VOL. 174, NO. 38~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ September 22 2004

Town asked to bid

Ontario senior games pitch includes Brockville, Gananoque and Athens

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott has been asked to take part in a bid to host the 2007 Ontario Senior Winter Games.

In a presentation to Prescott council Monday night, Brockville Councillor Tony Barnes said the games would be an excellent showcase for the region as a year-round tourist destination and a great place to live.

The councils of Brockville, Prescott, Gananoque and Athens are being approached by a bid preparation committee to join in a collaborative bid that would see 1,500 competitors take part in nine events, including hockey, curling and bowling. Although opening and closing ceremonies would be held in Brockville, Prescott would provide venues for hockey and curling.

Prescott council and the other three potential municipal partners are being asked by a local bid committee to underwrite the games, which would be held Feb. 14-16, 2007.

Barnes said the games would generate a surplus; in addition to receiving $200,000 from the province and $263,000 from participants, an additional $128,000 in corporate sponsorships is projected.

The town is also being asked to waive ice rental fees at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and cover overtime and other staffing costs; these items have a combined value of $5,000.

Barnes acknowledged he was skeptical when he first heard about the idea. However, he noted the games would showcase the region to at least 2,000 visitors, fill a lot of rooms and promote an active lifestyle.

Barnes also noted there are no other bidders at this time, adding he in confident a collaborative bid from the Brockville area would be selected. He described the project as low-risk, noting he has no doubt the community can produce the 300-500 volunteers that would be needed to run the various events.

Bids must be submitted by Oct. 8. Council referred the request to the committee level; the next council meeting will be held Oct. 4.

Initial response from town council members was positive. Mayor Robert Lawn said he does not see much of a risk, but he does see many benefits.

"Sounds like a great idea," Councillor Bob Pelda said.

Barnes said separate arrangements would have to be made with the Prescott Curling Club. The mayor said he is sure club officials will be co-operative.

The senior games are held once every two years, London hosted the games in 2003; Barrie will host them this coming winter.

THIS WEEK

Blood donor clinic to be held Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ Give the gift of life tomorrow.

A blood donor clinic will be held this Thursday, Sept. 23 from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School on Edward Street.

All blood types are needed. Although appointments are encouraged, walk-ins will be accepted.

Canadian Blood Services conducts clinics in Prescott twice a year.

The local clinics are sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club and Prescott Kinsmen in association with the school.

Slow down in highway construction zones

PRESCOTT ­ Motorists are being asked by Grenville County OPP to slow down in construction zones.

In response to recent complaints from workers on Highway 401 near the Edward Street interchange, Constable Foley spent time in the area Friday. While conducting laser radar, he issued five offence notices, two warnings and a seat belt warning.

Signs posted in the construction zone are enforceable, according to an OPP news release.

"Construction crews are making our travel better and safer," a police news release states. "The least we can do is return the favour."

Day of Caring needs volunteers, projects

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ The Day of Caring needs the community's help.

The fourth annual event presented by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville will take place Saturday, Oct. 16. Employee groups get an opportunity to volunteer their time to support community-based projects involving non-profit agencies.

Non-profit groups seeking support or teams of five volunteers who want to lend a helping hand are asked to contact Cathy Froom at 342-8889.

The United Way will ensure volunteers get to take part in a Day of Caring event in the area in which they live, according to a news release.

Improved crosswalks get the green light

PRESCOTT ­ Proper pedestrian crossings and advanced green lights will soon become a reality on Edward Street.

Council has awarded a contract to Industrial Electric for the installation of crosswalk signals at Victor Road and Park Street as well as advanced greens at the Churchill Road intersection. The company's bid price for the work was $89,671.

Councillor Nancy Lane said Monday it will take eight to 12 weeks for the upgraded crosswalks to be in place. She said the changes will improve safety in the community.

Advanced green lights at Churchill Road should also help ease increased traffic congestion at the intersection, according to Mayor Robert Lawn.

The bid price is slightly higher than what had been budgeted for in 2004. Town officials noted there has been underspending in the public works department this year that could serve to cover the higher cost of crosswalk work.

Also at Monday's council meeting, a contract to clear trees for roads in the proposed subdivision in the northeast end of town was awarded to DL Construction at its bid price of $19,000.

Council also gave its approval to a recommendation to enter into a contract with the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce for consulting services involving Tourism Prescott at a cost of no more than $12,000. Under the proposal, the Chamber will help devise and implement marketing and visitor service programs and define the role and structure of the town's tourism committee.

Terry Fox Run still going strong

More than 100 people take part in fundraiser for cancer research

PRESCOTT ­ The legacy of that one-legged runner who energized a nation 24 years ago continues to grow.

This year's Terry Fox Run in Prescott raised $6,553.32 and counting as of Monday.

The 2004 event had a better turnout than the previous year. There were 113 participants ­ including three divers and at least 24 Air Cadets ­ in the Prescott run this year, compared to 99 in 2003.

This was the 24th edition of the Terry Fox Run in Prescott. The run is held in honour of the young runner from B.C. who set out to cross Canada in 1980.

Fox, who lost his leg to cancer when he was a teenager, had made his way from Newfoundland to Northern Ontario when his journey ended after it was discovered cancer had spread to his lungs. He died in 1981.

The Terry Fox Run is still held annually in hundreds of communities throughout Canada and the world and has raised more than $300 million for cancer research.

On Sunday in Prescott, sunshine and temperatures slightly below average for late summer greeted participants who walked, jogged, rolled, skated and wheelchaired their way along the waterfront route extending from the eastern edge of town to Sophia Street. Water was offered to participants at checkpoints along the route; those who took part were also served barbecued hot dogs and drinks at the event's base located at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre.

The top fundraiser at the local run was the Conlin family, which collected more than $3,157 in pledges.

Sunday marked the first time Mardy Howe took part in the local run. The Prescott resident who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair to get around, said she was just going to watch the event. Run organizer Sharon Spychi suggested she become a participant, which she did. Howe approached a number of businesses and put their cards on the back of her wheelchair in return for a pledge. She plans to do the same thing next year.

Prescott Coast Guard base joins list of PSAC rotating strike locations

PRESCOTT ­ Job action by members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is escalating.

Unionized Parks Canada Agency staff ­ including five workers based in Prescott ­ continue to take part in a national rotating strike. On Tuesday, blue-collar PSAC members at the Coast Guard Base in Prescott were on the picket line as part of a province-wide walkout by their section of the union.

Parks Canada staff began their nation-wide job action more than a month ago. So far in September, unionized workers at Fort Wellington have been out on strike for five days. According to the union, the fort was closed to the public during last week's walkout ­ the first time the national historic site was shut down because of the strike.

The fort is scheduled to be open daily until the end of September.

Geoff Fortier, who heads the PSAC local that includes blue-collar workers at the base, said the unwillingness on the part of Treasury Board and the federal Liberal government to negotiate with the union is frustrating. He noted the situation will continue to escalate as other sections of the public service join the growing strike movement.

Many PSAC members who work at the Prescott base are not in a legal strike position and must continue to report to work, Fortier noted.

A number of local union representatives met with Leeds-Grenville Conservative MP Gord Brown Monday.

House tour tells story of achitectural styles past and present

Annual historical society event set for this Saturday

PRESCOTT - This year's Grenville County Historical Society house tour promises to showcase a number of homes which display the diverse architecture of the South Grenville area.

The eighth annual tour is happening on this Saturday, Sept. 25 from 1-4 pm.

The tour will feature homes of architectural significance in Prescott and Maitland. The oldest home on the tour was built in 1842, and the most recent one was built in 1957. Admission to the tour also includes an afternoon tea at Walker House in Prescott.

Tour organizer Valerie Schulz believes this year's selection of homes provides a peek into several eclectic area homes. To select the homes, she simply drives around the area, picks out unique dwellings and asks the owners if they wish to display their home on the tour.

The homes highlighted on this year's tour include:

* The Nolan House at 721 Boundary St. in Prescott. This home was built in 1957 as one of many dwellings built to accommodate Prescott's population boom created by RCA and DuPont. This home is built in the modern bungalow architectural style and is located across from the Prescott Golf Club in the Fairways subdivision. The home is described as being "beautifully furnished and landscaped," and features a mural by local artist Sharon Stein depicting Prescott's history.

* The Maley House at 464 King St. E. in Prescott is known locally as "Angelkeep, " and was built in 1875 by a family of carpenters. It is a large frame home which features a full-length verandah overlooking Prescott's waterfront trail. The home also features prominent woodwork throughout and has many interesting nooks and crannies to explore.

* At 516 King St. W. is the Alex Stark House. It was built of stone in the 1840's on property which was originally outside the town limits of Prescott. The home was owned by noted United Empire Loyalists Edward Jessup and Alphus Jones, as well as 19th-century Prescott mayor John Mundle. The current and previous owners have worked hard to maintain the character of this stone edifice.

* Heading west along the St. Lawrence, the next home on the tour is the Pearson House at 1300 County Rd. 2 in Maitland. This house is also built of stone and was originally constructed by local entrepreneur Albert Pearson, who was a military man and the manufacturer of the first shoes in the area. In the 1960s and 1970s, the home was operated as The Golden Oaks, a toney restaurant known for hosting parties and special events. Currently, the home is notable for its impressive decor and meticulously maintained interior.

* The final home on the tour is the Sherman S. Halliday House at 1260 County Rd. 2 in Maitland. This stucco structure was built by Halliday in 1865 when he moved to Maitland with the intention to convert its steam mill to a distillery. However, Halladay's distillery was soon seized by the government for irregularities in its operation and he was forced to sell the house and flee to Ogdensburg to evade arrest. The home is noteworthy today for the very few changes which have been made to it over the years.

Advance tickets for the eighth annual Grenville County Historical Society house tour are available at Young's of Prescott and Flower World. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event at Walker House. All proceeds from the tour go to the society.

A Catholic school book

KEMPTVILLE ­ The official launch of a book that chronicles the history of Catholic education in Eastern Ontario will take place this Thursday.

Beacons of Faith, a 450-page hardcover work that describes the past and present of Catholic schools in the region, will be introduced at a special gathering to be held tomorrow morning at the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario office on County Road 43.

The book was completed in one year and includes special stories, photos and a section on school patrons and namesakes. "It is dedicated to all those who have shared in the vision and life of Catholic education throughout our eight counties in Eastern Ontario during the past 200 years," a board news release states.

The Catholic Education Coalition ­ a group of educational partners striving to strengthen the relationship involving home, school and parish ­ initiated the project.

Drive Wise program will be available to VON Prescott-area volunteers

PRESCOTT ­ Local VON volunteers are invited to attend an upcoming driver education seminar for seniors.

"Drive Wise" will be offered Friday, Oct. 1 at 9 am in the Prescott Health Centre auditorium on King Street West.

The free seminar is a refresher course that provides concise tips, suggestions and driving strategies. The program also helps seniors preserve their right to drive.

On a per-capita basis, senior citizens are not involved in more accidents than other age groups. However, seniors are at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed in a collision.

"There is what is known as the frailty factor," stated Leo Tasca, team leader of special projects with the Ministry of Transportation. "It's more likely the fatality is a senior driver, even though it may not even be their fault," Tasca added.

Ontario Provincial Police officers deliver the program. The seminar is about 45 minutes long.

"If all of us, regardless of age, become better informed, then we will be better drivers," said OPP Sergeant Bob Paterson, who trains officers who present Drive Wise seminars.

For more information on the program, visit www.drivewise.ca.

More than 6,000 items collected at food bank event

Twenty businesses, groups take part in second annual Bottom Line Challenge

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The 2004 Bottom Line Challenge covered a lot of ground.

This year's event in support of the Food For All Food Bank was held Saturday in the parking lot in front of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer.

Organizers estimate at least 6,000 non-perishable food and household items were collected. Last year's event, which was held during a downpour in early October, collected an estimated 5,000 items.

About 20 businesses and service clubs took part in the 2004 challenge. Participants collected items and, with the help of South Grenville District High School volunteers and the school's Interact club, placed the items on lines in the parking lot to spell "FOOD 4 ALL" in large letters. Bad weather prevented the placement of items on the line in 2003.

The Prescott Journal, 101.5 The Fox and O'Reilly's returned as sponsors of the 2004 challenge.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said events like the Bottom Line Challenge show the true meaning of community. "The food bank has been a tremendous addition to our community," the mayor added.

The food bank, which opened two years ago, serves residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Augusta Councillor Pauline Cyr said the food bank is important to the township, adding it is also important to keep the shelves full.

Food For All Vice-Chair Bob Wardrop noted how much the food bank relies on support from local residents, groups and businesses. "Without the community being involved, we wouldn't exist," he said.

In acknowledging support for the challenge, food bank co-ordinator Bonnie Gommert also referred to the ongoing effort being made to serve local residents throughout the year.

"It's not just today. It's everyday," she said. "As a community, we work together to meet the need."

The items collected Saturday should serve to keep the shelves at the food depot stocked for several weeks, according to Gommert.

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

Town council approves raises for non-union staff and management

PRESCOTT ­ The town's non-unionized staff and management have been given raises for 2004 which match those received by unionized staff.

Prescott council approved the three-per-cent increases Monday night. As part of a three-year agreement between the town and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, unionized staff are to receive wage hikes of three per cent in 2004, 3.5 per cent in 2005 and four per cent in 2006.

In keeping with tradition at the municipality, non-unionized workers will receive the same pay increases as their unionized colleagues. In the case of management, though, they will not automatically receive the same pay hikes in 2005 and 2006.

Council agreed Monday to direct the CAO to provide a revised pay grid for town managers. The proposal is to be presented to council in January.

Mayor Robert Lawn said the town had been planning for some time to make revisions to the structure. "We'd like to set pay for managers at different levels," he commented.

As for the raises approved by council, they were accounted for as part of 2004 budget deliberations.

Council also approved an increase to staff's vision care health benefit. The maximum was increased from $200 to $300 every two years.

Reserved taxi space to move

PRESCOTT ­ One of two taxi stands on King Street West is on the move.

Prescott council has approved a finance and corporate services committee recommendation to move the parking spot near AJ's Taxi one space to the east.

The move, which was approved Monday night, will require a new sign to be posted and the word "TAXI" to be written on the street to clearly mark the reserved parking space. The other taxi stand in front of Fort Town/Prescott Taxi remains unchanged.

New Tory leader backed by MPP

TORONTO ­ The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has a new leader.

Former Rogers Cable CEO John Tory defeated fellow candidates Jim Flaherty and Frank Klees in leadership voting held Saturday. Tory succeeds former premier Ernie Eves.

Tory, who has yet to be elected to public office, had the support of Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman. Flaherty and Klees are members of the Ontario legislature.

A Liberal government proposal would see provincial elections held on the first Thursday in October in four-year intervals, beginning Oct. 4, 2007.

Celebrate 125 years of Johnstown church this week

JOHNSTOWN ­ Johnstown United Church has come a long way from its Loyalist roots of the nineteenth century.

The church is marking its 125th anniversary with a special service this Sunday, Sept. 26 at 10:30 am and a special evening of music featuring the Gospel Lighthouse Quartet at 7 pm.

There is also a turkey supper (at a nominal charge) that will be served this Thursday, Sept. 23 beginning at 5 pm at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown.

In 1879, people in the neighbourhood (regardless of denomination) chipped in and donated their time, labour and money to establish the Johnstown Methodist Church. The church property was deeded to the church for $1. Heated by two box stoves, the church had to purchase two cords of wood for $3 and coal oil for lamps at a cost of 50 cents in 1880.

The United Church of Canada was formed by the merger of Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches in 1925. The Johnstown church hall was created in 1931 when part of the shed for buggies and horses was enclosed.

To accommodate the widening of Highway 2 in the early 1960s, the church had to be moved back. The grounds were extended to the St. Lawrence River, and a new foundation and basement replaced the older hall.

The upcoming anniversary dinner and services are open to the public.

Community dinner to be served today

PRESCOTT ­ Seaway Christian Church on Churchill Road is hosting a Master's Hands Community Supper today (Wednesday) from 5 to 6:15 pm.

The monthly dinner for the less fortunate is free of charge. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Local talent on display at second annual autumn colour studio tour

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Artists from around the region will be opening their homes to the public for the second annual Seaway Autumn Colour Studio Tour.

The showcase will take place Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 am until 5 pm.

According to some of the artisans who are taking part in the tour, the experience provides them with an opportunity to show off their works and make people aware of all the local talent.

Many of the local artists are excited about the show and are hoping for a big crowd. "Last year we had more than 200 people sign up," said quilter Pat Lemaire. "After last year's, we got a lot of good, positive feedback."

Fellow tour artist Vivienne Cudlipp added, "There are a lot of good, talented people in the area that people really just don't know about. There's a good variety of arts in different types, such as Adam Walasek with his sculptures and Margi Laurin with her polymer clay art, such as jewellery and wall pieces."

Artist Marianne Leeck, who works in dyed fabrics and textile art, explained the tour is important for the artists so they can make people aware of their works and display their talents.

"What we get from this is exposure," said Leeck. "We get to show off what we can do and set up other things like classes. It's hard to find a place for people to market their art, and this will give people a chance to come and see all of our works."

The tour will feature the various works of 18 artists at 11 local venues.

* The Blue Heron Inn Bed & Breakfast, located west of Prescott at 1648 County Rd. 2, will feature two artists, Vivienne Cudlipp and Adam Walasek. Cudlipp is a water colourist and quilter who has gained her passion from workshops and classes. Walasek, a retired high school teacher, will be displaying some of his sculptures of whimsical human and animal forms.

* The Hawthornes Studio at 1662 County Rd. 2, will feature the works of Marilyn Ramasra White and Christina McCarthy. White does a variety of work in fine arts including still life, landscapes, florals and abstracts in various forms such as oils, watercolours, acrylics and collage. McCarthy produces handcrafted stoneware pottery which is functional for home and garden as well as some decorative raku-fired pieces.

* J. Allison Robichaud will be displaying some of his works of fine art at his home at 584 Jessup St. in Prescott. Robichaud is a renowned Canadian Landscape painter who had a book on art published in 2002.

* Walker House, located at 623 King St. W. in Prescott, will be serving as a rest stop along the tour offering tea, coffee and cold drinks as well as sandwiches and homemade goodies to people on the tour. There will also be demonstrations and samples of quilting and Bunka embroidery on display.

* Fibre artist Wendo Van Esson will be displaying her works at her home at 812 Zaire St. in Prescott. Van Esson creates felted landscapes that are whimsical and full of depth.

* Ronald Landry will have some of his woodcarving and pyrographic art on display at his home at 14 Reilly St. in New Wexford. Landry's subjects range from human figures to wildlife, with a penchant for horses.

* Thelma Cameron will have her works on display at the Crystal Rock Art Room at 3098 County Rd. 44. Cameron is a self-taught artist well known in the area for her painting of Fort Wellington. She also paints land and seascapes, still life and portraits.

* Pat Lemaire's home at 32 Mary St. in Johnstown will feature her personal works as well as the works of Bonnie Lemaire, Robert Westall and Linda Potter.

Pat Lemaire is a quilter, who has incorporated her passion for quilting into her everyday life from business to clothing and home accessories. Bonnie Lemaire is an illustrator who has worked in a variety of creative fields, she works on various projects such as greeting cards, giftware design, children's' book illustration to Web page design.

Westall is a caricature artist who has worked as a freelance illustrator/cartoonist for a variety of magazines and newspapers and has been the park caricaturist for Canada's Wonderland for the past two years.

Potter's greatest pleasure comes from playing with dolls and fabrics. Her life long passion for collecting unique fabrics, linens, buttons, beads and lace has provided the inspiration for the eclectic and humorous characters which she creates.

* Mary Scott, who dabbles in the fine arts, will have her works displayed at her home on 2119 County Road 2 east of Johnstown. Scott has a great varied collection of material to use in water colour, oil or pen drawings.

* Marianne Leeck and Millie McLaughlin will both be displaying the works at Leeck's home at 1519 County Rd. 2 east of Johnstown. Leeck is known for using her hand dyed and painted fabrics for quilting, landscapes, textile art, clothing and home accessories. McLaughlin produces Jelly Belly bears and enjoys teaching her craft to others and watching every bear come to life.

* The final stop on the tour will feature Alan Cathcart and Margi Laurin at Cathcarts' home at 3038 John St. in Cardinal. Cathcart works in pen and ink ship profiles, with each profile originally 60 inches long and drawn in black ink on a plastic sheet before being size reduced to a photographic print. Laurin produces polymer clay art and sells her product line wholesale and at retail at major shows and galleries throughout Canada.

Give the gift of life at blood donor clinic this Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ Canadian Blood Services will be in Prescott tomorrow (Thursday) to conduct a clinic from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville District High School.

All blood types are needed.

Although appointments are recommended, walk-ins will be accepted.

As always, the Prescott blood donor clinic is being sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club and the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in association with the school.

Baseball played with roadside signs

AUGUSTA ­ Another round of mailbox baseball took place late Saturday and early Sunday. About 10 mailboxes and 9-1-1 signs, mostly on County Road 15 between Dixon Road and 6th Concession, were uprooted or destroyed. Witnesses heard or saw about five males in the area at about midnight. There was evidence of alcohol consumption at the scene. Constables Prophet and Foley are investigating. Call the detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 with any information involving these cases of mischief.

OPP ­ GRENVILLE COUNTY NEWS

Generator stolen from garage

AUGUSTA ­ An 1,800-watt Coleman generator was taken from a garage on 6th Concession during the overnight hours of Sept. 15-16. There was no forced entry. The generator is valued at about $500. Constable McDade is the investigating officer.

Break-in at library in Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library was the scene of a break-in sometime between Sept. 9 and the morning of Sept. 14. Someone had entered and exited through the rear door. The only thing reported missing was $50 in loose cash. About $100 in damage to the door and lock occurred.

Constable Kerr is the investigating officer. Anyone with information on the break-in is asked to contact the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

OPP ­ PRESCOTT NEWS

Computer taken from store shelf

A laptop computer was taken from Playit Star on Henry Street Saturday afternoon. A man entered the store, took the Acer Travelmate Model 292EXC computer from the shelf and left the store. A clerk attempted to catch the suspect; however, the suspect fled in a waiting vehicle. The theft was reported at 1:23 pm.

The suspect is described as a bald white man between the ages of 26 and 32, 5' 6" and 150 lbs., wearing a tan sweatshirt, zip-off shorts and sunglasses. The vehicle is believed to be a two-toned (beige/tan and gold) 1999-2003 Ford Windstar; there were at least two other people in the van.

The computer is valued at $1,250.

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to contact Constable Verney at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police look into broken window, shoplifting

Constable Kerr responded to a mischief call last Monday morning (Sept. 13) at Boundary Street Public School. A north window had been smashed. It appeared the damage had occurred sometime on the weekend.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP detachment at 925-4221.

Later that morning, Sergeant Bryan Somerville responded to a shoplifting call at Giant Tiger. A 15-year-old Prescott male was issued a trespass notice by the store and a verbal warning about his actions. The community sergeant responded because other officers were tied up, according to an OPP news release.

Attempted break-in at St. Paul's church

There was an attempted break-in at St. Paul's United Church. The incident is believed to have occurred late Saturday or early Sunday. The rear door was damaged and there are pry marks; however, it did not appear the building was entered.

RIDE check goes three for ten

A RIDE checked was conducted by constables McDade, Large, Runciman and Shawn Steinburg in the area of King and Sophia streets early Saturday morning. Ten vehicles were stopped; one 12-hour licence suspension was issued. Two provincial offence notices were also issued.

The numbers to call

Prescott residents who wish to contact the Ontario Provincial Police in non-emergency situations are asked to call 925-4221 during business hours or 1-888-310-1122. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Leisureville replaces Fantasia theme park plan

Brockville development would benefit entire region, according to backers

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - At a press conference held at Brockville City Hall Friday, developer Anton Stephens said he hopes his new Leisureville development will meet with greater co-operation from the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and the provincial government than his 1000 Islands Fantasia proposal did more than two years ago.

According to Stephens, the Fantasia development stalled because the ORC failed to grant the operation a gaming licence in a timely fashion.

Leisureville project consultant Gary Rochester emphasized the first phase of the Leisureville development would offer many benefits to people in outlying communities - including the Prescott area.

"With respect to outlying communities, there are both direct and indirect benefits," said Rochester, adding the race track would be of particular benefit to area farmers who sell animal feed and hay.

"It's important to us as horse people to see support for the racetrack," said Russ Moulton, a Roebuck resident and director with the Ontario Harness Racing Association. He said the addition of a 12-month racetrack at Leisureville will be a boon to local horsemen because it would be the only year-round racetrack in all of Eastern Ontario.

He also knows of two large horse farms which are poised to locate in the area should Leisureville go ahead. "They're ready to build as soon as approval is given," said Moulton. He adds 72 Eastern Ontario horsemen are supportive of the project.

When 1000 Islands Fantasia was proposed in November 2001, the theme park was to cost $232 million and include a 200-unit hotel with convention centre, four ice pads and a roller rink, indoor and outdoor winter park attractions and theme rides, a winter tubing area with ski lift, a miniature railway, and an 18-hole chip-and-putt golf course, as well as a racetrack and slot machines. At that time, it was estimated 2100 jobs would be created by the theme park.

Stephens emphasized funding was never the reason his initial development (which is to be located south of the 401 near the Black & Decker plant in Brockville, off Central Avenue) didn't go ahead. Instead, he says a variety of factors - particularly the lack of a definite timeline for licence granting by the ORC and lack of support by the provincial government caused the delay.

Phase one of the revised proposal - which is to include a casino and a racetrack - is estimated to cost in between $50 and $70 million and may provide up to 1,500 area jobs. If phase two and three (which may include a water park, nature trails, and a hotel and spa) are completed, it is estimated Leisureville could employ as many as 5,000 people from Eastern Ontario.

Stephens is optimistic a new Ontario government and a new director of the ORC will enable his operation to get off the ground. "The Conservative government not supporting it (in 2001) didn't help," said Stephens. "We believe the McGuinty government is supportive of projects of this nature."

He also emphasized the project is not asking for any money from the government. "We will create revenue and jobs and we're not asking the government for any money," said Stephens.

Mother Daughter Walk set to take place Sunday

BROCKVILLE ­ The Cheerios Mother Daughter Walk for Heart & Stroke will take place this weekend in Brockville.

Check-in time for the annual fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation is Sunday at noon at Hardy Park; the event starts at 1:30 pm. The two-kilometre route extends along the boardwalk.

In addition to the walk, there will be entertainment, clowns, goodie bags and displays.

Registration is free and can be done in advance or at the park Sunday; people of all ages may participate. Walkers 16 years of age and older are encouraged to raise a minimum of $20 each. Participants and supporters can register or pledge online at www.heartandstroke.ca/walk. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $10 or more.

Proceeds from the nationwide event support research into the root causes of heart disease and stroke, which now kill more women than men. More than $2.5 million was raised last year.

For more information, contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 345-6183.

Hodge covering Athens temporarily

BROCKVILLE ­ Local Upper Canada District School Board trustee Joan Hodge is adding the Athens family of schools to her duties on a temporary basis.

The move, which was announced Tuesday, is in response to the recent death of trustee Robert Hartley. Hodge and two of her colleagues at the English public board will oversee Hartley's constituency (including the Gananoque and Rideau Lakes school families) until a new trustee is appointed or elected.

Hodge already serves Grenville County, including the Prescott area.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Without the community being involved, we wouldn't exist."

Food For All Food Bank Vice-Chair Bob Wardrop, referring to support for the non-profit group

Editor's Notebook

SALUTING THE LEGION: Legion Week comes at a time when some Royal Canadian Legion branches have had to sell their buildings, operate on reduced hours and consider closing permanently.

The Legion is not just some place where old soldiers sit around and drink. Branches have raised millions of dollars over the years for various community agencies and projects. The Legion also represents this country's military history and tries to serve the best interests of its members, many of whom are not given due consideration by their government which they served in their younger years.

We salute the men and women of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary who, with little in the way of fanfare or recognition, are fighting to preserve an important part of our national identity.

TORY AND THE TORIES: In welcoming John Tory to the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, we reject the suggestion it would have been better to elect someone with experience in public office.

The insight of the men and women who have been successful in the private sector is an invaluable asset Ontario cannot afford to ignore. The public often complains about not having good choices when it comes to its political leaders. Quite frankly, being an elected official is too much of a handful or a pay cut for many of our best and brightest to consider.

If John Tory can apply his knowledge of the private sector to the business of running a province while accepting that the government has social responsibilities to uphold, the Tories will definitely give the Liberals a run for their money at election time.

BEING THERE: As much as editorial writers and columnists will take issue with some of the decisions made (and the manner in which they are made) at the municipal council level, we must also acknowledge the effort some of our civic leaders make when it comes to public appearances.

For example, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn attended a ribbon-cutting downtown Saturday morning and then took part a short time later in the opening of a food bank event in the north end of town. There was also the Terry Fox Run in which he and his wife (former mayor Sandra Lawn) participated the next day. It is not uncommon for mayors and reeves to make numerous public appearances (dinners, parties, grand openings to name a few) in addition to council and committees they must attend over the course of their term.

We might not agree with what they say or what they do at the council table, but we respect those civic leaders who make the effort to be visible and accessible in the communities they were elected to serve.

Tim Ruhnke

The first thing I ever won ­ and it was a bench!

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

I guess I've never thought of myself as lucky. I've never been the type to enter lotteries, bet on football games or horse races, or "clean up" at the casino or bingo hall.

In fact, until recently, I could honestly say I had never won anything larger than a muffin at Tim Hortons (thank you "Roll up the Rim" ) or a Diet Pepsi. (Their under-cap promotion a few summers back kept me in free soft drinks for several weeks.)

Anyways, back to my winning. A couple weeks ago I visited the Harvest Days festival outside of Roebuck. Not thinking it would come to anything, I bought a ticket on a bench which folded into a picnic table. I was most surprised a day later when I received a call from event organizers saying I had won it. I was delighted, even though I wasn't really sure where I would put it or what I would do with it. One thing I have considered is putting the bench on my porch and making it into a dry bar. Folded in the correct way, it would make a nice four-seater bar. Maybe it will even prompt me to jump-start my party planning for the busy fall entertaining season. Of course, for me that means buying a six-pack and inviting two friends over.

* * *

I recently turned 25, which is really the first "milestone" birthday I've celebrated. For me, however, the birthday is of special significance because it will mean - finally - that my stratospheric car insurance costs will start to go down.

My insurance charges spiked a couple Februarys back when my Suzuki Swift met an untimely demise at the back of a fire truck assisting other black ice-related accidents on the 416. By turning 25, I hope the outrageous costs I am paying will finally start to decrease.

My insurance became so dear this past year that I actually took out a student loan to cover it. My situation got me thinking about other people like me who, through weather conditions or other understandable phenomena, have had an accident and now have to foot the bill for exorbitant insurance costs. I expect a lot of people are driving illegally simply because they cannot afford insurance.

This should not be. Insurance companies should not be able to charge whatever they feel like on the backs of people whose premiums are already the highest. And unless the provincial government wants to see many people driving without insurance, it should step in and cap insurance rate increases for a long period of time, not just for 90 days as it did with its first bill. And though the provincial Liberals boast a 7.31 per cent decrease in overall insurance premiums in Ontario for the first half of 2004,neither I nor anyone I know have noticed their insurance go down a bit this last year. And for those of us whose insurance rates increased more than 50 per cent this past year, a 7.31 per cent decrease is of little consequence.

Maybe my memory is foggy, but didn't the Liberals promise a substantial decrease in insurance premiums during the last provincial election?

Preparations for royal visit nearing completion: 1984

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Sept. 23, 1964

* The rebuilt Legion Hall on Henry Street has been officially opened. More than $30,000 was spent on getting the building back into operation after a fire that occurred in May.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 President Grover Fisher and master of ceremonies James Bain were among those on hand at the ribbon-cutting.

* Members of the Ottawa Underwater Society have brought up more than 250 pieces of china from the wreck of the Rothesay just west of Prescott. The cruise ship was loaded with a cargo of china and porcelain when it sank to the bottom of the St. Lawrence in the 1880s.

Sept. 19, 1984

* Prescott's royal visit committee is completing final details as the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is just over a week away.

The 90-minute visit is to include a stop at Fort Wellington and a military pageant. The royal couple will arrive by train and be greeted by Mayor Sandra Lawn and 1984 committee chair Marian Preston. Ontario Premier Bill Davis and his wife will accompany the queen and prince. All streets south of James Street will be closed for much of the day. Any parked cars on the motorcade route are to be towed and the owners given tickets.

* The grand opening of Mr. Grocer on King Street West is set to take place next week. Larry Taylor is the owner/operator of the store.

* An organization representing wives of Prescott police officers is campaigning to restore the death penalty for criminals convicted of first degree murder.

Speaking on behalf of "Flipside," Anne Kindervater indicated capital punishment is an appropriate penalty and is a deterrent "if you fully know that your life will be ended upon taking another life."

An ad that appears in The Journal calls on supporters of the death penalty to sign the notice, cut it out of the paper and send it to the police department.

Responses to column have made the inbox a very surreal place

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

Over the past few months, it has been really interesting to get feedback every week and receive letters and comments from people who have either enjoyed or despised From the Other Side.

The comments have ranged everywhere from 'this column is neo-conservative ideological drivel' to 'finally someone is calling it the way it is.' Regardless, the inbox can be a very surreal place. I thought it would be fun this week to share some of these with you...

Dear Jeff,
I am pleased to announce that the NHL and the NHLPA have reached a new collective bargaining agreement. I have a copy of it right here in the fax machine.
Sincerely, Dan Rather

Dear Jeff,
We feel that without Todd Bertuzzi playing hockey this year, our chance of getting Canada's health care program back on track is pretty solid.
Sincerely, Paul Martin

Dear Jeff,
I really enjoyed the Olympics. I was only there for a few hours but I managed to come home with several medals.
Sincerely, John Kerry

Dear Jeff,
Nothing says I love autumn more than an orange jumpsuit.
Sincerely, Martha Stewart

Dear Jeff,
Even though the White House was critical of Canada's marijuana laws, we wanted you to know that not all Americans feel that way.
Sincerely, Whitney Houston

Dear Jeff,
I agree with Whitney. By the way, be sure to catch my new film, "In Jail Alone". Aaaaaaaagh!!!
Sincerely, Macaulay Culkin

Dear Jeff,
Since they now have legalized gay divorces, do you think I can get a refund for the ring I, uh, "purchased"?
Sincerely, Svend Robinson

Dear Jeff,
I am worried that Canada's health-care system will give preferential treatment to victims of Hurricane Jeanne because it is francophone and therefore a "distinct" Hurricane.
Sincerely, Hurricane Ivan

Dear Jeff,
I hope you enjoyed watching Michael Moore's recent film, Fahrenheit 911. Nothing is better than watching Hollywood deliver a good exposé on how corporate America really looks after its own interests first when it comes to foreign policy.
Sincerely, $23.50 (for two large Cokes and two popcorns at the theatre)

Dear Jeff,
Did you see Batman climbing the walls of Buckingham Palace last week? With all of the exposure he is getting, it would be great if we could get him as part of our sponsorship program.
Sincerely, Jean Chrétien

Dear Jeff,
I don't see why there is such a fuss about banning the fox hunt in England. I have searched all through England, and I have not found any foxes.
Sincerely,, Hans Blix

Dear Jeff,
I am sick and tired of reading about sex scandal cover-ups in the Catholic Church.
Sincerely,, Michael Jackson

Dear Jeff,
I would have helped the U.S. find the weapons of mass destruction. But I'm still busy looking for the real killer.
Sincerely,, O.J.

Dear Jeff,
Please get Madonna, uh, we mean Esther, the hell out of here.
Sincerely,, The Middle East

Dear Jeff,
There's something really familiar about the guy that won Canadian Idol, but I just can't seem to put a finger on it.
Sincerely,, Frodo Baggins

We hope you enjoyed this week's parody of celebrity e-mails. You've been a great audience.

So sit back, relax, have some jumbo shrimp, and enjoy the Irish Rovers.

Former Editor Jeffrey Morris works in sports licensing and marketing in Seattle.

He is a regular guest analyst and humourist on Fox Sports Radio.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Weed problem growing out of control in Prescott

The Editor;

Once again, I feel compelled to address the problem of overgrown weeds in this town. Mother Nature has never needed any help supplying us with wild fragrant flowers and flowing grasses, so it wouldn't hurt to do some clean-up and neaten things up.

It is not environmentally friendly to allow all these weeds to spread their seeds far and wide, making life miserable for all the allergy and asthma sufferers.

After spending over a million dollars to renovate our town hall, I think a nice lawn with a couple of flower beds would be more pleasing than the look we have now.

If anyone agrees with me, why don't you speak up?

Betty Elliott
Prescott

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School: Benson Public School is off to a great start. It is nice to see all the familiar faces again and we extend a warm welcome to our many new families.

We also welcome four new teachers: Ms. Graham in Kindergarten, Ms. Ross in the 6/7 room, Mme. Coupland teaches French and Mme. deWit teaches special education.

Our biggest change this year is our daily schedule. Students, staff and parents are all adjusting well to a balanced day with two 40-minute breaks instead of the traditional 20-minute recesses and lunch hour.

We look forward to meeting all of our school families at our open house Sept. 22. This event gives parents an opportunity to say hello to their child's new teachers and see the school and classrooms where learning takes place.

Our Scholastic Book Fair also takes place throughout this day and during the open house as well.

Boundary Street Public School: Students and staff are preparing for our upcoming Fall Fun Fair to be held on the evening of Friday, Oct. 1. This will be followed by our 50th anniversary open house Saturday, Oct. 2 from 12:30-3 pm. Please plan to come out and join us in the celebrations.

Our school council met Tuesday in the library.

Students are busy working on the wall mural just inside the front door of our school. Volunteering your talents and time to help with this project is appreciated.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: Everyone here at Centennial is hustling and bustling, getting the school year under way.

Our annual walk-a-thon is this Friday, Sept. 24. Students are asked to raise as much money as they can, with the proceeds going to special school activities. Teachers and staff donate prizes, and upon completion of the walk-a-thon, there is a draw. Each student gets a free draw slip and an additional slip for every $5 they raise. Good luck to everyone.

We have also picked our PLC program this year, but it's a little different this time. Once a week, each team rotates to either a gym period, an MSIP period (homework period) or a computer period. We all hope this works out and the students enjoy it.

North Edwardsburgh is celebrating its 40th anniversary. There will be an open house and BBQ at the school Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 5 pm.

Central Public School: Miss Lacelle's Kindergarten Class is getting used to school life and meeting new friends.

Mrs. Labrash and Miss Wyborn are once again collecting Canadian Tire money and Campbell's Soup labels. New physical education equipment for classes ­ including 15 new soccer balls ­ have been purchased with your donations.

Miss Polite's grade 2/3 class is busy with the fall theme unit "apples and squirrels." Miss Penney's 3/4 class has been writing letters about "fairness" as part of Central's focus on character "virtues." Mr. Pratt's 7/8 group has been volunteering in all classes as lunch monitors, reading announcements, tidying equipment rooms, recycling and helping their Grade 1 "buddies."

Cross-country practices have begun; our first meet is Oct. 1 at Iroquois Locks. Miss Wyborn and her 5/6 class are leading all students into a quality daily physical education program in the afternoons.

School photos (Sept. 28/29) and fall fun fair/open house (Sept. 30) will be here soon.

St. Joseph Catholic School: "Blessed are the Peacemakers!" Congratulations to this week's Peacemakers: Katie Hayman, Marielle Hansen, Justin Dalrymple, Jason Deeks, Torin Marcynuk, Andrew Moulton, Brianna Harnum, Luke Severson, Kehan Fu and Krista Lebrun.

Please come to our September Celebration of the Eucharist today (Wednesday, Sept. 22) at 11 am at St. Mark's Church.

Many families have already put in their meal order for our barbecue, which will take place this Thursday, Sept. 23 from 5-7:30 pm. There will be many fun activities for family and friends as well as a bake sale. Mark the date on your calendar!

Cross-country runners have been seen at St. Joe's. We are anticipating some interesting cross-country meets. Senior students are also trying out for our soccer teams. Tournaments begin in October.

The first school council meeting for 2004-05 will take place Monday, Sept. 27 at 7 pm in the library. Both old and new council members will be in attendance.

St. Mark Catholic School: We started the beautiful first week of autumn with our opening school year mass.

School photos were taken Tuesday and are being finished today.

Curriculum night begins this evening at 7 in the school gymnasium.

We wish our priest, Father Johannes Appelman, a happy 45th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and a happy 70th birthday. A special celebration is being held at St. Mark's Parish Centre Sunday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 pm. Our students are making placemats and will sing "Salt of the Earth."

Nominations continue for school council. If any parent is interested, kindly fill out a nomination form and send it to the school by Friday, Sept. 24 at noon.

Our All Star Reading strategy this week is Book Awareness: "Look at the book."

Make the right move: join the morning exercise group

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

This Saturday, Sept. 25, the historical society is holding its annual house tour from 1 to 4 pm. Five houses in this area are on the tour. The cost of the ticket also includes afternoon tea at Walker House. Tickets are available here at the office as well as a description of the various houses and a map showing their location.

Our exercise group meets Monday and Thursday mornings at 10. On Mondays, we use some gentle moves of tai chi to warm our bodies. On Thursdays, we use the large balls as our exercise equipment. Both of these are good for flexibility and balance. The faithful members find you can work to your own ability but feel good following the exercises. We extend a welcome to anyone who would like to join us.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Brenda Humphry; 2nd, Joyce Nesbitt; door, Mary Reynolds. Fun bridge ­ Jean Farlinger. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Margaret Nesbitt; 2nd, Nancy Coligan. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jessie Shaver; 2nd, Alvie Annable; 3rd, Edith Cartier; door, Eddie Arcand.

College foundation fundraiser to coincide with forest fair day

KEMPTVILLE ­ The first major fundraising event by the Kemptville College Foundation (KCF) is set for this Saturday, Sept. 25.

"Harvest Fest" features a social hour at 6 pm followed by a buffet dinner There will be silent and live auctions as well as dancing to the sounds of the Glenn Silverson Band. Proceeds from ticket sales are earmarked for the college's programs and projects.

KCF is a registered non-profit charity formed in 2000 as government and other funding sources dwindled. The foundation has raised nearly $75,000 to date.

The event is partnering with the day-long Forest Fair of Eastern Ontario, an annual gathering which is also set for Saturday at Ferguson Forest Centre. The fair includes a lumber auction, entertainment and children's activities.

For tickets or more information, call Kathy Hardy at (613) 989-2054.

Power Play comes up big for Easter Seal Society

BROCKVILLE ­ This year's Power Play for Easter Seals Kids raised more than $14,000 to support children and young people living with physical disabilities.

Sixteen teams competed in the third annual Leeds and Grenville road hockey tournament was held Sunday in the parking lot of the 1000 Islands Mall.

Canarm Ltd. of Brockville successfully defended the Power Play trophy. The event included a silent auction that raised $700.

Easter Seals District Manager Wendy Bowes said the event is the most important fundraiser of the year.

MP Brown attends council to obtain better grasp of township issues

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Leeds-Grenville Conservative MP Gord Brown met with Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday to find out concerns from the township.

Brown indicated he had met with council privately before its regular council meeting Monday night regarding some of the main issues facing the township as well as some of its concerns.

The newly-elected MP stayed for the rest of the council meeting.

"I'm delighted to be here," Brown indicated during the deputations.

"I'm here because I'm trying to make it my business to meet the councillors before a meeting in our different townships. I used to be municipal councillor and I used to get my packages with all the information, but now I'm having to rely on the newspapers for that information."

Brown once again expressed his concerns about some of the more notable issues in the township, such as the closure of the TD/Canada Trust bank in Cardinal scheduled for March of 2005.

"I want to be here and see the issues that are important," explained Brown.

"I know about the bank closing in Cardinal and myself, your mayor (Peggy Taylor) and (Leeds-Grenville Progressive Conservative MPP) Bob Runciman have been fighting to keep it here. That branch is important to Cardinal, it's important to the community and the whole economy there."

Brown also indicated to council he would be trying to make himself more accessible to the township with constituency offices in both Brockville and Kemptville as well as constituency hours in Prescott and Gananoque where members of his staff would be available locally.

Committee-of-the-whole scrapped as township returns to committee system

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council has approved the new members of committees.

With the committee-of-the-whole meetings now scrapped in favour of the previous committee structure, council named its elected appointees to committees Monday night. Council had previously determined the mayor would be automatically part of each committee, and the rest of the elected officials on the three committees would be filled with one councillor from each ward.

Ward Three Councillor Marie Thomson was named chair of the administration committee, while councillors Charlie Burrell and Peter Martin were also named to the committee.

Burrell, a Ward One councillor, was named chair of the environmental services/public works committee and will be joined by councillors Sloan and Thomson.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey has been named chair of the parks, recreation and facilities committee and will be joined by councillors Martin and Hugh Cameron.

Burrell said he believes the change back to the former committee format will be a benefit to the councillors and township.

"I think it is better," said Burrell. "The meeting will be smaller, so we can get more information and make things move a little faster. Before, I would remember hearing things after the issue was already dealt with and it was too late. It's been fun and was worth a try."

Mayor Peggy Taylor added, "We tried something new and it didn't work, so now we're going back."

Committee meetings will be held monthly, with environmental services/public works to be held at the Cardinal Waste Water Treatment Plant. The administration committee will meet at the municipal office in Spencerville, and the parks, recreation and facilities committee will rotate between Cardinal, Spencerville and Johnstown.

At Monday's meeting, it was also noted members of the administration, economic development, environmental services/public works, planning advisory and parks, recreation and facilities committees will receive an expense reimbursement of $20 for each meeting attended. It was also noted staff required to attend committee meetings outside of normal working hours will receive the reimbursement if they are required to use their own vehicle.

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald explained the reimbursement was originally put in to help cover mileage, babysitting or whatever costs were incurred by having to attend the meeting.

"It's not meant as a salary," said McDonald. "We changed the word honourarium to expense reimbursement, since that's its intention."

After approving first and second reading of the bylaw, council voted unanimously to move on to final reading of the bylaw, which was passed.

Office drinking water declared unsafe

SPENCERVILLE - CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald notified Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council at Monday's regular meeting the water in the municipal office in Spencerville has been deemed unsafe to drink.

McDonald explained since testing of municipal buildings was started under provincial regulation 170, the township municipal office has received regular sample results which indicate the water is unsafe.

The CAO said the explanation he was given by the township's environmental services department is this was an extensive problem and comes mainly from the office not using enough water to replenish the well supply.

The move to declare the water off-limits came after McDonald noted the constant bad samples had become very costly for the township.

A $50 charge applies each time a sample had to be sent to the lab and a new sample required to be produced each time a bad sample was taken.

The temporary home of the Royal Bank in Spencerville located next to the municipal office is also affected by this decision, since it draws from the same supply of water.

McDonald indicated the municipal office had already been using bottled water, so there has been no real health concerns for employees. Well water will still be available for use in the sinks and bathrooms.

"We always have been using bottled water," said McDonald.

"The water had always been drinkable until they did the sampling when they came. We would get one good test, and two bad and as soon as you get a bad sample the lab has to notify the medical officer of health and they declare the water unsafe. We've been using bottled water on a regular basis anyway so it hasn't been a health concern."

Council declares Cardinal property surplus

SPENCERVILLE - Township council has declared the property at 118 Waddell St. in Cardinal surplus.

Council agreed Monday to declare the property located behind Cardinal Convenience surplus after some discussion about the lot's value to the township in the winter during snow removal.

Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell indicated he would be in favour of keeping the lot municipally owned if an adequate price for the lot was not obtained.

"The boys often use the property in the winter to dump snow when they plow," explained Burrell. "If the price is too low, it'd be to our advantage to keep it."

Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald indicated he was not aware of the township's use of the property during snow removal in the winter, but would go to the public works department to get their opinions.

McDonald added the opinion of value on the lot is required to be completed before putting the property up for sale, which would let council know how much the lot would be worth. "We had the property for sale two years ago through a tax auction and there were no bidders," said McDonald. "Now, there is interest in it. I can talk to public works to see how beneficial it would be to them, but just because we declare it surplus doesn't mean we have to sell it, so we should still proceed."

Burrell was happy to hear just because the property was declared surplus does not mean it is going to be sold. "It's a good thing," he said. "This will allow us to keep our options open."

Take a shot at Big Buck draw

CARDINAL - Tickets for the Cardinal Fish and Game Club's big buck draw are now on sale.

Tickets to the draw are available throughout the region at Mustard's Variety in Iroquois, Rona Hardware in Cardinal, Cardinal Creations, MacEwen's Gas Bar in Johnstown or from John Dugan or Mark Haffey.

Club memberships are also available and can be purchased by contacting Dugan at 657-1081.

Archbishop extends a special invitation

KINGSTON ­ All students and teachers in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston are invited to join Archbishop Meagher in a special talk and eucharist Sunday, Sept. 26 at 7 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral.

A special invitation is being extended to university and college students who are beginning or continuing their studies. However, people of all ages can attend.

For more information, call the office of the archdiocese at (613) 548-4461.

Grants cover costs associated with capping unused wells

BERWICK ­ Residents of the South Nation River watershed are eligible for well decommissioning grants, according to South Nation Conservation.

A grant of up to $500 can be applied to certain costs associated with the decommissioning and capping of abandoned or unused wells. Grant applications must be made prior to initiating work at the well site. Work must be completed by a licensed well contractor.

Rural wells that are not maintained or capped properly could become entry points for pollutants.

For more information, contact South Nation Conservation at (877) 984-2948.

The South Nation watershed area includes portions of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships.

Prescott cadets take part in Terry Fox Run

By Captain John E. Henry

PRESCOTT ­ Close to 30 staff and cadets of 661 Lt W.F. Sharpe Squadron took part in the Terry Fox Run at the Prescott Harbour Sunday, Sept. 19. The unit was happy to have raised more than $400 and spend a wonderful afternoon taking part in this exciting community event.

Cadets ran, walked, cycled and roller-bladed their way through the 10-km course along Prescott's waterfront. After enjoying the barbecue and refreshments, some were even eager to complete the course again! The unit training officer, Captain Jackie Henry, was very pleased with the turnout and effort displayed by participating cadets. As she stated, "Events like this are a great opportunity for our cadets to get active. Not only are we supporting a worthy cause, but we are able to do so while pursuing two of the cadet program's goals: to promote physical fitness and participate in community service."

The squadron opened its doors to the public last Tuesday and signed more than 20 new recruits! There is still plenty of room for interested youth to join in the fun and excitement as the unit begins another year of training. The cadet program is available to all youth between the ages of 12 and 19. Membership, uniforms and training are all free. The unit parades Tuesday nights from 6-9 pm at South Grenville District High School.

Further information can be obtained by calling 349-0488 or visiting the national cadet Web site at www.cadets.ca.

Jr. B Rangers open season with pair of dominant wins

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Rangers Jr. B hockey team got off to a flying start to the season posting a 2-0 record after its first weekend of action.

Rangers coach Rod Simmons was happy with the chemistry on the team following South Grenville's 7-1 win over Westport Saturday.

"It was a strong two-way effort," said Simmons. "We played well at both ends and the team was very unselfish passing the puck. (Tim) Potter made key saves for us at the right times and the play as a team really spoke for itself."

Potter added, "Our guys really put the puck in the net, but they were still good at getting back and blocking shots to help me out. We really did a good job of taking care of our own backyard.

According to new Ranger forward Alex McCormick, whose family recently moved to the area, the whole team deserves the credit.

"It was a good game and we really developed as a team," said McCormick. "Our goalie was excellent and my linemates deserve a lot of credit, they set me up for both of my goals."

On Saturday, the Rangers hosted Westport at the Cardinal and District Community Centre and came away with a 7-1 victory over the Rideaus.

Westport opened the games scoring early in the first, but the Rangers responded minutes later as Peter Veltkamp scored, with assists going to Derek Rupert and Skyler Hoar.

A minute later, Alex McCormick scored his first of two on the night, with Adam Tousant and Adam Lawrence adding helpers.

The Rangers would respond once more in the first, as Alex Rees notched an unassisted marker to take a 3-0 lead into the second period.

Jason Whelan scored the lone goal of the second period for the Rangers, with Rees picking up a helper.

In the third, South Grenville continued to pile things on with McCormick netting his second goal of the game, assisted by Lawrence.

Minutes later David Lun scored to give South Grenville a 6-1 lead, with Rupert picking up a helper.

Cardinal native Ryan Sullivan would score to cap off the Rangers' first win of the season, with Lun and Hoar adding assists.

Tim Potter, who played with Spencer Birnie's Yorba Linda (California) Blackhawks in the South Grenville Major Midget tournament in March, picked up the victory in goal for the Rangers.

On Sunday afternoon, South Grenville continued its strong play with a 9-3 win over the Athens Aeros in Athens.

Swan and Rupert led the high powered Rangers offence netting a hat trick and two goals and five points respectively.

The Rangers opened the scoring as Hoar banged in a rebound, with Lun and Rupert picking up helpers.

Rupert continued to help the Rangers roll, netting his first of two on the night, with Lun picking up an assist.

Jeff Wright responded for Athens to narrow the lead to one goal, but Rees would put South Grenville back in command as he scored and Whelan and Bailey added assists.

Tousant scored late in the first, with McCormick picking up a helper to send South Grenville into the second period with a 4-1 lead.

In the second, the Rangers' balanced scoring attack picked up where they left off scoring three times in the period, with markers from Veltkamp, Rupert and Swan. Lun, Rupert, Hoar, Zeller, Tousant and McCormick picked up helpers.

In the third, South Grenville gave up a pair of bad goals to Adam Cross and Jeff Osler of the Aeros, but once again regained its composure to score two more to end the game with a 9-3 win.

Bailey and Swan netted the Rangers' final two goals, while Craig Reyell and Sullivan added helpers.

South Grenville continues its season today, (Wednesday, Sept. 22) in Brockville when it takes on the Tikis at 7:45 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre. The Rangers will then host the Gananoque Islanders Saturday at 7:15 pm in Cardinal.

SGMHA donates outdated equipment to Nunavut minor hockey association

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association is doing its part to promote sports across Canada with a donation of old hockey equipment to the youth of Nunavut.

After hearing about the campaign started by Algonquin College (second-year) recreation management students Krystal Sayer and Jonathan Reuther, SGMHA President Rose Williams and SGMHA Equipment Manager Carole Dubeau led the charge to collect equipment to donate to the cause.

Dubeau indicated there were numerous items - including partial jersey sets, old equipment and goaltenders equipment - which were just sitting around not being used.

"This has helped us get everything organized for the season as well as be part of a phenomenal cause. It's good to see some of our older stuff getting a second life and not going into a dumpster as well as showing kids how good it is to give back to the sport. I'd love to follow this up and see how things are going up there."

Williams added, "There was a lot of our old odds and sods that were outdated by the ODMHA (Ottawa District Minor Hockey League) but could still have some use up there. Also, we had some families like the Cleary family who have really gotten active and donated two or three boxes of items."

The Algonquin College teens explained their quest to collect the goods came from Sayer, who is planning on taking aboriginal studies next year and wanted to do her part to help out the kids of Nunavut who have so little.

"We had to get involved in some sort of program and we wanted to help other Canadians in need," said Sayer. "We started at the end of August and have collected a lot of stuff. So far we have collected about 150 jerseys and over ten hockey bags full of miscellaneous equipment as well as some baseball equipment."

Reuther added, "My garage at home and space at the RA Centre at school where we've been storing things is full, so we're doing great."

Reuther explained he was quick to jump on board with Sayer in the crusade since he could easily relate with what they were trying to do.

"This gives the kids something they can love that will keep them away from things like
alcohol and drugs," said Reuther. "Sports and recreation is one
of the best ways to do that. I've done some things in the past
and I can vouch for the good sports can do. It promotes
self-discipline, teaches teamwork and a healthy life. If we helped any of those kids, it will be worth it."

The SGMHA indicated it would be interested in making more donations to the cause
if there were enough people willing to donate their old equipment.

For more information on the program, e-mail nunavutequipment@hotmail.com, or to make a donation locally contact Williams at 925-2791 or Dubeau at 657-1923.

SG Giants volleyball teams set lofty goals for upcoming season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants are looking for repeat performances of last year's sweep of the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association (LGSSAA) boys volleyball championships.

The Giants senior boys volleyball team will be returning a strong nucleus from last year's Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) finalist and have strong incentives for a repeat performance including hosting the EOSSAA championships later this fall.

The Giants co-captains, setter Mike Armstrong and front court player Curtis Bucking, return to lead the Giants, while outside hitter Andrew DeDekker, front court players Braeden Miller, Eric Selleck and Ryan Fischer will also be looked on to provide a strong presence at the net.

Derrick Lavery, Josh Rupert and Craig Irvine also return to provide a veteran presence in the back row.

The Giants will also benefit from a strong group of players graduating from last year's junior boys LGSSAA championship team, including Nathaniel Hayes, Chris Hall and Sam Whitley.

Armstrong likes what he has seen so far through practices and an exhibition tournament played recently.

"We should be pretty good," said Armstrong. "We played our first tournament, and it really helped us get used to the teams we would have to face at EOSSAA. We just want to be able to make it to EOSSAA since we host it this year."

For Bucking, who will play his final year of volleyball this year and already has two LGSSAA titles and two narrow misses at the EOSSAA level, he hopes this will be the Giants' year.

"This is my last year and personally I hope this is our year," explained Bucking. "I have a lot of confidence in the team and I've seen what we can do. I want to win LGSSAA so we can play at home at EOSSAA and impress the home crowd."

With a veteran-laden roster, Bucking is expecting big things but wants to see the new members of the team take their games to the next level.

"We have a lot of returning players and a lot of young players who we're hoping can help out," said Bucking. "The senior game is very different from junior, and we want those guys to step it up. We just need to concentrate on our defence and let the offence take care of itself."

The Junior boys volleyball team will also be looking to defend its LGSSAA championship in 2004.

The Giants return only two players from last year's team in setter Stephen Joudoin and front court player Josh Parsons, who coach Derrick Byrd is looking at to provide leadership on the court.

"Last year we only had two Grade 9 kids and this year we'll have eight," said Byrd. "It's good the newcomers will get a chance to get some playing time to improve."

Both Giants teams will begin the season with games Thursday at North Grenville District High School in Kemptville.

Leisureville replaces Fantasia theme park plan

Brockville development would benefit entire region, according to backers

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - At a press conference held at Brockville City Hall Friday, developer Anton Stephens said he hopes his new Leisureville development will meet with greater co-operation from the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and the provincial government than his 1000 Islands Fantasia proposal did more than two years ago.

According to Stephens, the Fantasia development stalled because the ORC failed to grant the operation a gaming licence in a timely fashion.

Leisureville project consultant Gary Rochester emphasized the first phase of the Leisureville development would offer many benefits to people in outlying communities - including the Prescott area.

"With respect to outlying communities, there are both direct and indirect benefits," said Rochester, adding the race track would be of particular benefit to area farmers who sell animal feed and hay.

"It's important to us as horse people to see support for the racetrack," said Russ Moulton, a Roebuck resident and director with the Ontario Harness Racing Association. He said the addition of a 12-month racetrack at Leisureville will be a boon to local horsemen because it would be the only year-round racetrack in all of Eastern Ontario.

He also knows of two large horse farms which are poised to locate in the area should Leisureville go ahead. "They're ready to build as soon as approval is given," said Moulton. He adds 72 Eastern Ontario horsemen are supportive of the project.

When 1000 Islands Fantasia was proposed in November 2001, the theme park was to cost $232 million and include a 200-unit hotel with convention centre, four ice pads and a roller rink, indoor and outdoor winter park attractions and theme rides, a winter tubing area with ski lift, a miniature railway, and an 18-hole chip-and-putt golf course, as well as a racetrack and slot machines. At that time, it was estimated 2100 jobs would be created by the theme park.

Stephens emphasized funding was never the reason his initial development (which is to be located south of the 401 near the Black & Decker plant in Brockville, off Central Avenue) didn't go ahead. Instead, he says a variety of factors - particularly the lack of a definite timeline for licence granting by the ORC and lack of support by the provincial government caused the delay.

Phase one of the revised proposal - which is to include a casino and a racetrack - is estimated to cost in between $50 and $70 million and may provide up to 1,500 area jobs. If phase two and three (which may include a water park, nature trails, and a hotel and spa) are completed, it is estimated Leisureville could employ as many as 5,000 people from Eastern Ontario.

Stephens is optimistic a new Ontario government and a new director of the ORC will enable his operation to get off the ground. "The Conservative government not supporting it (in 2001) didn't help," said Stephens. "We believe the McGuinty government is supportive of projects of this nature."

He also emphasized the project is not asking for any money from the government. "We will create revenue and jobs and we're not asking the government for any money," said Stephens.

Mother Daughter Walk set to take place Sunday

BROCKVILLE ­ The Cheerios Mother Daughter Walk for Heart & Stroke will take place this weekend in Brockville.

Check-in time for the annual fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation is Sunday at noon at Hardy Park; the event starts at 1:30 pm. The two-kilometre route extends along the boardwalk.

In addition to the walk, there will be entertainment, clowns, goodie bags and displays.

Registration is free and can be done in advance or at the park Sunday; people of all ages may participate. Walkers 16 years of age and older are encouraged to raise a minimum of $20 each. Participants and supporters can register or pledge online at www.heartandstroke.ca/walk. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $10 or more.

Proceeds from the nationwide event support research into the root causes of heart disease and stroke, which now kill more women than men. More than $2.5 million was raised last year.

For more information, contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 345-6183.

Hodge covering Athens temporarily

BROCKVILLE ­ Local Upper Canada District School Board trustee Joan Hodge is adding the Athens family of schools to her duties on a temporary basis.

The move, which was announced Tuesday, is in response to the recent death of trustee Robert Hartley. Hodge and two of her colleagues at the English public board will oversee Hartley's constituency (including the Gananoque and Rideau Lakes school families) until a new trustee is appointed or elected.

Hodge already serves Grenville County, including the Prescott area.

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