our students under their guidance. Tulips and daffodils are actually blooming inside at Maynard! Past and future activities include the creation of Christmas floral arrangements, dried leaf and flower pictures, sketches of our gardens, learning about winter landscapes and winter photography.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to Desha Hamade, who was chosen as a Good Samaritan at St. Joseph Catholic School for the week of Jan. 19.

Our senior girls and boys basketball teams have been practising and playing exhibition games in preparation for their first tournament in Kemptville Thursday, Jan. 29. Many parents supported our early morning and late afternoon practices. Coaches Mr. Kelly, Mme. McCabe and Mr. Smith gave their dedication and time.

Our ski excursion to Mount Pakenham has been set for Tuesday, Feb. 24. Families are encouraged to return their forms by Feb. 9.

The Grade 7 classes will be hosting a Spaghetti Supper on Thursday, Feb. 12 at St. Mark's Parish Centre. There will be two sittings at 5 and 6 pm. Please plan on attending!

Grade 8 students have been invited to visit St. Mary Catholic High School in Brockville on Feb. 10. It's time to see what life at secondary school will bring!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

This is too nice a story to keep to myself

The Editor;

I am writing to say how wonderful it is to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. My son, Alex, had broken his zipper in two winter coats in two days. So here I was without a coat for my son with the weather at -22°.

I had just ordered a coat for my son from Sears and it had come in but I hadn't had a chance to pick it up. I knew the owner's name of Sears was Barb but that was all. I called Hollywood Hits and the owner graciously gave me her home phone number. I called Barb at 5:45 pm and explained the situation to her. Barb said she would meet me at the store at 6:30 pm so I could get the coat.

Not only did Barb save me a trip to Brockville but she took the time to help someone in need. I can't thank her enough for what she did. The Hilton's have nothing on us for our "simple life" in Prescott.

I just thought this was too nice of a story to keep to myself.

Patti Boswall

New chapter begins

Public library relocates

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The new site of the Cardinal Public Library opened to the public Monday night, but not all of the books will be available right away.

Despite getting everything moved over to the new site to open for Literacy week Monday Librarian Margaret-Ann Gaylord advised everything will not be entirely complete for the next two weeks.

"We're here working so we'll be open," explained Gaylord Monday afternoon.

"Not everything will be available, though. There is still a lot of work ahead of us.

"People are welcome to come and find what then can on the shelves; so far we have the new books, movies, fiction up to H, paperbacks and the first part of the reference books all shelved and ready. It will only be certain sections which aren't up as we work at shelving everything."

Gaylord indicated the moving and sorting of books to get everything up and running will take about two weeks.

"We'll be working every day at it to get everything finished," said Gaylord.

"Any volunteers that wanted to help out between 9 am and 5 pm through the week would be more than welcome."

Despite everything not quite being completed at the library Gaylord was pleased with the library's new home.

"It's really starting to take shape," said Gaylord.

"It looks just gorgeous, even with some boxes still laying around."

The library moved to its new site at the former Cardinal municipal building from its former home on Lewis Street.

Legion grants aids fire department

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - With the help of the Cardinal Legion, the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department has been able to obtain a much-needed piece of equipment.

The Legion, on behalf of thefire department, applied for $4,700 from the Ontario Charitable Foundation (which is controlled by the Royal Canadian Legion's head office) for a new defibrillator.

"They dole out money across Ontario to applications put through by local legions," explained Legion President Lee MacDonald. "Each year, Legions pay into a fund and that money is then donated each year."

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department District Chief Brian Clifford indicated Ed Hitchinson, who is a regional representative on the Ontario command of the Legion, sent him an application and encouraged the department to fill it out.

"We found out in the third week of November that our grant was accepted and we met with the local branch to present us with a ceremonial cheque a couple weeks ago," explained Clifford. "It's very important when you have a chance to get another important piece of equipment like this. It's just great; it really meant a lot to get one."

MacDonald explained the application came as a request of the fire department, which approached Legion Branch 105 after getting in contact with Hitchinson.

"Ed Hitchinson was really instrumental in helping to get this for the fire department," explained MacDonald. "He has since moved on to Barrie, but he was really the key person in this."

Clifford explained the new piece of equipment will be a big help to the fire department, especially after becoming a first response unit in the counties.

"In the last couple of years with the county taking on the ambulance services, we've been working alongside them and are trained in first response, so we can administer oxygen and use a defibrillator," explained Clifford. "If we get to a scene where vital signs are absent, we can hook it up and it will emit shocks to try to restart the heart. It's a very important piece of medical equipment."

This is the third defibrillator for the township fire department, with one located at station one in Spencerville and the other two located at station two in Cardinal, including the newly acquired one.

"We don't always get one call at a time," said Clifford. "We could have one unit being used on the 401 and a medical assist call in another part of the township. With the 401 and 416 located where they are, there is also a chance of multiple victims at a scene and a defibrillator has to go through a whole procedure before it can be used on another person."

MacDonald indicated the Legion was happy to make the request and takes some pride in the fact they were able to help out the fire department.

"It's definitely something to be proud of," said MacDonald. "The money is given out on a yearly basis, so we've asked the boys (at the fire department) to let us know about other things they need so we can try again to get them more things next year."

Fight was not gang-related, police say

CARDINAL ­ Grenville County OPP are trying to dispel rumours of a gang-related assault having taken place in the village.

Police acknowledged an incident did take place Tuesday, Jan. 13 in the front yard of a Walker Street residence. Two males, 14 and 16, were involved in what police described as a consensual fight. Police say the 14-year-old struck the other male, and the fight ended. No serious injuries were reported, although the 16-year-old was treated at Brockville General Hospital and was released. No charges were laid.

The altercation was not gang-related, according to the OPP. The incident began on a school bus.

Backlog leads to finger-pointing

TORONTO ­ The provincial government should be doing more to deal with a backlog of birth certificate requests, according to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.

The Progressive Conservative house leader noted Consumer and Business Services Minister Jim Watson acknowledged last week the backlog stood at more than 70,000 with more than 1,000 applications being received daily. The registrar general's office can process about 200 applications a day, the local MPP indicated an a news release issued Thursday.

Birth certificates are required for Ontario citizens seeking passports, social insurance numbers and other documents.

"Providing birth certificates in a timely fashion is a responsibility of this government and it is failing Ontario citizens miserably," stated Runciman, who also serves as the official opposition's consumer and business services critic.

The MPP added the Liberal government should bring in people to process applications day and night until the backlog is eliminated.

The Liberals have reportedly countered by indicating the backlog was caused by resource cuts made by the Conservatives when they were in power.

Chamber seeks award nominations

PRESCOTT ­ There is still time to submit nominations for three awards handed out each year by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce.

Nominations are being sought for the community service, business achievement and Connie Dickey youth awards. The deadline to submit is Friday, Feb. 6; the awards will be presented at the Chamber's annual banquet in March.

Names and supporting information can be submitted to the Chamber at Box 2000, Prescott, K0E 1T0. For more details, contact Mike Boyles at 925-4324 or Keeley Mouré at 345-3905.

Explore the finer points of needling

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Many of the old needlework arts are becoming extinct. The even, fine weave of the fabric necessary to hold the stitching is difficult to find. The threads are also limited. At the "fine needlework" meeting tonight, we hope to explore this craft. If you are interested, join us here at 7 pm. Call 925-5300 for more information.

Be sure to call if you're interested in the basket-making course the night of Wednesday, Feb. 11. We have to prepare the materials before the meeting.

Next Wednesday, the Scrabble players will be challenging. There will be a game for every level of play.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Ed Zackon; 2nd, Findlay Hill; door, Joan Noe. Fun bridge ­ Ruth Wenger. Wednesday night bridge ­ high, Richard Kingston; 2nd, Janet White.

Volunteer Molly Faessen to speak to women's network

BROCKVILLE ­ A leader of the Guiding movement in the Spencerville area will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Brockville Women's Network.

Molly Faessen, a long-time community volunteer who is also the recipient of a Queen's Jubilee Medal, will appear at the meeting to be held Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Brockville Country Club.

A social hour begins at 5:30 pm followed by dinner at 6:30 pm.

For reservations, call Donna Taylor at 342-3153.

Legion news

CARDINAL - The Legion will host ladies darts tonight (Jan. 28) at 7 pm, while euchre will be held tomorrow (Jan. 29) at 7:30 pm.

On Friday, mixed darts will be held at the Legion; the executive meeting will be held Feb. 2 at 6:15 pm, with a general meeting to follow at 7:30 pm.

On Feb. 3, the Auxiliary will hold a meeting at 7 pm; the following day, the Legion will host ladies darts at 7 pm.

On Feb. 5, there will be men's interbranch darts at 7 pm and euchre at 7:30 pm.

Prescott-based rink off to Europe after winning TCA Jr. Bonspiel

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

TORONTO - Prescott Curling Club member Laura Payne and her junior girls rink managed
to win the Toronto Curling Association's Energizer Curling Bonspiel Jan. 5 in London
and win the right to represent Canada at a bonspiel in Switzerland.

Skip Payne and vice Lauren Mann from the Ontario bantam girls team from the Prescott
club, which won a silver medal at the Ontario Winter Games
last year re-united for this team and are also joined by
newcomers second Megan Aldridge and lead Jennifer Norris of Ottawa.

The newly-formed team is based in Prescott will travel to Switzerland Feb. 22 and return home Mar. 3. The team will compete in games at clubs around Switzerland as well as play in a bonspiel before returning.

While in Switzerland the girls will be billeted by the Swiss national women's curling team, who will act as tour guides to the girls.

"We're all really excited about it," Payne told The Journal. "I can't wait to get that Team Canada jacket. It should be fun; they've got all kinds of stuff planned for us, including participating in a pro-am with some younger kids, a bonspiel and getting a chance to try some outdoor curling right by the Alps. It should be really interesting."

The Prescott-based rink continued to make a name for itself along the way to winning the TCA tournament with wins over some top rinks in the province.

"At the tournament, the first three games we played were all at the provincial championships," said Payne. "We even managed to beat Kelly Cochrane's rink 8-0, and they're going to the nationals."

As part of the trip, the club will billet the Swiss junior girls team next year over Christmas holidays when that team participates in bonspiels in Canada.

Payne's rink is busy with practices and regular league play until it goes, but the girls still have a lot to do to get ready.

"There's a lot of organizing that we have to do," said Payne. "We have to get some gifts and souvenirs for our billets and make sure we have everything ready."

Atom B Rangers win pair

GANANOQUE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers managed a pair of wins in recent league action.

On Jan. 25, the Rangers travelled to Gananoque and scored a 6-1 win over the Gananoque Islanders. Joey Sargeant and Colman Colpitts each scored
a pair of goals to lead
South Grenville, while Rik Champagne and Lucas Stitt added singles. Stitt, Patrick Froom, Ian King and Alex Stephenson each chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 23, South Grenville travelled to Athens and managed to come away with a 2-1 win over the Athens Aeros. Sargeant and Stephenson scored for the Rangers, while Froom, King and Hunter McCarroll added assists in the victory.

Atom house team #2 manages five-game undefeated streak

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville atom B Rangers house team #2 is on a five-game undefeated streak after scoring four wins and a draw in recent league play.

On Jan. 10, South Grenville travelled to Brockville and came out on top in an 11-2 decision over Brockville #3. Sydney Wehmeyer scored a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Zack Fleming (2), Rhys Larry, Payton Marriner, Broydon Stufko, Mike Morrel, Dylan Dorey and Ryan Maggio also scored for South Grenville. Morrel (3), Mike Lawless (2), Marriner (2), Dorey (2), Larry and Josh Bailey added assists.

On Jan. 14, the Rangers scored a 4-1 win over the Athens Aeros at the Spencerville arena. Morrel scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Marriner and Lawless added singles. Larry, Wehmeyer, Maggio and Marriner chipped in with helpers.

On Jan 21, the Rangers played host to Brockville #1 and scored a 10-1 win over the Warriors in Spencerville. Fleming and Wehmeyer each had a hat trick in the victory, while Morrel, Bailey, Lawless and Maggio added singles. Wehmeyer (3), Gil Pankhurst (2), Nathan Hamilton (2), Marriner (2), Fleming, Maggio and Morrel chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 24, the Rangers settled for a 3-3 draw with the North Leeds Stars at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Morrel scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Lawless added a single. Gil Pankhurst was credited with an assist.

On Jan 25, South Grenville managed to score a 4-3 win over Brockville #1 in Prescott. Marriner scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Lawless and Larry also scored. Marriner (2), Larry, Fleming and Hamilton chipped in with helpers.

Rangers prospects put on a show

ATHENS - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers had a good weekend as they moved in on
the Westport Rideaus for third place in the Rideau Division.

On Sunday, the Rangers scored a decisive 5-1 win over the Athens Aeros in Athens.

In Saturday's prospect game at the Earl Armstrong Arena in Ottawa, Rangers players had a good showing as Brandon Kelley scored a pair of goals to pace the Rideau Division team to an 8-5 win over the Valley Division team. Justin Wiley also picked up an assist in the game. South Grenville's Alex Rees, Ben Bowden and Eric Selleck also took part in the game.

Also as part of the prospect game festivities, Ryan Sullivan and Jeff Wright of the Rideau-St. Lawrence major midget Kings played in the major midget game, while David McGlade and Michael Byrd of the Rideau-St. Lawrence minor midget Kings played in the minor midget game.

The Rangers sit in fourth place in the Rideau Division standings with an 18-16-2-1 record for 39 points, just four points back of the Westport Rideaus for third place.

The Rangers travel to Brockville to take on the Brockville Tikis at 7:45 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre. South Grenville will return home on Saturday when it hosts the Westport Rideaus at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The Rangers will also be at home on Sunday, playing host to the Gananoque Islanders at 7 pm in Cardinal.

Strong showing at Invitational by local figure skating clubs

PRESCOTT - The 15th annual Prescott Invitational put on by the Prescott Figure Skating Club on Jan. 17 and 18 was a huge success with more than 400 competitors taking part in the competition.

The Nepean Figure Skating Club was awarded the Ray Throop Memorial Trophy as the team with the most points (201), breaking the record previously set by Arnprior Figure Skating Club last year with 163 points.

For the second consecutive year, Jennifer Pettem of the Prescott Figure Skating Club was named the winner of the Barry Lundvall Memorial Trophy for the local skater with the most points.

Other notable results included:

Prescott Figure Skating Club

Jennifer Pettem, first, senior bronze ladies A, senior bronze similar pairs (with partner Hallie McFarlane) and senior bronze compulsory moves.

Sierra McGuin, second, senior bronze skating skills; third, interpretive ladies A and preliminary compulsory moves; fourth, preliminary ladies B and interpretive ladies B

Hallie McFarlane, first, senior bronze similar pairs (with partner Jennifer Pettem); third, junior bronze ladies A

Kevin Paul, third, pre-preliminary men's B

Emily Wilson, first, pre-preliminary ladies A

Charleigh McFarlane, third, pre-preliminary ladies A

Michaela Mills, fourth, beginner ladies

Kelly Cole, third, interpretive ladies C

Brenda Puncher, second, interpretive ladies A

Ashley Beaudoin, first, junior silver compulsory moves

Krista Payne, fourth, junior bronze compulsory moves

Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club

Jennifer Seary, second, junior silver compulsory moves; third, junior silver ladies

Brittany Veley, second, pre-preliminary ladies B

Other local skaters

Jennifer Howitt (Queen's University), first, gold ladies

Jaime Longtin (Nepean Figure Skating Club), first, gold interpretive; third, gold ladies

Elizabeth Hooper (Nepean Figure Skating Club), first, senior silver ladies

Alaine Chartrand (Nepean Figure Skating Club), first, pre-preliminary compulsory moves and junior bronze skating skills; second, preliminary skating skills; fourth, pre-preliminary ladies C and interpretive ladies A.

Peewee B house team wins third straight tournament title

PEMBROKE - On Jan. 10 and 11, the South Grenville peewee B Rangers house team travelled to Pembroke winning their third straight tournament championship of the season.

In their first game, the Rangers dropped a 3-2 decision to the Pembroke Predators, after the undefeated Predators scored with a couple minutes left in the game to take the win.

The Rangers then battled back to score a 3-1 win over the Pembroke Bulldogs and a 4-0 win over the Pembroke Falcons to advance to the tournament semi-final.

In the semi-finals, the Rangers exacted some revenge as they scored a 2-1 win over the Pembroke Predators, who were previously undefeated on the season.

In the final, the Rangers managed a 5-1 win over Pembroke #4 to win their third straight A championship.

Members of the Rangers are Matt Walker, Mitchel Grant, Kelsey Dillabough, Sam Contant, Chris Rice, Jason Deeks, Jacob Hayes, Thomas Polite, Kevin Glover, Jeff Gaw, Cameron Symington, James Halladay, O.J. Knol, Kurtis Lavery, Scott Stephenson, manager Ross Polite, coaches Ron Contant, Brent Merkley and Paul Leonard, trainer Dave Glover and goaltending coach Gerry Devaney.

On Feb. 7, the team will travel to Petawawa to try for its fourth straight tournament championship.

The Rangers are currently in second place in their division trailing Westport by a narrow margin.

Major midget house Rangers capture B title in Brockville

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville major midget house team managed to win the B championship of the Brockville tournament Jan. 18.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 4-0 loss to Osgoode to be relegated to the B side.

In the B semi-final, South Grenville rebounded for a 4-1 win over Smiths Falls. Dan Meppelder, David Code, Tyler Halladay and Mark Rundle scored for the Rangers, while Halladay, Tyler Millar, Rundle, Matt Duguay and Matt Fahrngruber added assists.

In the final, the Rangers captured the B championship with a shoot out win over the North Leeds. Blake Gobeil managed to stop North Leeds in the shoot out, while Ryan Fischer scored the winner. Halladay, Fischer and Jimmy Utman scored for South Grenville in regulation, while Rundle (2) and Ryan O'Brien chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 17, the Rangers travelled to Westport scoring a 6-3 win over the North Leeds. Duguay scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Rundle, Code, William Minish and Halladay added singles. Minish, Ryan Sobhie, Justin Polasz, Duguay and Millar chipped in with helpers.

Novice Ice Hounds split home games

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Ice Hounds split a pair of back-to-back home games Jan. 11 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

On Jan. 11, the Ice Hounds scored a 4-3 win over Smiths Falls #1 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Jody Sullivan scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville, while Alex Boswall and Ryan Brown added singles. Brianna Harnum and Sullivan chipped in with helpers.

The Rangers weren't as fortunate in their second game of the day, dropping a 5-4 decision to the Athens Aeros.

Sullivan netted a pair of goals for the Ice Hounds, while Matt Fox and Harnum added singles. Fox and Sullivan added assists.

Jr. B Rangers holding meet and greet dinner in February

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers will be holding a special pre game dinner for its first home game against the Brockville Tikis Feb. 14 in Cardinal.

From 4-5 pm there will be a meet and
greet social hour with the players at the Cardinal Legion, with a spaghetti dinner to follow at 6 pm and the game to begin at 7:15 pm.

Come out and enjoy a good meal and watch the Rangers face off against the Tikis.

Tickets for the game and dinner can be purchased at the Cardinal and District Community Centre or by contacting the Cardinal Legion at 657-4735.

Kinsmen to host 10th annual Randy Kroone Memorial

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Kinsmen Club will be holding the 10th annual Randy Kroone Memorial Baseball Tournament Saturday, Feb. 14.

The event is being run in conjunction with Prescott's Frost Festival weekend.

All money raised by the event will be donated to the Southlake Regional Health Centre in memory of Alison Rodruner who died at the age of five months.

Those wishing to enter a team should contact Art Hitsman by e-mail at artg.hitsman@canadapost.postescanada.ca or call925-1315, (613) 213-1136 or (613) 734-8486.

Regional lacrosse league holding registration session in February

BROCKVILLE - The Brockville Lacrosse Association, which takes in players from Prescott and Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships will be holding its registration period in February.

Registration will be held at the Brockville Memorial Centre from 6 pm until 9 pm Feb. 19, and from 9 am until noon Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Kids born between 1989 and 2000 are eligible to join the league, with parents expected to present a copy of their children's birth certificate when registering.

For more information on the league visit www.brockvillelacrosse.com or call 345-2147.

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