VOL. 174, NO. 27~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ July 7, 2004

Second season of Shakespeare festival is here

The Comedie of Errors premieres on waterfront stage Monday night

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - A week before the premiere of The Comedie of Errors, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Deborah Smith believes the production has raised the bar set by last year's festival.

'It's the first time we have a guest director and actors from all across Canada," says Smith. "It's also the first time that all our actors are billeted here (in Prescott)."

A big part of raising the bar from last year involved getting noted stage director Sonia Ritter to direct this year's performance of The Comedie of Errors. The show is running from July 12-31 at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre at the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour.

"To have a director from the Globe Theatre in England (direct our play) is a great honour," says Smith. She adds securing Ritter to direct resulted from a lot of hard work by the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company.

Choosing a comedy for the festival's sophomore season was an important decision - particularly in light of last year's more serious-themed and philosophical performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest, says Smith.

"The Comedie of Errors is one of Shakespeare's first plays," says Smith "It has a lot of gags - physical comedy, mistaken identity - a bit like Abbott and Costello."

Smith believes The Comedie of Errors provides a great introduction to Shakespeare. "It's so funny that you'll get it even if you don't understand the words," she says.

The volunteer efforts of the Prescott community have been crucial to the success of this year's festival. Stage Manager Lindi G. Papoff stresses this year's festival could not have happened without the volunteer efforts of all involved.

"At least 90 per cent of the props and costumes have been sewed and donated by volunteers," says Papoff, adding the entire set for the play was built by volunteers as well.

Ken Durand, chairman of the St. Lawrence Shakespere Company board says the support of businesses and individuals in the Prescott area for this year's festival has been extremely strong.

'We've had excellent community support this year," he says, adding that, as well as large corporate sponsors, many individuals have pledged $1,000 to sponsor individual nights of the event.

Durand cites several reasons for the increased support. "People recognize that it (St. Lawrence Shakespere Festival) can help economic development and culture," he says. "It would be my goal to see the festival grow larger in the future."

Actors for The Comedie of Errors have come from as far away as Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. They are all enthusiastic about being involved in the production

For Montreal actor Michael Langstaff, performing in the festival marks a return to the way that Shakespeare's plays were presented in the middle ages.

"We're (the actors) all living nomadically - just like the actors back then." he says "This is how theatre began,"

Another important change for this year's St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival is the addition of a covered venue for the play to take place in bad weather.

The company has purchased a large tent to set up beside the amphitheatre so that rain won't cancel any performances. A gala for all opening night ticket holders, volunteers and contributors will be held on July 12 following the opening performance.

Smith has the highest expectations for this year's St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. "We've seen a lot more interest in the festival this year," she says, adding the festival is "putting Prescott on the map."

Tickets for The Comedie of Errors are available at Jessup House on King Street West, at Ken Durand's office on George Street, and on-site on the nights of the performances. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.stlawrenceshakespere.com.

THIS WEEK

Take a spin to fort for annual car show

PRESCOTT ­ Many rare and unique vehicles will be on display in Prescott this Sunday, July 11.

The 17th annual St. Lawrence Valley Car Club show will take place from 10 am to 3 pm at Fort Wellington beside King Street East (County Road 2). Up to 200 cars are expected to register.

There is a fee to register the vehicles, but admission is free.

The antique car show enables owners to show off their vehicles and compete for trophies. Visitors can check out the entries as well as the heritage of the fort property, which is a national historic site. It is estimated more than 2,000 people attended the 2003 event.

For more information, contact Mike Baril at 925-3751 or Paul Francis at 925-7002.

Quilt show at the mill

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Quintessential Quilt Show will be held this Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Spencerville Mill.

Everything from the most perfect to the most typical quilt will be on display at the mill. More than 25 quilts made locally 40 or more years ago will be featured.

Quilt historian Bethany Garner will be at the show Sunday to chat with visitors. Garner, who is launching an Eastern Ontario quilt documentation project, is eager to learn more about local pre-1950s works. She will also display a group of old quilts from her own collection.

A century-old quilt tradition ­ a signature quilt ­ will be worked on during the two-day show. Visitors will have a chance to add their names or join in the quilting bee.

There is an admission fee.

The Odd Job Squad comes to the rescue

PRESCOTT ­ Get some extra help around the home or business and provide temporary employment for a student during Odd Job Squad Week.

The annual event runs from Monday, July 5 to Friday, July 9. Students indicate their work experience and availability when they register at the Prescott Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students. Everything from lawn work and clerical duties to painting and flyer distribution would be suitable for the Odd Job Squad. The job might last a few hours, days or weeks.

Employers, homeowners and students interested in the Odd Job Squad or other services can call or visit the student employment centre located above the post office (925-2508) weekdays from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

The centre also provides job postings and advice on interviews, resumes and job search strategies. Services are provided free of charge.

Police advise property owners to secure their belongings

Many recent break-ins involve doors, buildings that had not been locked

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Another week and another long list of break and enters being investigated by Grenville County OPP.

Local police are reminding the public ­ including residents of rural areas ­ to lock their vehicles, residences and outbuildings.

Seven break-ins are listed in the detachment's weekly report issued Monday:

* Overnight June 27-28, Kyle Road east of North Augusta. Three unlocked vehicles were entered in driveways. Items taken include a cellular phone and tool box containing assorted tools.

* Sometime four to five days prior to June 28, Charleville Road north of Maynard. A 20-hp Yamaha outboard motor and assorted fishing equipment and rod and reel combos were removed from an unlocked shed.

* Overnight June 27-28, Kyle Road east of North Augusta. Two unlocked vehicles parked at residence were entered. A small amount of change and Canadian Tire money was taken.

* Overnight June 30, Pittston Road in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. A thief or thieves entered a home by damaging a window. Various power and hand tools, an electric guitar and a crossbow were taken. Total value exceeds $6,500. A silver Chevrolet Lumina was seen in the area at about midnight.

* Overnight June 30, Algonquin Road east of Algonquin. A Sony CD player/car stereo was taken from an unlocked van. The interior of the vehicle sustained some damage.

* Overnight July 1, 6th Concession north of Maynard. Someone entered an unlocked vehicle and removed a purse. The purse was later found; other than $5, its contents were recovered.

* July 4 at about 12:30 am, Kyle Road in Augusta Township. A man heard a noise at his residence and called police. Two males fled on foot to the rear of the property. Officers and a canine unit responded and followed the trail of the men to a location on Kyle Road where a vehicle might have been waiting. Nothing was taken.

Constable Holly Howard, the community service officer based at the OPP detachment in Prescott, indicated there appears to be a marked increase in break and enter activity recently.

Police remind property owners to take a minute to secure their belongings ­ and their peace of mind.

Anyone with information on any of these break-ins in the townships is asked to contact the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).

KOPS has not given up on Prescott police

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A group opposed to disbanding the Prescott Police Service might seek an injunction to prevent the proposed switch to an Ontario Provincial Police municipal contract.

Keep Our Police Services (KOPS) continues to review its options and consult legal counsel, according to Chairman Brett Todd.

"We're not giving up," Todd told The Journal Monday.

A target of Sept. 1 has been set as the transition date on which the OPP would assume the responsibility of policing the town as a dedicated patrol area within the Grenville County detachment.

The KOPS group had been hoping the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) would respond favourably to its recent submission to reconsider the Prescott case. Todd said OCCOPS' response was very disappointing; the commission appears to want the matter to "quietly die," he noted.

The KOPS submission to OCCOPs included a petition with more than 600 names in support of the Prescott Police Service as well as a survey conducted by members of the Prescott Fire Department. More than 90 per cent of survey respondents indicated they favour retaining the municipal police service.

Todd said KOPS believes there are still many unanswered questions the town has yet to address. Among them is uncertainty over where the Prescott police would be housed.

The existing OPP facility is too small, and a new building might not be constructed at the Edward Street site just south of Highway 401. "The OPP (building) in Prescott is not concrete right now," Todd said. "No one knows."

The existing Prescott proposal would see most uniformed officers who now work for the town police department become members of the OPP assigned to Prescott; however, several civilian dispatchers (all but one) will not be hired by the OPP. The remaining Prescott fire dispatch service will be contracted out.

Although Todd said seeking an injunction to stop disbandment is "a primary option," he noted there has been no decision to proceed and no indication of when that decision could be made. He noted there are still at least three dozen opponents connected to KOPS who are very angry with the town's actions and want to keep fighting the proposal.

The opposition group has been hoping it could convince one or two of the members of Prescott council ­ dubbed the "OPP Four" by KOPS ­ who voted this spring in favour of switching to the Ontario Provincial Police to reconsider their own positions. Todd said those council members who have business or political aspirations might want to ponder how this will affect the future.

"I'm not trying to play politics at all," he stated. "People will remember this at the 2006 election," said Todd, who added disbandment would "haunt" the rest of the current council's term.

Augusta seeks local nominee for provincial seniors award

MAYNARD ­ The Township of Augusta is seeking names for its Senior Achievement Awards nomination.

Each year, the Government of Ontario recognizes the significant volunteer and professional achievements of individuals after they have reached the age of 65. Award recipients are to be recognized at a special ceremony to be held later this year at Queen's Park.

Municipalities are being asked to nominate "deserving" seniors. Augusta council discussed the matter last week and indicated it wants to get the word out to groups and individuals in the township.

Suggestions should be submitted to the municipal office in Maynard.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE NEWS

Stolen boats recovered before theft reported

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Two boats that had been taken from a dealership near Brockville were recovered by Grenville County OPP before they had been reported stolen.

At about 12:30 am last Wednesday morning, constables Will Kavanagh and Cindy Bisson saw the boats in tow at the McDonald's parking lot in Prescott. The officers noticed there were no licence plates or lights on the trailers, so they followed the vehicles onto Highway 401 eastbound. Constable Kavanagh stopped one of the vehicles just east of town; the other vehicle failed to stop.

Constable Bisson attempted unsuccessfully to locate that vehicle, which went north on Highway 416 and dumped the boat at a turnaround.

Leeds County OPP discovered the 20-foot boats with a total value of $100,000 had been taken from the lot of the Honda Outdoor Centre on County Road 2.

Stephane Lefreniere, 43, and Gerard Rodier, 36, of Gatineau were arrested for possession of stolen and property and were later charged with break, enter and theft. They are scheduled to appear in Brockville court later this month.

The Leeds and Grenville OPP Crime Unit is assisting with the investigation.

Men confronted before boat could be taken

JOHNSTOWN ­ Two men were arrested following the attempted theft of a boat near Johnstown July 1, according to Grenville County OPP.

A woman who saw two men on her property near County Road 2 confronted them. The men fled; police arrested two males ­ a 26-year-old Brockville man and a 24-year-old Edwardsburgh/Cardinal man ­ near the property. The boat was not removed from the complainant's property.

Charges are pending; names have not been released. Constable Blanchette is the investigating officer.

Trucker assists police with traffic stop

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Early on the morning of June 25, OPP constables Jeff McDade and Steve Large responded to an erratic driving call on the eastbound lanes of Highway 401. A refrigerated truck was observed driving in both lanes and striking the gravel shoulder several times. Police activated their emergency lights and were unsuccessful at first in stopping the truck. However, with the assistance of the driver of a larger tractor trailer, the first truck was blocked in, slowed and stopped.

The driver of the refrigerated five-tonne truck was arrested at the scene for impaired driving. The 51-year-old Grimsby man was also served with provincial offence notices for driving a motor vehicle that has open liquor in it and for having an improper inspection report. He is to appear in Brockville court this month.

Anyone who observes erratic driving is asked to contact police immediately.

Collision calls

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Members of the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 17 motor vehicle collisions in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal and Augusta townships during the week of June 28.

Nine of the collisions were single-vehicle occurrences; one woman sustained minor injuries and one man was charged. Five of the collisions involved two vehicles; the other three involved deer.

Among the 72 provincial offence notices issued on the weekend, two were for having speed measuring devices and one was for failing to move into a clear lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. Those three offence notices will result in court appearances in Brockville.

Spending up, overall tax rate down as Augusta approves 2004 budget

MAYNARD ­ Augusta council has adopted the township's 2004 budget.

The budget, approved last Tuesday, calls for a tax rate reduction even though municipal spending is much higher than last year.

When municipal, counties and education rates are combined, the overall decrease is 0.49 per cent. This means a $6 decrease in the tax bill ($1,240) for a residential property assessed at $100,000.

However, the township's overall assessment went up more than 11.5 per cent this year; this means many homeowners will end up paying more despite the slightly lower overall rate.

A number of things ­ including higher costs for Ontario Provincial Police service, staff wages and benefits, road work and reserve payments ­ were cited by municipal officials as the cause of the spending increase. It was noted the municipality has little or no control over some of those expenditures. The municipal rate hike was 6.29 per cent. Treasurer Linda Robinson indicated the finance committee started budget deliberations with a projected rate hike in the range of 11 per cent.

"I think we've done all we can do this year," Reeve John McCrea said.

The final tax payment of 2004 is due Sept. 30. The interest rate on late payments is 1.25 per cent per month.

Grant decisions

In addition to the budget, council also agreed on a number of grant payments.

The township will donate $1,600 to the Food For All Food Bank, $1,000 to the Edwardsburgh Zamboni fund and $600 to the Spencerville Fair. Council also agreed to a donation of $3,500 to Connect Youth; Reeve McCrea declared an interest and left the room when that decision was made.

The one grant request that did not receive council's approval was from the Leeds-South Grenville Physician Recruitment Task Force.

The township contributed $5,000 in 2003 and voted last week on whether to contribute an additional $5,000 this year. Deputy Reeve Doug Barton and Councillor John Fischl voted in favour of the grant; councillors Pauline Cyr and Garry Ferguson did not. The reeve broke the tie by voting against the motion.

T.R. Leger agreement among items on agenda at special council meeting

PRESCOTT ­ An agreement that would see the Prescott campus of T.R. Leger School relocate to the third floor of the Dibble Street municipal building was expected to be put to a vote at a special meeting of Prescott council Tuesday night.

The Journal went to press prior to last night's meeting.

The deal between the town and the Upper Canada District School Board would enable the alternative school to move from its current home at South Grenville District High School.

Also at last night's meeting, council was expected to award a tender for work that would have to be done on the third floor of town hall. Although upgrades were made to the building as part of the recently completed renovation project, the interior of the third floor requires additional work to enable the school to set up shop there.

Town officials have indicated the lease would enable the town to recover its costs and generate a surplus.

The agenda for last night's meeting included items dealing with the town's financial share of the proposed redevelopment of St. Lawrence Lodge. There were also bylaws dealing with the municipality's 2004 tax rates and capital budget.

A bylaw that would permit residential use of the ground and upper floors of the proposed multi-residential development at the corner of King and Russell streets is also expected to be given third and final reading at the Tuesday council meeting.

The regular council meeting of the month is scheduled for Monday, July 19 at 7 pm at town hall. Except for special meetings, Prescott council meets only once a month in July and August.

Almost time for return of Shadows

PRESCOTT ­ One of the highlights of the summer season at Fort Wellington is the upcoming Shadows of the Fort program.

Fort staff take part in this evening tour that recreates some of the characters and stories from the fort's past. Two lamplit shows will be offered each night on July 22, 27 and 29 and on Aug. 3 and 5 at 7:30 and 9 pm.

There is an admission fee; registration is required. To register or for more information, call 925-2896.

Fort Wellington was the 2002 recipient of the Attractions Canada award for being Ontario's top site of national or international interest.

Validated election results give Brown 9,035-vote margin over MP Jordan

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ The changes have begun in the wake of last Monday's federal election outcome.

Outgoing Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan has now closed his two offices in Ottawa and Brockville.

Validated local results from June 28 give the incumbent Liberal MP 16,967 votes. Conservative candidate Gord Brown won the riding by receiving 26,002 votes.

Steve Armstrong of the New Democrats placed third with 5,834 votes, followed by Green party candidate Chris Bradshaw with 2,722.

Jordan received more votes in the Nov. 2000 election. The Liberal MP's total was 18,594 (39.5 per cent of the vote). Brown ­ the Alliance candidate at the time ­ was a close second with 18,539. John M. Johnston of the Progressive Conservatives placed third with 7,940 votes.

The federal Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties merged late last year to form the Conservative party of Canada. The two former parties received 56 per cent of votes cast in Leeds-Grenville in 2000; the new Conservative party received about 51 per cent of the vote in the June 28 election.

In South Grenville, Jordan won Poll 103 in Prescott and Poll 147 in Augusta; Brown won all the other local polls.

Voter turnout in Leeds-Grenville was 65.4 per cent in 2000.

Jordan's House of Commons and constituency offices officially closed for business Friday. However, telephone lines (and voice mail) at the Brockville and Ottawa locations will remain in service until July 16.

An advertisement placed in this week's Journal indicates passports and congratulatory certificates which are already in production will be sent directly to applicants' home addresses.

Personal constituent files will be disposed of due to their confidential nature, according to the ad.

Jordan was unavailable for comment at press time.

Brown is expected to have his main constituency office in Brockville.

Friends launch colouring book

WINDMILL POINT ­ A colouring book on the Battle of the Windmill has been published.

The Friends of Windmill Point, a local volunteer group that runs the national historic site east of Prescott in partnership with Parks Canada, is trying to encourage children to learn about the site and take an interest in Canadian history. "A Colourful History" was launched last week and is available at the on-site gift shop.

Battle of the Windmill is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm in July and August.

Annual street hockey tournament for Easter Seal Kids taking shape

BROCKVILLE - Plans are underway for the third annual Leeds and Grenville Power Play for Easter Seal Kids.

The event, scheduled for Sept. 19 in the 1000 Islands Mall parking lot in Brockville, will be a four-on-four street hockey tournament where teams from business and industry will test their hockey skills while raising money for Easter Seals Kids. The teams will play in their work attire.

The top fundraising team will win the "Power Play Advantage" in which a National Hockey League celebrity will play on their team to help them win the Power Play Championship trophy.

Last year, Canarm Ltd. won the Power Play Championship as the top team, while Tackaberry Construction was the top fundraising team. The "Herb Tarlack Award" for the team or individual dressed in the tackiest attire went to the Upper Canada District School Board.

Last year's tournament was considered a major success with 13 teams and 78 players raising more than $16,500 for children living with physical disabilities in Leeds and Grenville.

The Easter Seal Society, Ontario is dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence.

Sponsorship spots are still open for the tournament.

For more information on sponsorship or to register a team, contact the Easter Seal office in Brockville at 342-0771.

Food bank serves South Grenville

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The Food For All Food Bank serves residents of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta.

The food bank is located on Henry Street across from the Legion in Prescott. The facility is open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Donations of non-perishable food items and money are always welcome. The food bank is a registered charity; tax receipts are available.

For more information, call 925-2444.

Sponsors can give youngsters chance to take swim lessons

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott pool is seeking sponsors for its Teach Every Child to Swim program.

The goal of the program is to provide swimming instruction to youngsters who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Service clubs, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to sponsor ten-day lesson sessions.

The swimming program offers valuable skills, improves fitness and the self-esteem and confidence of participants.

The names of youngsters who will get the sponsored spaces are to be drawn at random. Program organizers hope to accommodate as many requests for those spaces as possible.

For more information, contact Lesley Hubbard at the pool (925-0762). Registration forms are also available at Food For All Food Bank on Henry Street.

Health unit offers pool safety tips

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Supervision is the key when it comes to pool safety, according to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Remain free of alcohol and drugs while supervising and do not be distracted. Doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations can compete with watching children swimming and can be dangerous - even if the supervisor only leaves for a moment. Make sure to secure all gates surrounding pools; if having a party designate one sober person to supervise the pool.

Each municipality in the area has its own bylaw concerning the definition of a pool and the fencing requirements necessary. Typical minimum requirements are a four-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate, which surrounds the pool on four sides. Make sure garden furniture and toys are stored away from the fence to prevent children from climbing on them to get in the pool.

For more tips on safety regarding pools pick up a "Something to Make Waves About" sheet at local pool stores or call the Health Action Line at or 345-5865.

Stolen motorbike left on golf course; boys apprehended following incident

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Police Service investigated 89 incidents and one motor vehicle collision during the week of June 28.

On Sunday at about 3:45 am, a groundskeeper at the Prescott Golf Club reported to police there were two males pushing a motorcycle on the course. When they saw him, they dropped the bike and ran into a wooded area. It was later revealed the bike had been stolen from a Wood Street East residence. Constable Moe Morrissette is investigating.

The owner of Prescott Memorials advised police Friday some of the grave stones on display had been turned over. No damage was reported. The investigating officer is Constable Mike Ostrander.

An NSF cheque was reported to police June 30 by a King Street business owner. Charges are pending; the investigation by Constable Jon Pergunas continues.

On June 29, a 17-year-old Prescott female told police she had been assaulted by a 17-year-old male. The matter is under investigation, and charges are pending. Constable Richard Champagne is investigating.

A 13-year-old from Iroquois reported to police June 28 he had been threatened by three other males who demanded money. Three 15-year-old males were apprehended and dealt with by way of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Constable Morrissette is investigating.

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

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

Get the bear facts from MNR toll-free service

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ A Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) program encourages people to take steps to minimize contact and the possibility of conflict with bears.

MNR's Bear Wise program offers a toll-free hotline for Ontario residents experiencing bear problems. The number to call is 1-866-514-BEAR (2327). In case of an emergency involving bears, call 9-1-1.

For more information on how to reduce conflicts with bears attracted by household garbage or other domestic food sources, visit www.bears.mnr. gov.on.ca.

School boards stress the importance of eye examinations for children

PRESCOTT ­ The two English school boards in South Grenville are encouraging parents to take their children for complete eye examinations.

A new brochure from the Ontario Association of Optometrists was distributed to public and Catholic elementary schools in the Upper Canada and Eastern Ontario systems. The board's recognize eye examinations are an important part of a child's readiness for school, it is noted in a joint news release issued in June.

As many as one in six children has a vision problem that requires attention, according to the association. It is recommended youngsters be given their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age and before starting school, with additional examinations as recommended by an optometrist. Children should be checked for vision problems and eye health conditions, such as lazy eye or turned eye. Some conditions are not obvious to the untrained eye and could threaten one's sight if not caught early enough.

Prescott optometrist Dr. Jim Holmes indicated many parents are under the false impression their children will be screened for vision problems at school. "Parents need to know annual eye examinations by optometrists are covered by OHIP for children under the age of 19," Holmes states.

"We hope the brochure will get the message out to parents to have their child's vision tested."

For more information or for a copy of the brochure "Good Vision Can Help Your Child Do Well in School," contact the association at (905) 826-3522 or visit www.eyecareoao.com.

Babysitting training course being offered to students

BROCKVILLE ­ The Prescott Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students (HRCC-S) is encouraging young adults to sign up for a babysitting training course being offered in Brockville this month.

The three-day course will be held July 12-14 and July 19-21 at 153 King St. W., the site of the Brockville HRCC-S. Participants can earn their babysitter's certificate and obtain job skills that can be added to resumes.

The course is being presented in conjunction with the Brockville Employment and Education Centre (EEC). To register for the babysitting course, contact Kathy Dinh at the EEC (105 Strowger Blvd.) by this Friday, July 9. The number to call is 498-3090.

There is a registration fee, which will go towards training/reference materials and completion certificates.

For more information on the course or services offered by the student resource centres, call 925-2508 or visit the Prescott office on Centre Street (above the post office).

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It's so funny that you'll get it even if you don't understand the words."

Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Deborah Smith, referring to The Comedie of Errors

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

Prognosis is not good

As is noted in the "From the Archives" feature appearing on this page, Prescott was dealing with a shortage of general practitioners 40 years ago. Although the main family practice in town is now trying to meet the needs of patients who had been served by Dr. John Davies, who left the practice in May, the reality is the existing complement of physicians will be hard-pressed to meet the existing and future health-care needs of Prescott-area residents.

We are pleased to hear MP-elect Gord Brown believes getting more doctors into the system is an important issue. South Grenville can use all the help it can get when it comes to attracting physicians at a time when other communities are facing similar challenges and are doing what they can (financially and otherwise) to improve things for their residents.

With that in mind, we note last week's decision by Augusta council to vote against making a contribution to the Leeds-South Grenville Physician Recruitment program. The township made a contribution last year, but the new council voted 3-2 against a similar move this year.

The merits of whether it is fair and reasonable for municipalities to be expected to pony up to deal with a service handled primarily by another level of government can be debated, but the reality is the communities are the only ones looking out for their own interests. We believe municipalities have a vested interest in ensuring there is adequate and accessible health care for their residents. It is reasonable for civic leaders to question the work the task force has done and the results achieved, but declining to offer any support sends the wrong message to residents, businesses and the medical professionals who might be willing to give this area some consideration.

No one is suggesting the $5,000 Augusta considered giving will make or break the work being done by the recruitment program, but the initiative has already had to limit the extent to which it can offer incentives to young or relocating doctors. Simply put, we cannot afford to lose any more ground.

Township council adopted what was described as a "bare-bones" budget and approved donations to several local organizations that directly serve many Augusta residents (the food bank, Connect Youth, Edwardsburgh Zamboni fund and the Spencerville Fair). As much as the decision to forego this year's contribution to the physician recruitment drive might be the financially prudent thing to do at this time, the move could also be viewed as an example of how our civic leaders are being forced to spend too much time dealing with present and legitimate needs (because of downloading and other factors) and not enough time considering the bigger picture.

If access to family doctors is a concern in South Grenville, then it is up to South Grenville to try to do something about it.

Tim Ruhnke

Getting lost in a Swedish superstore was a nightmare

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS BY David Dickenson

I'm not a big shopping fan, and it was very apparent a couple weekends ago as I got dragged around box stores in Ottawa.

I don't like to shop; I really like to just go in, find what I want, check it out real quick, try it on if I absolutely have to and get the heck out.

However, that day I had some errands that had to be done and I got caught in the net of "Oh look Ikea, lets go in here" or "Oooh, the things in there are so great" and I just gritted my teeth and let myself get dragged into the monstrosity.

Walking around that store, it's obvious they know what they're doing since the first thing you smelled when you walked in was freshly-baked cinnamon buns, but from there it's just something I don't like.

You walk in with a flurry of people loitering around looking at pre-fabricated furniture created by Swedes to look like everything else under the sun.

The crowd in there alone was just nuts; it made me want to run for the exit. Then I realized; wait, where is the exit - you have to follow these open pathways in looping and zigzag patterns through the store as you seem to pass by the same people over and over again. I couldn't find my way out. It was like a labyrinth.

Then I walked into the children's room section. I got a little bug-eyed and started wondering if the poppy seed bagel I ate that morning had let some opiates escape into my body and I was hallucinating.

The colours were a little too bright and vibrant, and everything looked like it had been stolen from a fairy tale. Somewhere in fairy tale land there had to be seven dwarves angrily sitting on the ground, because Ikea stole their chairs to sell at a moderate price to upper middle class families looking to furnish their kids' rooms.

I kept along the beaten path and I saw people who looked as lost as I was; people who looked old and confused looking for the exit, just like I was while all these happy Ikea shoppers kept walking by smiling and admiring all the unique furniture and household goods for sale.

For god's sake, I couldn't even find an employee to ask where the exit was, until I picked up a kitchen clock to get a closer look so I could accurately mock it, and one of their minions finally asked if they could help me.

I just put the item back and asked him where the exit was, and he just told me to follow the path.

I have got to admit I was a little perturbed; this was not the yellow brick road, I am not Dorothy, but all the belongings from Oz were around me.

Finally, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and got the heck out of there. Though a lot of people may like the store, I offer some words of advice; bring some bread crumbs with you, so you can find your way out.

Prescott tries to deal with shortage of family physicians: 1964

FROM THE ARCHIVES

July 8, 1964

* Brockville Chemicals has announced a $10-million expansion plan. Construction at the site east of Maitland is expected to begin early in the new year, with the new facility being operational in January 1966. There are about 250 employees at the site.

* One of the largest Orange Walks in the town's history is slated for this Saturday. Loyal Orange Lodge 150, Prescott, will host 100 lodges from Eastern Ontario, Quebec and northern New York. Fifty bands and 6,000 marchers are expected to take part in the grand parade. M.E. Reid, Prescott Lodge Marshal, will be mounted on a white charger to lead the parade.

On a related note, Tom Conaway of the Prescott Police Department stated, "These parades invariably attract more than spectators to town. Crowded streets offer an ideal opportunity for skilled pickpockets to operate to their profit, so watch out for the slight nudge or bump from a stranger."

* A shortage of doctors has prompted the town's health and welfare committee to advertise in medical journals. Councillor Douglas LaPorte noted there are only three physicians trying to cope with the demands of about 12,000 people in the area. "We once had as many as seven doctors busy when we had fewer people," he said. Fewer general practitioners and unreasonable demands for home visitations at all hours were cited as reasons contributing to the shortage.

July 10, 1974

* In the face of a national sweep by the Liberals in the federal election, voters in Grenville-Carleton re-elected Progressive Conservative Walter Baker to a second term. Baker defeated Liberal candidate Jim McDonald by more than 11,000 votes. However, the Trudeau government was elected to a majority government; the Liberals had formed a minority government in 1972.

The outcome of the election raises uncertainty about the future of Progressive Conservative leader Robert Stanfield.

* Carlene MacDonald pitched the win and slugged a pair of home runs ­ including a grand slam ­ as Prescott #2 routed North Augusta 61-13 in recent Seaway Junior Girls Softball League action.

If anyone was sick, Dr. Charles McPherson would be there

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

The following is an excerpt from Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800-2000

Canada's oldest practising medical doctor at the time, and loved by the community for his patience, gentleness and devotion to his career, Dr. Charles McPherson died January 2, 1969. He still practised in Prescott up until the age of about 92, and he is remembered as being caring and generous.

The doctor carried a long list of achievements, including being the oldest living medical graduate of Kingston's Queen's University. Having graduated in 1896 at the age of 20, he was still too young to be licenced. Two years of post-graduate study in New York City followed, then he returned to his home town of Prescott to pursue his vocation in his office at the corner of Centre and Henry streets. Dr. McPherson was born July 14, 1876, the son of Moses McPherson, principal of the old high school in the Henry Street landmark now used by the Canadian Legion, and Louisa Redmond McPherson, a member of another well-known pioneer family of this district. The Methodist Church, now St. Paul's United, was the site of his baptism in 1877. He was educated at local elementary and high schools.

In 1902, Dr. McPherson was named Medical Officer of Health by the Town Council, and he is credited with the first essential steps toward elimination of the annual spring threat of a typhoid epidemic by banning certain sources of water supply, and implementing a purifying system into the provision of water for the residents. He worked in conjunction with a well-known machinist of that day, Harry Perkins, to design and make the equipment for injecting chlorine into the municipal water supply. This was the forerunner of a purifying treatment that is still in use today.

Dr. McPherson served as MOH for over 50 years, before the United Counties Health Unit absorbed this office in 1955. From 1904 to 1966, he was the coroner for Grenville County, which required his services at any fatality anywhere in the county, at any hour. He was replaced by Dr. J.A.H. Aitken, of Prescott, when new legislation necessitated his retirement. He was also physician and medical examiner for the Canadian Pacific Railways during that company's peak years in Prescott.

It was in the role of general practitioner that the venerable doctor had endeared himself to so many. In the earlier days of horse and buggy transportation, and lack of roads, he would travel as far as possible by buggy or cutter, and finish the rounds on foot. He made trips for sickness and maternity cases, at a fee of $5 a case, and with the knowledge that probably only one or two would ever be paid out of every five calls. During World War I, it was said demand for his service reached as high as 60 calls a day; few practitioners were left in this district. The registered nurses rallied to his aid and banded together to give assistance when possible.

In the early 1940s, when Prescott had its first Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Bertha Young, she and Dr. McPherson set up the first Well Baby Clinic, first on Centre Street and later in the former Market Building. He played a large part in the opening of the Health Centre in Prescott, providing all the instruments in the clinic. Here, volunteer registered nurses assisted the doctor and the Public Health Nurse during the period up to 1954. The genial doctor also assisted in training of nurses' auxiliaries during the war.

When asked by J.A. Morris in 1967 to elaborate on the changes he had seen in the world of medicine, the scholarly man mentioned the coming of hospitalization, the development of immunization among the children's diseases, particularly, and a complete changeover in treatment of tuberculosis and mental disorders. Also of modest character, the doctor said he couldn't estimate the number of children he helped bring into the world, answering, "I guess I would need a totem pole to keep track of that."

Beyond his profession, Dr. McPherson held several other records for longevity of service, being a charter member of Columbian Encampment, IOOF, dating back to 1903, plus 62 years in Amity Lodge, IOOF, and over 60 years as a member of Central Lodge, A.F. & A.M. A well-deserved distinction was conferred on Dr. McPherson in 1963, when he received the Chamber of Commerce's award for community service.

Until just several months before his death, Dr. McPherson continued in his daily rounds looking after his patients in town and country, and visiting at the Brockville hospitals every day. The devoted physician was remembered for his 70 years of service with the unveiling of a plaque and naming in his honour the town's new $500,000 combined medical professional and health centre complex in June 1981.

A neighbour of Dr. McPherson since his own birth in 1922 and delivered by him, Pat Kingston recalled in 1999 that the doctor was very caring in his profession. "If anybody was sick at all, he'd be there. Money wasn't his object in life. He looked after his profession more than anything else. He was very smart."

Guest speaker will leave the House bearing gifts

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Next Tuesday, July 13 at 1:30 pm, we plan to send all our bears to their new homes.

We will have Sean McFadden from the Alzheimer Society here to take them on their way. He will answer any questions we might have about the disease and the care and support available for families.

Please plan to come join us and share our strawberry shortcake dessert following the meeting.

We still have two tickets left for the dinner and theatre Tuesday, July 20. If you would like to join us, please call 925-5300.

At the next information meeting, we will be talking with Gary Sluytman about telephone scams etc. It will be held Thursday, July 22 at 10 am. Please mark your calendar.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Doris Mossman; 2nd, Nancy Coligan; door, Mary Reynolds. Fun bridge ­ Delia Seeley. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Dora Cook; 3rd, Eddie Arcand; door, Jessie Shaver.

Spaghetti junction signs might be switched

Changes to Cardinal intersection recommended by township council

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council has approved a recommendation for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to reverse the stop signs at the so-called "spaghetti junction" on a trial basis at Monday's regular council meeting.

Despite some criticism from councillors on the change of stop signs from Dundas Street to Lewis and Bridge streets, council voted Monday to approve the recommendation.

"I'd like to be on the record that I'm not fully in favour of this," said Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell.

"With parking on both side of the (Bridge) street, a medical building right there and a train route, I think we're in for trouble. It's not the answer, but I'm willing to give it a try."

Deputy Mayor Bill Sloan suggested the township should post County Engineer Les Shepherd's number nearby so residents could let him know of the many complaints.

"I agree (with Charlie)," said Sloan, "but this will let the people find out for themselves."

Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron indicated he didn't feel the trucks having to stop on Bridge and Lewis streets would cause more problems.

"The amount of time a truck will be stopped shouldn't make that much of a difference," said Cameron.

"What are the chances of three trucks all getting there at the same time and having to sit around. I have seen it, but the chances are remote. I'm happy with this on a trial basis."

Council reported at the June 30 committee-of-the-whole meeting the topic of spaghetti junction was brought up and discussed with County Engineer Les Shepherd after the counties had received a 50-page petition with 731 names from Cardinal resident Jack Patrick requesting something be done to the corner due to safety concerns.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated Shepherd presented council with different options on how to handle the corner at the committee-of-the-whole meeting.

"The third alternative was to remove the centennial library altogether," said Taylor. "The others involved looping it around the other side (east side) with a small portion of the land taken out to even out the turn a bit."

At the committee-of-the-whole meeting, Shepherd was asked if he had considered reversing the stop signs to make Dundas Street the through street, since that is how the intersection was laid out in the past.

Shepherd cited concerns about noise and fumes from the idling truck traffic as concerns, but indicated he would be receptive to it on a trial basis.

Patrick told The Journal June 28, despite having sent the petition to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal in early March, which was then forwarded to the counties, and then sending the petition directly to the counties May 24, the group of concerned citizens has yet to receive a response from the counties.

Cameron also brought up the fact Patrick had not been advised the petition was received by council and asked Taylor to ask at the counties why he wasn't shown this courtesy.

Despite township council approving the recommendation, Taylor indicated this was still the first step in the process to get the signs switched.

Taylor explained that due to Dundas and Bridge streets being county roads, any changes to the intersection would have to be approved by the counties.

"It goes from council to the counties to discuss," said Taylor. "It will then be up to them to decide to approve this or not. I believe their public works committee meets this week and this should be on the agenda."

Taylor indicated the reversal of the stop signs at the corner would be on a trial basis with the counties if approved.

"They (the signs) would remain until the complaints started pouring in and they need to be changed back," said Taylor.

"It's up to the public's response."

Galop Canal Park concerns presented at council meeting

SPENCERVILLE - Township resident Martha Casselman spoke to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday to request bylaw changes to the park on Galop Canal Road.

Casselman, who lives down the road and said she was also representing her neighbours, indicated there are a number of concerns she has about the park and hopes council would do something to help rectify the situation.

Among Casselman's concerns are that the park is becoming a frequent party spot for local teens.

"That park is different from the others in the township," said Casselman. "It's a party place for the teens to go and drink and do drugs. The OPP comes and tells them to leave, but after they go the kids come back."

She also explained to council how kids and adults who use the beach don't have a bathroom to use and often knock on Galop Canal residents' doors and ask to use their washroom or just do their business in public.

"There's a pool in Cardinal and Johnstown and a beach in Cardinal; they don't need to swim there," said Casselman.

"This has to cease. I would say you need to take better care of things out there. Get washrooms out there or give up the park altogether."

Other concerns about the park Casselman mentioned include the drag racing down the road, campers dumping sewer water on the land and the garbage cans not being maintained.

Council offered no response to Casselman's concerns.

Township council seeks direction on ownership of canal stones

SPENCERVILLE - A letter from Cardinal In Bloom sparked discussion at Monday's Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council meeting about who owns the canal property.

Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated council had received a letter from Lori Pennell of Cardinal In Bloom inquiring about who the group should talk to about requesting two or three of the canal stones.

In Pennell's letter, she explains they would like the stones so Cardinal In Bloom could use them as a centrepiece, with a plaque containing the history of the old canal for Benson Park on John Street.

Taylor asked township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald to investigate the matter as to who owns the canal and the stones.

"We need to do some digging on this," said Taylor.

"Also, we should find out if we need an engineering study if we were to pull any stones out. If that's the case, this could end up being quite costly."

Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell was quick to respond. "We might not want to know who owns them," said Burrell, "but I believe it was turned over to the village of Cardinal a while back."

Council indicated it would continue to look into the matter and get back to Cardinal In Bloom.

Ornaments, flower beds damaged

CARDINAL ­ Grenville County OPP received numerous reports of mischief that occurred during the overnight hours of July 2-3 in the village.

The complaints involved damaged lawn ornaments and flower beds in the area north of County Road 2.

Constable Will Kavanagh is continuing the investigation; anyone with information on these occurrences can contact him at the detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Swim with the Sharks at Cardinal Pool

CARDINAL - The lifeguards at the Cardinal Pool are ready for a safe summer filled with fun.

Emma Ladouceur comes in as the new aquatics co-ordinator for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, looking after operations for both the Cardinal and Johnstown pools.

She will look to the returning staff - Julia Jodoin, assistant supervisor and lifeguard/instructors Kalla Dobbie, Brooke Jodoin, Ryan Davy and Courtney Sullivan - to bring experience back to the pool. New to the pool is lifeguard/instructor Colin Hickman.

The heart of the Cardinal Pool program is the Cardinal Sea Sharks swim team, which is open to anyone who is able to swim the length of the pool. The team practises weekdays from 1 to 2 pm.

The pool will also feature a variety of programs for the whole family.

Red Cross swimming lessons will take place from 9 am until noon weekdays and from 10 am until noon Saturdays.

Cardinal will also feature an Aqua Fit program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm.

Senior swimming will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Night and family swims are scheduled for 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm week nights.

Public swimming will be from 2 to 5 pm weekdays and from 12-5 pm on weekends.

Free public swimming will also be provided at the facility with the Cardinal Lions Club hosting Monday sessions from 2 pm until 4:30 pm.

Tim Hortons will also hold free public swimming times (Tim Swims) Wednesdays from 2 to 4:30 pm.

For more information on the pool and its programs, contact Ladouceur at 802-0840 or e-mail pools@edwardsburghcardinal.ca.

Council sells corner lot in Cardinal

SPENCERVILLE - After dismissing the audience and media to proceed in-camera, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council reconvened in open session to deal with one matter.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated Tuesday morning council had declared the property on the southeast corner of Dundas Street West and County Road 2, next to Cardinal Convenience, to be surplus.

McDonald noted council then accepted an offer from Gail Burrell of Cardinal to purchase the parcel of land, as is, for $33,000.

At the June 21 regular council meeting, council noted the parcel of land was being looked at as a possible site for a seniors condominium complex.

McDonald noted Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell, who is the husband of the purchaser, declared a conflict of interest in the matter.

Chick Kirkby will be missed by sporting community

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - South Grenville has lost one of its local legends and most colourful characters.

On June 24, life long Prescott resident Charles William "Chick" Kirkby passed away at Brockville General Hospital with his family by his side. He was 78.

Kirkby worked at the Canadian Coast Guard Base from June 1970 to his retirement in March 1993, but his passion was sports.

Over the years, he served as the unofficial groundskeeper to both Prescott ball diamonds and has helped coach numerous baseball and softball teams in the area as well as a major supporter of minor hockey.

According to daughter-in-law Laurie Kirkby, he was dubbed the "Mayor of New Wexford" by his brother Hall Kirkby. His home was his castle, which he called "his piece of the earth." He loved his home on the river and the community of Prescott.

In recent years, Chick continued to teach as he undertook his latest adventure of playing stick hockey and baseball with his great grandchildren Tyson and Kennedy.

Kirkby's playing days included time spent with the Prescott Junior Hockey Team in 1945 where he was the winner of the Gill Cup (St. Lawrence League title) and the Citizen's Shield. He was also a member of the 1945 junior baseball team where he played with brothers Don and Bern Kirkby.

Kirkby's exploits in local sports have been a story which has been passed on from one generation to the next and he was recognized for his contributions with the re-birth of the Brockville and Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Kirkby and his brother-in-law, Leo Boivin, were among the first inductees as the hall re-opened its doors.

With Kirkby's passing, a final tribute was held for him June 26 as his funeral procession proceeded past the Chick Kirkby Little League Ball Park where members of the Prescott Pirates held an honour guard holding up baseball bats and hockey sticks to salute his life and contribution to sports.

Kirkby's passing leaves fond memories for those in the area who knew him and cemented his legend as a local hero in sports.

Prescott native and Globe and Mail Sports Editor Steve McAllister was quick to credit Kirkby as an important part of his life when he was a youngster.

"I can't begin to tell you how much of a positive influence he was on me," said McAllister. "He coached ball when I played for the Prescott Pirates in Connie Mack ball. It was Chick and Gord Campbell who kept ball alive in Prescott for my generation. I remember a game one Saturday afternoon where Chick was in his late 40s or 50s and came on to pinch hit for us. He was our manager and he came out got a fastball and drilled it into right field for a single, and everyone just went nuts."

McAllister explained Chick himself was a great local character who formed a bond with everyone he met.

"The great thing was the stories he told," explained McAllister. "Everyone always wanted to go with him on road trips, because he would tell stories the whole time about his younger days in Prescott and it was always good for a load of laughs. He was a good coach and he was a lot of fun. The most wonderful part of Chick, was all ages and generations knew him and his stories. It's not often you have a person like that."

Back in 1985, Kirkby was the subject of a roast by his friends and acquaintances to help raise funds for his dream of a little league baseball diamond for Prescott. Close to 300 people showed up at South Grenville District High School to pay tribute to the local legend, which raised several thousand dollars for the project.

His good friend and former hockey teammate, Carl Reid, was another who couldn't say enough of the contributions throughout the years by Kirkby.

"He's the man that saved the ball diamond on Prince Street; if it wasn't for him. we wouldn't have it for the kids," said Reid. "He really took an interest in ball; it was his favourite sport and he was the only man who would go out there and work the fields for the kids. He always wanted to give people a chance to do this kind of thing in the area so they would be off the streets. He really enjoyed being around the kids and always wanted to give them the chance to better themselves."

Kirkby leaves behind his wife Erma "Bobbe" Kirkby, two children Mark (Laurie) and Dean Kirkby, five grandchildren Ryan (Melanie), Justin (Sandy), Josh (and his friend Lesley), Nicole and Jennifer Kirkby and two great grandchildren Tyson and Kennedy Kirkby. Chick is also survived by his brothers Hall (Nora) and Donald (Judith) Kirkby and by his brother-in-law Leo Boivin and several nieces and nephews.

Free fishing this weekend

PETERBOROUGH - The 11th annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend (OFFW) kicks off this Friday, July 9.

Residents of Canada can take to the waters at 12:01 am on Friday and are able to fish until 11:59 pm on Sunday without purchasing a licence from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

The OFFW is run in conjunction with National Fishing Week, which began July 3 and runs until July 11. The week is a celebration of angling and is promoted as a way to bring family and friends together.

Those fishing without a licence are asked to take a friend fishing with them and respect the habitat.

All OFFW anglers must remember to abide by conservation licence limits set out in the current Ontario Regulations Summary available from fishing licence issuers, the MNR, or online at www.mnr.gov.on
.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html
#fish.

For more information on the free fishing weekend, call 1-800-667-1940 or visit the Web site at www.familyfishingweekend.com.

SGMHA NEWS by the SGMHA executive

The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association are looking for volunteers to help operate bingos.

Working bingos are one of the main fundraisers for the SGMHA, to help keep minor hockey registration costs affordable.

For more information or to sign up contact Elaine Whiteman at 658-2393.

The SGMHA is searching for coaches for the atom B house, peewee B house and novice teams. Anyone interested in the positions should contact Joe Francica at 925-2730 or get a coaching application from the SGMHA Web site.

Hockey players born between 1984 and 1986 are being invited to sign up for a new juvenile team which will take the ice this fall.

Those interested in playing should contact Tracey Kenney at 925-5202 before July 13.

Check the SGMHA Web site www.sgmha.com regularly for news, updates and important information on the upcoming season.

Pool ready for a safe summer

PRESCOTT - The summer season is under way and the Prescott Pool has opened for the season.

The six-person pool staff is led by Pool Supervisor Lesley Hubbard, who returns for her sixth year at the town facility. Joining Hubbard at the pool will be third year lifeguard/instructors Julie Putman and Katie Graham, second-year lifeguard/instructors Sarah Wilson and, Wesley McFarlane and new to the pool this year, lifeguard/instructor Shelley Hanna.

The pool, located on St. Lawrence Street, will offer four sessions of morning lessons from Monday to Friday between 9 am and noon. The first session began June 28 and will run until July 13; the second from July 14 until July 29; the third from July 30 until Aug. 16, and the final one running from Aug. 17 until Sept. 1.

There will also be two sessions of evening lessons this summer. The first will run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm from June 29 until July 28 and Aug. 4 until Sept. 1.

There will also be two evening sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm from June 29 until July 29 and Aug. 4 until Aug. 31.

Public swimming times will be held throughout the summer from 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Other public swimming times include Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm until 4:30 pm.

Free public swimming times (Tim Swims) will be held Wednesday afternoons and are sponsored by Tim Hortons Prescott.

The club also offers a variety of different pool programs such as the Aqua Fit program Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon until 1 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm. AquaFit is a low impact water aerobics class, where strong swimming skills are not required.

Lane Swimming will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until 1 pm.

The club is also known for its Prescott Piranhas swim team which will compete in roughly six events throughout the season. The swim team will practise Monday to Friday from 4:15 pm until 5:30 pm. The swim team is open to anyone who can swim the length of the pool.

The pool also runs lifesaving society programs such as the Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross programs.

Red Cross AquaTots and AquaQuest, as well as Aqua Adults, will be available if there is sufficient interest.

The AquaTots program is a 30-minute class held for parents with children up to the age of five.

AquaQuest includes swimming and water safety lessons for children above the age of three. The program's levels 1-8 are 30-minute sessions, while sessions 9-12 last 45 minutes.

Sponsored swimming lessons are also being offered this summer with anyone interested asked to inquire at the Food For All Food Bank in Prescott or the pool office.

Private lessons are also available.

For more information on the activities or programs at the pool, contact the pool office at 925-0762.

Armstrong nets five goals in Southport victory over Gateway

PRESCOTT - Ryan Armstrong had one of the best games of the week as he scored five goals in a single game.

Amstrong netted all five of Southport's goals in a 5-0 shutout over Gateway Packaging in Under-16 Prescott and District Soccer Association action June 28 at South Grenville District High School.

Other PDSA results are:

Under-16

Southport 5

Ryan Armstrong (5)

Gateway Packaging 0

No goal scorers

D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons 3

Maxim St. Jacques (3)

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 2

Hallie McFarlane, Andrew
Wilson

Canadian Tire 6

Georgie Gonidis (3), Patrick Peladeau (2), Brandon Spencer

Watermark Printing 2

Jacob Piette, Jordan McMullen

Hartley Sports 4

Chad Hyland, Joshua Perrin, Orry Thorpe, Katlyn Baker

Grenville Towing 3

Chris Hoogwerf, Matthew Deeks, Aaron Greengrass

Canadian Tire 3

Patrick Peladeau, Brandon Spencer, Georgie Gonidis

Gateway Packaging 3

Andrew Wessel, Nathaniel Hayes, Joshua Strickland

D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons 2

Adam Molson, Joseph Greer

Watermark Printing 1

Joshua Whelen

Southport 2

Hank Heykoop, Ryan
Armstrong

Grenville Towing 1

Jamie Graham

Hartley Sports 3

Nicholas Wert, Stacey Kenney, Orry Thorpe

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 2

Sebastian Last (2)

Under-12

Grenville Castings 4

Jessica Dunnington (2), Sean Perring (2)

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 2

Ronnie Harrison (2)

Beach Home Hardware 5

Jamie Sturgeon (5)

Shriners 3

Tyson Lefebvre, Cody Patenaude, Jacob Hayes

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 4

Devon Deschamps (2), Michael Lawless, Sean Blackburn

B.W. Freer Electrical 2

Tommy Carr, Cory Wilson

Grenville Castings 5

Sean Perrin (2), Wesley Moulton (2), Jessica Dunnington

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 4

Devon Lebrun (3), James Halladay

Giant Tiger 2

Philip Wiseman (2)

Mac's Convenience Stores 1

A.J. Larocque

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 4

Ronnie Harrison, Josh Brown, Chad McAuley, Drew Johnston

Colour Pallette 3

Brandon Reid, Troy Armstrong, Colby Latocha

Colour Pallette 5

Mitchell Grant (2), Megan Kelly, Hillan Barton, Colby Latocha

Giant Tiger 2

Sarah Hendriks, Michael Morrell

Shriners 4

Coleman Colpitts (2), Morgan Marshall, Matthew Suatac

Mac's Convenience Stores 2

Joshua Bailey (2)

Beach Home Hardware 5

Richard Champage (2), Scott Stephenson (2), Jamie Sturgeon

B.W. Freer Electrical 2

Tommy Carr (2)

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 2

Damien Van Hyning, Skylar Fraser

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 1

Devon Lebrun

Under-10

Danani Flooring 4

Chris Hendriks (2), Paul DeJong, Alex Boswall

Mac's Convenience Stores 0

No goal scorers

Grenville Pharmacy 1

Alex Stevenson

Royal Bank 1

Matthew Courtney

Playit Star 2

Adrian Dalrymple, Skyler Noonan

Prescott Kinsmen 1

Patrick Spencer

Splash Well Drilling 2

Jeremy Lapiante (2)

Prescott Kiwanis 2

Ewen Eaton, Shane Laton

TD Canada Trust 5

Christian Zahn (2), Mika Turansky (2), Spencer Cook

Cassidy's Engraving 4

A.J. Larocque (2), Matthew Scott, Michael Barkley

Under-8

Prescott I.D.A. 3

Dawson Smith (3)

Windmill Web Inc. 0

No goal scorers

Compendium Group Inc. 3

Austin Wickware (2), David Armstrong

M.T.J.B. 1

Kaitlyn McNally

St. Lawrence Printing 4

Curtis Ross (2), Zackary Shankar, Lucas Amell

Hometown Heating 1

Ian Sabourin

Playit Star 5

Cameron Smith (4), Damian Pezadean

Tropical Pools & Spas 2

John Lawless, Ben Smith

Under-6

Chevron Construction 1

Elizabeth Cameron

Portraits by C. Endicott 0

No goal scorers

Prescott Chiros 1

Taylor Prosser

Playit Star 0

No goal scorers

Star Security 2

Cole Cameron, Chad Fretwell

Grenville Fish & Game 0

No goal scorers

Chevron Construction 4

Elizabeth Cameron (3), Spencer Ross

Playit Star 0

No goal scorers

Star Security 1

Cole Cameron

Prescott Chiros 0

No goal scorers

Grenville Fish & Game 5

Jonathan Noonan (3), Cameron Beaver, Terri-Anna Libby

Tichborne Auto Supply 1

Wilson Burton-Fox

Portraits by C.Endicott 3

Connor Ladouceur, Cameron Cook, Devon Knapp

Beck's Construction 0

No goal scorers

Beck's Construction 3

Ethan Hartle (2), Steven Armstrong

Tichborne Auto Supply 0

No goal scorers

Visit the PDSA Web site www.leedsandgrenville.com/pdsa for updated standings and a schedule of upcoming games.

South Grenville Jr. B Rangers name 2004 award winners

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers announced the winners of their 2004 team awards June 21.

The goaltending duo of Ben Knapp and Greg Richardson were named the team's co-MVPs. Defenceman Alex Rees was the top points scorer for the Rangers, while Peter Veltkamp was named the team's top defenceman. Adam Lawrence won the award as the team's top forward, while 15-year old Brandon Kelley was named the rookie of the year. Eric Selleck was the top affiliate player, Cahl Gerow won the coach's award while Justin Wiley received an award for sportsmanship and ability.

Tikis hire Johnstown resident as new coach/general manager

BROCKVILLE - The Brockville Tikis Jr. B hockey club has named Johnstown resident Bobby Orr as its new head coach and general manager.

Tikis President Carl Reid indicated June 24 that Orr will fill the vacated roles, after coach Doug Sheffield and GM Whit Prophet resigned following the season.

Orr has spent 23 years coaching minor and all-star hockey in South Grenville and Brockville.

Orr will look to continue the Tikis' strong performances of recent seasons, having won the St. Lawrence Division title last year, before losing to Alexandria in the final.

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