VOL. 174, NO. 46~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ November 17, 2004

Annual Light Up the Night is this Friday

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Santa Claus is coming to town later this week, and everyone is invited to greet him.

The annual Light Up the Night parade presented by the Prescott Fire Department is set to go this Friday night.

Event co-chair Barry Moorhouse told The Journal Tuesday things were going very well. There were more floats registered than at the same time last year.

This year's nighttime Santa Claus parade will feature seven bands and include dozens of other entries from around the region. Spectators can catch a glimpse of the jolly old fellow in his new ride. Moorhouse said firefighters have been putting a lot of hours into Santa's transportation.

The parade will form in the parking lot at the high school at about 6 pm. Moorhouse noted late entries will be accepted.

Before the parade, the annual spaghetti dinner will be served from 4 to 6 pm at the Prescott Legion on Henry Street. Tickets are available at the door.

Live entertainment will be offered in the parking lot by the clock tower at 6:30 pm as barbershop ladies from the Brockville area perform for the crowd.

The lighting of the blue spruce tree in the clock tower parking lot will take place at 7 pm as the parade begins to leave the high school parking lot and proceed south on Edward and then west on King and north on St. Lawrence.

Motorists are advised to steer clear of those streets just before and during the parade.

Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be distributed by members of the Prescott and District Lions Club near the Riverside building on Edward Street. Rotary Club of Prescott volunteers will be handing out hot chocolate near the clock tower.

Spectators are asked to bring non-perishable food items and loose change for Spirit of Giving volunteers who will be collecting on the parade route. Any toys that are collected by firefighters will be distributed to children in the Leeds-Grenville area, according to Moorhouse.

Financially, Moorhouse said donations to the parade are coming along; however, firefighters are still accepting contributions to cover expenses that will total in the range of $10,000-$12,000.

John Houston is the other co-chair of the 2004 parade.

Many of the same floats and entries that will appear in Prescott Friday will also take part in Brockville's parade to be held Saturday night. Brockville followed Prescott's lead of several years ago and switched to a night-time parade a couple of years ago.

As of late Monday, the weather forecast was calling for variable cloudiness on Friday and light rain on Saturday.

THIS WEEK

Registration for Spirit of Giving starts soon

PRESCOTT ­ Registration for this year's Spirit of Giving campaign will begin next week.

The annual program co-ordinated by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with students at South Grenville District High School provides baskets of Christmas week food, household items and toys to eligible South Grenville residents.

Recipients must register in advance; registration will begin Thursday, Nov. 25 and continue on Nov. 26, Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1 from 1-3 pm at the tennis club/Kinsmen building beside the tennis courts and Centennial Park.

Registrants are asked to have identification with them that can verify their house or apartment address.

Spirit of Giving baskets will be distributed about a week before Christmas. About 250 families are served by the annual program.

Return of ice booms another sign of winter

CORNWALL ­ Ice booms will soon be returning to sections of the St. Lawrence River, Ontario Power Generation announced Monday.

The chain-and-wood booms will be installed in narrow stretches of the river near Galop island, Johnstown and Prescott and in the North Channel at Iroquois beginning next Monday (Nov. 22). The installation period will be about three weeks. Users of the river are asked to use extra caution in the areas in which boom installation is taking place.

Booms are used to prevent ice build-up and ensure an even freeze that will improve power generation during the winter. The booms are removed each spring.

Another flu shot clinic to be held next week

PRESCOTT ­ The last local flu shot clinic to be conducted by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will take place next Thursday, Nov. 25 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District High School on Edward Street.

For more information on free flu shot clinics being held in the tri-county area, call 345-5685 or visit www.healthunit.org.

Town makes new bid for sewage funding

New infrastructure program announced; Prescott seeks millions from feds, province

PRESCOTT ­ The town will once again be applying for federal and provincial funding to refurbish Prescott's sewage treatment facility.

Prescott council voted Monday night to apply to the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), which was announced earlier in the day.

The provincial and federal government will each contribute up to $298 million over the next five years. Ontario municipalities with populations of less than 250,000 are eligible.

Like the previous infrastructure program, the municipality will be expected to contribute one-third of the cost of a project; each higher level of government will also contribute a one-third share. In the case of Prescott's sewage treatment plant, that will add up to more than $5 million.

However, a new Ontario program will enable municipalities such as Prescott to obtain loans at favourable interest rates for major capital projects. The town has already applied for a loan to cover the sewage plant and other big projects.

As for the federal-provincial infrastructure program, Prescott has identified the sewage plant as its top priority. The previous funding submission received provincial approval but did not get federal funding.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn noted the town had been assured the new program would be announced by mid-February. Although it is several months later, Lawn indicated Monday's infrastructure announcement was a major event.

The mayor said the application for COMRIF funding will be in long before the January deadline.

When asked about the timeline, Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller indicated construction could begin as early as the fall of 2005 if all the approvals are received. The new facility would then be operational by the middle of 2007, he noted.

As for the magnitude of the project, Lawn told councillors the fact a community as small as Prescott is seeking a loan of $6 million represents "a heavy responsibility" that has played on his mind the past several weeks.

Local boards make gains in testing of grades 3 and 6

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Both English district school boards in the region are reporting improvement in their Grade 3 and Grade 6 reading, writing and mathematics assessments.

Results of provincial testing conducted this spring and administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office were released last week.

The Upper Canada District School Board showed better results in five of the six assessment areas. The English public board results for Grade 3 indicate 66 per cent of eligible students achieved the provincial standard in mathematics; the provincial average is 64 per cent. In reading, Upper Canada had 54 per cent of eligible students meet the standard (the same as the provincial average) and 52 per cent achieved the standard in writing (compared to the provincial average of 58 per cent).

Fifty-two per cent of Grade 6 Upper Canada students met the standard in reading; the provincial average was 58 per cent. In mathematics, the Upper Canada board scored 48 per cent (provincial average was 57 per cent). Forty-five per cent of eligible Upper Canada Grade 6 students achieved the standard in writing; the provincial average was 54 per cent.

The provincial average increased in all three subject areas in both grades in 2004.

Similarly, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) showed improvement but remains below the provincial average in most areas of the assessment. Of the board's Grade 3 students who wrote the tests in the spring, 68 per cent achieved the standard in mathematics, 56 per cent met the mark in reading and 56 per cent made the standard in writing.

As for Grade 6, 57 per cent of Eastern Catholic students achieved the provincial standard in reading. Fifty-five per cent met the standard in mathematics, and 50 per cent reached the goal in writing.

Unlike the English public board, the English Catholic board released results for individual schools.

At St. Mark in Prescott, 79 per cent of Grade 3 students who took part in the assessment achieved the provincial standard in mathematics. Sixty-seven per cent met the standard in reading, and 56 per cent achieved the standard in writing.

Of the Grade 6 students at St. Joseph in Prescott who participated in provincial testing, 28 per cent met the standard in reading, 26 per cent in writing and 24 per cent in mathematics.

In terms of the overall results, CDSBEO Superintendent of Education Jane McMillan stated "Our 2003-2004 results are an affirmation that we are moving in the right direction. We will use the data to inform professional dialogue, support student learning and develop specific goals for continued improvement."

Upper Canada Chair David MacDonald noted improvements in this spring's assessment confirm the board is making progress. "These are positive results, and we will continue to work hard to achieve further improvement."

The Upper Canada board operates elementary schools in Prescott, Maynard, Maitland, Algonquin, Spencerville, Shanly, Cardinal and Johnstown.

Friends of Augusta library group seeks new members

MAYNARD - The friends group at Augusta Public Library is seeking new members, Augusta council was told at last Monday's meeting.

"Friends of the library needs some more people to come out," said Councillor John Fischl. He added the friends of the library group is down to two members.

Fischl is quick to note the important work which the group does at the Algonquin site. "They are one of it's fundraising arms. They are a very important part of the library." The group also provides refreshments for special events at the library.

Paws to read

The storytime held each third Thursday of the month at Augusta Public Library is trying something new this month. The library is bringing in dogs from "Paws to Read," a program offered by the local team of Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

"We've just recently started "Paws to Read," said Rachel Bolt of the Brockville team of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. She adds the program is particularly good for children who are learning to read and are self-conscious of their reading abilities. Specially trained dogs are used as 'reading buddies' for children - the dogs sit and listen as children read to them.

This month's storytime will be held Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm. As well as having the dogs, there will also be a sit-down story reading time. Children between the ages of three and eight are welcome.

Anyone seeking more information about storytime or volunteering for the friends group is asked to call the Augusta library at 926-2449.

Flu shot clinic at high school Nov. 25

PRESCOTT ­ The last local flu shot clinic to be conducted by the district health unit will take place next Thursday, Nov. 25 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District High School on Edward Street.

For more information on free flu shot clinics being held in the tri-county area, call 345-5685 or visit www.healthunit.org.

MERC dinner is postponed

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The MERC Volunteer and Community Appreciation Dinner scheduled for Nov. 19 has been postponed until January. The date has yet to be determined. At that time, the Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented.

Brown Swiss Miss

The Ontario Brown Swiss Cattle Association chose Kathryn Clarke to be the Ontario Brown Swiss Miss. Kathryn is 16 years old and is in Grade 11. She is the daughter of Malcolm and Susan Clarke of Maitland.

Kathryn has been busy with official duties since assuming her role this summer. Kathryn attended county fairs across the province presenting prizes primarily to 4H competitors who were showing the Brown Swiss breed. This past week, she worked at the Royal Winter Fair at the exhibition grounds in Toronto where farmers from across Canada brought their cattle to compete. Kathryn's job is to act as a good will ambassador for the Brown Swiss breed presenting prizes and being available for pictures wearing her tiara and sash.

Kathryn became interested in the Brown Swiss breed this summer, which she spent working on her Uncle's dairy farm, Batesdale, in Stayner, Ont. She helped bring in the hay, feed cattle and do general farm chores. She will attend the annual general meeting of the Brown Swiss Association later this month.

Town honours Natalie Fortier

PRESCOTT ­ Town council is proud of Prescott's golden girl.

At the beginning of Monday's council meeting, Mayor Robert Lawn presented a plaque to Natalie Fortier. She was a member of Canada's team that won a gold medal at the junior culinary olympics held in Germany last month.

The mayor noted council is pleased to acknowledge Fortier's achievement and the teamwork over the course of a year and a half that helped the Canadian squad place first. "There's a good lesson there for all of us," Lawn said.

In thanking council for the honour, Fortier noted many of the culinary team's members come from small towns.

Local councils support cycling study

PRESCOTT ­ Municipal councils in Prescott and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal are supporting in principle an application by Augusta Township for federal funding to conduct a cycling study.

The township is seeking $10,000 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. The two other councils indicated support at their meetings Monday night.

In a presentation to Prescott council, Augusta Reeve John McCrea noted a professionally done study would, among other things, develop a business plan and marketing strategy and identify the tourism and quality-of-life benefits associated with infrastructure that would give cyclists designated routes through the area. The reeve indicated he and Prescott Councillor Sue O'Hanlon had met with consultants with expertise in cycling and tourism.

McCrea noted there is a real gap in cycling paths between Brockville and Cornwall. He also stressed the value of creating north-south routes (citing the CPR right-of-way as an example), although he acknowledged County Road 2 would likely be the backbone of any local undertaking.

The reeve also stated he would like to get North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford on board as well as the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

The funding application must be submitted by this Friday, it was noted at the Prescott meeting.

Although Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal supports the cycling study funding application, council indicated Monday the matter would have to be discussed further in the event the municipality is asked to contribute any funding for the project.

Giant Craft Show set to go Saturday

PRESCOTT -The 27th annual Giant Craft Show will take centre stage Saturday at South Grenville District High School.

The show will run from 9 am until 4 pm with more than 240 tables booked to appear, with vendors and craft persons from across Ontario and Quebec.

A wide variety of products including knitting, paintings, tole art, birdhouses, hand-sewed crafts, home decorating ideas, ceramics, wooden products large and small, wrought ironware, chocolate, candy, glassware, stoneware, jewellery, clothing, blankets, honey, cheese, books, toys, jams, jellies, home baking and various Christmas ornaments and decorations will be available for purchase.

The craft show is run by the South Grenville District High School Alumni Association.

Additional parking will also be available in the municipal lot next to the clock tower with a shuttle bus running every half hour.

There is a small admission fee to the show; children under 12 will be admitted for free if accompanied by an adult. There is a free babysitting service offered by students at the school.

At the show, there will be a small café run by the South Grenville District High School Athletic Association and Energizers Club; proceeds go to the school groups.

Committee changes made; O'Hanlon to be deputy mayor

PRESCOTT ­ Changes to the town's standing committees were approved by Prescott council Monday.

As part of an annual rotation, each of the four committees will have a new chairperson as of Dec. 1. Suzanne Dodge will succeed Jo-Anne Beckstead as head of finance and corporate services.

Chuck Street replaces Dodge as planning and development chair. Beckstead takes over as head of community services; Sue O'Hanlon has been serving as chair of that committee.

Bob Pelda will remain as chair of transportation and environment; Nancy Lane had served as chair until she resigned the post this summer.

Each committee consists of three councillors; the mayor is an ex-officio voting member of each committee.

O'Hanlon will become deputy mayor Dec. 1. Lane will succeed O'Hanlon after six months. By the end of the three-year term, all six councillors will have served as deputy mayor.

South Grenville receives prominence in Chamber-funded highway signs

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists who are unfamiliar with South Grenville are now able to see more of what this area has to offer.

Regional signs depicting some of the area's attractions were erected last month at three of the main entrances to the communities of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott and Augusta.

The new signs are located on Highway 416 southbound at the northern edge of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and on Highway 401 westbound east of Shanly Road and eastbound east of Maitland Road.

The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce agreed last year to pay the capital costs of the signs (in the range of $6,300). The three participating municipalities ­ Augusta, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal and Prescott ­ will pay the annual signage fees.

The area profile signs were designed by TD Graham & Associates Marketing Communications of Kemptville (which also did similar signs for North Grenville). Based on input from committee members, themes representing South Grenville were selected. These include the St. Lawrence River, international bridge, Fort Wellington, Battle of the Windmill, Blue Church and a modern yacht and diving flag. The sign includes a man and woman in period costume.

The signs also include two taglines: "Experience the St. Lawrence Region!" and "The Communities of South Grenville Welcome You!"

Each municipality has representatives on the South Grenville Economic Development Committee, which took a lead role in the signage project.

The committee is also involved with other projects under way or nearing completion. These include a business retention and expansion program to assess the needs of existing businesses in South Grenville and an economic development Web site for the area.

Master's Hands dinner is next Wednesday

PRESCOTT ­ A Master's Hands Community Supper will take place next Wednesday, Nov. 24 at Seaway Christian Church.

The free dinner for the less fortunate will be served from 5 to 6:15 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Seaway church is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

Fun With Books program seeks local volunteers

PRESCOTT - Fun With Books, a Leeds-Grenville program which encourages children under five to read by providing them with a free book to read each month, is looking for people to volunteer at its fundraising bingos starting at Bingo International in Johnstown in January.

"We've taken a few months off (bingo)," said Fun With Books co-ordinator Wayne Thomas. "We need the volunteer system to start again." He adds the bingos will be held Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. In the past, the bingos have usually made about $600 a month for Fun With Books.

Thomas is quick to note that, although the service needs people to volunteer at bingos, its core of 90 volunteers (including five in Prescott) who deliver more than 2,100 books per month across the Leeds-Grenville area is crucial to the program's survival. "Our volunteers are wonderful," he said.

In addition to holding fundraisers, Fun With Books receives funding from United Way of Leeds and Grenville and from the Early Years Development Program of the Ontario government.

The Fun With Books program started in Dec. 1993. Since that time, it's estimated more than 250,000 books have been given out by the service. Registration forms for Fun With Books can be picked up at the offices of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville District Health Unit in Brockville. Parents can also register for the service online at www.funwithbooks.org.

Anyone with children under the age of five, regardless of income, in the Leeds-Grenville area is eligible to participate in Fun With Books. "We've gone to a lot of work to make sure books are in the hands of people," emphasized Thomas. "We want everybody (in the area) to have access to books."

To volunteer for the program's fundraising bingos, call Wayne Thomas at (613) 924-2611. Anyone is eligible to volunteer; parents who take advantage of the service are especially encouraged to participate.

South Grenville principal is honoured by his peers

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School Principal Ted Whiteland has received an honourary life membership by the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC).

The honourary life award is awarded to "those who have provided exemplary service by advancing or upholding the purpose of the Ontario Principals' Council," according to a news release issued Tuesday by the Upper Canada District School Board.

Whiteland has been a member of the OPC since it was established in 1998. He has served on both the provincial council and executive of the organization, and was its president in 2003-04.

In addition, he established the Ontario Principals' Council Learning Foundation and is its current chair. This foundation is the fundraising arm of the OPC.

Whiteland was presented the honourary life membership at a ceremony in Toronto Nov. 11.

The OPC is a voluntary professional association which represents 5,000 principals and vice-principals in Ontario's public elementary and secondary schools. It provides professional support to its members and advocates on behalf of public education.

Whiteland was unavailable at press time.

Pork dinner at club

AUGUSTA ­ The Grenville Snowmobile Club will host a roast pork dinner Sunday, Nov. 21 from 4:30 to 7 pm at the clubhouse on Charleville Road.

Take-out will be available; call 925-1077.

For advance tickets, call 925-5680.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Driver of stolen vehicle eludes police

AUGUSTA ­ Police were unable to arrest a suspect wanted in connection with the theft of a 2005 GMC Yukon.

On Thursday at about 4:50 am, Constable Jones was on patrol on County Road 15 at Highway 401. The officer noticed the vehicle flashing its lights in the park-and-ride area; when the constable approached, the Yukon sped away and entered the eastbound 401. The vehicle stopped in the vicinity of the Edward Street off-ramp. The constable approached, and the vehicle sped away a second time. It made its way down Edward Street and west on King Street at high speeds.

As it approached Campbell Road, the Yukon stopped abruptly and spun 180 degrees, ending up facing east. Constables Jones and Shawn Steinburg performed a high-risk vehicle stop, according to an OPP news release. The occupant of the vehicle had fled. A K-9 unit was called in to assist; the suspect's trail stopped at Campbell Road, where a waiting vehicle was likely to have been. The suspect is described as being a clean-shaven white man with dark hair and glasses.

The Yukon was stolen from the Oshawa area and is valued at more than $60,000 (dealer sticker price was $71,000). No one was injured in the pursuit.

Items taken from unlocked vehicles

AUGUSTA ­ Three overnight thefts from unlocked vehicles on Second Concession were reported Saturday. Items taken include a JVC car stereo with CD player and removable faceplate, two pairs of sunglasses, "burned" CDs, cigarettes and cash. Some larger and more expensive items were left untouched. Constable Kerr is investigating.

Police remind vehicle owners to lock their cars and trucks and keep valuables out of sight or out of the vehicles themselves.

Domestic call leads to arrest charge

AUGUSTA ­ Constables Wright, Pergunas and Blanchette responded to a domestic occurrence on Second Concession east of Maitland Nov. 8 at about 9:45 pm. The assault of a female was confirmed, and a 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault. He is to appear in Brockville court at a later date.

Wagon placed on top of post office

SPENCERVILLE ­ What was described as a small hay wagon was placed on top of the Spencerville post office last week. The incident is believed to have happened during the overnight hours of Nov. 10 but was not reported to police until Nov. 12.

The owner of the wagon had not been confirmed as of Monday.

Driver failed to give officer space

EDWARDSBURGH ­ While Constable Foley approached a vehicle stopped on Highway 416 Friday at about 6 pm, another vehicle sped by the officer and continued southbound. The second vehicle was then stopped by the constable after it had been observed travelling at about 142 kilometers per hour, making an unsafe lane change and following too closely. The driver, a 58-year-old Mississauga man, was charged with careless driving and issued a warning for failing to pull over to the left of a stopped emergency vehicle.

Veterans recount the good and bad

Those who served hope their experiences will continue to be remembered by Canada

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - For veterans of the Second World War, memories of the conflict are still etched in their minds. But one of the most important things they've seen recently is the war has not been forgotten by younger generations who didn't live through it.

"A good example of the importance (of those who fought in the wars) is seen by children taking part in the (Remembrance Day) ceremonies," said World War II Infantry and Air Force veteran Bill Woodhead. "It's (children's interest in the ceremonies) really picked up in the last couple years."

His sentiments were echoed by WWII veteran John Pickard, an engineering officer. "A few years ago, you saw very little about Remembrance Day (on television) except the services." He added the heightened media attention the observance now receives is important for recognizing the sacrifices veterans made.

Several veterans from the Second World War attended the Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Spencerville cenotaph and the get-together that followed at Branch 604 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Many had stories to tell - both good and bad - about their involvement in the conflict.

"As the youngest (of four brothers) I wanted to catch up to them," said Infantry veteran Jim Irving. He added he was only 15 when he enlisted for the conflict - a full three years short of being able to legally serve. "There were thousands like that," he said.

Steve Cucman, who served with the Governor General Foot Guards, signed up for the service just before he was drafted by the government to serve. "I was working, not making big money," he said, adding he and a friend decided to enlist before they were drafted. "We didn't want to be conscripted and be a 'zombie'," he said, adding "zombie" was the term used for those who waited to be drafted without volunteering.

Cucman added his mother "nearly killed" him once she heard he had signed up to serve in the war in 1942. He was deployed from Camp Borden in Nova Scotia before shipping out to England. From there, he served in Belgium, Holland and Germany, and was largely involved with tanks.

Though he has many memories of the war, one in particular sticks out. "We had cases and cases of tinned salmon. We used to trade them with infantry - two tins of salmon for one tin of bully beef." He added he still hates tinned salmon today because of it.

However, not all his memories are so pleasant. "When you see guys being burned to death in tanks, it's hard," he said. Cucman added he used to talk about his World War II experiences to school classes, but doesn't talk about them much at all any more.

Cucman hopes the young people of today will never have to face the horrors of war which young men in his generation witnessed. "I don't want them to go through what we did," he said.

Officers check for impaired drivers, speeding, seat belt use and a missing dog in Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ Grenville County OPP responded to 51 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

As a follow-up to a lost dog report filed early last week, Constable Pergunas is investigating a report that someone spotted what is believed to be the missing red Pomeranian being picked up by a woman in a white SUV near the eastbound 401 on-ramp at Edward Street. The witness reported being told by the woman she would return the dog to its owner. The dog, which went missing from its Victor Road home Nov. 7, was reportedly returned to her owner Tuesday.

In response to a recent complaint of vehicles speeding on King Street East near Boundary Road, Constable Foley used the new Laser speed measuring device at that location Saturday morning. Nine Highway Traffic Act offence notices were issued. In addition, three warnings and an offence notice for failing to produce an insurance card were handed out.

Later that day, Sergeant Onlock conducted seat belt checks on King Street West near the health centre. Thirty-six vehicles were checked; one warning was issued. Police remind the public seat belts must be worn properly to avoid getting a ticket.

Constables Pergunas, Blanchette and Wright conducted a RIDE check at Edward and Henry streets Friday at 11 pm. About 30 vehicles were checked; there were no charges or warnings.

Also on Friday at about 8:30 am, Constable Foley stopped a car on Highway 401 in the construction zone near Edward Street. The 2003 Honda Civic was clocked at 160 kilometers per hour, which is twice the posted speed in the zone. A 33-year-old Montreal man is to appear in Brockville court Dec. 7 to answer to the speeding charge.

Anyone with information on occurrences in town is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Information reversed in report

A portion of an article that appeared in last week's edition was based on inaccurate information contained in an OPP news release.

The article stated the 48-year-old female driver of a Chrysler involved in a Nov. 6 collision on Edward Street in Prescott was given an offence notice for failing to yield. In the release, police incorrectly stated the car she was driving was the one that entered the street and collided with a GMC Sonoma driven by a 46-year-old man. In reality, the reverse was true: the Sonoma was the vehicle that entered the street from Tim Hortons and collided with the car that was southbound on Edward. The male driver was the one who received the offence notice.

In a news release issued Monday, Constable and Community Services Officer Holly Howard apologizes to both drivers for the mistake. Although the mistake originated with the OPP, The Journal also apologizes for the error that appeared in the paper.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I don't want them to go through what we did."

Veteran Steve Cucman, commenting on today's youth and the horrors of war

Editor's Notebook

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME: Now that the South Grenville signs are up at three of the four main entrances to the area, we look forward to hearing about other initiatives our elected officials, senior municipal bureaucrats and volunteers on the economic development committee are developing as part of a co-operative effort to work together. By erecting the new regional signs which depict local attractions, it is hoped travellers will become familiar with what South Grenville is all about. This is referred to in the lingo of consultants and economic development officials as "branding." The emphasis shall be to focus on making South Grenville a familiar name and one that conjures up visions of heritage and whatever else we would like the rest of the world to think of when it hears or sees those two words together.

Although we welcome the major financial contribution being made by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, we are still wondering to what extent the three municipalities are truly committed to this collaborative effort. Yes, the South Grenville Economic Development Committee has been hard at work coming up with options and projects aimed at improving the collective prospects of the area.

However, we must note these efforts are based, for the most part, on outside funding. The municipalities are spending little on economic development and are relying on an ad hoc committee with limited resources to do the work for which other communities are paying (including the united counties, of which Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal are members).

We welcome the spirit of co-operation that, for the most part, appears to be evident in municipal offices in South Grenville's three communities. Just because Augusta council declined last week to support the funding application for the Prescott-area water and sewer study does not mean the partnership is in jeopardy; in fact, Augusta now appears to be on-side. However, it remains to be seen if this collaborative effort will produce the benefits being touted or just draw us closer to that other term some people believe is inevitable: amalgamation.

FIREFIGHTERS SHINE: The Prescott area's biggest social gathering of the year is set to take place this Friday, and we once again salute the Prescott Fire Department and its supporters for brightening the Fort Town and kick-starting the holiday season. Now in its second half-century, the Santa Claus parade known as Light Up the Night is something that is looked forward to by people of all ages. Without the hard work of firefighters whose meager honourariums were never meant to cover this type of volunteer effort, in addition to the other valuable services they perform, Prescott would miss out on what people from all around agree is a great show.

Good work, guys! Have a great night.

Tim Ruhnke

Rather's quips better than passing out from a pretzel

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

About four years ago, I made a few observations in this space about American election coverage on CBS. Specifically, I was entertained by some of Dan Rather's comments and his Texan accent that seemed to get thicker as the night (and then morning) continued.

This year, I was unable to stay awake for most of Rather's quips. When I did wake up at about quarter to five, he was still on the air and, fortunately for me, he had not used up his arsenal of remarks. He made a comment about voters preferring to eat a ball bearing covered with barbed wire (a slight variation of what he actually said) than relive the election gridlock that gripped America four years ago. I was expecting him to say the race for president was closer than a tick on a hound's back. If the live broadcast had lasted another hour or two, the old jokes would have started. For example, it was so cold in New Hampshire on voting day a dog had to jump-start a cat in order to chase it.

But even Rather, as biased as they say he is, eventually appeared to acknowledge there might not be any reasonable chance John Kerry would become president even though a close race in Ohio had yet to be called for one candidate or the other. By late Wednesday morning, Kerry had called George W. Bush to congratulate him on being re-elected. As my colleague Dave would say, Kerry conceded faster than Superman folding laundry.

* * *

As a walking advertisement for how not to eat sensibly (either as a youth or adult), I must acknowledge the merit of the Ontario government's plan to force school boards to comply with restrictions on so-called junk food in vending machines at elementary schools.

Vending machines in school were more of a rite of passage 25 years ago. In elementary school, all we ever had was a choice between white and chocolate milk. I suspect that is still the case in many smaller schools in rural and small-town Eastern Ontario. Having access to vending machines was one of the perks associated with high school.

For some of us, there was a joy associated with making it to Grade 9 and being able to hit the caff on our way to or from class or during lunch or a spare and snagging a bag of chips or snack cake or pie without having to walk all the way to the nearest store three or four minutes away. It makes sense for high schools to also be careful about the types of food available in machines or at the lunch counter.

We do wonder about pretzels not being on the hit list. They may not be the worst offender on the snack/junk food list, but anyone who suggests pretzels should be considered health food might want to give George W. Bush a call.

Prescott and Augusta consider joint community centre: 1964

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 18, 1964

* Prescott council has received the resignation of Fire Chief Alvie Annable.

* The Town of Prescott and Township of Augusta are considering a 50-50 joint community centre. There have already been discussions between officials from both municipalities, according to Prescott Councillor Don Irvine.

* The following appeared as part of an editorial on Prescott's housing shortage: "We have scores of people living in Prescott and living in other communities because housing is not available in this town. Until Prescott corrects this housing shortage, we had better slack off our promotion of the town as a good place to live and work. Granted, it's a good place for both of these, but right now there seems to be a dire lack of facilities."

* Although the Grade 13 Class of 1964 at South Grenville District High School set a record for the highest percentage of passing marks in their departmental papers, Rose-Marie Laushway was the only member of the graduating class to earn the distinction of being an Ontario Scholar.

Nov. 21, 1984

* Nick's, Prescott's newest restaurant, opened last week on Churchill Road. Owner Nick Dimopoulos has spent 23 of his 25 years in Canada in the restaurant business. He returns to the trade with his son Mike.

* Prescott native Jeff Morris, who is kicker and punter for the Carleton Raves football team, has been chosen by the Canadian Football League to attend its assessment camp early next month in Vancouver. Morris is one of two Ravens selected; players who are invited to the camp have their expenses paid by the CFL.

* The South Grenville District High School senior girls basketball team upset TISS 36-32 in semi-final action. Laura Holmes led the way for the Giants with 14 points and 13 rebounds. South Grenville will face undefeated BCI in the final.

* Town officials are considering a public information campaign, instead of a municipal bylaw, as a more effective way of getting Prescott residents to install smoke detectors in their homes. Council got into the Christmas spirit a bit early by approving the traditional Christmas bonus of $100 for full-time municipal staff.

The American Hiltons are no match against the Canadian ones

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

I went back to Seattle last week, as my family is still there and has not yet made the move back to Ontario.

Of course, the topic of discussion among the local Bohemians was that they should flee the United States and head north. Canada is, after all, a more left wing leaning nation filled with people who share the opinion that George W. Bush is a war mongering buffoon.

"Canada can't be that much different, can it?" they would ask me.

"It is and it isn't," I would say.

Rather than explain it to them, I told them I would write them a Welcome to Canada guide. So here it is.

Don't assume that Tim Hortons is "just like Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme". It's much more than that culturally. You will not truly fit in with Canadians until you can learn the meaning, significance and correct rolling of the r's in "Rrroll up the rrrim to win". Regardless of what CBC says, Tim Horton is The Greatest Canadian. And a double-double refers to coffee, not to a breast augmentation surgery that our other Greatest Canadian, Pam Anderson, may have had.

Up here, you go on holidays. That phrase doesn't make sense in the U.S., as down there a vacation and a holiday have different meanings. In the U.S., going to the Big Apple for your vacation might mean a trip to Broadway or to the Statue of Liberty. But here, going to the Big Apple for your holidays is a two or three hour trip west on the 401 that will culminate with a giant red structure, a petting zoo, and a bakery in Colborne.

In the U.S., you have the Hilton sisters. We have our own Hilton family. Yours are the hotel Hiltons, ours are the boxing Hiltons. Our Hiltons can kick your Hiltons' arses.

Our money is different. Our lowest bill is a $5. It's blue. If you get a bill smaller than that, you have something called Canadian Tire money. That's not real money, but I do know from personal experience that the girl at the currency exchange desk at the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis once gladly exchanged... well, maybe that's a story best left untold. By the way, the 10's are purple, and the guy on the $10 bill is not Gene Wilder. It's a guy we call Sir John A. He is famous for being the father of confederation, which was a big kegger on a boat off P.E.I. The biggest debate is whether or not Sir John A. had Canada's first hockey hair. French Canadians say that Samuel de Champlain's lid was much more business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back than was S-Jam's predecessor to the mullet. This kind of stuff is important to us.

You have a Bush Party, which a little more than half of your country likes. But when we have bush parties in Canada, well, everyone has a good time at those.

The Inuit are what you call Eskimos, which is politically incorrect now unless you are a CFL fan and Edmonton is playing. The Inuit have 34 words for snow. Canadians have about that many words for drunk. If you are unsure of an adjective a Canadian uses, chances are he or she is describing a level of drunkenness. The biggest difference culturally is that when someone is "pissed" in the U.S., they are angry. But when someone tells you they are pissed here, don't worry. That's a basic level of drunkenness, reached on the road to being sloshed, hammered or tanked. The levels of drunk in Canada are also seasonal. Broomball drunk is much worse than slow pitch tournament drunk, but is nowhere near snowmobiling drunk or the elite level of Ice Fishing drunk. The most supreme level of drunk is called Grey Cup drunk. You will have plenty of opportunities around the region to check this ultimate pinnacle of alcohol abuse.

Speaking of the Grey Cup, there are only three downs here, the field is bigger, and you get a single point if the other team doesn't run a missed field goal or punt out of the end zone. Rewarding a kicker for almost being successful is part of socialism, kind of like getting one point in the NHL standings for an overtime loss.

We have socialized medicine. You may think that means that everything is free. Wrong. It means everything sucks. And everyone's healthcare sucks equally. And regardless of the assumptions Americans have about our system, drugs are neither free nor cheaper here. Good luck. And bring lots of money to pay for parking. Hahahahaha.

At Christmas, Americans will listen to Bing Crosby while Canadians watch Sidney Crosby play hockey against the Russians and Czechs.

You will also have to learn about Canadian philosophy and wisdom. Forget Michael Moore. You will need to learn about Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys.

Of course, there will be some Quebec things you will need to know. It's a little more complicated. You will need to learn the church words and how to use them to cuss; you will need to know when and where it is inappropriate not to light a cigarette; and you will need to learn to put gravy and cheese or maple syrup on everything except a Jos. Louis. That's a cake snack, not the hockey stadium in Detroit.

So good luck with becoming a Canadian, and enjoy our income taxes, the GST and our gas prices. And be careful, our beer is stronger, so don't get too Grey Cupped.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The manner in which Prescott council gave itself a raise is cause for concern

The Editor;

It is a Wednesday evening and I am flipping through the channels on TV when I come across Channel 10 airing a Prescott town council meeting. It was nice to observe, as I have children at home and am unable to physically attend the meetings.

I became very appalled when it came time for discussion on the raises for town council. Although I am not against them getting a raise, the reason why is what concerns me.

When a councillor stood up and gave her reasons, she stated it was the amount of time taken away from her family. So giving yourself a raise is the answer to this problem? Somehow this is going to improve your family life? Unless, of course, you plan on reducing the amount of time spent on council duties in addition to the pay raise; after all, this seems to fall hand in hand, doesn't it?

Is this supposed to be a shock to the public that these elected positions should require our councillors to attend scheduled meetings and community events? Was this councillor unaware of the expectations of the job when she ran for public office? As a voter, I assume the individuals who are running would do so knowing full well what is required of them. After all, isn't one of the main reasons these individuals are elected to public office is because the voter has been led to believe these public representatives are capable of making intelligent, informed decisions?

As a fireman's wife, my husband has been taken away from his family on Christmas days, Thanksgivings and let's not forget the middle of the night calls. In addition to the usual practices, there are also special practices on Sundays and time spent preparing for special events for the residents of the Town of Prescott. I would like to know how many times town council has taken these days and times out of their family lives to dedicate to the residents of Prescott.

In today's fiscal environment, how does council sincerely feel right about giving themselves a 75-per-cent raise? Can the taxpayer safely assume the councillors arrived at that figure after making yet another intelligent, informed decision? What is the net gain for the taxpayer? Would it not have made more sense for this raise to take place at the beginning of the next political term? At least this would show the taxpayer the officials we elected are capable of keeping up their end of the bargain by finishing their term of office under the terms initially agreed upon.

Our volunteer fire department fights fatigue during the 3 am calls and never knows when their own lives may be put in danger. But they continue to do what they feel is a duty for an honourarium of approximately $1,500 a year. How do you think the public would react if the volunteer firefighters decided to increase this amount to $2,625 because they think they are spending too much time away from their families?

Calls, responsibilities and extra training have increased, and family life has decreased. But this was something these individuals were aware of when they made an intelligent, informed decision to join the department.

Anne Gilmour
Prescott

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School: We are pleased to announce our walkathon raised $3,500. Reilly Grootjans was the top pledge collector at $105. Reilly's prize was to put his hand in a jar of money and grab as much as he could. Mrs. MacDonald's 4-5 class was the class that collected the most money; it won a sundae party. Forty prizes were awarded to students who collected pledges. We are grateful for the prizes that were donated by businesses and by teachers. All students will benefit from this fundraiser. The money will be used to keep the costs down for year-end trips and special performances. We hope students and their families will keep this in mind when they are asked to participate in future fundraising activities.

Andrew Simzer, Jeffery Trillo, Abby Porter, Troy Tousignant, Brandon Peeler, Michael Edwards, Danika Adams and Brittney Myers were all awarded certificates this week for being reliable and responsible.

Boundary Street Public School: Congratulations to the following students who received academic and social skills awards at our November assembly: Mason Wyatt, Taylor Mott, Sally ElSayed, Kyle Biscope, Jonathan McDougall, Taylor Fouriner, Chris McDougall, Vickie Hunt, Tyson Lefebvre, Sam Kinsella, Kylee Sherman, Kaitlyn Merkley, Luke Jansen, J.D. VanAllen, Emily Visser, Samantha Pickard, Davin May-Holmes, Hayley Murdock, Meghann Shedrick, Brody Worden, Norman Aubin, Jamie Wallace, Jasper Quartus, Ali Hartle, Austin Carmichael, Gilbert Pankhurst, Vincent DeRapp, Scott Towe, Emily Ostrum, and Chris Rice.

We acknowledge Ken Rundle from Giant Tiger who donated sports equipment and funds for the PA system.

Report cards go home Monday. Information regarding interviews will be sent home with students this week.

The senior girls volleyball team will be hosting two games this week at Boundary School with one away game also scheduled. The team will participate in the tournament at TISS Saturday.

Hot lunch this week will be chicken nuggets.

St. Mark Catholic School: We are in the middle of completing our provincial report cards for first term.

Interview sheets have been sent out and should be returned to your child's teacher as soon as possible.

Report cards will be distributed Monday, Nov. 22 for A day Kindergarten students and on Tuesday, Nov. 23 for all other students.

St. Mark Catholic School council will have a float entered in the Light Up the Night parade Nov. 19.

Our All Star Reading Strategy is: Unstuck Strategies: Give it a go! Make a good guess.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Date has been set for Christmas open house

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

With the help of a good kitchen staff, we had a delicious chicken dinner. I really appreciated all the help.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 12 from 1-3 pm. We will be holding our Christmas open house. Members are invited to come and visit with others while sharing some of our famous sweets, tea and coffee. Non-members are welcome to come and see what Walker House has to offer and to share our hospitality. Bring a friend if you don't like to come alone.

Just a reminder of the potluck and speaker Friday at noon. Call 925-5300 if you need more information.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Nancy Coligan; 2nd, Ruth Britnell; door, Ruth Wenger. Fun bridge ­ Jean Farlinger. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Brenda Humphry. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jean Annable; 2nd, Mary Fodey; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; door, Pat Warren.

Windmill Friends to conduct AGM

PRESCOTT ­ The annual general meeting of The Friends of Windmill Point will take place this Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 pm at the reception centre at Fort Wellington.

The group operates the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site east of Prescott on behalf of Parks Canada Agency. New members are welcome to join the not-for-profit volunteer organization.

Refreshments will be served at the AGM.

Latin Colours coming to Prescott Nov. 26

Flute, percussion together in second concert of Fort Town association's season

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Concert Association will present its second offering of the 2004-05 season next week.

Latin Colours, featuring Marie-Hélène Breault on flute and Catherine Meunier on percussion, will perform on Friday, Nov. 26 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

The duo blends familiar tones of the flute with the often misunderstood qualities of various percussion instruments to present a mesmerizing combination of sound and accentuate the unbridled sensuality of South American folk music and gypsy and Spanish dances. Latin Colours is visiting Prescott as part of a 28-community tour of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Tickets will be available at the door.

Reduced ticket prices are in effect for students. Kids under the age of 12 are admitted free.

The Nov. 25 concert is sponsored by dentists Dr. Lance McIntosh and Dr. Kim Hansen and by Dr. Gauri Shankar of Prescott Chiropractic Centre.

The 2004-05 Desjardins concerts are presented by the Fort Town association in conjunction with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, an organization that is dedicated to bringing fine music to people of all ages and supporting young professional musicians and composers in Canada.

Credit union indicates Cardinal is an option if the business is there

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Members of Your Credit Union made a presentation to more than 80 Cardinal residents Nov. 9 at the Cardinal Legion in hopes of getting enough interest to open a branch of the financial institution in the village.

Credit union CEO John Ebsary and past chair of the credit union's board, Bruce Corbett, spoke to the public explaining what exactly a credit union was and what it could bring to the village which is slated to lose its only financial institution (TD Canada Trust) in March.

Corbett explained in order for any residents to become a member of the credit union they must purchase a $50 share, which will also give them voting rights. Corbett added the credit union has a higher rate of insurance than the banks, offering up to $100,000 in coverage compared to about $60,000.

"There never has been anyone in the province who has lost money from a credit union," said Corbett. "The larger we get, the better prices and services get for our customers. It's a system that has been working well for us."

Ebsary added, "We do regular surveys of our members each year and our members love us. So if we were to come here we would want you to love us as well. Part of our vision is that we want to be here. We just need to make sure we can get enough business to protect our current clients. We would need about $15 million in deposits to cover our costs, and that's why we need people to fill out the confidential forms to let us know how much money would be committed. This is the same format we used in Williamsburg, which lost its bank and then we came to town."

Corbett explained that longer-term financial commitments which could not be withdrawn for a few years would count as well in tallying the $15 million needed.

"If it ends up in five years we can have $15 million, then we can go to the board and tell them this would work," said Corbett.

"If we got a commitment of $15 million then we'll be here and we won't leave."

Ebsary and Corbett explained, from the more than 30 forms they had received, an estimated $2.5 million has already been tallied, but before the meeting they had received another 30 which had yet to be reviewed.

Corbett indicated the decision will come down to one simple question to the residents of Cardinal.

"They need to ask themselves do you need and want a financial institution here," said Corbett.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association President Bill LaBerge, who organized the meeting, explained a timeline had been set out to receive all the forms. He indicated if they could get their forms to the credit union before the end of November, then the credit union could take it to their board meeting Dec. 1 and potentially have a decision by December or January about moving into Cardinal before the bank closes in March.

Township considers putting its money where its mouth is

SPENCERVILLE - Township council indicated Monday it had discussed the possibility of the township placing some of its funds in Your Credit Union.

Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated the idea of putting money into the branch, or committing to do so, had come up multiple times at the administration committee.

"It's come up before, but we haven't looked at it in great detail," said Taylor.

"We need to see what kind of things they offer. It was an idea, which would show our support more than a resolution. We'll have to find out the logistics for this, since it's easy to do so as an individual, but we need to the decision as a whole to get the township to put 'X' dollars into the branch."

Taylor indicated financial competitiveness would have to play a role in the decision as well as safety and security.

The mayor indicated the idea wasn't going to die here since she plans to keep bringing it up.

Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell added, "This is a good opportunity to show the people of Cardinal we are willing to support them and help them out. It would be a nice gesture."

Council approves creation of reserve fund

SPENCERVILLE - Township council approved final reading of a bylaw Monday to establish a combined reserve fund for Cardinal Waste Water Collection and Treatment Systems and the Water Treatment and Distribution Systems.

Mayor Peggy Taylor explained the reserve fund would be used to help the township with any future capital expenditures for upgrades in the waste water and water areas of the budget.

"The reserve fund will take in any of the money left over at the end of the budget from waste water and water," said Taylor. "It can be used for future upgrades."

After a question from the audience about why council was creating one reserve fund, when Bill 170 requires the township to keep water and sewer costs separate in a user-pay system, Taylor explained everything would still work out.

"There are some users who have water but aren't on sewer," said Taylor. "But it's such a small number where it would just be a nominal amount, so it really wouldn't make much of a difference."

Taylor indicated previous funds left over after budget from waste water and water treatment had already been used by the township on the last upgrades to the waste water treatment plant in Cardinal.

Treasurer Russell Trivett indicated the new reserve fund will have between $100,000-$110,000 to start.

Food For All receives $2,000 from council

Food drive set for weekend; ribbon-cutting at satellite office in Cardinal Monday

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council voted Monday to make a donation of $2,000 to the Food For All Food Bank in addition to providing space in the Cardinal Library building for a satellite office.

Ward Two Councillor Bill Sloan told council he believes it is in the township's best interests to donate $2,000 to the food bank, since it is a service used by many people in the municipality.

"I think we should give a couple thousand to the food bank to help get them stocked up and running," said Sloan. "It's coming up near Christmas and there are a number of township residents who need it. I think we should give something (other than the space)."

Mayor Peggy Taylor said she believes the donation of space was sufficient for the food bank and an additional donation isn't a good idea.

"If people want to donate to the food bank or other charities that's great, but the donations shouldn't be coming from tax dollars," said Taylor. "We've already donated the space."

Sloan continued, "The cost to heat that space is being paid for by the township whether it's being used or not," said Sloan. "A big share of the township use the food bank, and we should try to help out."

When put to a vote, council voted 5-1 in favour of making the donation, while Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell indicated he hopes any food items purchased with the money would be bought in the township.

The food bank will be holding the ribbon cutting of its new satellite office Monday, Nov. 22 at 2 pm. A non-perishable food drive is also being run by the food bank this weekend to help stock the shelves in Cardinal; non-perishable food items can be dropped off at O'Carroll's. The office will be opening for business Dec. 6.

Vehicle scratched

CARDINAL ­ An apparent keying of a vehicle is being investigated by Constable Kavanagh.

The incident occurred sometime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm last Wednesday by the mall. The vehicle is a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer; the victim was at work when the mischief occurred.

Anyone with information on this or any other occurrence in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Township supports Eastern Ontario Development Fund applications

SPENCERVILLE - Township council supported a number of applications from area organizations looking for funding from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).

Council approved an application by the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Business Association to help out with signs and arrows to promote downtown Cardinal as well as improved lighting for the area.

Ward Three Councillor Frank Noccey indicated council should possibly alter the application, which is put in by the township to also add Spencerville, since the applications for funding weren't costing the township anything and Spencerville could also use some of the same development funding.

After adding Spencerville to the application, the township also supported applications from the Eastern Ontario Model Forest and the South Grenville Economic Development Committee for EODF funding.

The $10-million fund is a creation of the federal government.

Appreciation shown to fair volunteers, sponsors

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The third annual Spencerville Agricultural Society (SAS) appreciation night Saturday evening was an unqualified success. It attracted more than 300 volunteers, fair board members, and sponsors.

"It's an all-time high," said SAS executive director Janet Perras. "We're definitely pleased with the turnout."

Mary Tessier, also an executive director for the SAS, said the appreciation night is important because it recognizes the contributions of everyone - including volunteers, corporate sponsors and fair board members - who helped make the 2004 Spencerville Fair a success.

"It's great to see all the people come out," she said

The event was held in the Drummond Building on the George Drummond Memorial Grounds. It featured a roast beef dinner prepared by fair board members, and speeches by several SAS members. It also featured Ottawa Valley entertainer "Cecil Wiggins," played by Mike O'Reilly.

Dennis Colautti, first vice-president of the society, acknowledged the participation of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal township in the 2004 fair. "I'd like to thank Edwardsburgh-Cardinal township (for their participation) this year. They took the ice out of the arena at great expense (for this year's fair)."

Colautti added he hopes the township's support and participation continues as the fair celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2005.

"The last few years we've had a lot of people join (the fair board). (The) people make the fair."

Shawn Carmichael, speaking on behalf of his wife (fair board member Paula Carmichael), was quick to thank the many volunteers who helped with this year's fair.

"It takes thousands of hours to put the fair on each year," he said, adding "I know volunteering (for the fair) pays dividends for those who volunteer."

He added the fair is always looking for more helpers.

"I just want to encourage anyone who thinks about helping out to do it."

The evening's master of ceremonies, Bryan Cooke, gave a toast in honour of the two society members (Tim Hemsley and Helen Liscumb) who passed away in 2004.

He also read a greeting from President Sheila Bush, who was on vacation and unable to attend the dinner.

Members of the 150th Spencerville Fair Anniversary Committee took the opportunity to talk about preparations for next year's event. "Work has already been started for next year," said committee chairman Marc Tessier.

"We're going to make the fairgrounds shine. We already know it's special. We want the whole world to know," said Mr. Tessier.

Mrs. Tessier spoke about the committee's 150th anniversary fund, an in-depth fundraising initiative which hopes to raise $150,000 in time for next year's fair.

"This (fundraising initiative) will help ensure the longevity of the fair," she said.

OBITUARY

Lovey Melbine Earl, 83

Lovey Melbine Earl, of Maitland, died Nov. 9, 2004 at 1240 County Rd. 2, Maitland. She was 83.

She was born Jan. 14, 1921 at Sydney, B.C. to parents William Savage and A'Louise McNaughton. She married Fred G. Earl Aug. 31, 1939 at St. John's Anglican Church, Victoria, B.C.

Mrs. Earl was a homemaker who travelled extensively with her husband and daughters. A Legionnaire for 25 years, she enjoyed darts and bowling, fishing with her family in B.C., and singing with a Gilbert and Sullivan opera company.

She is survived by her loving friend Harold Smith of Prescott, daughters Lorna Underhill (Jake) of Maitland, Alice McCarroll (John) of Prescott, grandchildren John, Steven, Sandra, Earl, Joanne and Johnny, great-grandchildren Robin, Randi-Lynn, Paige, Hillary, Meagan, Holly, Kayla, Chelsea, Shelby-Jo, Jessica and Hunter, sisters Viola Savage and Betty Foreman, brother Bill Savage and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband and brothers Edwin and Lyle Savage.

A memorial service was held Nov. 16, 2004 in the chapel at Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott. Reverend Gerry Ring officiated.

Cremation took place Nov. 10 at Hope Cemetery and Crematorium.

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Downtown parking permits a possibility

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - A bylaw to create parking passes for people without parking in downtown Cardinal was sent back to the committee level by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night.

Ward Two Councillor Bill Sloan indicated he believes permits in the lot at the corner of Lewis and John streets should be issued for downtown residents without parking spots to park.

"There are apartments in that area without parking and this would help get the cars off the road in the winter to plow," said Sloan. "It gives some of those people room to park."

Ward One Councillor Charlie Burrell noted he believes the proposal should be scrapped, since creating parking permits for the lot would create more problems for the township.

"I was talking to the roads guys in Cardinal and that lot is where they have traditionally put snow in winter," said Burrell. "It's not left there, but after a big storm they would pile it there and then come back and ship it out when they had a chance after all the roads were cleared."

Burrell also explained the lot is not entirely owned by the township and that Garry Tracey and the Boar's Nest own parts of the lot, creating another problem since there already isn't enough parking for their customers and they couldn't park on the street late at night because of the parking ban.

After it was clear no decision could be made, Mayor Peggy Taylor stepped in and indicated the bylaw should be sent back to the administration committee for more work.

"This has to go back to the drawing board," said Taylor. "We're not getting anywhere and there's too much discussion on this. Let's just send it back to administration."

At Monday's meeting, it was reported parking for firefighters at the side of the Cardinal and District Community Centre was being looked at by the bylaw enforcement officer.

Taylor indicated when there were big events going on at the rink, cars were parking at the side of the building where firefighters would normally park when going out to a fire.

"When the firefighters get the call they come and if they can't park there and have to park a block or two away and run to the station it's a bit of a delay," said Taylor. "When the bylaw officer parked his truck there, nobody else did."

Burrell indicated something is not likely to solve the problem anytime soon, adding, "It's been an ongoing thing for more than 25 years."

Darts, cards and the Grey Cup

CARDINAL LEGION

Branch 105 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Cardinal will host several events and activities in the next seven days.

Interbranch darts is set for this Thursday at 7 pm; public euchre begins at 7:30 pm.

On Friday, mixed darts will get started at 7:30 pm.

A ladies dart tournament gets under way this Saturday at 1 pm.

The Legion will host a Grey Cup party Sunday. The bar opens at 2 pm; there will be a potluck supper and 50/50 draw.

Ladies darts returns next Wednesday at 7 pm.

Antique Wheels in Motion donates to food bank, St. John Ambulance

SOUTH GRENVILLE - Antique Wheels in Motion made a donation to a pair of charitable causes Thursday at the Augusta Public Library in Algonquin.

The annual Antique Wheels in Motion Harvest Days Festival, which started in 1996, presented two $200 cheques to the Food For All Food Bank and St. John Ambulance, which serve local communities in the Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal areas.

The Harvest Days festival ran raffle draws at the August event and raised $400, which was aimed at helping local charities.

Giants capture senior boys LGSSAA volleyball title

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Make it three titles in a row for the South Grenville Giants senior boys volleyball team.

The Giants were impressive in their Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association (LGSSAA) semi-final and final games last Wednesday in Prescott by defeating the St. Mary Crusaders and TISS Pirates in dominating fashion.

In the final, South Grenville scored straight sets wins (25-6, 25-15) over the TISS Pirates to capture the title.

Giants assistant coach Matt Robinson was thrilled with another crown for South Grenville.

"They played really gutsy," said Robinson. "Our defence brought us through this. It was fundamentals and execution which was the name of the game. We had some injuries and there were some starters missing. We showed a lot of heart and didn't let the ball hit the ground."

For Giants captain Curtis Bucking, the LGSSAA crown capped off an impressive high school volleyball campaign which included a LGSSAA title in each of his four years of high school sports.

"We just hoped we would play well and show a little intensity," said Bucking. "It was just a matter of playing to our potential. Mike Armstrong was such an important part of the team at setter, the whole team is really built around him and we just gelled together for the win."

The Giants opened the tournament with a straight sets semi-final victory over St. Mary (25-7, 25-13). South Grenville's Mike Armstrong used pin point setting to big men Curtis Bucking, Ryan Fischer, Sam Whitley and Braden Miller to fuel the dominating win.

Bucking indicated the Giants next big test will be the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) championships, being hosted by South Grenville Friday in Prescott.

"We'd like to win it," said Bucking, "but I'll be happy if we all play our best. If we get the big victory then that's even better."

The Giants are ranked second for the EOSSAA tournament and will start off the tournament at 10 am against fifth ranked Embrum. The EOSSAA final is scheduled for 3 pm.

Juniors fall in semi-final

The Giants junior boys team didn't fare quite as well after the injury-plagued team dropped its semi-final match-up against the TISS Pirates in straight sets (25-17, 25-9) to be eliminated from the tournament. North Grenville won the junior title over TISS (22-25, 25-11,15-10).

Giants coach Derrick Byrd indicated the day was a tough one for South Grenville.

"We were thrown for a bit of a loop today," said Byrd. "Two of our starters were injured in hockey last night and couldn't play. It threw the whole chemistry off and we had to move guys around, which is tough. We were a little flat-footed at times and didn't convert our service."

Byrd indicated his setter Stephen Joudoin put in a tough and gutsy performance in the semi-final game.

Jr. B Rangers hang on to top spot with three-point weekend

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers managed to hang on to top spot in the Rideau Division after pulling out a three point weekend against Char-Lan and Winchester.

The Rangers have a 14-3-2-0 record for 30 points to lead the Rideau Division by two points over the Brockville Tikis, who sport a 13-3-1-1 record.

Rangers coach Rod Simmons was happy with the win and tie given the strong physical play both Winchester and Char-Lan used to wear down South Grenville.

"A win and tie isn't bad," said Simmons, following Sundays 3-3 tie with Winchester. "The guys looked a little tired, but they kept coming and don't ever quit, whether they're winning or losing. We made a couple mental mistakes, but they're kids and we try to focus on the positives and the kids have been responding."

Rangers forward Matt Bailey, who had a five-point weekend, indicated the team has just done what they've been doing all season.

"We're a strong team," said Bailey. "We just tried to work together and come out and play like one of the top teams. We're just working hard."

On Saturday, the Rangers travelled to Williamstown and scored a 7-4 win over the Char-Lan Rebels in a physical match-up. Bailey scored a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Alex Rees, Julien Francis, Derek Rupert and newcomer from Stratford's Jr. B team Steven Frahn added singles. Adam Tousant (2), Eric Selleck (2), Peter Veltkamp, Skyler Hoar, Andrew Fortier and Frahn added assists.

On Sunday, South Grenville battled a tough Winchester Hawks team to a 3-3 draw, after overtime solved nothing. Tousant led the Rangers with a two-goal performance, while Hoar added a single. Bailey (2), Frahn (2), Rupert and Sullivan added assists.

South Grenville hopes to continue its strong play throughout the next two weeks as it looks to qualify for the Boxing Day Tournament Dec. 26 in Westport. Whichever team leads the division after the Rangers-Tikis Nov. 24 game in Brockville will win a berth in the tournament.

The Rangers host the Westport Rideaus Saturday at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. South Grenville travels to Athens Sunday to take on the Aeros at 2:30 pm.

RSL Kings minor bantams capture Stoney Creek tourney

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence minor bantam Kings had a big weekend capturing the Stoney Creek tournament.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 5-0 shutout over Mt. Hamilton. Ryan Hay had the shutout for the Kings. Mike Skakum scored a hat trick to lead the Kings, while Justin Comeau and Jay Keller added singles.

In its second game, the Kings scored a 6-2 win over Ancaster. Comeau had a hat trick to lead the Kings, while Dylan Heisel, Brett Jackson and Shungo Hosogoe added singles.

In its third game, the Kings scored a 4-2 win over the Georgetown Raiders. Skakum led all scorers with a hat trick, while Hosgoe added a single.

In the semi-final, Braxton Halladay had a shutout to lead the Kings to a 9-0 over the Ottawa Crusaders. Hosgoe and Skakum each had a pair of goals to lead the Kings, while Jackson, Comeau, Drew Morrow, Jordan Moran and Marc Roy added singles.

In the final, the Kings scored a 6-3 win over Fraser, Michigan to capture the tournament. Skakum and Comeau each scored a pair of goals, while Heisel and Hosgoe added singles.

On Friday, RSL scored a 6-2 win over the Eastern Ontario Cobras at the Spencerville arena. Skakum had a hat trick to lead the Kings, while Marc Roy, Morrow and Keller added singles. Roy (2), Morrow (2), Skakum, Wilson, Max St. Jacques, Keller and Nick McCaslin had helpers.

On Thursday, the Kings dropped a 9-3 decision to the Ottawa Valley Titans in Pakenham. Ottawa Valley struck five times in the first period, before the Kings finally got on the board. Wilson, Roy and Justin Comeau scored for the Kings. Skakum, Jackson, St. Jacques, Heisel, Comeau and Roy added assists.

The Kings play Thursday in Nepean before travelling to the Corel Centre Saturday to take on the Kanata Blazers.

South Grenville peewee B Rangers #2 are 3-2 in October

CARDINAL - The South Grenville peewee B house Rangers #2 had a busy month in October posting a 3-2 record.

On Oct. 16, the Rangers scored a 2-1 win over Kemptville #1. Ian King and Rik Champagne scored for South Grenville. Sydney Wehmeyer and Champagne added assists.

On Oct. 17, South Grenville scored a 6-0 win over Kemptville #1. Tim Kippax and Champagne each scored a pair, while Cory Wilson and Cody Patenaude added singles. Wilson (2), King (2), Champagne, Sam Contant, Wehmeyer, Matt Leonard and Patenaude added assists. Marc Brunet and Matt Walker shared the shutout.

In a home-and-home series Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, the Rangers dropped 6-3 and 5-3 decisions to South Stormont. King (2) and Mike Morrell scored for the Rangers in game one, while Patenaude, Josh Bailey and Champagne scored in game #2. King (4), Leonard, Contant and Wehmeyer had assists in the series.

On Oct. 31, the Rangers scored a 9-4 win over North Dundas. Patenaude scored a hat trick for the Rangers, followed by King (2), Dan Calhoun
(2), Shane McGuire and Champagne. Wilson (3), King (3), Calhoun, Bailey and Morrell added assists.

SG peewee Rangers #1 scores pair of victories

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee B house team #1 is on a hot streak after rolling off a pair of victories.

On Nov. 8, the Rangers #1 scored a 8-5 win over the Brockville Braves #2 in Cardinal. Sean Perrin led South Grenville with a six goal performance, followed by Josh Mintz with a pair. Josh Jones (2), Pat Froom, Mintz, Taylor Garswood, Hunter McCarroll, Kyle McNamara, Phil Biccum and Perrin added helpers. Rangers goalies Dustin Kester and Jacob Scott each saw action in the victory.

On Saturday, South Grenville #1 scored a 3-0 win over Louisville at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Scott and Kester shared the shutout in goal. McNamara, Perrin and Mintz scored for the Rangers, while Jones, McNamara and Rhys Larry added assists.

South Grenville atom B house team wins pair of games

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Rangers atom B house league team started its season on a high note, scoring a pair of 8-1 victories in a home-and-home series with the Athens Aeros.

On Oct. 27, South Grenville scored an 8-1 victory over the Athens Aeros at the Spencerville arena. Ryan Grimes scored a hat trick to lead all scorers, followed by Kurtis Selleck (2) and Kyle Berry (2) and Derik Bourgeois. Grimes (3), Berry, Bourgeois and Shenda Harrison added assists. Paul DeJong got the win in goal.

On Oct. 30, South Grenville travelled to Athens and scored an 8-1 win over the Aeros. Bourgeois had a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Grimes (2), Berry, Harrison and Cody Knapp added singles. Bourgeois (2), Harrison, Knapp, Grimes and Riley Thompson added assists.

Other members of the Rangers include Dylan Bell, Luke Severson, Kavan O'Brien, Colin Hoyland, Zack St. John and Mike Dalley.

Atom C Rangers house #1 comes up with pair of shutouts

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Rangers atom
C house team #1 had a big
week scoring a pair of shutouts over Athens and Brockville
#2.

On Saturday, the Rangers scored a 3-0 win over the Athens Aeros. Aaron Scott, Spencer Cook and Laura McKinstry scored for South Grenville, while Neil Hubbard, Trevor Moore and Dustin Visser added assists. Jamie Whiteman had the shutout in goal.

On Sunday, South Grenville scored a 4-0 win over Brockville #2 in Prescott. Whiteman played strong in goal for his second consecutive shutout. McKinstry, Cook, Scott and Emily Colwell scored for the Rangers, while Matt Salmon, Zac Miller, Tyler Carr and Kirk Hubbard added assists.

Both Giants girls basketball teams advance to semi-finals

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants girls basketball teams have a big week ahead of them as both the senior and junior teams qualified for the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association semi-finals.

On Thursday, the Giants scored a 58-25 win over the BCI Red Rams in its LGSSAA quarter-final match-up to advance to yesterday's semi-final match-up against TISS in Brockville. The Giants got off to a slow start to the game, but rallied to pull out the win. Allison Whyte led all scorers with 20 points, followed by Sara Watt with 12, Shannon Campbell with 10 and Sam Joudoin with eight.

On Nov. 9, the Giants closed its season with a 50-28 win over the Gananoque Trojans. Joudoin and Campbell led the Giants with 12 points apiece, while Whyte and Watt each chipped in with eight.

On Saturday, South Grenville played host to a mini-tournament which saw the Giants post a 1-1 record.

The Giants opened the tournament with a 63-32 win over Elmwood (Ottawa). Watt led all scorers with 16 points, followed by Alex Ward with 14 and Whyte with 10.

In its second game, South Grenville dropped a 67-33 decision to a sharp-shooting Rideau Lions squad. Watt scored 12 points to lead the Giants, while Joudoin added seven.

The Giants have played 28 games so far this season posting an 18-10 record.

The Giants travelled to Brockville to take on the TISS Pirates yesterday in their semi-final match-up. The winner of the semi-final game will play in Friday's final at the site of the highest ranked team remaining.

Juniors end season with win

The South Grenville Giants junior girls basketball team capped off a strong junior campaign by defeating the Gananoque Trojans to post an 8-1 record to finish first in the LGSSAA AA standings.

On Nov. 9, the Giants hosted the Trojans and scored a 39-29 win over Gananoque. Karie Neddo and Shannon Dalley led the Giants with eight points apiece, while Michelle McDonald and Chelsea Roode chipped in with six points apiece.

The Giants hosted the Red Rams in the junior semi-final yesterday in Prescott with the winner advancing to Friday's final at the site of the highest ranked team remaining. If South Grenville wins they will play in the final Friday at 5:30 pm at the site of the highest ranked senior team remaining.

Bantam B Rangers house team puts together perfect 8-0 record

SPENCERVILLE - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers house team is on a hot streak boasting a perfect 8-0 record.

On Saturday, the Rangers scored a 2-0 win over Thousand Islands Youth Hockey (Clayton, NY) at the Spencerville arena. Andrew Davidson and Ashton Selleck shared the shutout. Reilly Grootjans and Todd Kirkey scored for South Grenville, while Kirkey and Chris Rice added assists.

On Sunday, South Grenville travelled to Smiths Falls and scored a 6-3 win over the Bears. Grootjans led the Rangers with a pair of goals, while Kirkey, Ryan Robinson, Tyler Curry and Chris Noonan had singles. Taylor Corney (2), Trevor Murray, Nick Perry, Fletcher Wehmeyer, Curry, Noonan and Grootjans added assists.

South Grenville atom rep team beats Athens and Smiths Falls

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville atom B Rangers rep team managed to put together a pair of strong outings to score victories over Athens and Smiths Falls.

On Nov. 6, the Rangers travelled to Athens and scored a 5-1 win over the Aeros. Alex Stephenson scored a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Matt Courtney and Dylan Dorey added singles. Stephenson, Courtney and Brett Van Stralen added assists. Nathan Peters and Devin Eaton split time in goal for the win.

On Nov. 9, the Rangers scored a 4-3 win over the Smiths Falls Bears at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Stephenson's three-goal performance led the Rangers, while Dorey added a single. Van Stralen (2), Adam Norton, John Wood and Nathan Hamilton added assists.

South Grenville Giants host EOSSAA volleyball Thursday

PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School will play host to the eight-team Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association senior boys volleyball championships tomorrow (Thursday).

The tournament will see two pools, Pool A will consist of Ernestown, Carleton Place and La Citadelle, while Pool B will consist of South Grenville, Opeongo and Embrun. The day will start with a coaches meeting at 9:15 am to be followed by games running from 10 am until 3 pm.

The Giants will start the tournament playing consecutive games starting with Embrun at 10 am before taking on Opeongo at 11 am.

The semi-final games are scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm, with the final to follow at 3 pm.

Let us know about upcoming events in sports and recreation

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Journal is interested in promoting local sporting events, recreational activities of interest and achievements to residents of the South Grenville area.

If you have information you would like us to know, contact David Dickenson at 925-4265 or fax at 925-3472.

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