VOL. 174, NO. 18~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ May 5, 2004

New group challenges Prescott police decision

Council appoints transition team to oversee planned switch to OPP service

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Some opponents of Prescott council's decision to proceed with disbanding the Prescott Police Service are not prepared to concede defeat.

A group of concerned citizens met on the weekend and has formed Keep Our Police Services (KOPS), an organization that wants the town to retain its existing municipal police department.

In a presentation to Prescott council Monday night, KOPS Chair Brett Todd outlined the group's concerns about council's decision and the way it was made. On April 26, town council voted 4-3 to support a motion giving town officials the green light to negotiate a municipal contract with the Ontario Provincial Police.

KOPS is asserting there were procedural errors with respect to the motion to proceed with negotiations. Todd also noted the group's belief that "...the vast majority of Prescott residents and ratepayers are not being served by disbandment."

A petition in support of retaining the Prescott Police Service was being circulated throughout the community earlier this week. More than 200 signatures had already been obtained.

KOPS also noted the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) included seven conditions that would have to be met before it would reconsider its decision not to approve disbandment. OCCOPS listed those conditions in its Dec. 2001 ruling. The condition involving the status of Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis was dealt with by the courts.

Todd indicated some of the other conditions ­ everything from the process to outline which civilian dispatcher will be offered employment by the OPP to concluding severance discussions ­ have not been met, and dates (2002) specified in those conditions have passed.

In noting OCCOPS stated the 2001 policing proposal submitted by the town is not be altered without consent in writing, Todd stated the KOPS position "...that the entire issue needs to go back to square one." This would include new public hearings, according to KOPS.

Concerns are also being expressed about the possibility OPP costs will increase without the municipality having any say in the matter.

Todd referred to media coverage of Elizabethtown-Kitley's OPP contract situation; the township was presented a bill this year that represents an increase of more than 26 per cent. The prospect of such an "enormous, unexplained" increase should give pause for thought to Prescott council members who agreed to disband town police for financial reasons, according to Todd.

The disbandment of the municipal police department will mean the loss of seven full-time and part-time civilian dispatch jobs. Most of the uniformed officers will be offered employment by the OPP, but only one of the dispatchers will be hired by provincial police as part of the disbandment process.

Mayor Robert Lawn and councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead, Suzanne Dodge and Bob Pelda voted in favour of the April 26 motion; councillors Nancy Lane, Sue O'Hanlon and Chuck Street voted against it.

In response to Todd's presentation Monday, Lawn said "council will consider the points you made this evening." During a media question period at the end of the meeting, Lawn said he expects council will discuss the matter at a committee meeting next Monday night. Town committee meetings are open to the public.

The KOPS chair told The Journal more than 30 people attended the organizational meeting on the weekend. The group includes former municipal workers, some prominent business owners and people from other parts of the community.

Todd said he believes KOPS represents the views of most Prescott residents. "It's not an anti-OPP thing," said Todd, who added the group prefers to see both policing options remain in the Prescott area.

As for the group's next move, Todd said the possibility of legal action is being considered. "We're looking at absolutely everything," he said.

However, he acknowledged the easiest way would be to convince council members who voted to proceed with disbandment to reconsider their position. Todd said the public is being asked to call OCCOPS (1-888-515-5005) and voice its concerns about the policing issue.

The KOPS group will meet again this Saturday at 9 am at the Prescott Lawn Bowling Club.

THIS WEEK

Purchase carnations, support MS research

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society's annual sale of carnations takes place this week.

Bouquets and mini-bouquets will be sold this Thursday, May 6 and Friday, May 7 at Beach Home Hardware, O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer and the three banks in Prescott, the post office and Village Square Mall in Cardinal and at Drummond's Gas in Spencerville.

Pre-sale orders will be delivered to businesses and schools this Thursday and Friday mornings.

MS is a chronic disease that affects a person's central nervous system (the brain and spinal chord). The cause and cure remain unknown. MS is usually diagnosed in younger adults.

See inside for more information on multiple sclerosis.

Mother's Day supper at Legion Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ A Mother's Day supper will take place this Thursday, May 6 at the Prescott Legion Hall on Henry Street.

The event is being hosted by VON community support. The supper will be prepared by the hospitality class at South Grenville District High School.

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. Take-out orders are available.

There will also be a baked goods table and crafts.

Advance tickets only. Visit Doyle's on King Street for tickets or call 925-3731 for more information.

Be a lifesaver and give blood next Wednesday

PRESCOTT ­ A blood donor clinic will take place next Wednesday, May 12 from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School.

The clinic is sponsored by Grenville Fish and Game Club, Prescott Kinsmen and the school.

Donors are asked to book appointment times; however, walk-ins will be accepted.

To make an appointment or for more information, call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2DONATE.

Blood donor clinics are held in Prescott each spring and fall.

Volunteer drivers make a difference

VON program provides vital service to community

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is currently seeking more drivers to keep up with the growing needs of the people in the community.

Susan Smith, co-ordinator of community support services with VON Brockville, Leeds and Grenville, said the service provides rides to those who require them for essential services.

"Our transportation program gives rides to all ages, it's not just the elderly," noted Smith. "Primarily, the rides are given for those in need to medical help, but if people need help to stay in their own homes, where they still need to get groceries, visit family at a nursing home or get them to a doctors appointment we try to be there for them. We want to help them so they can still do activities which are an essential part of life."

Smith indicated the transportation program is run through a series of volunteer drivers who express an interest to help out and provide rides, indicating the type of rides they would be willing to give and the number of times a month they would be willing to do so.

For Arnold Drennan, who has been a volunteer driver in Prescott for more than eight years, he can't say enough about the experiences he has had while helping out those who need help. "I thought it was a really great service," said Drennan. "I know people who lost their licences due to their health and they still have regular appointments they need to get to."

Drennan also explained the experiences have been very rewarding in return.

"I've met some really great people doing this," said Drennan. "There are some of the people I drove, where I have really developed friendships with. I've met all kinds. There is this blind chap I used to drive to Brockville and he would tell me along the way where I had to turn, because his memory was so good. It just amazed me how he could do that, and how appreciative he was for the rides."

Julien Casaubon, who has used the service since he had his licence taken away from him by the doctors eight months ago, has found the program to be an essential part of his routine.

"I woke up one morning and I could barely get around," said Casaubon. "I never realized how helpless you are in parts of this area without a car. It's really out of this world that there are people who give their time to drive people to doctors appointments. It would be nice if more people would come out and volunteer like these fine people do, because you never realize you might need that kind of help. I really appreciate what these people do. While I was in good shape I wish I would have thought about it to do this since it's such a good thing."

Smith added, "We are very fortunate to have a great group of volunteer drivers. Without transportation some feel their independence is gone, but they can still be independent using this program, since they still have make the call and schedule everything. Also, these people are a real go between for us and the people who use the transportation program. The drivers see them more often then we would and let us know if there is a new health difficulty where we might be able to refer them to a service."

The rides cover appointments a variety of areas, including Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall as well as closer to home.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or make an appointment for a ride should contact the Leeds and Grenville VON office in Brockville at 342-3693.

High-risk individual leaves town to seek treatment, chief says

PRESCOTT ­ A convicted child molester has left Prescott to obtain treatment, according to Police Chief Bryan Somerville.

Barry Peter Bradford departed Friday after spending about one week in town.

Bradford, 39, had moved to Prescott after being released from federal custody after serving two years for sexual assault. Seven of his sexual assault convictions involved boys between the ages of three and 10. One of the convictions was based on a 1986 incident in Prescott.

Somerville issued a public advisory April 23 to alert the community to Bradford's arrival in town. Most elementary schools in the region issued their own advisories to students and parents early last week.

It was Bradford who went to police and asked about treatment last week, the chief noted. "It is gratifying to know he sought treatment," Somerville said. Town police worked with parole and probation officials to make the necessary arrangements.

Treatment will be provided on an out-patient basis, according to Somerville.

The police chief declined to name the community in which Bradford is now residing; police in that community were aware of Bradford's arrival, the chief noted.

Somerville said Bradford was very co-operative during his stay in Prescott. No incidents were reported.

Town police monitored Bradford on a regular basis. He was required to report to the police station each day.

Following his release from the Warkworth facility near Campbellford in early April, Bradford moved to Niagara Region. A public advisory similar to the one issued in Prescott was released in that community. Later that month, Somerville was notified Bradford intended to move to Prescott. He has family in the Prescott and South Dundas areas.

The Prescott Journal was the only newspaper in Leeds and Grenville that published Bradford's picture, which was released by Somerville.

By Friday morning, posters indicating Bradford's presence in town appeared in several sections of town.

In addition to noting he was living on the south side of King Street west of Edward Street, the posters stated "We don't want you here ­ get out."

Grenville County OPP reported that, prior to relocating to Prescott, Bradford had originally been planning to move to a location in Augusta Township just west of Prescott.

Town police investigate thefts from cars, church

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Police Service is investigating a case of theft at a church.

On April 26, police received a report that an RCA portable stereo (model RS1286B) and a small amount of cash had been taken from St. John's Anglican Church. The theft occurred in a storage room. A blue gym bag also taken is believed to have been used to carry the stereo out of the church undetected. The bag might have the words "Yves Rocher" on the side. The investigating officer is Constable Jon Pergunas.

In all, officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated 69 incidents and four motor vehicle collisions during the week of April 26.

Several vehicle-related occurrences were reported April 27. A James Street East resident indicated someone had scratched the passenger side of her 2000 Pontiac Grand Am from front to back sometime overnight. Damage is estimated at $600. Constable Shawn Steinburg is investigating.

A Douglas Drive resident told police a MotoMaster car battery (GR26/60 S500) had been taken from his car parked in the driveway. The battery is valued at $65. The investigating officer is Constable Darren Davis.

Also on April 27, an East Street resident reported someone had entered his vehicle and stolen a fishing rod and Shimano reel. A rock had also been thrown through a window at the complainant's home. Damage is estimated at $200. Constable Pergunas is investigating.

While on cruiser patrol April 30, Constable Pergunas made a routine traffic stop. The driver had an OPP credit card in his possession. The 17-year-old Prescott-area male was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

Damage to the first green at the Prescott Golf Club was reported to police May 2. The damage was repaired by the club's maintenance crew; there was no damage estimate. Constable Mike Lapensee is investigating.

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

The police and fire station is located at the corner of Centre and Henry streets and is accessible to the public 24 hours a day.

Ask questions when sales people approach

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Police Service is warning town residents to use caution when approached at home by anyone asking to perform renovations or property maintenance.

People are being reminded to ask for identification and information about the company he or she represents. Ask for references and do not pay money up front for materials.

Situations like this have been reported to town police in the past. If in doubt when approached by a sales person, contact the police department at 925-4252.

Being prepared at grocery store

PRESCOTT ­ In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, emergency officials will be on hand today (Wednesday, May 5), Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 pm and again on Saturday from 9 am to noon.

Prescott is one of the few communities in Ontario to have its own volunteer emergency response team.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE BRIEFS

Vehicle crashes into hydro pole

SOUTH AUGUSTA ­ An Augusta Township woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash Saturday night.

A 2003 Kia driven by Ethel Strand, 67, went out of control and struck a hydro pole. She was trapped while firefighters and hydro crews had to deal with fallen live wires at the crash scene. Strand was transported to Brockville General Hospital.

OPP Constable David Thompson is investigating.

Items taken from car during the night

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Constable Blanchette is investigating a theft from a vehicle that occurred during the overnight hours of April 1-May 1.

The vehicle was parked outside a County Road 2 residence west of Cardinal. A digital amplifier and a purse containing cash, credit cards and identification were taken. The complainant reported to police the next day that she found the purse in a ditch; everything but the money was still in the purse.

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

Town police, dispatch move ahead in wake of disbandment vote

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has made its decision on the future of policing and it is time to move ahead, Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville said.

The recent vote to enter into negotiations with the Ontario Provincial Police was made with "the best possible facts from both sides" at council's disposal, according to the chief.

Two members of council referred to concerns about drug use as they explained why they favour going with an OPP municipal contract; mention was made of drug deals happening openly on main street. Somerville said Prescott is "no worse or no better than anywhere else" when it comes to drug use.

As for the civilian dispatchers, most of whom will lose their jobs as part of disbandment, the outcome of the April 26 vote was less than pleasing.

Joe Scott, who has worked as a dispatcher since 1992, told The Journal last week he does not agree with council's decision. He believes council did not make its decision for the right reasons, adding those who voted for the switch to OPP do not want to do the work associated with retaining the existing police and dispatch services.

However, Scott said he hopes the process will conclude "as expeditiously as possible" so he and his colleagues can get on with their lives. "We're tired," he remarked.

There is a dispatcher on duty at all times at the downtown police and fire station, which is accessible to the public day and night. The OPP Prescott patrol area will be based at the detachment office on Edward Street near Highway 401. The office is open during regular business hours; an emergency phone located outside the office provides a direct line to the OPP communications centre for after-hours visitors.

The decision on whether to open a community policing office in or near downtown Prescott after disbandment takes place would be up to council.

Volunteer committee sets greening goals

By Astrid Strader

What a productive and fun day we all had Saturday. We all met at Churchill Park in the morning ­ "Teens Taking Time" connected with past and present Prescott Blossoms. Enjoying the heat of the day, things started to really heat up at the Daniels' parkette where clean-up, weeding and planting continued. Flowers were donated by Canadian Tire and many more shrubs were purchased from Prescott Blossoms Dream Green fundraising efforts - namely bulb and cap sales. As the day progressed, others passing by brought us more plants to plant and lots of enthusiasm and encouragement. Every little bit counts.

The United Way sponsored the Youth Day of Caring. Brittany Brown, Joshua Couperas, Patrick Greene, Chris Dyelle, and Pam Korim, were joined by Sue Hiltz, Janice Spencer and myself (both supervisors from last year's Blossoms program). United Way of Leeds and Grenville not only presented us with t-shirts, but treated us also drinks and snacks throughout the day and a balanced meal at McDonald's. (Yes, it's now possible to eat sensibly at McDonald's!)

So, we're off to a good start. Our volunteer committee has organized some activities to keep up our "greening goals." On May 15 and 22, we'll be at the farmers market with garden plants to sell. We would welcome any plant donations for our sale. In other words, if you have plants to divide or thin out, why not pot them up and bring them to us in the morning. We'll do the selling with all the money going to Dream Green... a fund for plants to improve our parks.

Don't forget Rotary Rose Day on May 15. Volunteers will plant rose bushes at the waterfront, in honour of your favorite mother. To purchase one of these long-lived, hardy Canadian explorer roses, call me at 657-4699 or e-mail ras@ripnet.com - you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for $35.

Meet our volunteer committee members: Candy Alexander, Barbara Martin, Nancy McFarland, Lisa Smith, Mona Smith, Kerlyn Snelling, Sue O'Hanlon, and Pauline Robertson.

CUPE members approve new three-year deal

PRESCOTT ­ Unionized town workers have ratified a new three-year contract with the municipality.

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees will received wage increases of three per cent this year, 3.5 per cent in 2005 and four per cent in 2006. Town council is expected to ratify the agreement at its May 17 meeting.

CAO/Clerk Robert Haller stated Monday the new contract recognizes situations that have been going on for years.

Additions include a new stand-by policy, sick leave bonuses for workers with perfect attendance and the appointment of a lead hand, according to Haller.

Membership in the CUPE local includes public works, roads and some recreation staff.

Steer clear of phone line tests

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Phone subscribers are being cautioned about a scam involving requests to test phone lines.

A service technician calls and asks the person who answered the phone to hit nine, zero, the pound key and then hang up. By doing this, the caller might be able to gain full access to that phone line and place long distance calls that would be billed to that number.

Anyone who receives a call like this should decline to conduct the test and contact police or the telephone company.

Walk for CHEO

PRESCOTT ­ The first annual Walk for CHEO is set to take place Sunday, May 23 at 1 pm on Prescott's Heritage River Trail.

Proceeds from the event go to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Pledge sheets are available at Round 2 on King Street West.

For more information, call Cynthia at 925-3054.

Mounties on their way to Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ The popular RCMP Musical Ride will be in Prescott next weekend.

The world-famous show will be presented Sunday, May 16 at Fort Wellington. The afternoon kicks off at 1:30 pm with a concert by the Brockville Lions Club Steel Band, to be followed at 2:30 pm by a demonstration by drug-sniffing immigration department dogs.

Admission is free. The event is presented by Fort Wellington, Town of Prescott, Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, Prescott BIA, O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer, Prescott Lions Club, Money Concepts, Royal Bank, St. Mark's Church, Prescott Rotary Club and Prescott Skateboarders

For more information, contact Fort Wellington at 925-2896.

Cooking club adds flavour to local 4-H organization

By Lindsey DeJong, Press Reporter

The first club meeting was held April 12 at O'Reilly's grocery store in Prescott.

During this meeting, we picked our president, vice-president and press reporter. The results were: President ­ Mellisa McLaughlin; Secretary ­ Amy McKinley; Vice-President ­ Kathryn Connell; and Press Reporter ­ Lindsey DeJong.

At this meeting, we talked about party trays and we were able to make a few different trays.

At our next meeting, we will be learning to decorate cakes. The next meeting of 4-H Cooking with Pazza will again be at O'Reilly's grocery store on April 25 from 12 to 4 pm.

Roast beef dinner on menu at hall

PRESCOTT ­ A roast beef dinner will be held Saturday, May 15 at Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.

Dinner will be served at 5 and 6:30 pm. Take-out and delivery orders are available.

For tickets, call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-4268. There is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door.

Friendship Hall is home to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs lodges.

Canoe Poker Run to be held this Saturday

SPENCERVILLE ­ The second annual Canoe Poker Run is set for this Saturday, May 8 on the South Nation River.

The course starts at O'Hagen's Bridge on County Road 18 south of Roebuck and ends at the mill.

There is a registration fee. Canoes and kayaks provided courtesy of the Grenville Fish and Game Club will be available for 20 people at no additional charge; pre-registration is required.

A canteen will be set up at the mill; prizes will be awarded.

Proceeds go to the Spencerville Mill Foundation.

To register or for more information, call Bill at 658-2146.

One dream of an auction

BROCKVILLE ­ The 11th annual Dream Auction for Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada (formerly Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville) is just around the corner.

The event, which includes silent and live auctions, will be held this Saturday, May 8 at the 1000 Islands Mall from 10 am to 4 pm.

The fundraiser will be broadcast live on Cogeco 10.

More than 400 donations of products and services had been made.

Information on items that will be up for bid can be viewed at www.girlsinc-uppercanada.org.

Proceeds from the event go to the local chapter of Girls Incorporated, which offers programs involving one-on-one mentoring, job readiness and economic literacy.

For more information on the organization or the upcoming events, contact Carol Vandertol at 345-3295.

Multiple sclerosis is all about making adjustments

Chronic disease robs young adults of their energy

By Cortney Willard, Special to The Journal

PRESCOTT - Imagine not knowing whether or not you will have the energy to get out of bed when you wake up in the morning.

Margaret Howe, better known by friends as Mardy, does not have to imagine-she has a debilitating disease that has robbed her of her energy and the ability to do what she wants when she wants. Howe lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) every day and faces each morning with the hope that her disease has gone back in to remission.

"There is no cure for MS," Howe explained from her recently acquired power wheelchair. "I have trouble swallowing, the right side of my body twitches and I stutter."

The Prescott resident was diagnosed with MS 12 years ago while in her mid-30s. She had noticed that her eye sight seemed to be failing and went to her eye doctor and eventually on to Ottawa for tests which came back positive for the disease. "I was in denial at first," she says. "I didn't want to admit that I had it."

Howe explained MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing a range of health problems from numbness to full paralysis depending on the type and severity of the disease. The cause is still unknown, though Howe mentioned that research is showing that the cause may be a virus, though no one is able to say for sure yet. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 40, and the majority are women.

Howe is currently in what she calls a "flare-up," which has left her unable to walk. If the disease goes back into remission, Howe may be able to walk again and do the things she used to enjoy. "The hardest part of having MS is the adjustments you have to make, I used to walk to New Wexford twice a day. It's difficult for someone who was so active like me to have to manage your life so closely so you are able to take part in anything. I usually have to rest on Saturdays because I teach Sunday school at St. Paul's United Church and need the rest in order to be able to go."

Along with being the superintendent of Sunday school at St. Paul's, Howe is on the board of directors at the food bank and does volunteer work for VON. She also uses some of the services that VON has to offer, like volunteer drivers who take her to her medical appointments and their frozen dinner program.

Neighbours and friends have helped Howe through difficult times and she finds their support invaluable. "My neighbour Lois Byrnes picks up my mail for me and checks on me everyday. I also have two girlfriends, Marilyn Barkley and Barb Gilmour, who make me meals, take me shopping and just drop by to say hi." She depends on these friends to even do simple shopping as she finds parts of Prescott still inaccessible for wheelchairs.

Howe says one of the most troubling parts of having MS is the lack of knowledge most people have about the disease and the way they sometimes treat her. "It was fine when I was still using the walker; people didn't really treat me any differently, but now that I am in the chair people will ask the person I am with how I am doing. I just tell them it's okay, I can tell you."

May is Multiple Sclerosis Month; Howe will be selling carnations this Thursday, May 6 at the Royal Bank through the MS Society. Carnations will also be sold at several locations in the Prescott area later this week. As well, the seventh annual MS Supercities Walk will be held May 30 departing from Commonwealth Public School in Brockville at 9 am.

Success of annual Spencerville Fair attributed to spirit of volunteers

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville Fair would not be around after nearly 150 years without the help of volunteers.

Maintaining that local tradition was the reason behind the volunteer recruitment and motivational fair held Sunday afternoon at the Drummond Building. Hosted by the Spencerville Agricultural Society (which also hosts the annual fair each September), the event gave current and prospective volunteers a chance to renew their interest in the fair or get involved for the first time.

Approximately 30 people attended Sunday's fair. Society President Sheila Bush indicated the turnout was disappointing. However, those who did attend seemed enthusiastic about serving the local agricultural community.

Cheryl Marshall, executive director of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville, stressed the significance of volunteers and the collective role they play. "You are making a difference in your community," she said.

Noting the history of the agricultural society, Marshall indicated those early fairs were "...run by busy, hard-working people who understood the value of making an effort. That kind of spirit has made its way from one generation to the next, something Marshall said is still important for younger people today to realize.

"I encourage you to pass on the heritage of the community," she added.

The guest speaker at Sunday's fair was Tom Van Dusen, who writes for The Ottawa Sun and also contributes to other publications which focus on farming. Van Dusen, who bought a house in Cardinal last fall, said no rural community is complete without a fair. He recalled his childhood days spent at the Aylmer Fair in Quebec, and noted the significance of fairs still being held each year in Eastern Ontario communities.

"It stays with you for a lifetime," he said.

Agricultural fairs like the one in Spencerville help define a community's roots and rural heritage, according to Van Dusen. The fairs are "gems" that do not survive without a lot of help from volunteers who toil away with little or no recognition, he said.

The fairs provide an even more significant role as the aftermath of the BSE crisis and other challenges are threatening this country's agricultural lifestyle.

"The rural community is under attack," Van Dusen said.

Some of the volunteers who are already on board spoke about their own experiences. Susan Trivett, who has organized the sheep show and will be pitching in as part-time secretary this year, said the fair is a great way to "expand yourself" and make friends. "It's a great thing to get involved with," she said.

Volunteers are not limited to people who live in or around Spencerville. There are helpers who live in Prescott, Brockville, Dundas County and Ottawa.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the fair and agricultural society, call Executive Director Mary Tessier at (613) 989-1098 or visit www.spencervillefair.ca.

This year's Spencerville Fair will be the 149th edition of what is billed as the "Biggest Little Class 'A' Fair in Eastern Ontario."

SCHOOL SCENE

Boundary Street Public School: Last Thursday, our recognition assembly noted the work of the following students: Shawn Patterson, Ryan Murray, Jacob Turcotte, Chelsea Stokes, Meghann Shedrick, Jordan Marshall, Blake Johnson, Dallas Ray, Jonathon MacDougall, Taylor Dunphy, Brian Keeler, Brandon Visser, Patrick Hughes, Makayla Ray, Rechelle Krieger, Scott Towe, Andrew Miller, Kaitlyn Merkley, Lyndsay Coville, Amanda Dailey, Kristine Harwood, Luke Jansen, Matt Walker, Diana Brown, Jessica Halladay, Lyndsay MacDonald, Jacob Scott, Kindra Fox, Jasmin Moore, Cynthia Casavant, Gillian Worton-Scott, Chris McDougall, Cassandra Murray, Megan Burtch, Gilbert Pankhurst, Yvonne Gin, Dana Stephenson, Katie Todd and Amanda Hurford.

Grade 6 EQAO testing will take place May 10-14. Grade 3 testing will take place the following week.

The Scholastic Book Fair has been set up this week. Purchases can be made until Wednesday.

Junior and senior intramural basketball continues during lunch recess. Track and field practice takes place daily at recess. Homework club and student services are available during lunch hour Monday to Thursday.

Hot lunch this week is subs.

Central Public School: The following Students of the Month were recognized at an assembly Friday, April 30: Samantha Pickard (Kindergarten A), Danny Bennett (Kindergarten B), Keayra Goodmurphy (grade 1/2), Leslie Carrothers (grade 2/3), Cassandra McLain (grade 4/5), Grace Kelley (grade 5/6), Trevor Madden (grade 7/8), Tatyana Blaedow (Primary French) and Trevor Madden (Junior/Intermediate French).

The junior boys basketball team hosted a mini-tournament at Central April 14. Despite falling to Maynard 32-31, the team played hard and earned a victory against Iroquois 41-36. On Tuesday, April 20, the team played its best game of the season against Iroquois at Central, winning 35-26.

Congratulations to our Grade 7 students selected to participate in this year's Leadership Camp at Camp IAWAH: Ashley Girouard, Paige Levere, Nicole Szeto, and Heather Bass.

May pop can challenge will run from May 3-14. The winning class receives a pizza party!

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to our Good Samaritans: Erin Merkley, Kehan Fu, Isabella Lampron, Colleen Dixon and Rebecca Filion.

This is Catholic Education Week. Monday, schools from across the district came together to celebrate the eucharist in Kemptville. Tuesday, our intermediate students participated in planting trees in conjunction with the Grenville Land Stewardship "Trees for Peace" Program.

On Wednesday at 10 am, St. Mark and St. Joseph Catholic schools will join with Father Appelman in celebrating a Catholic Education Week mass.

On Friday, May 7, the Newfoundland Insectarium will visit St. Joe's. Parents are invited to the mini-science fairs held in Ms. Bongard's 5B class and Mr. MacLean's 4/5M class Friday afternoon.

The Jump Rope for Heart Campaign is under way. Our St. Joe's Walk-a-Thon forms have gone home.

Please note the school council meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 5 has been postponed until Wednesday, May 12.

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to Catholic Education Week. This year's theme to live and be "Fully Alive in Christ." We use the words of St. Paul to help explain the vision of Catholic education; it seeks to clothe students with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience... And over all these virtues to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

A beautiful board-wide mass took place Monday. Tuesday, we had author Vicky Cameron visit. Today, we celebrate mass with St. Joseph School at St. Mark's Church. We are also hosting classroom presentations and a family barbecue tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. On Friday, we will celebrate a living rosary and have an assembly at 1 pm.

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Under the direction of a volunteer, Mrs. Bunny Rawlings, our talented group of actors and stage crew continue to rehearse every Friday for the play "Tom Sawyer." Showtime is May 26 at 7 pm.

Our grade 5-8 classes will attend "Gone With the Breeze" at SGDHS Thursday.

A recognition assembly will be held Friday. Parents are welcome.

EQAO testing will take place next week for grades 3 and 6.

School council is sponsoring a Bingo at Bingo International in Johnstown May 9.

Hot lunch today is pizza.

Peewee Islanders have tough weekend

KINGSTON - The St. Lawrence minor peewee Islanders regional summer hockey team posted a win, tie and three losses at the Kingston tournament on the weekend to finish out of the medals.

The Islanders opened up the tournament with a 1-1 draw with the Kingston Beast. The Beast held control of the game until late in the third period, when the Islanders' Eric Morotti scored with 14 seconds remaining in the game to knot the score at one. Michael Karam was credited with the helper.

In the Islanders' second game, they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Syracuse Stars. Karam and Morotti scored for the Islanders, while Mike Prosper and Scott Forbes added assists.

The Islanders managed to score a 6-3 victory over the Upper Valley Vipers. Morotti led St. Lawrence with a five-goal performance, while Mitchel Chartrand added a single. Alex O'Neil (2), Brendan O'Neil, Chartrand, Cody Johnson, Brandon Timmons and Curtis Van Allan added assists.

The Islanders also played a pair of games with the Beast Prospects, dropping a pair of lopsided decisions 11-0 and 9-0. Islander goaltenders Robert Nault and Taylor Warren played strong despite the losses.

Giants senior girls soccer team sitting tied for top spot in LGSSAA standings

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior girls soccer team is off to a flying start in Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association play.

The Giants sit in a three-way tie for first place with the TISS Pirates and the St. Mary Crusaders with a record of 4-1-0 in five games.

Giants coach Scott Baird has been thrilled with his team's play this year and credits their hard work as the reason for the wins.

"This is the most organized team I've ever coached," said Baird. "They've been really great at keeping position and keeping the ball down. It's their ball control that's been winning us games."

The Giants started the season with a 1-0 win over St. Mary on April 20, before dropping a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the TISS Pirates on April 22.

South Grenville then rebounded to win three straight, scoring a 4-2 win over the Athens Warriors April 27, a 3-1 win over the Rideau Lions April 28 and a 4-0 shutout over the St. Michael Mustangs on April 29.

Scores for South Grenville's game against the Grenville Christian College Lions Tuesday was not available as of press time.

The Giants will look to continue its winning ways Thursday, May 6 as it hosts the Gananoque Trojans at 2 pm in Prescott, before hosting the North Grenville Knights at 2:30 pm Tuesday, May 11 in Prescott.

LGSSAA semi-final games will take place Tuesday, May 18 with the final to be held Thursday, May 20. The highest seeded team will host each playoff game.

Heartbreakers team seeking adult players for European tour

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg-based Heartbreakers adult hockey team is looking for
players to participate in a recreational tour of Holland, Germany and Switzerland next season.

The team is currently accepting applications from players between the ages of 30 and 55 who want to take part in the experience.

Team members are responsible for their own travel expenses, but the club provides uniforms and makes all the arrangements leaving the players to focus on their games. Players throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada have participated in the past.

Dave Springett, who runs the team, has been organizing European hockey tours since 1982, with the team playing 145 games in 12 countries.

The team is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The team will play five non contact exhibition games during the ten-day tour in January 2005.

All area players are welcome to apply regardless of skill level.

For more information or to apply, contact Springett at 1-866-449-0640 or visit the team's Web site at www.heartbreakers.ca.

First ace of year at PGC

PRESCOTT - A local teenager scored Prescott Golf Club's first hole in one of the season.

Josh Whelan, 15, scored the ace Sunday on the 145-yard 9th hole using his nine iron. It was his first ever hole-in-one.

Whelan was playing with his brother Jarrod, who witnessed the feat.

RSL Kings annual general meeting to be held May 13

BROCKVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings Minor Hockey Association will be holding its 2004 annual general meeting on Thursday, May 13 at the Brockville Youth Arena.

The meeting will begin at 7 pm, with all Kings parents asked to attend.

The RSL Kings regional hockey program has been around since 1988-89 and features AA hockey teams at the major atom, minor peewee, major peewee, minor bantam, major bantam, minor midget and major midget age groups. Teams compete in the Ottawa District Minor Hockey League. Show your support for the Kings organization.

Domville minor league seeking bantam boys to play ball

DOMVILLE - The Domville minor ball league is searching for players to round out its rosters for the 2004 season.

The bantam boys team, which consists of boys aged 14 and 15, still needs players to fill out the roster. The team will play at the Domville ball diamonds and face off against other regional teams in Spencerville, Roebuck, North Augusta and Algonquin.

Come out and get active for the summer and play some ball for Domville, which has a long standing tradition in the region.

Anyone interested in playing ball in Domville should contact Charlie Murray at 348-3763.

GFGC annual spring archery carp derby set for June 12

MAYNARD - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will be playing host to its annual spring archery carp derby Saturday, June 12.

The tournament is being held on the St. Lawrence River and opens at dawn in Canadian waters and at 12:01 am in American waters.

Weigh-ins will be held between 4:30 pm and 6 pm at the GFGC clubhouse on North Campbell Road, south of Maynard.

Top prize is $500, followed by $150 for second place and $50 for third place.

Tickets for the derby can be purchased in South Grenville at the Maynard Store, or by calling 658-9074.

Civilian commission awaits revised version of Prescott police proposal

PRESCOTT ­ The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services is aware of the outcome of the recent Prescott council vote on policing, according to an OCCOPS official.

Registrar Mary Camacho told The Journal Friday the extent to which the commission will be involved in the Prescott policing matter will depend on the contract proposal between the town and the Ontario Provincial Police.

The town's 2001 proposal was the subject of an OCCOPS hearing. The commission declined to approve disbandment of the Prescott Police Service, but listed conditions under which it would reconsider its position.

She indicated future action on the part of OCCOPS would likely depend on if there were any significant changes to what was proposed three years ago.

"We may not need to intervene," she said.

The role OCCOPS could still end up playing was discussed at Prescott council's meeting Monday night. Councillor Nancy Lane, who voted against proceeding with OPP negotiations, argued the town needs something in writing from its legal counsel or OCCOPS to indicate it will be okay for the town's original proposal to the commission to be revised.

Lane asked council to defer the formation of a transition team consisting of Mayor Robert Lawn, CAO/Clerk Robert Haller, Councillor Chuck Street, Police Chief Bryan Somerville and a representative of the Prescott Police Association, stating the move would be "hasty." Lawn explained forming the team is the first priority and another step in the process that must be made before a negotiation team is formed and an agreement is reached.

Council opted not to defer the matter and voted in favour of creating the transition team.

Town officials have been reluctant to speculate on how long it will take to finalize an agreement and complete disbandment of the Prescott Police Service.

The April 26 council motion states the mayor and CAO would enter into negotiations with the OPP. On Monday night, Lawn reiterated his personal view the town's negotiating team might not be limited to those two individuals.

Bridge Kids group spans after-school hours through spirituality and fun

JOHNSTOWN ­ A local after-school program is finding fun ways to introduce spirituality to children.

The Bridge Kids group had its final session of the school year last week.

Beginning in mid-October and continuing until the end of April, the after-school sessions held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 pm provide a chance for youngsters to be introduced to the Christian faith in an interactive environment. One of the reasons the program was founded a few years ago was to provide an alternative to parents whose children are not able to attend Sunday school.

The program's name stems for the presence of the nearby international bridge that spans the St. Lawrence River.

Although the ecumenical program is aimed at elementary students, there are also some pre-schoolers who attend. Participants come from several different schools in the area.

On average, about 25 youngsters attended each session.

Reverend Arlyce Schiebout said the program serves to help children feel more comfortable about being in church. Participants use the upstairs sanctuary and the downstairs hall.

Each week's material usually includes a lesson, story, music, crafts and games and a snack consisting of healthy food items. All activities are related in some way to values, stories or characters based in scripture. Participants also learn the Lord's Prayer, something that is no longer part of the public school day.

Bridge Kids volunteer Gene Grey said the youngsters are not the only ones who benefit from the program. "It is our opportunity to share with them, and they share with the adults."

Volunteers receive police checks and Christian education training. Of the 15 or so volunteers, there are usually at least six at the church each week.

Socializing is not reserved for the kids, according to Grey. Adult volunteers and parents who pick up their children at the church get a chance to interact that would not otherwise be available, she noted.

Planning will soon be under way for the 2004-05 Bridge Kids program, which will start in October.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The hardest part of having MS is the adjustments you have to make."

Mardy Howe, commenting on the challenge of living with multiple sclerosis

Editor's Notebook

CRITICIZE BUT DON'T CROSS THE LINE: As expected, response to Prescott council's decision last week to proceed with disbandment of the municipal police department was swift and strong. As has been noted by several letters to the editor published in The Journal, some people were angered by the outcome and the four council members who supported the motion to enter into a contract with the OPP.

Criticizing the way these four individuals voted is fair game. Elected officials must be prepared to take the heat and justify their decisions. Thick skin aside, though, some of the personal attacks against these people cross the line and are unfair. We do not oppose the concept of speaking out and having a say; after all, that's what this space and others in this newspaper are all about. However, we do not agree with suggestions the mayor and the three councillors who voted in favour of the OPP motion do not care about the town and should not be serving on council.

We have had our concerns about some of the actions of current and previous councils, and we will continue to speak out when it is deemed to be warranted. But to suggest Robert Lawn and some or all of the others did not struggle with their decisions, and made them knowing full well they would take considerable heat, is unfair. Two members of the "OPP Four" were on the previous council that voted unanimously to seek an OPP contract, but those two were re-elected handily. It would appear many voters believed those two had something to offer this community and were willing to give them another three years to govern the town.

The public is entitled to question council's actions, disagree strongly with decisions that are made and consider other reasonable options, which is now being done. Unfortunately, the anger and frustration over policing has led, in some instances, to personal attacks and harassment which our elected officials do not deserve and should not have to tolerate.

For the record, as of Monday The Journal had yet to receive any letters of support for council's decision.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY: Now that the "high-risk individual" has left Prescott, the community should not let its guard down and assume there is no longer any need to keep tabs on young children. As much as we appreciate the fact the police chief issued a public advisory about this child molester's presence in town, we also wonder about the possibility there might be others out there who could pose a risk to youngsters and are not making the headlines.

Generally speaking, Prescott is a safe community. There are, however, dangers out there that we do not always realize until it is too late. With that in mind, some extra parental supervision could not hurt.

Tim Ruhnke

Return of the muffin lady means winter gone for the season

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

The first real sign winter is over is here.

Some say it's seeing the first robin, while some think it's whenever the snow stops falling.

For me, winter is over when the muffin lady comes back to the farmers market in Prescott.

It's a great treat each and every year to be able to walk from my car over to the back of her van where she peddles her bakings and purchase a quick and cheap breakfast.

In fact, the Tuesdays and Thursdays while she is there in her van are the only two days of the week I will guarantee myself a decent breakfast.

Sure, I have a box of Count Chocula and Oatmeal Crisps at home sitting on the shelf, but I much prefer them dry as a snack instead of having to wake up earlier to pour milk over them and sit down to eat in the morning.

I'm a guy who doesn't really like the mornings, so I like food on the go.

I don't dare get in the giant coffee line-ups, because once again it means getting up earlier than I have to. I automatically nix them from my schedule, so it's on Tuesdays and Thursdays I get my breakfast to go with a tasty muffin which is packed full of a variety of items.

You never know exactly what she's going to have, since she always mixes it up. One day she could have my favourite pineapple-coconut muffin, then I might not see it for a week or two, but there are always plenty of choices to go with and it's not that bad to experiment; raspberry-pineapple, apple-cinnamon, carrot-pineapple, banana, or if I need that extra oomph, then a raisin oat bran muffin.

It's a nice variety of types and flavours and there's always three or four to choose from; it really makes for a good morning on those two days of the week.

It's quick, it's handy, there's a variety and it tastes good, so for me it's one of the good days since I don't usually do the breakfast thing other days.

Sure, seeing a robin is nice and I'm loving the snow being gone for a while, but there really is nothing like a home-baked muffin for breakfast to help someone who isn't a morning person get into their day.

CPR locomotives smoking out east end residents in 1944

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 3, 1934

* Advertisement: J.A. Doyle, The Home of Good Clothes. Men's blue serge suits, the finest money can buy, $19.50. Black oxfords, $1.75. Young men's sport pants and pullover sweaters, 79 cents.

May 4, 1944

* A petition was received by town council from 38 residents of the east end of King Street demanding action be taken to curb the smoke nuisance allegedly created by the CPR locomotives and roundhouse, and also the coal dust nuisance allegedly arising from the loading of coal at a siding adjoining King Street.

Council was in sympathy with the petitioners, but decided to proceed with care, and instructed the bylaw committee to review the smoke nuisance bylaw and bring in a report.

May 6, 1964

* Sheila Shaw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Shaw, Churchill Road, and a pupil of Miss Anne Grey, scored so high and was so closely linked with the winner of the Lions Music Festival in Brockville that the sponsors augmented the scholarship fund to recognize her talent.

* Bruce Weir, 55, of Spencerville, a member of the Leeds and Grenville Tuberculosis and Health Association for the past 10 years, was named president of the group at its annual meeting.

May 1, 1974

* The Retail Merchants Association was re-organized at a meeting at the Prescott Coffee Shop. Forming the executive are Wilf Peters, vice-chairman; Des Keon, chairman; and directors Joe Doyle, Bill Hooke, Roy Doyle and Larry Wilson.

May 2, 1984

* The board of directors of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture issued a mandate calling for the resignation of three top government officials unless a provincial assistance program is introduced immediately to save beef, pork and lamb producers from financial bankruptcy. Grenville Federation of Agriculture past-president Gill Cyr said he strongly supports the action taken and that such a program is long overdue.

* St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Prescott will celebrate its 164th anniversary with special guest preacher Rev. James R. Dickey, a Prescott native and editor of the Presbyterian Record. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mervyn Dickey of Jessup Street.

Prescott and the DLD played major role in Battle of the Atlantic

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

Editor's note: This is an excerpt from Morrises' History of Prescott, 1800-2000.

Prescott and the Dominion Lighthouse Depot played an extremely important part in the Battle of the Atlantic, with the manufacture of depth-charge pistols and primers at the big brick building on King Street. This war contract was the first time in history that these weapons had been manufactured outside of the United Kingdom, and the following story from The Ottawa Citizen, published during World War II years, will recall this fact to many, and will provide for others some interesting history of Prescott.

"When a German submarine is sent to the bottom by depth-charges launched from Canadian or British fighting ships, workers at the Dominion Lighthouse Depot in Prescott are entitled to take especial satisfaction. Since 1941 they have been making a substantial contribution to the defeat of the enemy under the sea. There is no factory even in the United Kingdom with a greater output of depth-charge pistols and primers than the national workshops at Prescott.

It is a far cry from lighthouse machinery to depth-charges. In placid times, the Prescott shops were employed only in the manufacture of aids to navigation. In this war the machines hum at high speed to keep up the flow of missiles to keep down the German submarine destroyers.

The transition from a peaceful industry to war work impressed this writer recently on a return visit to Prescott. He worked as a young engineer at the Dominion Lighthouse Depot before the last war. After an engineering apprenticeship in England in yards where destroyers, cruisers and battleships were built for the British navy, the Japanese, Russian, Brazilian or any other customer with the money to pay for warships, lighthouse engineering appealed as a more civilized occupation.

No more placid place of employment could have been wished for than the Dominion Lighthouse Depot on the banks of the St. Lawrence at Prescott. The magnificent expanse of the river westward toward the Thousand Islands reflected the vista of a whole continent at peace. From a drawing board at Elswick on Japanese gun shields, elevating gear for Brazilian 6-inchers, Vickers shell hoists for the Lord Nelson, and the Agamemnon, to lighthouse machinery for Little Hope Island and Buoys for Pelee Passage, could hardly have been improved upon as an engineer's transition from destructive to constructive work.

In the years since, however, it has become less easy to classify work as destructive or constructive. It has come to be constructive work, on the side of a civilized way of life, to be manufacturing depth-charge pistols and primers at the Dominion Lighthouse Depot for the purpose of destroying U-Boats.

It has been found possible to do this work, too, without impairing the Canadian marine service of aids to navigation as it is so well carried on by the Department of Transport. Lighthouses, beacons and buoys continue to aid the mariners wherever they can be operated without aid to the enemy. For three years, however, the main work at Prescott has been on war munitions.

In the summer of 1940, the Dominion Lighthouse Depot shops were enlisted to manufacture bombing targets for the R.C.A.F. Later snow-drags for runways were supplied also to the R.C.A.F. Early in 1941, the Department of Munitions and Supply were having difficulty in placing a Canadian contract for 10,000 depth-charge pistols and primers complete with casings. The engineering heads of the Department of Transport ­ including the deputy minister, Commander C.P. Edwards, and H.V. Anderson as chief engineer ­ had the enterprise to assume full responsibility for this work, although none had ever before been manufactured in Canada.

Under the terms of the contract, the department undertook to deliver the depth-charge vital parts at the rate of 2,000 per month. Pistols and primers are far from being simple devices. They require machining precision to less than 1,000th of an inch in parts where the explosion depth has to be determined.

When a pattern of depth-charges is being laid down around a submerged U-Boat, some are set to explode at 40 feet, others at 60 or 80 feet ­ or at whatever depth it is estimated they are likeliest to find the mark. This variation in the explosion depth is governed by pressure of the sea water ­ increasing as the depth-charge goes down. It has to be regulated by very fine adjustments in the pistol and primer within the depth-charge.

With no previous experience of such work, more than 600 men and women have made the Dominion Lighthouse Depot at Prescott the leading unit for the manufacture of depth-charges within the British Commonwealth. Workers recruited from country places in the vicinity of Prescott have been trained, although practically no physically fit men of military age are now employed."

The standard of efficiency in the organization is reflected in the low costs of material handling. It has been commended in a New York report on plant efficiency. All prevailing wage scale and salaries were approved by the War Labor Board, and the government has extended to the personnel the privilege of six days leave with pay per annum under certain conditions of service.

Without publishing actual output of depth-charge pistols and primers, it can be said that months ago the total had exceeded 125,000 with a monthly output as high as 9,000. In monetary value the total output is well in excess of $5,000,000. It should be added that practically all contracts for war work at the Dominion Lighthouse Depot have been secured by tender, in open competition, and at these prices very satisfactory surpluses are being built up.

All machine work on pistols and primers requires a very exacting standard of precision; over 2,000 tons of non-ferrous metals have been used in production; more than 100 tons being cast in the depot's own foundry. Included in the metal used has been substantially more than 150 miles of extruded brass bar.

In conjunction with Prescott's part in the U-boat war, the Dominion Lighthouse Depot has developed a large wood-working section, producing several kinds of heavy transportation cases for torpedoes and other munitions. In the wood-working shops, the amount of lumber consumed is well in excess of 600 miles, footboard measure. High officials of the British Admiralty Technical Mission have on several occasions expressed their appreciation of the quantity of work performed and the very high standard of workmanship maintained.

Healthy working conditions in the shops have helped to promote production. A plant school with a technical teacher has also been very helpful introducing farm workers to the intricacies of precision lathes and micrometers. A cafeteria is operated under the auspices of the plant by an elected committee. Profits accruing from this cafeteria enterprise revert to the recreational association who carry on activities in swimming, softball and tennis during the summer and skating, curling, and skiing in the winter. -C.A.B.

*

Some of the people who were responsible for planning and running this big operation included T.G. Kincaid, Superintendent of War Contracts, who supervised the operation, and went on to head Prescott Paper Products Ltd.; Lorne Armstrong, Personnel Manager; J.F. Saunders, in charge of all woodworking; Dowsley Kingston, Night Superintendent; C.R. Dunn, stores; W.J. Byrne, accountant; Lorne Knight, engineering; Agent in charge of the DLD was Arthur T. Thompson.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Council ignored wishes of the majority

The Editor;

I am writing to inform Mayor Lawn and council members I am appalled and disgusted with their decision April 26 to disband the Prescott Police Service.

I believe you made your decision months ago regardless of what Prescott citizens told you they wanted. I have to wonder if other sources were influencing you.

You chose to ignore the wishes of the majority of taxpaying citizens who elected you to be council members. It was obvious at the open forum at the Prescott Legion by the turnout and the majority of those who spoke out wanted to keep the PPD. Also, the survey conducted by the fire department concluded 91 per cent of Prescott residents also agreed to keep the PPD. What makes you think you have the right to go against the wishes of the majority of citizens?

You say OPP will be more cost-efficient. It has yet to be proven the OPP will be less costly. That story changes every time you tell it. With the discrepancy in cost amounts, it seems to me this has not been thoroughly investigated.

I believe it will be just the opposite and will cost taxpayers an enormous amount of money.

I want to keep the town police because I know if they are needed in an emergency, they will appear momentarily. Open your eyes, do you really believe once the town police force is gone the OPP will be in Prescott 24/7? The OPP are already too busy patrolling our highways and rural areas. Thanks for selling the Prescott police down the river; after all, they put their lives on the line every single shift they work to protect all of you.

I wish to commend the councillors who voted in favour of keeping our town police. A big thank you to Nancy Lane, Sue O'Hanlon and Chuck Street.

I would like to say to Jo-Anne Beckstead: shame on you! I realize you own a business in Prescott, but you do not reside here. It is unfair you decided to ditch our town police when Brockville will always have a city police force to protect you and your family.

One by one, local plants are closing or laying off employees. The population of Prescott has declined by about 1,000 people in about the past 10 to 15 years. There are no new developers coming here any time soon, especially when they find out we don't have a town police force; they will move on elsewhere.

We, the residents and tax-paying citizens of Prescott, voted you in and I wish we could be like Donald Trump and say "you're fired."

Tammy and Jeff Easter
Prescott

Town has given away control of costs

The Editor;

When elected officials totally disregard the public sentiment and take actions that, in essence, reduces the municipal workforce by some 19 employees without any guarantee of cost savings, it is time for them to step down.

The recent policing decision by Robert Lawn, Jo-Anne Beckstead, Suzanne Dodge and Bob Pelda will bankrupt our town. One need only look at Page 2 of the April 27 edition of The Recorder and Times to see the plight of Elizabethtown-Kitley and its 26-per-cent increase in OPP costs this year over last. They have no control over the increase except to write the cheque.

Why would these elected officials give away control of policing costs?

Robert Lawn said himself he failed to negotiate a reduction in the 17.7-per-cent increase in the social services bill this year. Does he think he will be any more successful in negotiating a reduction with the OPP when its costs start to rise and we have no control and no options?

It is time to step down. Your job is not to give away control of our town ­ your job was to take control.

David McDougall
Prescott

Keep those cuts coming

The Editor;

Mayor Robert Lawn is right; Prescott is too small to enjoy the luxury of a police service.

Hopefully, council will take the next step and realize Beck's, Tackaberry or Cruickshank Construction can plow our streets at a fraction of the cost of the CUPE local unionized workers. As well, taxpayers I am sure, will agree council cannot afford to be in the marina or arena business when local residents such as Mr. Cooper who operates Grenville Park could take over and perhaps turn over a profit to the town if they were to operate the same.

I am also sure the Township of Augusta or Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal fire departments could be approached to respond to fire calls in town. We don't have that many anyway, and council won't have to buy a new ladder truck.

That makes sense. "Think of the money you're going to save."

Greg Adams
Prescott

Bravo to children's theatre in Cardinal

The Editor;

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon! I'm referring to the presentation of "Clowns" by the Cardinal Lions Children's Theatre Group April 23 and 25.

We can't say enough about the excellent performing abilities displayed by this young group. From the sad-faced clown "Ralph" (Paul Edge) to the clear and commanding voice of the "Big Wheel" (Miranda Stubbs), every member displayed a well-rehearsed and talented performance second to none.

The hard work and dedication of directors Carol Morris and Diana Hoy have enabled these young people to improve their skills and gain more confidence and composure over the past four years.

Appreciation goes out to Betty Baldwin for the great costumes and to all the other stage crew for a job well done.

We sincerely hope this wonderful theatre group will be able to continue for many more years and perhaps expand its talents to other stages.

Joan and Paul Toupin
Brockville

Dance lessons are going to be a ball

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

There will be a Youth Dance at the MERC Hall on May 7 from 7 to 10 pm for students in grades 5-8. Bring in a can to donate to the Food For All Food Bank.

Ballroom dance lessons are starting at the MERC Hall on Tuesday nights beginning May 4 for an eight-week session.

Contact Tina Atchison at 348-1894 to register or for more information.

Parks program

Registration for the Maitland Swim and Summer Parks Program will be held on Saturday, May 15 from 9-10:30 am, Thursday, May 27 from 6-8 pm and Saturday, May 29 from 9-10:30 am at the MERC Hall.

MERC memberships

Canvassing continues for MERC memberships, and all members will be eligible for prize draws which will begin in June. Membership packages include coupons for discounts to many local businesses.

If you have not been contacted and you would like to purchase a membership to MERC, please call Danielle McCaffrey at 348-1891.

Local singers seek Idol title

PRESCOTT ­ The Leeds and Grenville Idol contest will take place Thursday, May 13 at the Brockville Arts Centre.

The event, a fundraiser for the local United Way, features two categories: junior singer (10 to 16) and adult singer (17 and older). Many of the participants live in the Prescott area.

Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance at Doyle's on King Street West in Prescott as well as at the United Way office on George Street in Brockville. Tickets will also be available the night of the show.

For more information on the Leeds and Grenville Idol competition, call 342-8889.

Be on the lookout for the Big Bike

BROCKVILLE ­ The Big Bike Ride for Stroke rolls into town this Thursday, May 6.

Companies, service clubs, teams and other groups will take a spin around the north end of Prescott on the 30-seater and collect pledges for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Proceeds will be used to support stroke research, health education programs and resources.

The rides will be based at South Grenville District High School.

For more information, call the foundation's tri-county office at 345-6183.

Light lunch for ladies to be served

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We plan to have a light lunch for ladies Thursday, May 13 at 11:30 am. Quilters and Bunka ladies are especially invited before their afternoon stitching. Please sign if you plan to attend.

We would like to have some homemade goodies for the Senior Games Friday. Members are asked to check the board if they are able to help in some way or to call 925-5300 for more information.

Board members are reminded of their meeting Monday, May 10 at 10:30 am.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Joan Roe; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Jim Campbell. Fun bridge ­ Glen Morris. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Richard Kingston; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jean Annable; 2nd, Eddie Arcand; 3rd, Hilda Hutton and Eleanor Gilligan; door, Jean McCrady.

Former Cardinal library declared surplus by township council

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council declared the site of the former Cardinal municipal library to be surplus at Monday's regular council meeting.

Council brought forth a recommendation from the April 28 committee-of-the-whole meeting to declare the building surplus and, after a heated discussion, voted 5-1 in a recorded vote to approve the motion. Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron was the only member of council to vote against declaring the building surplus; Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell did not attend the meeting.

Mayor Peggy Taylor explained in order for council to do anything with the property, the building must be declared surplus.

"If we were to sell it so a business could move in there, bring in a community service or if it was removed to straighten the road, then it needs to first be declared surplus," explained Taylor. "This is the first step to make sure it isn't just an empty building on the corner."

Cameron was quick to voice his concern over the proposal, indicating there were other avenues council could pursue.

"Why do we now have to make this a surplus property," said Cameron. "It's currently zoned an institutional property. Maybe we can change this, maybe we can't, but shouldn't we wait until we actively find out what we are doing with this before we declare it surplus."

Deputy Mayor Bill Sloan indicated the former town hall had been declared surplus, and has since become the new home of the Cardinal Public Library, so the building being declared surplus shouldn't make a difference.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald added, "If the property is declared surplus, then council can decide to put it on the market, with offers then able to be accepted based on its re-zoning. This is just one step of the process; once it is surplused, there is no deadline or timeline where the clock is ticking."

Cameron reiterated his concern, stating the matter would unnecessarily upset members of the Cardinal community who feel very strongly about the building.

"That building was a Centennial project and it would be a concern to a lot of people in Cardinal," said Cameron. "I'm worried that we are upsetting people for nothing and there could be backlash. If healthy community programs or the OPP had a change of heart to move into the building then we could go ahead with this, but by making it surplus I know a lot of people will be very upset. Until I know the direction this is going to take, I won't be able to support it."

Taylor reiterated council has no current plans for the building, but the declaration would open up doors for council to investigate.

"Surplus does not mean we are going to sell it or tear it down," explained Taylor. "It frees our hands to make the decision faster when the time comes. It's not fair to the village sitting there empty; the downtown isn't improving that way."

Council also heard a variety of concerns about the vote from the small audience. Cardinal resident Sharan Mathieu suggested council pen a letter formally letting organizations such as the Ministry of Health know it is available before proceeding. "It could justify declaring it surplus," said Mathieu. "The people might be more perceptive to this, then. It shows an effort of good faith."

Cardinal marina building to be removed

CARDINAL - Township council agreed at the April 28 committee-of-the-whole meeting to have the marina building in Cardinal removed.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald explained the building was leased from the township last summer and was used as a bait and tackle shop for area fisherman, but was abandoned after the business venture proved unsuccessful.

Council indicated the marina building would be put up for sale for a two-week period, with the building to be removed or demolished if no buyer is found. "Also, it would save the township in liability issues and repairs due to vandalism," explained McDonald.

Jeep scratched

CARDINAL ­ The Grenville County OPP detachment is investigating a case of property damage involving a vehicle on Marjorie Street.

On April 30, police were advised the hood and passenger side of a 2003 Jeep Liberty had been scratched. It is believed the damage was done April 28. A key or screwdriver might have been used; no estimate of damage was available. Constable Jim Blanchette is investigating.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Spencerville Legion beer tent on tap for season

SPENCERVILLE - Municipal council has approved a request from the Spencerville Legion to hold a beer garden on six dates this year.

The Legion is permitted to have a beer garden on the grounds immediately behind the Legion Hall for the Father's Day Barbecue from noon until 10 pm Sunday, June 20, Canada Day Hip of Beef Dinner from noon until 11 pm Thursday, July 1, the annual pig roast from noon until 10 pm Saturday, August 7 and during the Spencerville Fair from noon until midnight September 10-12.

The money raised from the activities will go to cover operating costs of the tent as well as support the Legion's community events.

MTO puts brakes to signage

SPENCERVILLE - Council reported at the April 28 committee-of-the-whole meeting in Cardinal that it had received a letter from the Ministry of Transportation denying permission to erect signs on Highway 16 prohibiting the use of jake brakes.

Mayor Peggy Taylor explained the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will be installing the requested signs on County Road 2 near Cardinal.

Taylor indicated she expects the signs to be put up in the next couple weeks.

Stamp club to meet

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place Wednesday, May 12 at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

The meeting will take place at 7 pm. Adults and children welcome to attend.

For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

May meeting dates are set

SPENCERVILLE - Township council reported at Monday's regular council meeting it has a full schedule of upcoming committee meetings in May.

The Planning Advisory Committee meeting will be held at 7:30 pm Monday, May 10 at the municipal hall in Spencerville.

The Healthy Communities Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 7 pm Tuesday, May 11 at the municipal hall in Spencerville.

On Wednesday, May 12, council will hold the committee-of-the-whole meeting at 7:30 pm at the community centre in Johnstown.

The next council meeting will be held May 17 at 7:30 pm.

The Port Management Committee will hold its meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday, May 18 at the Port of Prescott in Johnstown.

Spencerville will be the location for the South Grenville Economic Development Committee meeting at 7 pm Wednesday, May 19.

The next library board meeting will be held at 7 pm Tuesday, May 25 at the Cardinal Public Library.

The second committee-of-the-whole meeting for May will be held at 7:30 pm Wednesday, May 26 in the basement of the Cardinal Public Library.

Plans for local 9-1-1 service unveiled: 1994

CARDINAL'S PAST

May 3, 1934

* Walter Gilbert, a Canadian Airways senior pilot who was awarded the McKee Trophy for 1933 ­ the highest award in Canadian aviation ­ is at present enjoying a well-earned vacation at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Gilbert, of Cardinal. The 34-year-old village native has earned great credit for his steady flying in the far north carrying out airmail service to the Arctic Ocean and of the first delivery of mail to Coppermine, which is situated on the shores of that body of water.

May 4, 1944

* SS Casco docked Friday with a cargo of 90,000 bushels of corn for the Canada Starch Co. here. The boat cleared the next day for Sodus, N.Y. for a cargo of coal to be delivered to Quebec City.

May 2, 1984

* Cardinal council adopted a 1984 budget calling for spending of $685,835 - an increase of just 3.92 per cent over last year's budget for local municipal purposes. Adding a united counties bill of $59,051 and the $585,642 to be raised for education purposes, a total of $1,330,528 will pass through the village coffers.

May 4, 1994

* If all goes according to plan, 9-1-1 service should be available in the Village of Cardinal in just over a year.

At the regular council meeting, council overwhelmingly endorsed a recommendation to join with the City of Brockville and Bell Canada to provide 9-1-1 service to the area.

Under the plan, all united counties municipalities would be linked into the Ottawa-Carleton 9-1-1 central dispatch system through Bell. The cost for belonging to the system would be 32 cents for each residential line plus 18 cents per capita, which in Cardinal's case would work out to $3,240 per year.

Retired teachers celebrate special birthday

By Sandra Shouldice

Ruby Van Camp reached her 90th birthday and celebrated the special occasion with fellow Retired Women Teachers of Grenville members. The group held their first meeting of the season April 21 at the historic Cardinal Landmark Inn.

The chef prepared a cake for Van Camp, and she was read a poem written by a former student who followed in her footsteps, June Blair. She joins another nonagenarian, Minnie Pelton of Kemptville, who celebrated her 96th birthday April 23. Both women continue to play active roles in their organization.

The Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) was founded to allow retired teachers to socialize and revisit the "good old days" when they staffed local classrooms. Today's younger retirees join the ranks of those who still remember the one-room school house and the time when Cardinal had two schools. There was a public school and a high school; the public school is currently McLaughlin's apartments.

RWTO maintains a close connection to individual members and, if a member of the group becomes ill, the group is informed and contact is made with that member. The group has lobbied for and has access to insurance geared to the specific needs of women.

Grenville East RWTO welcomes new members and is holding its next luncheon in Morrisburg at Macintosh Inn on Wednesday, June 16 at 11 am. For further information, contact Annalee Ladoucer at 658-5481.

Health coalition to conduct community forums in township later this month

SPENCERVILLE - The Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition will be hosting a pair of community forums in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal this month.

The first community forum will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 7 pm at the community centre in Johnstown.

The second session is scheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 7 pm at the municipal hall in Spencerville.

Residents of the township are invited to participate in the public workshop on the "health of our community and what you can do to enhance it."

Executive hunt

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club is still seeking volunteers to serve on the club's next executive.

The club needs five people to form an executive to help run the club's events throughout the year. For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

Giants and Lions have strong showing at host meet

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND - South Grenville-area athletes had a positive showing last Wednesday at the Giant-Lion Invitational track and field meet hosted by South Grenville District High School and Grenville Christian College at GCC.

Giants coach Mark Lewis was happy with his team's showing at the meet, crediting his younger athletes with strong performances.

"We had a good day," explained Lewis. "We were really pleased with how the kids did and with the whole pack of kids who came to help out with the meet. We have a lot of kids who are just getting out here and had good performances. Erin Knapp did great for her second time out this year and for Braeden Elliott this was his first time out and it was a great learning experience. Erika Kamenz won the girls triple jump, Julie Putman was third and fourth and had some good runs, Shane (Pettifer) finished second in the discus, but he hasn't been throwing a lot and Shannon Thornhill and her brother Nick each made the finals of their events. The day was a good experience."

South Grenville once again was led by a strong showing by its jumpers and throwers, who landed 14 top five finishes at the meet.

Grade 9 athlete Erika Kamenz led the way for the Giants by scoring a first place finish in the midget girls triple jump competition with a distance of 9.83 metres (more than 40 cm further than her nearest competition). She also scored a second place finish in the long jump and a fifth place finish in the 400-metres.

Top finishes from South Grenville are:

Erika Kamenz, first, midget girls triple jump, 9.83m; second, midget girls long jump, 4.37m; fifth, midget girls 400-metres, 73.71

Katie McKinley, eighth, midget girls high jump, 1.20m

Amanda Smith, eighth, junior girls 800-metres, 3:19.33; 12th, junior girls 1,500-metres, 6:38.50

Shannon Thornhill, seventh, senior girls 100-metres, 14.22; 11th, senior girls 200-metres, 31.52

Brittany Byrd, 10th, senior girls 100-metres, 14.5; 13th, senior girls 200-metres 32.22

Kristina Godwin, 7th, senior girls 100-metre hurdles, 19.70; 13th, senior girls 100-metres, 15.55

Julie Putman, third, senior girls 1,500-metres, 5:32.60 and senior girls 3,000-metres, 12:16.20

Maggie Hutton, second, junior girls high jump, 1.40m

Erin Knapp, fourth, junior girls shot put, 20.00m; sixth, junior girls javelin, 19.32m

Erin Heibein, second, senior girls long jump, 4.59m; fifth, senior girls triple jump, 9.31m

SGDHS 4x100-metre senior girls relay team, fifth, 59.49

Mike Froom, 10th, midget boys long jump, 4.27m; 12th, midget boys 100-metres, 13.65

Braeden Elliott, fourth, midget boys 800-metres, 2:29.00; fifth, midget boys 1,500-metres, 5:06.20

Nick Thornhill, sixth, junior boys 200-metres, 26.11; 11th, senior boys 100-metres, 12.81

Scott Baker, 10th, junior boys 400-metres, 67.70; 14th, junior boys 200-metres, 31.06

Sam Whitley, third, junior boys high jump, 1.55m

Jon Baldwin, fifth, senior boys 1,500-metres, 4:51.80 and 2,000-metre open boys steeplechase, 7:32.00

Shane Pettifer, second, senior boys discus, 33.12; fifth, senior boys shot put, 11.26m; 12th, senior boys javelin, 32.66m

Chase Holmes, 21st, senior boys shot put, 8.29m

Andrew McCaw, sixth, midget boys long jump, 4.68m; seventh, midget boys high jump, 1.45m

Joel Haystead, seventh, midget boys high jump, 1.45m and midget boys triple jump, 10.07m

Clayton Dunnington, nineth, midget boys discus, 21.23m; 13th, midget boys javelin, 22.19m

Top finishes from GCC are:

Oksana Shebetona, first, senior girls javelin, 26.80m

Emily Stysma, fourth, senior girls high jump, 1.24m

Corbin Smith, seventh, midget boys shot put, 10.00m

Peter Chui, fourth, junior boys 100-metres, 12.16

Jesse Kriwox, second, junior boys 800-metres, 2:12.97

Alex Miragliotta, 20th, junior boys discus, 17.06m

Alvin Ng, eighth, senior boys 100-metres, 12.62

Dan Lim, 14th, senior boys 200-metres, 27.56; 16th, senior boys 100-metres, 12.83

Jimmy Lok, seventh, senior boys 110-metre hurdles, 18.36; 12th, senior boys 200-metres, 27.39

Breet Lee, 14th, senior boys 1,500-metres, 5:17.50; 15th, senior boys long jump, 4.68m

Andrew Barr, eighth, senior boys high jump, 1.60m

Charles O'Brien, 14th, senior boys javelin, 32.34m

Oliver Breck, 28th, senior boys javelin, 25.49m

Mark Farnsworth, first, junior boys pole vault, 2.90m

Kevan Puddicombe, second, junior boys pole vault, 2.75m

Alex VanVaerenberg, third, junior boys pole vault, 2.43m

Ken Li, 18th, junior boys shot put, 8.50m

Blake Chauvin, fourth, senior boys pole vault, 2.55m

Sean Kwak, sixth, senior boys long jump, 5.54m

GCC senior boys 4x100-metre relay team, fifth, 49.74

GCC open boys 4x400-metre relay team, sixth, 4:13.59

South Grenville girls rugby team scores dominant 60-5 win over TISS Pirates

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants girls rugby team is showing it is a force to be reckoned with after its first two games of the year.

The Giants started the season with a heartbreaking 12-7 loss to the St. Mary Crusaders April 26 in Brockville, before rebounding to play the role of juggernaut in a 60-5 trouncing of the TISS Pirates Monday in Prescott.

Giants coach Shaun Saunders is thrilled with the way the team is playing after having moderate success the past two years.

"We really played wonderful against St. Mary," said Saunders. "It was a physical, tough game. I think there were a few first game jitters, but we really played well and this week it was all good."

Saunders was quick to credit the Giants team unity as a big reason for its early success.

"I've been very impressed with all the girls," explained Saunders. "They've been playing really well. We had four or five girls who played in their first LGSSAA games (against TISS). It's the most organized bunch I've ever had, it's a really good group. They help each other out a lot and those who have played before have really gone above and beyond the call of duty being so keen to help everyone else out."

Against St. Mary, Amber Alexander scored the Giants lone try, while Ruby Alexander scored on a convert in the 12-7 loss to the Crusaders.

Against the Pirates, South Grenville was able to take advantage of its strong running and passing skills as four Giants scored a pair of trys. Ruby Alexander, Monica Maloney, Amber Salmon and Ali Murray each scored a pair of trys to lead South Grenville, while Dakota Antonow, Amber Alexander, Ashley Beaudoin and Jordan Symmington each scored single trys.

Murray and Antonow had strong performances throughout the day providing a good portion of the Giants' early ball movement, while Maloney, Symmington and Amber Alexander each took some punishing hits, but managed to help propel the Giants to the victory. The Giants prevented the Pirates from scoring a try until late in the second half, spoiling the shutout.

The Giants will continue its season Monday, where it will travel to Brockville to take on the Brockville Collegiate Institute Red Rams at 3:30 pm.

Novice Islanders hockey team finishes
second at tourney

CARDINAL - The St. Lawrence major novice Islanders summer hockey team finished in second place in their host tournament April 24 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

In its first game, the Islanders scored a 5-1 win over the Long Sault Mustangs. Dillon O'Neil and Jody Sullivan each scored a pair of goals to pace the Islanders, while Craig Kehoe added a single. Jesse Boyd (2), Conor Rodrigues, Tyler Turcotte, Matthew Morin, Daniel Monk, Nevin Guy and Cole Seaton chipped in with helpers.

The Islanders continued their winning ways in their second game of the day, notching a 5-1 win over the Ottawa 67's. Sullivan led St. Lawerence with a pair of goals, while O'Neil, Kehoe and Logan Warren added singles. Rodrigues, Boyd, Morin, Warren, Seaton, Guy and Monk added assists.

The Islanders dropped their first decision of the day with a 6-1 loss to the Montreal Ice Storm. Brendan Keating scored the Islanders' lone goal, while Kehoe chipped in with a helper.

Ontario Senior Games events held in area

SOUTH GRENVILLE - A bunch of different venues around South Grenville will be holding Ontario Senior Games Association Area B games in May.

On Friday, May 7, Walker House in Prescott will be hosting bridge, while the Prescott Legion will host darts action Tuesday, May 11.

The Prescott Tennis club will host seniors tennis from May 14-16, while the Prescott Lawn Bowling Club will host lawn bowling competition Tuesday, May 25.

Bocce will be held Wednesday, May 26 at the ball diamond in Roebuck, while the rain day for lawn bowling is set for Thursday, May 27 at the Prescott Lawn Bowling Club.

For more information, contact Jean at 658-2845.

Peewee Islanders have tough weekend

KINGSTON - The St. Lawrence minor peewee Islanders regional summer hockey team posted a win, tie and three losses at the Kingston tournament on the weekend to finish out of the medals.

The Islanders opened up the tournament with a 1-1 draw with the Kingston Beast. The Beast held control of the game until late in the third period, when the Islanders' Eric Morotti scored with 14 seconds remaining in the game to knot the score at one. Michael Karam was credited with the helper.

In the Islanders' second game, they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Syracuse Stars. Karam and Morotti scored for the Islanders, while Mike Prosper and Scott Forbes added assists.

The Islanders managed to score a 6-3 victory over the Upper Valley Vipers. Morotti led St. Lawrence with a five-goal performance, while Mitchel Chartrand added a single. Alex O'Neil (2), Brendan O'Neil, Chartrand, Cody Johnson, Brandon Timmons and Curtis Van Allan added assists.

The Islanders also played a pair of games with the Beast Prospects, dropping a pair of lopsided decisions 11-0 and 9-0. Islander goaltenders Robert Nault and Taylor Warren played strong despite the losses.

Giants senior girls soccer team sitting tied for top spot in LGSSAA standings

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior girls soccer team is off to a flying start in Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association play.

The Giants sit in a three-way tie for first place with the TISS Pirates and the St. Mary Crusaders with a record of 4-1-0 in five games.

Giants coach Scott Baird has been thrilled with his team's play this year and credits their hard work as the reason for the wins.

"This is the most organized team I've ever coached," said Baird. "They've been really great at keeping position and keeping the ball down. It's their ball control that's been winning us games."

The Giants started the season with a 1-0 win over St. Mary on April 20, before dropping a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the TISS Pirates on April 22.

South Grenville then rebounded to win three straight, scoring a 4-2 win over the Athens Warriors April 27, a 3-1 win over the Rideau Lions April 28 and a 4-0 shutout over the St. Michael Mustangs on April 29.

Scores for South Grenville's game against the Grenville Christian College Lions Tuesday was not available as of press time.

The Giants will look to continue its winning ways Thursday, May 6 as it hosts the Gananoque Trojans at 2 pm in Prescott, before hosting the North Grenville Knights at 2:30 pm Tuesday, May 11 in Prescott.

LGSSAA semi-final games will take place Tuesday, May 18 with the final to be held Thursday, May 20. The highest seeded team will host each playoff game.

Heartbreakers team seeking adult players for European tour

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg-based Heartbreakers adult hockey team is looking for
players to participate in a recreational tour of Holland, Germany and Switzerland next season.

The team is currently accepting applications from players between the ages of 30 and 55 who want to take part in the experience.

Team members are responsible for their own travel expenses, but the club provides uniforms and makes all the arrangements leaving the players to focus on their games. Players throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada have participated in the past.

Dave Springett, who runs the team, has been organizing European hockey tours since 1982, with the team playing 145 games in 12 countries.

The team is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The team will play five non contact exhibition games during the ten-day tour in January 2005.

All area players are welcome to apply regardless of skill level.

For more information or to apply, contact Springett at 1-866-449-0640 or visit the team's Web site at www.heartbreakers.ca.

First ace of year at PGC

PRESCOTT - A local teenager scored Prescott Golf Club's first hole in one of the season.

Josh Whelan, 15, scored the ace Sunday on the 145-yard 9th hole using his nine iron. It was his first ever hole-in-one.

Whelan was playing with his brother Jarrod, who witnessed the feat.

RSL Kings annual general meeting to be held May 13

BROCKVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings Minor Hockey Association will be holding its 2004 annual general meeting on Thursday, May 13 at the Brockville Youth Arena.

The meeting will begin at 7 pm, with all Kings parents asked to attend.

The RSL Kings regional hockey program has been around since 1988-89 and features AA hockey teams at the major atom, minor peewee, major peewee, minor bantam, major bantam, minor midget and major midget age groups. Teams compete in the Ottawa District Minor Hockey League. Show your support for the Kings organization.

Domville minor league seeking bantam boys to play ball

DOMVILLE - The Domville minor ball league is searching for players to round out its rosters for the 2004 season.

The bantam boys team, which consists of boys aged 14 and 15, still needs players to fill out the roster. The team will play at the Domville ball diamonds and face off against other regional teams in Spencerville, Roebuck, North Augusta and Algonquin.

Come out and get active for the summer and play some ball for Domville, which has a long standing tradition in the region.

Anyone interested in playing ball in Domville should contact Charlie Murray at 348-3763.

GFGC annual spring archery carp derby set for June 12

MAYNARD - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will be playing host to its annual spring archery carp derby Saturday, June 12.

The tournament is being held on the St. Lawrence River and opens at dawn in Canadian waters and at 12:01 am in American waters.

Weigh-ins will be held between 4:30 pm and 6 pm at the GFGC clubhouse on North Campbell Road, south of Maynard.

Top prize is $500, followed by $150 for second place and $50 for third place.

Tickets for the derby can be purchased in South Grenville at the Maynard Store, or by calling 658-9074.

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