VOL. 174, NO. 5~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ February 4, 2004

Million spent so far

Grand reopening of renovated municipal building to coincide with Doors Open on May 29

PRESCOTT ­ Spending on the town hall renovation project is now in excess of $1 million, Prescott council has been told.

Council members had asked for the spending update last week. Renovations to the three-storey municipal building on Dibble Street West are almost complete.

D.C. Snelling Limited, the construction manager hired by the town to oversee the project, reports expenditures totalling $1,035,732. Of that total, sub-contractor purchase orders represent $811,178.

Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby told council Monday night there is an estimated $50,000 in additional spending to be accounted for as part of the renovation project.

The previous council set $800,000 as its initial budget for the project. That amount was increased to about $840,000.

In a written report to council, CAO/Clerk Robert Haller indicated the original items listed in the project are about $9,000 over budget. So-called unforeseen costs, as well as additional work and the filling in of the former gymnasium floor to prepare that area for possible expansion of the public library, have put the total to date over the million-dollar mark.

Funds from the sale of the former PUC as part of the creation of Rideau St. Lawrence (RSL) Utilities were earmarked for the municipal building project.

Kirkby noted the RSL money was about $963,000 two years ago; a small amount of interest on that amount has accrued since then, she said.

Councillor Bob Pelda said not knowing the final cost of renovating town hall is "an uncomfortable feeling" that could make it difficult to make budget decisions. Mayor Robert Lawn stated a final inspection of the building took place last Wednesday.

Council decided Monday to postpone the official grand opening of the renovated facility. The original date of Feb. 21 has now been changed to May 29, which will be also serve as the local date for this year's Doors Open program. It is hoped all the additional features will be in place by then.

In a related move, council agreed to have 38 pictures of past mayors scanned, mounted and framed for display at town hall. Council opted to award the job to Prescott-based Portraits by Christine Endicott at a price of just over $3,660. Frametastic of Brockville had submitted a quote of about $3,270, but council chose the more expensive bid. Among the factors cited by town officials was the fact Endicott would also be getting shots of the two mayors who have not been photographed.

THIS WEEK

OPP costing update set for next Monday

PRESCOTT ­ An updated costing of an Ontario Provincial Police municipal contract for Prescott will be presented next week.

OPP officials will attend the community and protective services committee meeting Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 pm at the Dibble Street municipal building. The committee meeting will be open to the public.

Town council asked for a revised costing late last year. The municipality is proposing to disband the Prescott Police Service and replace it with OPP service. A court has ruled disbandment can proceed, but an appeal of that decision is being sought.

Questions from council members have been forwarded to the OPP, Prescott Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby said Monday.

An update on what would be involved in retaining the Prescott Police Service is set for later this month.

Local telethon supports palliative care services

BROCKVILLE ­ The annual Palliative Care Telethon is set for this Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8.

The annual 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 can attend the show or watch it live on Cogeco Cable 10 and call in pledges. The broadcast begins at noon Saturday and runs until 6 pm Sunday.

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.

Deadline for Chamber nominations is Friday

PRESCOTT ­ The deadline for nominations for the annual Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards for business, volunteer and youth of the year is this Friday, Feb. 6.

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

The awards will be presented at the Chamber's annual banquet to be held Monday, March 8 at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

United Way site changes

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ A new and improved United Way of Leeds and Grenville Web site has been launched.

The address is www.nsicanada.com/unitedway. New features include a calendar of events, United Way agency profiles, volunteer opportunities and information on upcoming workshops and forums.

Ultramar responds to concerns about spill

Company has learned from Dec. 4 incident: V-P

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

MAYNARD ­ Ultramar is doing everything it can to avoid another major spill at its Maitland Terminals, according to a senior company official.

A special Augusta council meeting to discuss the early-December incident that resulted in the release of about 750,000 litres of diesel fuel took place last Wednesday afternoon at the Augusta municipal office in Maynard. The five-member council was joined by Ultramar representatives and more than 25 members of the public, most of whom live near the terminals where the spill occurred.

A defective automated shut-off valve has been cited as the cause of the problem. Although it is believed all the diesel was contained on Ultramar property, a small amount of diesel breached a containment dike.

Louis Forget, Ultramar's vice-president of public and government affairs, told the gathering in Maynard accidents happen and the company has learned from the incident. He acknowledged the extent of the spill would have been much smaller if people on the site had been more vigilant.

"When you train people, you don't expect a spill this significant," Forget commented. "You never know what can happen."

In addition to replacing the defective valve and redesigning a tank system, the company has added one worker on-site to monitor the unloading of trains.

However, Forget did not agree with the suggestion an independent environmental investigation be conducted. Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA), which regulates internal incidents relating to fuel storage, and the provincial environment ministry have been involved. TSSA has indicated Ultramar followed proper procedures in response to the accident.

"We have not done this on our own," Forget said.

About 3,000 tonnes of soil will be remediated as part of the clean-up process. Forget said most of the soil will be removed this winter.

As for concerns it took several days for Ultramar to notify municipal officials there had been a spill, Forget said such notification was not part of the company's protocol at the time. He went on to state the protocol has been changed, and the township will be notified in the event of a future spill.

"Our intent was not to avoid you people," Forget said.

Augusta Reeve John McCrea, who opened the meeting by stating "a respected corporate citizen of this municipality wants to be heard," expressed his concern about the fact emergency response officials in the township had not been made aware of the spill when it happened. "There was a fire hazard in early December and the fire department didn't know about it, and that can't happen again," McCrea said. "Our fire people need to know right away."

The reeve suggested a written agreement ­ including notification protocol ­ involving the fire chief, deputy fire chief and Ultramar.

Although Forget indicated the spill posed no threat to public health, he acknowledged the need for better communications. "You people will be notified," he said.

McCrea and other council members accepted Forget's presentation and the manner in which Ultramar has responded to the Dec. 4 spill.

"We assume everything said here today is good faith," the reeve said.

Councillor John Fischl gave the company a lengthy list of questions which he would like to have answered in writing. A list of written questions was also submitted by "concerned citizens of Maitland."

Interaction between the audience and Ultramar officials at last Wednesday's meeting was limited. There were no outbursts, and the tone remained mostly civil throughout the meeting.

Herb Richardson, who owns a Church Street home across from the terminals, remains skeptical about the effects of the spill and general plant operations on the adjacent community. "But we have to take it at face value," he said of Ultramar's presentation.

The township agreed to compile a list of Maitland property owners who would like to have their water tested in the wake of the spill.

Forget ended the dialogue by stating Ultramar keeps its promises, adding safety is a top priority.

"We know we cannot please everybody all the time," Forget said. "Perfection, unfortunately, does not exist on Earth."

Noise not that bad

Forget also addressed concerns about noise at the site and how it affects nearby residents.

He said measurements taken in November indicate there is "...less noise than what people think there is."

Forget said the company does not want night shunting every night. It would only happen in what he described as exceptional and emergency situations.

Town seeks assessment public forum

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials have been given the go-ahead to arrange a public forum at which concerns about recent property value reassessment can be addressed.

In a report to Prescott council Monday, Treasurer/Deputy CAO Laurie Kirkby indicated there were significant increases in assessments in the town between 2003 and this year. Total assessment was just over $204 million last year; the new total for 2004 is more than $234.5 million, an increase of almost 15 per cent.

Residential assessment is 11.5 per cent higher this year; commercial assessment is up by more than 34 per cent.

Property values in Ontario are updated annually to reflect what those properties could be reasonably expected to sell for currently on the open market.

Kirkby said representatives from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation are willing to make a presentation to council or at a public forum. Council indicated it would be better to have a public meeting that could also involve Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships.

The treasurer also noted in her report the assessment on waterfront homes has gone up by about 20 per cent.

Certain neighbourhoods such as Kingston Crescent and the Prescott Golf Club have also experienced big increases.

Property owners can file a request for reconsideration (an informal appeal) or a formal complaint with the assessment review board. Kirkby acknowledged the town has received calls from concerned ratepayers who have taken notice of the higher assessment figures.

Society celebrates protection of history

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ Volunteers who are committed to protecting the heritage of the area gathered for the annual general meeting of the Grenville County Historical Society (GCHS) last Wednesday night.

The executive and board of directors for 2004-2005 were elected at the meeting at the historical society archives at Crane House, 439 Edward Street.

Incoming president Sandra Shouldice noted the annual meeting is an opportunity to review and celebrate the past year's accomplishments, while reaffirming volunteer commitments to actively pursue the society's goals.

It is not what the members do but why the volunteers continue to be committed to the organization that is important, according to Shouldice.

"History has to be protected, preserved and promoted," she said.

Volunteers believe in the goals of the society and feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in preserving local heritage, Shouldice added.

Heritage is a selling point for the area, she noted, adding "heritage is an untapped potential that needs to be nurtured."

The public archival resource centre and library of the historical society often bring people to town who would not otherwise visit, she said. They are enchanted with the history they discover and are thrilled to find information on ancestors or an older home. There were 164 research visitors in 2003 - up from 156 the previous year - as well as 263 (up from 187) written requests for historical information.

A summer student keeps the archives open daily in the summer months for historical research; volunteers are committed to keeping the facility open Tuesdays throughout the remainder of the year.

The society provides good fellowship of like-minded people, and new volunteers and members are welcome, Shouldice noted. For more information, call 925-0489, or visit web.ripnet.com/~gchs/, or e-mail gchs@ripnet.com. The society now boasts 115 members.

Volunteers were buoyed by the success of the Prescott walking tour held last summer in conjunction with the Shakespeare festival; the walk heightened the profile of GCHS, and volunteers hope to expand the concept, Shouldice said. The annual house tour was also a successful fundraising venture.

Among the many books acquired for the society library last year were:

* Wesleyan Methodist Baptism Register, Grenville County 1836-1901

* Grenville County Land Record Index 1790-1850

* 1901 Census Augusta Township

* Splendid Heritage Historical Buildings of Ontario

* Obituaries from Ontario's Christian Guardian, 1873-1880

* A Brief History of the Settlement of Upper Canada.

Store owner wants pop machine to stay where it is

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The town's planning and development committee has been asked to reconsider its recommendation to have a pop machine removed from beside the Stedman's True Value store on King Street West.

Store owner and former town councillor Jim French made the request during a presentation to Prescott council Monday night.

In response to a complaint about the Pepsi machine on the north sidewalk on King Street, the committee indicated last week both that unit and the Coke machine across the street should be removed within 30 days.

French told council the Coke machine located on municipal property beside his store's entrance is not on the sidewalk and does not block snow removal equipment, which is the case with the Pepsi machine. He also noted he had received letters from Police Chief Bryan Somerville and Town Engineer Clyde Solomon indicating there have never been any complaints about the Coke machine. French said it has been there for about nine years and it works, unlike the other machine.

French also said he had received a letter from the people who complained about the other pop machine. In that letter, Paul and Karen Chick state they do not object to the other pop machine across the street.

Councillor Chuck Street told French the pop machines could not be on town property without permission. French asked if pop machines at other locations such as the community centre would be removed; Street indicated there is permission in those other cases.

Councillor Suzanne Dodge, who is also planning committee chairperson, said the recommendation was meant to provide fair treatment for both sides of the street.

At the end of the council discussion Monday, Mayor Robert Lawn told French the committee would take another look at the matter.

French had just received a letter that evening notifying him he has 30 days to remove the machine.

Bowling fundraiser supports Big Brothers and Big Sisters

BROCKVILLE ­ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville is giving groups of family, friends and co-workers a chance to Bowl for Kids' Sake.

The fundraising event will take place Sunday, Feb. 22 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Bowling Centre on Osment Street in Brockville.

Teams of four will enjoy a fun-filled hour of bowling and, in the process, help a child who needs a friend or mentor. Limited space is still available.

Bowlers who raise $100 or more in pledges will receive a "Rock and Bowl for Kids' Sake" t-shirt. Trophies and door prizes will be awarded.

For more information or to register, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 345-0281 or by e-mail at bbrolg@aol.com.

Among its projects, the local organization has an in-school mentoring program in place at Boundary Street Public School in Prescott.

Dreamy auction items sought for Girls Incorporated event

BROCKVILLE ­ Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada is seeking items for its 11th annual auction to be held May 8.

The non-profit organization, originally Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville, is hoping to receive items related to the "dream" theme. In addition to the live auction that will take place at the 1000 Islands Mall, on-line bids will be accepted six weeks before the event. Donors will have a valuable advertising opportunity, and bidders get an advance look at the items up for bids.

Proceeds from the dream auction help Girls Inc. provide skills development programs and the one-to-one mentoring program.

To donate auction items or for more information, call Carol Vandertol at 345-3295.

Recruiting doctors is not getting any easier for local task force

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

BROCKVILLE ­ The local physician recruitment program has entered 2004 with fewer resources at its disposal.

Members of the Leeds-South Grenville Physician Recruitment Task Force agreed in November to adopt changes to the recruitment effort.

Brockville General Hospital, which has borne about 70 per cent of program costs the past three years, has indicated it is no longer able to maintain its level of funding.

The recruitment program is no longer offering financial incentives (such as signing bonuses and relocation assistance up to $10,000) to physicians. Additional incentives for physicians to relocate are the responsibility of individual communities.

However, health ministry incentives made available in underserviced areas such as Leeds and Grenville are still in place. These incentives, aimed mostly at new doctors, include a free tuition program (up to $40,000) and an incentive grant of up to $15,000.

Physician Recruiter Carlene MacDonald acknowledged the Leeds and South Grenville area is at a certain disadvantage because of its inability to offer its own incentives at a time when other communities have the resources to do so. However, she noted money is not the only issue.

"Most new doctors want a group practice," said MacDonald. "Solo practices are not appealing to grads."

There is only one group practice vacancy in the area at this time, according to MacDonald.

Since its inception as a six-month pilot project conceived and funded by BGH in Sept. 2000, 17 general practitioners and specialists have been recruited. However, the departure or retirement of other physicians in the region has reduced the net gain to four doctors; it is estimated an additional 20 physicians are needed.

The average age of a family physician in Ontario is 49. The Brockville area (including Prescott) is fairly reflective of that, although MacDonald noted there are many physicians in their 50s and 60s.

The doctor shortage is not unique to Leeds and South Grenville. The list of communities to receive official underserviced designation ­ and that have developed recruitment programs of their own ­ continues to grow, according to MacDonald.

MacDonald said she is hopeful the local task force can recruit as many as four doctors this year. The emphasis is on family physicians as well as obstetrics/gynecology and radiology.

Municipalities, the business community, service clubs and individuals have been asked to donate money to the program which has incurred costs of more than $400,000. The Township of Augusta has donated $5,000 in each of the last two years; the Town of Prescott has contributed $4,000 both years. Task force representatives made a presentation to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council last week.

Commitments from the business community total about $7,000 a year at this time, according to MacDonald. This does not include one-time donations made by local companies.

MacDonald insists the entire community stands to benefit from having enough family doctors and specialists.

"There's no one better to promote your community than you," she said.

Restaurant to reopen in March

PRESCOTT ­ NanC's, the restaurant at King and George streets that closed last week, will reopen in March under new ownership as the Harvester House Family Restaurant.

The business has been purchased by Andy and Christina Caicco, who also own two Harvester House restaurants in Kanata.

The couple will operate the Prescott eatery in partnership with a local family member. In noting he has relatives in the Prescott area, Mr. Caicco said he had been scouting the town for more than a year for a restaurant to purchase.

Prior to being operated by Nancy Craven as NanC's for just over three years, it was known as the New Service Restaurant for about 65 years.

Multi-million-dollar target set for aggressive GCC campaign

Grenville Christian College creates five-year capital plan

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND ­ Grenville Christian College (GCC) is reaching out to the community and far beyond to achieve a $3-million target set for its new five-year campaign.

The "Tomorrow's Leaders" campaign was launched Jan. 28 at the Maitland-area private university preparatory school. The campaign will invite alumni, families of former students and previously-supportive community members to build on the tradition of excellence at the school through investment in students and facilities, according to campaign co-chair David Beatty.

The money raised by Tomorrow's Leaders will allow the institution to offer the educational experience to more students and to enrich the environment for the current student body, said Beatty, who is president of Canarm in Brockville and a member of GCC's board of directors.

The first phase of the campaign will be "quick and focused" to raise 50 per cent of the target by June 30 from internal friends and family of GCC. About $850,000 of that amount has already been raised.

Planned expenditures include upgrading the 88-year-old limestone building to meet new water regulations ($345,000), make fire code improvements ($230,000), improve walkways, roads and student drop-off areas ($124,000), replace windows ($508,000), carry out roof maintenance (169,000), to improve classrooms and other interior areas ($421,000), and upgrade technology areas ($115,000).

A second component of the campaign is establishing an endowment fund of $1 million (with hopes to grow it to $10 million) to provide for bursary financial support for students who would not otherwise be able to attend GCC. More than 60 per cent of $500,000 in bursary funds are distributed for local community scholarships. Currently, bursaries come from operating expenses.

The school expects about 10 to 20 per cent of the funds raised will come from local citizens and the business community with a personal connection to the school. "There is tremendous support locally," Beatty said. "What we're hoping is to increase our network of friends."

A conservative estimate is one in four households in the Prescott area have supported GCC in past campaigns, the school said.

GCC enriches the mosaic of life in Leeds-Grenville and plays an active part in the community, explained Bill Bayles, executive director of the Grenville Education Foundation and a former student and teacher at GCC.

GCC Headmaster David Dargie noted the facility also contributes to economic development locally. More than 100 staff members are employed for 260 students. Economic spin-offs per student each year are substantial, he said.

Twelve different countries are represented at GCC, Dargie said, adding the institution is planning to campaign worldwide to reach former students and supporters.

The Tomorrow's Leaders Campaign will replace GCC's annual Grand Draw, which gave away high-end prizes such as a home and vehicles to winners. With the market now saturated with similar draws, Bayles noted the lottery was no longer as profitable or as successful as in earlier years.

Council agrees to Shakespeare letter of credit

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott will provide a letter of credit for $12,000 to the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Theatrical Company, council decided Monday.

The request for the letter and an operating grant of $6,000 was made last month. Company Treasurer Ken Durand explained the letter of credit is needed as soon as possible so contracts can be offered to actors who belong to the Canadian Actors' Equity Association.

The second annual St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival will take place this summer at the waterfront amphitheatre. The letter of credit ensures the municipality would pay the actors' salaries if the festival could not do so.

In agreeing to provide the letter, council is calling for an agreement with the Shakespeare company and the union to acknowledge the terms and conditions of the letter. Town officials sought something in writing to outline the arrangement, based in part on advice obtained from the bank with which the town does business.

The town helped cover a cash deposit of $8,000 the festival gave the actors' union to cover salaries.

Council has yet to make a final decision on this year's grant request, deemed to be not as pressing as the letter of credit.

Getting children interested in learning

Although last Tuesday was Family Literacy Day, it is always a good time to get youngsters interested in learning.

Tips for parents include:

* Let the kids catch you reading.

* Watch a book. Read a children's story that has been adapted for the big screen, then watch the movie.

* Have your child count out change required to make a purchase. This reinforces the importance of math in everyday life.

For more information on literacy, visit www.abc-canada.org.

New opportunity created for young musicians

Spring competition to feature the top players and singers in St. Lawrence corridor

KINGSTON ­ A new regional competition for young musicians is being planned for this April.

The 2004 Young and Emerging Artists Competition will take place April 24 at the Brockville Arts Centre.

Top winners in piano, strings, winds/brass and voice at annual music festivals in Brockville (the annual Lions festival), Cornwall and Kingston will be invited to participate.

First prize is an all-expense-paid trip to be a guest of the Alberta College Conservatory of Music. Scholarships for St. Lawrence festival summer school programs will be awarded for second and third place.

The competition is being presented by Festival on the St. Lawrence, a new regional and international arts initiative that had its inaugural season in 2003. Among the first-year concerts at the St. Lawrence festival was a performance by the Montreal Guitar Trio at Wiser Hall in Prescott.

For more information, contact Dr. Joy Innis at (613) 544-5400 or by e-mail at jainnis@fosl.ca.

Stay active and enjoy winter, health unit recommends

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Canadians should avoid the urge to hibernate this winter by staying active, according to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Spend time outdoors with family and friends and try something different: skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, building a snow fort or playing snow tag. "Let's try enjoying the unique nature of winter," a health unit release states.

Before heading out, though, make sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing (including scarf, hat and mittens) and footwear so a person's focus can be on enjoying the beauty of winter.

For those who spend time indoors, consider taking exercise, fencing or martial arts classes or even putting on some music and just getting up and dancing.

For more information, contact the health unit at 345-5685 or www.healthunit.org.

Diabetes education program offered

PRESCOTT ­ The first of four free weekly education sessions for people with type 2 diabetes will take place Feb. 23 in Prescott.

The program, which includes topics such as eating well with diabetes, self blood glucose monitoring and preventing complications, is being offered by Smiths Falls-based Rideau Valley Diabetes Services (RVDS). Each session lasts about two hours and is limited to 10 participants.

The location of the sessions will be given to participants when they call to register.

For more information or to register, call 1-877-321-4500.

Wild weather common in 2003

OTTAWA ­ South Grenville factored in one of Environment Canada's top 10 weather stories of 2003.

The long and cold winter that hit Ontario and Quebec is third on the list. Wild weather extremes in British Columbia top the annual list, followed by hurricanes in Atlantic Canada.

David Phillips, a well-known senior climatologist with Environment Canada, referred to 2003 as "...a wild roller coaster ride of weather extremes" that mirrored what was happening on a global scale. "Here at home, we had a barrage of extreme, enduring and expensive weather. But we were fortunate to see fewer deaths from weather than normal."

Also on the top ten list are Canada's fire season, the continuing drought in the Prairies, avalanches and freezing rain, rain and flooding in the Atlantic region.

Scientists anticipate more frequent weather-related disasters as climate change (such as global warming) occurs.

Turn used items into funding for food bank

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Used cellular phones and toner and ink-jet printer cartridges can be turned in as part of a fundraiser for the Prescott-based Food For All Food Bank.

The used items can be dropped off at the food bank on Henry Street in Prescott or at public libraries in South Grenville.

The food bank will receive cash for the items, which will be recycled or refurbished.

For more information on the program, call the food bank at 925-2444.

Food For All, which opened its doors in Sept. 2002, serves residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Exercise groups are taking shape

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our exercise groups are back in place. On Mondays at 10 am, we are working with a tape and exploring some Tai Chi exercises. These give us a base to use at home to keep our bodies in shape with gentle movements. On Thursdays at 10 am, we are still using the large balls. These help to increase flexibility and balance. Come and join us to lose those extra pounds and cold winter blues.

Monday, Feb. 16 at 11:30 am, we are having a soup and sandwich lunch. Those who wish can stay for a few hands of bridge in the afternoon. Please call 925-5300 if you wish to join us.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Audrey Kingston; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; door, Eleanor Hatch. Fun bridge ­ Ruth Wenger. Wednesday night bridge ­ high, Richard Kingston; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jessie Shaver; 2nd, Bernice Arcand; 3rd, Alice Crowder; door, Edward Ford.

RRSP information available from Canada revenue agency

OTTAWA ­ March 1 is the deadline to make contributions to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and have them eligible for inclusion in the 2003 tax return.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency operates a new online service called "My Account," which enables users to get personalized information about their RRSP contributions and deduction limits. Information on tax credits and benefits is also available.

For general information about RRSPs, visit www.ccra.gc.ca/rrsp or call 1-800-267-6999. My Account can be accessed by visiting www.ccra.gc.ca/myaccount.

St. Paul's to host Valentine's event

PRESCOTT ­ A Valentine luncheon and bake sale will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at St. Paul's United Church, corner of George and Dibble streets.

Tickets will be available at the door.

Quit smoking and win a car

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Smokers who do not light up next month could win a mini-Cooper for their efforts.

The Quit Smoking 2004 Contest is open to Ontario smokers above the age of 18. Participants must register by Feb. 29 and remain smoke-free throughout March.

Each contest participant is required to supply the name of a "quit buddy" who can verify the other person did not smoke that month.

A random draw will determine potential winners. Those selected must pass a simple urine test and correctly answer a skill-testing question in order to win.

In addition to the car, seven Toshiba home theatre systems are up for grabs. Winners' quit buddies will be eligible to win $250.

The contest is funded in part by Health Canada and supported by many public-sector agencies (including the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit), health-care associations and companies. The goal is to encourage people to try to quit smoking.

For more information on, or to sign up for, the contest, visit www.quitsmokingontario.ca.

Ottawa heart institute telethon is Saturday

OTTAWA ­ The annual Heart Institute of Ottawa telethon will take place this Saturday, Feb. 7 on CJOH-TV.

The live broadcast will air from 8 am to 7 pm.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE NEWS

Jackknifed rig blocks eastbound lanes

MAITLAND ­ Eastbound traffic on Highway 401 was rerouted Friday night after a tractor-trailer jackknifed just east of the County Road 15 exit.

At about 8 pm, the eastbound rig driven by Ranjit Singh Dhindsa, 50, of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec apparently went out of control and struck the cement median twice. The man was transported by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital but was released a short time later. The truck sustained major damage.

Traffic was diverted to county roads 15 and 2 through Augusta and Prescott. Smaller vehicles were allowed to use the on-ramp to enter the eastbound lanes just past the collision scene.

Charges are pending. Constable Jeff McDade is the investigating officer.

Weather a factor in many crashes

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Local police were kept busy responding to numerous collisions last week.

Grenville County officers responded to 37 collisions between Tuesday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 1. Eighteen of those crashes occurred Wednesday, Jan. 28, with six being reported both on Thursday and Friday. Only one injury was reported during the week.

Weather was cited as a factor in most of the collisions.

Do not feel pressured at the door

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Provincial police advise residents to use caution when dealing with door-to-door solicitation.

The Grenville County detachment received a complaint recently from a County Road 26 residence in Augusta Township. A man known to police asked the elderly woman who lives there if he could do some work for her. She declined the offer; he returned to the residence on two other occasions, according to an OPP news release.

No offence was committed, but police note the possibility was there. Some illegitimate home repair outfits target senior citizens.

A legitimate business person should not pressure customers to sign immediately or give out personal information. Potential customers should not be afraid to ask for a written estimate or quote or more information.

When in doubt about strangers at the door, call police.

"If you don't feel comfortable with who is at your door, don't open it," police note in the release.

No one injured when snowmobile, car collide

PRESCOTT ­ Town officers investigated 55 incidents and three motor vehicle collisions during the week of Jan. 26. No injuries occurred in those collisions. One involved a car and a snowmobile at Edward and Henry streets; the operator of the snowmobile was charged with careless driving.

A municipal bylaw designates snowmobile crossings on Edward Street at Dibble Street and Churchill Road.

On Thursday, police received a report of a suspected theft at the liquor store. Police responded and charged a 71-year-old woman with theft. The investigating officer is Constable Mike Lapensee.

An assault was reported downtown Saturday evening. A male received a punch to the face as part of an ongoing dispute, according to a police news release. Constable Mike Ostrander is the investigating officer.

Damage to an interior wall at Centre Towne Cleaners was reported Saturday. It is believed the damage occurred sometime between noon and 5:30 pm. Constable Moe Morrissette is investigating.

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

Roebuck youth group making plans

Submitted by Gillian Worton-Scott

ROEBUCK ­ The Roebuck Youth Group was formed recently for kids in Roebuck and the surrounding area to get together for fun. The group is open to youngsters from the age of nine to 16.

At our last meeting, the group discussed plans for March Break activities. We decided to go bowling in Brockville Friday, March 12 from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

On Tuesday, March 16 at 1 pm, Andrea Gaw-Hutt, director of the Academy of Expressive Dance in Kemptville, has kindly agreed to give a half-hour hip-hop lesson at the Roebuck Community Hall. This will be free to kids age nine and up. Class size is limited to 12, but Ms. Gaw-Hutt is willing to give another class if there are more than 12 kids.

On Thursday, March 18, we are planning to go tobogganing in Limerick Forest and then have hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Parents who are interested in registering their kids for any of these events should contact Barb Geggie at 658-3008 between 5 pm and 8 pm or by e-mail at begeggie@digitalnetworks.ca no later than March 1. Parents are welcome to join in the fun.

Snowarama raises money for Easter Seal Society

NORTH GRENVILLE ­ The Grenville Snowmobile Club was among the participants in Sunday's Leeds and Grenville Snowarama that raised more than $13,800 for the Easter Seal Society.

The local fundraiser, which was based at the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, was one of 50 Snowarama for Easter Seal Kids events taking place in Ontario this winter.

The society assists thousands of children and young adults (and their families) living with physical disabilities by helping them purchase equipment, offering camp and recreation programs and providing access to information and research that will improve their quality of life.

Speaker sets sail on voyage through history of waterway

SOUTH NATION ­ Learn more about the history of one of Eastern Ontario's most notable waterways.

Patrick Coyne, author of Reflections of the South Nation Watershed, is available for presentations on the river and its past.

The watershed, which includes portions of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships, begins north of Brockville and extends to Plantagenet east of Ottawa.

Historical societies, church groups and seniors clubs are among the organizations that might be interested in Coyne's presentation, which includes photos from South Nation Conservation (SNC) Archives.

"We can learn from both the mistakes and the wise approaches of the past," stated SNC General Manager Dennis O'Grady.

There is no charge to the organization; donations and book sales from the visit help cover costs.

For more information, call 1-877-984-2948.

Operator hoping to fill transportation void

Exisiting bus service offers few if any weekday options for Prescott-area residents

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Local residents who do not have access to a vehicle are finding it difficult to get around, even though they live next to highways 401 and 416.

However, a local businessman is proposing to do something about it.

Bus and rail service to and from Prescott has been reduced or eliminated in recent years.

Voyageur Colonial offers twice-weekly service (Friday and Sunday nights) between Prescott/Brockville and Ottawa. Coach Canada's Montreal-Toronto route also makes two stops (Friday and Sunday afternoons) in town each week.

VIA Rail ended its Prescott stops two years ago. One eastbound and westbound passenger train would stop in the Fort Town each night.

Years ago, buses and trains made more frequent stops in Prescott.

Although trains and buses still make frequent stops in Brockville, people who live in the Prescott area must catch a ride or pay about $25 for a cab to get to and from Brockville. A one-way economy train ticket to Ottawa that is booked more than five days in advance costs less than the cab fare.

Prescott-based Road Tours is hoping to offer new transportation options to local residents. Owner Steven Turcotte told The Journal last week he is applying for a licence that would enable Road Tours to provide regular weekday service to and from Brockville. The company provides weekday commuter service to workplaces in Ottawa.

"I was getting calls from people in Prescott and Brockville" asking about weekday service, he said. There are people who could live in Prescott and get jobs elsewhere but are hampered by not being able to get to and from work or cannot afford to use existing options, according to Turcotte.

Full service for the week would cost in the $35 range. One-way tickets would go for $8; a round-trip fare would be $12.

Turcotte said he is also applying for a licence that would enable Road Tours to provide more ticket options for Ottawa trips.

Road Tours operates a 15-passenger van. Turcotte said an upgrade to a 24-seat coach would be likely if the licences were to be approved.

The applications will likely be filed within the next couple of weeks. Turcotte said he is seeking public support for his licence submissions; the transportation board might be more receptive if local residents back the proposals, he added.

The support applications are available for signing at Turcotte's home and at Mr. Gas in Prescott. "We're prepared to go to bat," he said. "We need support from the public."

VIA indicated the decision to discontinue its Prescott stops was based in part on low numbers of passengers who actually made use of those stops. Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, a frequent user of rail service, noted the late departure times were inconvenient to many travellers.

The Jan. 16 Voyageur bus from Brockville to Ottawa had a total of seven passengers. There were only four passengers leaving Ottawa two days later to return to Kemptville and Prescott.

Lawn said the lack of commercial transportation options is not a new problem for Prescott. The desire for a company like VIA to provide faster service between Montreal and Toronto hurts smaller communities like Prescott; the mayor also noted being close to main highways might also take business away from the major carriers.

"Too many people have cars," Lawn said.

A round-trip VIA economy fare between Brockville and Toronto is about $167 ($118 if booked more than five days in advance). Coach Canada charges $128 for a round-trip bus trip between Prescott and Toronto.

A round-trip ticket for the Prescott-Ottawa run on Voyageur costs about $42.

United Way establishes Youth Day of Caring

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ A volunteer program designed for high school students is in the works for this spring.

Saturday, May 1 will be Youth Day of Caring. The event is being organized by United Way of Leeds and Grenville in conjunction with the Youth Volunteer Corps and Community Blossoms.

The day of caring will enable secondary students in grades nine to 12 to earn 10 hours of required volunteer time and learn about teamwork, work ethics and responsibility. Teams of five will do a variety of hands-on tasks such as yard maintenance, washing windows and painting. All jobs are to be completed within the town or township in which the student lives; it is hoped completing the work will help instill a sense of accomplishment as well as civic pride.

The 10-hour commitment includes a pre-event planning meeting, the work to be done May 1 and a wrap-up meeting after the event.

Participants might be expected to bring supplies; transportation to and from the project sites is the responsibility of the student.

Sign-up sheets are available at high school guidance offices.

For more information, contact the United Way office in Brockville at 342-8889.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We know we cannot please everybody all the time."

Ultramar Vice-President Louis Forget attempting to address concerns about a recent diesel spill at the Maitland Terminals

Editor's Notebook

CLEANING UP THE MISTRUST: Anyone expecting Ultramar officials to beg for the public's forgiveness for the diesel spill that occurred in early December at the Maitland Terminals would have left last Wednesday's special meeting of Augusta council disappointed. Ultramar presented a lengthy presentation in which the company acknowledged there is room for improvement but insisted the public was never in any danger and the company responded responsibly.

Ultramar representatives appeared to be conciliatory but unapologetic. One official stated notifying the municipality and the local fire department was not part of the company's response protocol at the time of the spill (now it is). It was never a case of trying to hide the situation from the locals, the company maintains.

We credit Ultramar for having the guts to have its officials appear in the tiny council chamber in Maynard and face concerned citizens and council, but to claim the reason no one had the respect or courtesy to place a five-minute phone call to any local official is because it was not part of the protocol is ridiculous.

Much of the negative publicity this story has generated the past two months would not have materialized had someone at Ultramar placed that call. As Reeve John McCrea noted, the fact the township's emergency response personnel were not made aware of the situation and its potential impact on public health and safety cannot be repeated.

Ultramar V-P Louis Forget insists safety is the company's highest priority at all times, and Ultramar has always honoured its commitments. Many of us might be tempted to scoff at such assertions and write them off as the musings of a big company that, because of what it is, cannot be trusted.

However, as council members noted at the meeting, the community should be willing to give the company the benefit of the doubt. In the absence of a so-called "smoking gun," we must go along with the understanding mistakes are made and then learned from; in the event those mistakes are repeated, the community will have every right to demand action from its government and the company.

NOT JUST FOR SENIORS: Walker House is quietly providing a valuable service to mature adults in the Prescott area. Whether it is playing cards, learning a new craft or sharing a meal, the facility serves as a place where senior citizens can socialize on a regular basis and feel comfortable outside their own homes.

Recreation is often considered a "soft" service by local government, but places like Walker House are invaluable to the people who make use of them. Those of us who have not quite reached that time in our lives should take an interest in the Walker Houses of this world, not just for today but when we will want them to be there tomorrow.

Tim Ruhnke

Portrait of the Past triggers a trip down memory lane

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

The Portraits of the Past that appear weekly at the top of this page occasionally provoke a comment or a bit of interest; sometimes I'm stopped on the street with an extra bit of information about the photo, I'll get a phone call that will fill in the blanks, or someone will pop into the office with a story to tell.

This information is gathered and recorded at The Journal office, filed away here and then also sent along to the local historical society for safe keeping.

Last week's Portrait of the Past of the Toshack brothers triggered a memory flashback for two local women. We had asked people to call in if they could pinpoint the location in Prescott where the photo was taken in the late 1940s.

Both Linda Jones and Dorothy Travis were able to identify the spot as being approximately where the parking lot of TD Canada Trust is now, off Edward Street between King and Henry streets.

Dorothy was born nearby over top of what is now Young's of Prescott on King Street, and easily recognized the location. Linda also grew up close by, and often played in the area as a child in the 1950s.

The shed-like building behind the brothers in the photo was an apartment building, and the one on the right was Benny Gross's grocery store. Chicken coops in behind supplied the store with fresh meat.

It is these photos from the 1940s, '50 and '60s that generate the most memory flashbacks, but they are hard to come by. If you have an old photo or negative stuffed in a shoe box or pasted into an album, we would love to share it with the rest of our readers. Did your junior team win the bowling trophy or the public speaking contest? Was a staff photo ever taken at the office retirement party? Even if you don't know the names of everyone in the photo or know all the details, we can put out a plea for information.

And it's not just Prescott that sparks our interest - but all of South Grenville. We'd love to see a photo anywhere from Maitland to North Augusta to Cardinal and all the little areas in between - like Charleville, Throoptown, Roebuck or Ventnor.

We'll scan the photo and keep a permanent CD record of it with the information, and return the photo. Memories are wonderful things, but there's nothing quite like a photo to give it a charge.

The good folks at the Grenville County Historical Society who have a passion for protecting and preserving our local heritage will also have a copy of the photos and accompanying information.

Parking meters are good for business, BIA says in 1984

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Feb. 4, 1954

* At its meeting in Glenmore, Township of Augusta council authorized the area school board to construct a four-room school north of Maitland at an estimated cost of $78,000.

Feb. 5, 1964

* A new six-room school that will accommodate all pupils of grades 7 and 8 in the township is in the planning stages for Augusta. It is understood the new school will be located at Maynard immediately adjacent to the present elementary school. The area school board has determined there are crowded conditions in a number of schools, and all remaining one-room schools in the township will close.

* Girls contesting the South Grenville District High School Winter Carnival queen crown are Patsy Cummings, Jewell Arnott, Carole Lemieux, Elaine Kirkby and Anne Kleiboer.

Feb. 6, 1974

* The kiss of death has been placed on the old distillery building, more recently known as the Jamaica Brass Factory, on the west end of the community park. Council agreed the building is beyond physical redemption and should be demolished in favour of a tennis court. A newer section of the 1850-era building will be retained as a clubhouse for the facility, to be constructed by the Kinsmen Club.

Feb. 1, 1984

* Ray Young, who has served as vice-president of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for the past two years and who has served as a director for several years, was elected president for the coming year at the Chamber's annual meeting. He succeeds Marian Preston, who has served as president for the past three years.

* Members of the Prescott Business Improvement Area have taken their stand on parking meters - they want to keep them. BIA chairman Lewis Beach said the organization would be opposed to any plan to allow free parking in the downtown core, except during special promotions. The BIA says the devices are needed to ensure the spaces are left open to shoppers and not used by downtown employees. More parking enforcement is needed by town police, Beach suggested.

Health, medical officials slow to take nicotine addiction seriously

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

This is Heart Month and here is a quick little quiz you can keep close to your heart. What is the most addictive drug available to Canadians today, with or without a prescription? If you answer heroin, you are wrong. If you answer cocaine, you are wrong. If you answer morphine or any other opium derivatives, you are wrong. The strongest addictive drug known to medical authorities in Canada today is nicotine.

The irony of this is that health branches of our federal and provincial governments know this, yet still make it available almost without restrictions to any Canadian tall enough to reach up and put $8.00 on a counter, along with a forged note from their mom, to buy a package of cigarettes.

One would think that with nicotine being such a powerful drug, available almost exclusively in cigarettes, which are loaded with the chemicals that cause heart and lung disease, that Health Canada and its provincial counterparts would do something to prevent this easy access to the world's most addictive drug. If they are not going to try to reign in the availability of nicotine other than to keep raising the price of cigarettes, then they should not be so hypocritical as to try to cure Canadians addicted to nicotine.

We have scores of facilities across Canada and throughout United States dedicated to rehabilitating alcoholics, cocaine, heroin and morphine addicts. Most of these rehab centres are government funded. Likewise, there is a wide variety of rehab centres that are privately run which guarantee anonymity, but the price is out of range for ordinary addicts.

With nicotine the addictive substance that fuels the need for cigarettes and the chemicals that they contain that cause lung cancer and heart disease, it is almost unbelievable that not one exclusive smoking rehab centre exists in Canada today, and there are probably no more than three or four in the entire United States.

The sad part of the nicotine addiction is that the drug is so easily available throughout the country, yet the cure is so expensive and controlled to the point where it is practically denied to the addicts.

In the U.S. and Europe there are effective products such as the nicotine lozenge and the nicotine nasal spray readily available and affordable for addicts. They are not available in Canada. Coming soon, however, to a drugstore near you, is an effective nicotine inhaler that has been on the market in the U.S. for a couple of years.

The most effective drug available to combat nicotine addiction is Zyban, just recently released in Canada although available for several years in the U.S. Major problem with Zyban is that it is available only by prescription and its cost of about $65 per month is not covered by OHIP.

Other nicotine suppressants are also expensive and to be effective have to be taken with mega doses of willpower. The Nicoderm patch will cost an addict about $30 per week.

Nicorette gum will set you back about $35 for 105 little chiclets, of which you would need about 20 per day to keep the craving manageable.

Not enough is being done in Canada to help people overcome their nicotine addictions. The federal government has to start spending a major portion of the billions of dollars it steals from addicts in cigarette taxes every year. This would include affordable drugs, rehab centres and clinical studies and help groups.

The Canadian Cancer Society, probably the nation's largest and best organized charity, has to start recognizing that although lung cancer and heart disease are most likely attributed to cigarette smokers, it is the nicotine addiction that makes them crave cigarettes.

We would like to see the CCS publicly admit that nicotine is our most addictive narcotic, and direct a major part of its resources to finding proper medical assistance for a couple of million Canadian addicts.

Having been a smoker for about two-thirds of our life, we became serious about quitting about 20 years ago. The first place we sought help was from our family doctor, who said the only way to do it was just to stop, quit cold turkey. His understanding of the problem was that it was the cigarettes and not the nicotine that drove our habit. We asked about medication. None. Nicoderm or other patch products were not available in Canada in l985. Our next request for help elicited the advice to change brands every day, noting that the many changes in taste of the different tobaccos would deaden our desire for a butt. Note, there was no mention that we were addicted to nicotine and that it was this powerful narcotic that made us dependent upon cigarettes.

About 10 different brands later we sought more medical advice, hoping there might have been a medical breakthrough and an easy way out of a health destroying addiction. We decided hypnotism would be the ticket and we had a medical buddy who was having some hypnotic success. In a darkened office with one lone candle sitting on the desk between us, he started his monotone mantra.

After about 20 minutes he blew out the candle, asked if we still felt like smoking, and when we said yes he said let's go outside and light up, I need one too!

We finally broke the habit about eight years ago when we suffered a silent heart attack and had to spend 10 days in the ICU at Belgrade General. Subsequent stress tests, Xrays and CATscans showed, four years ago, that smoking had destroyed about two thirds of our lungs, that the functioning section harboured a cancerous tumour and that about one third of our heart's capacity had been destroyed by a series of mini, undetected heart attacks.

But you know? We don't smoke anymore!

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Students were recognized for achievements at our assembly last Thursday. The Grade 1/2 students sang in French and a number of students participated in our talent show. Everyone did a fantastic job. The top three acts were: "Around the World" by Grade 7 students Shannon Shackles, Courtney Barton, Celene Donnelly, Lindsey Francis and Kyle Heisel; "Greece Lightning" by Grade 6 students Amanda Hurford, Taylor Brown-Hutchcroft, Dana Stephenson and Marlene White; and "All-Star" performed by Samantha Kinsella and Janelle Fournier.

We are now pre-registering students for junior and senior kindergarten in September. If your child was born on or before Dec. 31, 2000, please call the school at 925-2803. A formal registration day will be held later in the spring.

Our school is implementing a program called "Developing Moral Character." We will be learning about and recognizing seven school-wide core virtues: empathy, conscience, self-control, respect, kindness, tolerance and fairness. This is a board-wide initiative.

Hot lunch this Friday is hot dogs.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: Kindergarten registration is beginning in the Upper Canada District School Board. Parents/guardians of Kindergarten-aged children are asked to call their local school to make an appointment. At North Edwardsburgh, we look forward to meeting and welcoming our newest students. If you know someone in the neighbourhood with a child this age, please pass this message along to them.

On Friday, teachers and education assistants attended workshops to help us plan and program for our students. We are at the midway point in the school year, and we look to a positive and productive second half.

A reminder to parents to check your children's hair every week. Head lice are a nuisance but can be easily treated. If you detect head lice in your child's hair, please treat him/her and notify the school.

Central Public School: Students and staff are looking forward to their upcoming winter carnival to be held next week. Activities are planned for the afternoons only on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The grade 7s and 8s will be running a number of stations that will include hot shots, scoops, speedball, colouring, face painting, bingo, pictionary and an obstacle course! Parents are reminded to have their son/daughter dress warmly.

Adding to the school spirit of this event is our Spirit Week. Monday: Pyjama Day; Tuesday: Jersey Day; Wednesday: Backwards Day (wear your clothes backwards); Thursday: Hat Day; Friday: Red and Pink Day (wear as much red and/or pink as possible!).

Student council will be running a Valentine's Dance during the afternoon on Friday, Feb. 13 (for grades 4 and up).

Important messages from the class of 2004: We are selling raffle tickets for a beautiful Valentine's gift basket filled with lots of special treats and surprises. See a Grade 8 student to get your ticket soon! Draw will be held Feb. 12.

We are also hosting a cupcake and cookie sale during lunch from Feb. 9 to Feb. 12.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to our Good Samaritans for the week of Jan. 26: Jonathan Arcand and Michael Pilla.

Ski forms must be returned to school by Feb. 9. Our ski trip to Mount Pakenham will take place Tuesday, Feb. 24. We are hoping for great weather!

St. Joe's Spaghetti Supper will be Thursday, Feb. 12 at St. Mark's Parish Centre. There will be sittings at 5 and 6 pm. Please plan on attending! Tickets are available at the school or at the door.

Public speaking is the order of the day. Students in all classes are working on speeches to present to their classmates. We are looking forward to the St. Joe's Public Speaking Competition, which will take place Monday, Feb. 23.

Congratulations to our senior boys basketball team. They won all three of their games but lost out in the A division finals to St. Michael's at the tournament Jan. 29 in Kemptville.

Next week, Feb. 8 to 14, is Teacher Appreciation Week. Why not take the opportunity to thank a teacher!

St. Mark Catholic School: We celebrated a beautiful mass on Monday for the presentation of our Lord in the temple.

The week of Feb. 9-13 is Kindergarten registration. We welcome all parents who have children who will be four years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2004 to enrol in Junior Kindergarten, and those children who will be five years of ago on or before Dec. 31, 2004 to enrol in Senior Kindergarten. Call the school at 925-3581 to set up an appointment.

We will host a Grade 2 parent meeting at 7:30 pm tonight at St. Mark's Catholic Church for those parents wishing their child receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Next week will be winter carnival week. Monday is favourite hat day; Tuesday is bad hair day; Wednesday is inside-out day; Thursday is dress your best day; Friday is red or pink day. We will celebrate with winter activities outside Friday from 9:15 to 11:20 am and winter carnival will conclude with an assembly at 1 pm in the gymnasium.

The All-Star reading strategy is unstuck strategies: "What's the sound? What's the letter?"

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dumping cats in the cold is shameful behaviour

The Editor;

To people of the area:

I sure hope the people in the truck (which I got some of the numbers on their plates) are proud of themselves!

They left a few very young cats off at Galop Canal Road for them to survive the cold winter in Cardinal.

I see them; I can't catch them, but I feed them. It costs me $5 or more a week for the wild cats outside.

I also keep blankets and towels in a dog house for them to take shelter. It breaks my heart to see frost and bits of ice pellets on their tiny bodies.

I do the best I can for them! They are God's creatures. Or do you not know that? Some day you may have to pay for what you did and answer to someone.

I sure hope you got the mother fixed. I doubt that, as she's probably here too.

God will not bless you.

Jean Fox
Cardinal

P.S. I have animals and they're all fixed and they're in my house where it's warm.

Luncheon changes location

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

VON Home Support is having a Seniors' Luncheon at the Maitland Community Church on County Road 2 Feb. 11 at noon. All Maitland and area seniors are welcome to attend. Transportation can be arranged. The menu this month is beef stew, dumplings, mixed vegetables and rice pudding. Jim Roy will be providing the entertainment by playing keyboards and conducting a sing-a-long.

Previous attendees at the luncheon should note the change of venue due to the closure of MERC Hall. Contact Tracey Lirette at VON Home Support Office at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.

Skating is looking sharp

The extremely cold weather has made for good skating conditions at the MERC rink adjacent to the hall and many people are enjoying the rink. John Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Matt Cockshutt and Mike Lortie have been battling the cold to keep the rink flooded and cleared of snow. John Wilson reports that because of the excessive cold the ice has frozen right through leaving no water underneath to flood the rink. Wilson plans to haul water from the river using the MERC trailer-mounted tank as further flooding is required.

Wilson says the tank is always used to establish the ice base at the Cedar Street rink. It has not been necessary at the MERC rink because the spring-fed flood plain that the rink is created on usually has plenty of water underneath for flooding throughout the season.

Maintaining the rink in this manner promises to be cold work. Wilson reminds students that work at the rink, whether flooding or clearing, can be used as community service hours. If you are interested in helping, call John Wilson at 348-3563.

South Grenville schools getting ready for MS Read-a-thon

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Schools throughout South Grenville will be doing their part for a good cause as they prepare to take part in the MS Read-a-thon.

St. Joseph and St. Mark Catholic schools and Central and Centennial '67 public school will all be taking part in the program which not only helps raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS), but also promotes reading.

MS is a disease that attacks the myelin covering of the central nervous system often causing disruption of natural flow of nerve pulses and in rare cases causing death. There is no cure.

"This is something kids across Canada up to Grade 8 take part in," said MS Society of Canada presenter Karina Duchesne, who also suffers from the disease. "I used to do it as a student and now I am also benefitting from it. It's raised large sums of money for MS and it helps promote literacy."

Duchesne indicated the program is different from other similar ones by focusing on education while doing the fundraising.

"It really helps literacy a lot," said Duchesne. "A lot of other programs like this take a focus on physical aspects, while we try to help kids with their reading. It's something that not only helps us, but it also helps the kids that take part as well."

Students are encouraged to read as many books or news/magazine articles at their reading level within a prescribed reading period (until Feb. 20). As they read, the students will collect pledges based on the number of books or articles they have read or on how long they've read.

The program began in 1977, with more than five million elementary school students reading 25 million books since the program began. The campaign has also raised more than $37 million for multiple sclerosis research and services.

It is estimated 50,000 Canadians and two million people world-wide suffer from MS.

Johnstown railway crossing upgrades get the green light from council

COUNCIL NEWS

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council agreed to the first and second readings of a bylaw to upgrade an existing Frederick Street railway crossing in Johnstown.

After a lot of discussion on the topic, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal council agreed Monday to introduce the bylaw in order to avoid holding things up any longer.

The agreement with CN Rail and Transport Canada is estimated to cost the township $32,500 in addition to a yearly maintenance fee payable to CN as well as the cost of an environmental assessment and road widening.

Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron started the discussion after checking out the crossing for himself and finding some of the information council had been given was inaccurate.

"After we discussed this at our last meeting, I went back and re-checked the line of sight," explained Cameron. "We were told eight seconds, but the line of sight was 27 seconds when a passenger train went by. There was significant time to see what is going on and the front of the locomotive was lit up like a Christmas tree."

Cameron asked council to get a legal opinion on the township's liability of the gateless crossing before proceeding any further.

"You cannot put a price on a human life, but it seems likes a lot of money," said Cameron. "There are only two properties on the other side of the crossing and only one has children which would ride the bus. I really think the $35-39,000 it is supposed to cost would escalate far far beyond that."

Ward Two Councillor Peter Martin agreed with Cameron and believes other plans could be considered.

"Personally, I don't feel this is all that feasible," said Martin. "There are two bridges across creeks and would need to be fixed for the upgrade. For the money we'd spend there might be used to connect the road east and close the current road."

Ward Three Councillor Marie Thomson wants to be cautious with whatever is decided to be done.

"It's not just about a school bus, but anyone's life," said Thomson. "I just want to make sure that if something happened we could look back and know we did the right thing."

EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL COUNCIL BRIEFS

Food bank requests donation from township

SPENCERVILLE - A presentation was made to township council Monday night by the Food For All Food Bank in Prescott.

Food bank Administrative Fundraising Co-ordinator Bonnie Gommert requesting $1,600 from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

"We've asked the three communities who make use of the food bank (Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal) to each donate $1,600," explained Gommert. "The money will go towards covering our operational costs, such as heat, hydro and phones which we need to operate."

Gommert said the food bank has 315 active families on file and another 144 families who have not been active in the past six months.

"There were about 75-80 families from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal who made use of our services last year," said Gommert. "When families come in we usually give them a six-to-ten-day supply of food, but we have given more recently with families in more need right now with oil and heating bills coming in. So far in 2004 we have already served 200 families (across the township) with about 3529 items being given out."

Council held the request over for budget deliberations.

Council approves Walker House rebates

SPENCERVILLE - Township council approved rebates for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal residents who have to pay user fees at Walker House in Prescott for 2004.

Out-of-town fees of $25 being charged to township residents who make use of the facilities at Walker House will be reimbursed, provided the resident is 65 years old or older.

Budget discussions begin

JOHNSTOWN - Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal council was slated to begin budget deliberations last night (Tuesday, Feb. 3) at the Port of Prescott in Johnstown.

At Monday's council meeting in Spencerville, council decided to hold budget deliberations at 4:30 pm, prior to the regular Port of Prescott meeting scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Reinvestment funds accepted from ministry

SPENCERVILLE - Township council voted Monday to accept the 2004 Community Reinvestment Fund from the Ministry of Finance.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal accepted the payment of $1,108,000, which has been designated to be used for the benefit of the taxpayers.

Council received the same amount from the Ministry of Finance last year.

The fund was created six years ago by the provincial government as a way to offset downloading of services to municipalities.

CARDINAL'S PAST

Feb. 6, 1974

* From the period Oct. 1, 1972 to Oct. 1973, seven employees of the Canada Starch Ltd. plant in Cardinal have retired. They are Harry Armstrong, William Bruce, Lloyd Sayeau, Leon Running, James Beatson, Garnet Gilligan and Howard Holmes. They represent a total of 249 years of service.

Feb. 1, 1984

* Nine contestants have entered the Cardinal Community Queen Contest, to be held as part of Winterfest celebrations. The girls are Lori Scott, Kim Laming, Lisa Gilmer, Tracey Toupin, Gayle McGonegal, Debbie Grant, Angie Cameron, Diana Lee Deschamps and Shelley Strader.

* Cable television may soon be coming to Cardinal. Last fall, Trillium Cable Communications Ltd. applied to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecom-munications Commission for a licence to extend cable television service to 16 small communities in Ontario, including Cardinal.

Feb. 2, 1994

* Reeve Larry Dishaw and council are prioritizing projects to take on in the village.

Small school makes big impact for Chernobyl

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

JOHNSTOWN - South Edwardsburg Public School's campaign to collect items for the Canadian Aid for Chernobyl Project was a huge success.

The small 125-student school in Johnstown managed to collect a total of 3,355 items between Jan. 9 and Jan. 23; they will be personally delivered to Belarus by a contingent from Brockville sometime in March.

The school's Chernobyl project co-ordinator, Donna Greenhorn, was thrilled with the outpouring of support and donations for children in Belarus who have been affected by radioactive fallout from the explosion at the nuclear plant in Chernobyl in 1986.

"I think Neil Matheson's presentation about Chernobyl really opened our minds to the magnitude of the tragedy, and it really touched our minds and our hearts," explained Greenhorn. "The members of our school and community responded to this tragic situation with generosity and compassion.

"We are very proud of the positive action being taken by our students, staff, parents and community to help these people in need."

The school accepted many different kinds of donations, including toys, children's clothing, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, coats and snowpants, footwear and even some adult clothing.

Some students even decided to add a personal touch to their donations, such as Grade 3 student Taylor Murdock who donated one of her Christmas presents to the campaign.

"I gave a flavour doll," said Murdock. "It's like a Barbie doll. I got it for Christmas. They don't have anything so I wanted to give them something special I got for Christmas."

Grade 4 student Chance Spencer got involved in a family quilting project for the campaign.

"My mom has a quilting business and she really likes doing that type of thing so we made four quilts to give," said Spencer. "My grandmother got involved to and bagged up a lot of things. We're doing it because we know we're helping someone in need."

Greenhorn explained students at South Edwardsburg have been asked to write letters and include pictures which Matheson will deliver to the orphans in March.

Stamp club set to meet

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Stamp Club will hold a meeting at 7 pm Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the new site of the Cardinal Public Library at the former municipal building.

The monthly meetings will continue through the winter and spring months.

Big Buck winners

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club has announced the winners of its Big Buck Draw.

Lee McDonald had the largest buck at 248 lbs.; Mark Heafey had the largest doe at 121 lbs.

Jeff Patrick was the winner of the club's $50 ticket draw.

CORRECTION

A photo caption that appeared in the Jan. 7 edition should have stated a Penalty Shotz fundraiser for CHEO was held with the help of Barry Stitt and not the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association.

Learning from the adventures in life

Deep Green Road, By Thelma Cameron

241 pages

Reviewed by Joyce Morris

Deep Green Road, by Thelma Cameron, is an autobiography of her childhood in Cornwall, Hawkesbury and Winchester. It's the story of a person who from her earliest years questioned every facet of her existence in order to 'know' in her mind what was happening. She wanted to see around corners and explored every situation with a conviction that whatever the consequences, she would learn something from it. Everything in life was an adventure.

It's difficult to write a child's story without putting our adult voice into the child's thinking. Are we to believe Thelma as a child was so hard on herself and so judgemental as to constantly be chastising herself for her childhood antics? We feel a little sorry for the girl who is trying so hard to be good when her nature and imagination lead her into branching paths. As a teenager, she doesn't stand by helplessly when she wants to change the road life is mapping out for her.

The way out of a life in the cotton mills of Cornwall during the Depression came in the form of Keith Cameron. He had travelled out west and to Thelma this meant he knew more than anybody she'd met, and he'd take her places. He charmed her into marriage a few months after they met.

When you're born with a need to get to the top of a hill to improve your own view, the habit of striving becomes a way of living. Courageous in her need to be responsible and to improve her young life, Thelma takes on responsibilities to compensate for her husband's lack of concern. She learns to be fiercely independent and rely on the life skills she learned from her parents.

What sets this childhood memoir apart is the author's ability even as a young child to put into visual and literal thinking everything she experienced. Thelma Cameron was writing and painting in her head from a very early age, and it is this innate talent which influenced many of her decisions and carried her through some tough times as a young woman. She relied on books for answers and built pillars of imagery and vocabulary which she carried for years until she began writing and painting. These memories are laced with moralistic conclusions one wouldn't attribute to a child, but in Thelma's case they are so authentic you know this isn't the adult writer talking; it is indeed the child as she thought at the time.

Deep Green Road is historically informative: there are many photos, news clippings and descriptions of buildings and businesses in the three towns in the early 1900s. Major world events are recalled: the sinking of the Titanic, outbreak of the war and the influenza.

Thelma Cameron lives in Crystal Rock. She is well-known for her paintings of the St. Lawrence before the Seaway.

Deep Green Road can be purchased at the Gift Shoppe in Prescott or directly from the Crystal Rock Art Room.

This and other books and resource materials are available at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

Falcons move into third place after pair of victories

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team has been on a hot streak scoring a pair of big wins over the Cobourg Lynx and Deseronto Bulldogs.

On Saturday, the Falcons came out flying at home, scoring less than 30 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead as Chris McCann scored his first of the game, assisted by Adrian Haird.

Two minutes later, Andrew Dickson would find a streaking McCann for his second of the game.

McCann would complete the natural hat trick ten seconds later as he managed to bang in a rebound from Haird's shot to give the Falcons a dominant 3-0 lead early in the game.

Cobourg would finally get on the board late in the middle of the first period, but the Falcons would continue to pepper the Lynx net as Lloyd Marks would score to give St. Lawrence a 4-1 lead heading into the second period. Charlie Fromont and Wayne Garlough picked up helpers.

The Falcons' Dewight Merkley would open the scoring in the second as he found the back of the net, while Garlough and Fromont picked up their second helpers of the game.

The Lynx would start to put more pressure on Falcons goaltender Terry Gilmore to add two second period goals. St. Lawrence battled back to regain control and end the period on a high note as Haird received a feed from McCann to Haird to give the Falcons a 6-3 lead heading into the third period.

Cobourg would narrow the Falcons lead to two midway through the third period, but goals from Jason Hawkins and Fromont would ice the 8-4 win for St. Lawrence. Kevin Spero, Tyler Dukelow and Karl Herbison picked up helpers.

On Friday, the Falcons travelled to Deseronto and scored an 11-1 win over the last place Deseronto Bulldogs.

Fromont came out on fire with a four-goal performance to lead the Falcons, including a hat trick by the end of the first period. Haird and Herbison netted a pair apiece, while McCann, Dukelow and Dickson added singles in the win. Dukelow (3), Fromont (3), McCann (3), Chris Neilson (3), Dickson (3), Haird (2), Herbison (2), Merkley, Garlough and Spero chipped in with helpers. Gilmore picked up the win in net.

With the pair of wins, the Falcons move up to third place in the division with a 12-8-1 record for 25 points, just three points back of second place Belleville and eight back of first place Tamworth.

McCann is leading the Falcons in scoring with 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points in 19 games this season.

The Falcons will continue its schedule against the Tamworth Braves Saturday at 8 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Falcons Forum: The St. Lawrence Falcons are looking for a Web master to operate their Web site. Anyone interested should contact Kevin Kukk by e-mail at kukky88@hotmail.com.

Chris Ferguson missed his first of eight games after being suspended for a headbutting call and getting his third fighting major of the season Friday.

PDSA getting prepared for 2004 registration session

PRESCOTT - Despite being four months away from opening kickoff, the Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) is taking the first steps towards its 2004 season.

This Thursday, Feb. 5, the PDSA will be holding its annual general meeting at 7 pm at the Prescott Fire Hall to help prepare for the season in which nearly 800 local kids are expected to participate.

PDSA President Rob Carr explained getting an early start to the planning is a key part to making sure the season will be ready to start in May.

"I know it seems a little early to get started," said Carr, "but even though it's early in the year we need to get going so we can get everyone registered so we can pick teams and get ready."

Carr indicated the numerous kids late to register are the biggest headache to the organizers.

"Last year, we had a lot of late entries and we don't like to turn any kids away," explained Carr. "If we knew we were going to have so many we could have possibly added more teams, where the kids would be able to get more playing time. We're trying to get on track for this year and we already have 75 to 100 kids who registered after the end of last season."

Carr said a lot more of this season's communication will be through the organization's Web site at www.leedsand grenville.com/pdsa and e-mail.

"We already have a base of about 200 contacts on e-mail where we can inform them of what's going on," said Carr. "We're hoping it will help speed things up."

The PDSA will also be holding three registration sessions for minor and rep programs. The first will be held Saturday, Mar. 6 from 9 am until noon, the second from 6 pm until 8 pm on Mar. 10 and the final registration period to be held from 9 am until noon Mar. 13. All registration sessions
will be held at the Prescott Fire Hall; those wishing to coach or referee may also register at that time.

A late registration fee will be charged to anyone wishing to register after final registration session on Mar. 13. If you cannot attend any of the registration sessions contact the PDSA at pdsa@ripnet.com.

Volunteers who wish to coach, be part of the executive and or referee are still
being sought by the PDSA. Anyone interested is asked to attend the general meeting or send an e-mail to pdsa@ripnet.com.

Peewee B Rangers post 2-0-1 record over the weekend

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers managed to go undefeated over the weekend, posting a 2-0-1 record.

On Jan. 30, the Rangers exacted a little revenge from earlier in the season as they pulled out a 4-3 win over Smiths Falls at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Trailing 3-2, coach Shaun Charlebois pulled the goalie with one minute left for an extra attacker and Dylan Heisel scored to tied the game, with Andrew Bernard picking up a helper. Heisel scored 20 seconds later to give the Rangers the win. Taylor Corney and associate player Jacob Hayes also scored for the Rangers, while Heisel added a pair of assists.

On Jan. 31, South Grenville travelled to Amherstview scoring a 5-0 victory over the Loyalist Jets. Mason Williams and Ashton Selleck shared the shutout in goal, while Bernard (2), Reilly Grootjans, Heisel and Mason Amell scored for the Rangers. Todd Kirkey, Grootjans and Bernard added assists.

On Feb. 1, South Grenville travelled to Kingston and salvaged a 2-2 draw with the Kingston
City Cougars. Dylan Render and Heisel scored for the Rangers, while Tyler Curry picked up helpers.

Boltz win A championship at Leitrim hockey tournament

LEITRIM - The South Grenville novice Lightning Boltz came away from the Leitrim Novice Hockey Tournament as A champions Jan. 25 after posting a 4-0 record.

The Lightning Boltz opened the tournament with a convincing 11-0 win over the Orleans Fire Bolts. Broydon Stufko led all scorers with a six goal performance, while Brett Van Stralen added four and John Lawless chipped in with a single. Dylan Bell (4), Adam Norton (3), Cole Burchell, Matt Courtney, Shenda Harrison, Nicholas Ladouceur, Brett McFarland, Cameron Murray, Aaron Scott and Lawless added assists. Brandon Finlayson was credited with the shutout.

In their second game, the Boltz scored a 9-1 win over the Osgoode Gladiators to advance to the quarter-final. Stufko scored five goals to lead South Grenville, while Brett Van Stralen scored a
hat trick and Harrison added a single. Ladouceur (2), Bell, Lawless, McFarland, Murray, Jason Noonan, Norton, Scott and Stufko chipped in with helpers.

In the quarter-finals, South Grenville managed an 8-1 win over the host Leitrim Hawks. Van Stralen led the Boltz with a hat trick, while Bell (2), Lawless, Norton and Stufko also scored in the win. Stufko (2), Bell, Finlayson, Harrison, Lawless, Van Stralen and Brandon Worden added assists.

In the semi-final, the Boltz scored a 4-0 shutout over the Kanata Ice Warriors. Stufko and Van Stralen score a pair of goals apiece for South Grenville, while Bell and Courtney added assists. Ewen Eaton and Ladouceur split time in recording the shutout.

In the final, the Boltz scored a 3-2 win over the Nepean Devils to capture the tournament's A championship. Stufko led South Grenville with a pair of goals, while Van Stralen added a single. Norton, Stufko and Bell chipped in with helpers.

RSL minor peewees capture tournament

TORONTO - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor peewee Kings managed to capture the championship of the International Penguins Tournament Jan. 24 in Toronto.

The Kings opened the tournament with a 6-1 win over the Markham Islanders. Jordan Moran led all scorers with a hat trick, while Dylan Casselman, Michael McGahey and Derek Froats added singles. Josh Pitt (2), Froats and Casey Crooke added assists.

In their second game, the Kings managed a 2-1 win over league rivals the Ottawa Sting. Josh Pitt and Moran scored for the Kings, while Crooke, Casselman and Ryan Vincent chipped in with helpers.

In their third game, the Kings got off to a slow start against
the Toronto Penguins, but still managed to come out on top
with a 5-1 win. Pitt led the
way with a hat trick, while Froats and Shayne Morden added singles. Moran (2), Casselman (2), Cody Johnson (2) and Colin Halladay chipped in with helpers.

Finishing at the top of their division, the Kings advanced to the semi-final against the Toronto Aeros. RSL continued its strong play scoring a 6-0 win over the Aeros. Froats led the Kings with a hat trick, while Casselman (2) and Moran also scored. Vincent (2), Crooke (2), Pitt and Moran added assists.

In the final, the Kings scored a 4-3 overtime win in a re-match with the Ottawa Sting. The Kings led 3-2 late in the game, but the Sting managed to tie the score with seconds left in the game to sent it into overtime. Moran found the net in overtime to give the Kings the win. Pitt (2), Froats and Moran scored the other Kings goals.

Kings' netminders Michael Lalande and Tyler Gallinger had a strong tournament allowing six goals in five games, while the defensive corps of Alex O'Neil, Jayson Harmer, McGahey and Cameron Armstrong proved to be very strong.

Moran was named tournament MVP.

Prescott #6 on top in Seaway darts

CARDINAL - Prescott #6 holds a slight lead over Iroquois #5 at the end of January in the Seaway Interbranch Men's Dart League.

Prescott #6 is in first place in the standings with 165 points, followed by Iroquois #5 with 152, Prescott #1 with 139, Iroquois #7 with 111, Cardinal #4 with 106 and Prescott #3 with 47 points.

Tom Rae sits in top spot for the most games won with 21, followed by David Haynes with 16, Bob Juby with 14, Glen Adams with 12, Jeremy Adams with 11, Rick Sayeau with 10 and Tim Gonczowski, Tom Coville and Jerry Carr with eight.

Duane Kirker has the high finish of the month of January with a score of 116. Ron Bradford sits in second with a high finish of 106-93, followed by Rae with 99 and Carr with 92.

High scores for the month were Rae, 180; Glen Adams, 174-160-140x2; Haynes, 140x2; Jeremy Adams, 140x2 and Tom Coville, 140x2.

SG minor midgets sport 16-4-1 record

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville minor midget Rangers sport 16-4-1 record on the season after a win, tie and loss in league play.

On Jan. 28, the Rangers played host to the Kemptville Panthers at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and came away with a 3-0 win. Corie Toye picked up the shutout in net, while Andrew Wilson, Sam Whitley and Mike Leeder netted singles. Mike Lawrence, Wes Polite and Wilson chipped in with helpers.

On Jan. 26, South Grenville travelled to Cornwall, settling for a 2-2 draw with the Royals. Leeder and Polite scored for the Rangers, while Whitley (2) and Polite picked up helpers.

On Jan. 14, the Rangers travelled to Winchester and were handed a 5-2 loss at the hands of the North Dundas Demons. Matt Deeks scored both of South Grenvillle's goals, while Nathaniel Hayes and Polite added assists.

Pair of ties for major midget Rangers

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville major midget B Rangers managed a pair of ties in regular season action.

On Jan. 20, South Grenville played host to the North Dundas Devils at the Spencerville arena and came away with a 3-3 tie. North Dundas opened up the scoring, but Robbie Fullarton tied the score at one late in the first. The Devils took a 2-1 lead in the second before Derek Lavery would score for the Rangers. Ryan Davy scored late in the period to take a 3-2 lead, but the Devils would tie the game in the third. Overtime would settle nothing.

On Jan. 19, the Rangers travelled to Kemptville and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with the 73's. Kemptville managed to open scoring in the first, but South Grenville's Mike Armstrong managed to score at the midway point of the period. The 73's would take a 2-1 lead a couple minutes later, but Armstrong would answer right back as he potted his second of the game to tie the game at two. Neither team would get on the board in the second or third periods.

Kinsmen hosting Kroone tournament

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Kinsmen Club will be holding the 10th annual Randy Kroone Memorial winter baseball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 14.

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

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

There can be a maximum of ten players on the field at a time, with only six males allowed on the field at the same time.

Games will begin at 9 am on Feb. 14 at the RCA ball diamonds in Prescott and run continuously throughout the day.

Spectators are welcome to attend.

Those wishing to enter a team should contact Art Hitsman by e-mail at artg.hitsman@canadapost.postescanada.ca or call 925-1315, (613) 213-1136 or (613) 734-8486.

Major peewee Kings manage tie and loss

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major peewee Kings had a tie and loss in recent league play.

On Jan. 25, the Kings played host to the Kanata at the Spencerville arena, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Blazers. Nick McCaslin and Shungo Hosogoe scored for the Kings, while Tyson Wilson, Brett Jackson and Mike Skakum chipped in with helpers. Thomas Allan and Justin Seguin split time in net for the Kings.

On Jan. 22, the Kings travelled to Kanata and managed to secure a 2-2 draw with the Blazers. Jackson and Skakum scored for the Kings, while McCaslin and Max St. Jacques added assists. Seguin was in goal for the Kings.

Regional lacrosse league holding registration session in February

BROCKVILLE - The Brockville Lacrosse Association, which takes in players from the municipalities of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, 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.

South Grenville to host AA girls high school volleyball today

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will play host to girls AA volleyball today (Wednesday, Feb. 4) in Prescott.

Games will begin at 9 am and run throughout the day with junior and senior girls teams from Brockville Collegiate Institute, Thousand Islands Secondary School, North Grenville District High School and South Grenville District High School competing.

Heading into Wednesday's game, the Giants sit on top of the senior standings with 10 points, while the juniors are also in first place with 11 points.

Come out and watch the Giants try to continue their volleyball dominance.

SGMHA looking for volunteers for major midget tournament

PRESCOTT - Volunteers are still needed to help out with the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association's major midget tournament in Prescott March 19-21.

The tournament is the SGMHA's number one fundraiser and helps to keep registration costs down for all levels of hockey.

Parents from the bantam, atom, peewee and novice levels are being asked to chip in to help replace the parents of children who have already graduated from the SGMHA system.

Come out and lend a hand since all the children in the SGMHA will reap the benefits. Those interested in volunteering should contact Tom Elliott at 925-5519.

All content is copyright 2004 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.