VOL. 174, NO. 47~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ November 24, 2004

Prescott shines as thousands flock to parade

Good weather brightens 2004 Light Up the Night

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ They came, they saw, they smiled.

A crowd estimated at more than 10,000 gathered Friday night to take part in the unofficial start to the Christmas season.

A clear sky and seasonal temperatures made for an ideal night for the annual Light Up the Night parade organized by the Prescott Fire Department.

Barry Moorhouse, who co-chaired this year's presentation with John Houston, said the parade went "really well."

Although there were only about 70 entries this year compared to approximately 90 in 2003, Moorhouse believes Friday's show proved to be as good if not better than the previous one. "The overall quality improved a lot," said Moorhouse, who added many participants appeared to make more of an effort with their entries.

Although firefighters noted the crowd appeared to be larger this year north of Churchill Road, they estimated the total number of people who lined Edward, King and St. Lawrence streets was comparable to last year.

Moorhouse noted favourable weather conditions can make a big difference for parade participants and spectators. It is not uncommon for Prescott parades to have to cope with everything from a steady downpour to sub-zero windchills. Brockville's parade, which was held Saturday night, had to contend with rain.

The judges selected the colourful Grenville Park entry as the first place winner in the Prescott parade. Second place went to Central Public School; Selleck Mechanical placed third.

This year's parade marshall was Paul Irvine, who rode in the vintage 1931 Bickle fire vehicle that had been reserved for Santa's use in previous parades. As for Santa's new ride, which came complete with brick exterior, Moorhouse said there were many positive comments from spectators.

The night's activities included the annual pre-parade spaghetti dinner at the Prescott Legion. The Thousand Island Barbershop Ladies sang in the clock tower parking lot before and after the official lighting of the blue spruce in the middle of the lot.

Moorhouse said one of the things to be considered for next year is a better sound system for the entertainment downtown.

The volunteer fire department has maintained the Santa Claus parade tradition in Prescott for 51 years. Light Up the Night relies on donations to cover expenses such as bringing in bands for the parade.

Moorhouse said he expects there will be "a little bit extra" that can be put away for next year's event.

As for the parade tradition, Moorhouse noted he and other firefighters get a lot of thanks in the days following the event. "We've got a young group again at the fire company," he said. "Our kids expect to see a parade."

But Moorhouse added it is not just the kids who have smiles when the parade passes by.

THIS WEEK

Fort Town concert set for later this week

PRESCOTT ­ The Fort Town Concert Association presents Latin Colours (featuring Marie-Hélène Breault on flute and Catherine Meunier on percussion) this Friday, Nov. 26 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Tickets and season subscriptions are available at the door. There are special ticket prices for students, and children under the age of 12 will be admitted free of charge.

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

St. Andrew's is located on Centre Street at Dibble Street.

The Desjardins concert series is presented by the volunteer-driven Fort Town association in conjunction with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada.

Spirit of Giving sign-up begins this Thursday

PRESCOTT ­ Registration for the 2004 Spirit of Giving begins this Thursday, Nov. 25.

The annual program organized by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with students at South Grenville District High School distributes baskets of Christmas week food as well as household items and toys to the less fortunate in Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta.

To register, go to the tennis club building just west of Centennial Park and the Prescott Medical Centre between 1 and 3 pm on Nov. 25, 26, 29, 30 or Dec. 1. Registrants are asked to have identification with them to verify home address.

Spirit of Giving baskets will be distributed Sunday, Dec. 19 at the high school.

The Kinsmen are also seeking donations to assist with the campaign. For more information, call Art Hitsman at 925-1315.

Dinner served today

PRESCOTT ­ The Master's Hands Community Supper takes place today (Wednesday) at Seaway Christian Church.

The monthly dinner for the less fortunate will be served from 5 to 6:15 pm. There is no charge; all are invited to attend.

The Pentecostal church is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

Giant craft show draws a big crowd

PRESCOTT ­ This year's Giant Craft Show had more crafters than ever before, but attendance was down compared to last year.

The one-day event held Saturday at South Grenville District High School attracted about 2,500 adults. That is down about 400 to 500 from the 2003 total, according to high school alumni association chair Judi Baril.

Even though attendance was down, there was still a lineup waiting to get in Saturday morning.

From an organizing perspective, Baril said the show went very well. There were 152 vendors and 240 tables, an increase from last year.

New to the craft show this year was the Christmas room in the space formerly occupied by T.R. Leger School. Baril said she is grateful the show was able to make use of that space.

She also noted a number of crafters were taken off the waiting list and given the opportunity to take part in this year's show. However, she noted there are still about 40 names on the list.

As always, visitors could choose from a range of gift items on display in the hallways and gymnasiums on the ground floor of the school.

Tracey Watson, who just moved to the Oxford Mills area and came to the Giant show with a friend, said the event is great. "I love everything," she said.

On the subject of lower attendance, Baril indicated organizers used the same marketing and advertising that was in place last year.

"We'll definitely be rethinking our marketing strategy," she said.

Deteriorating weather conditions in the afternoon (including talk of freezing rain) and the fact a craft show in Kemptville was held the previous weekend instead of the same day as the Prescott event as was the case in years past were cited as factors Baril believes might have contributed to the lower turnout.

One challenge with which organizers must cope is a shortage of tables. Baril noted some vendors were asked to bring their own.

Although purchasing tables is an option, Baril said she would prefer to see craft show proceeds used by the clubs and associations at the school.

"I'd rather see the money go for that purpose," she said. "That's what this show is all about."

For example, there is a commitment of $10,000 to track improvements; Baril said she expects that contribution will be paid this year.

As for sales during the seven-hour event, vendors reported mixed results.

Many of the crafters and vendors (as well as shoppers) travel significant distances to attend the Prescott show.

Local man writes about Polish treasure

Gord Swoger to launch book at Prescott library next week

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - It's a story about lost treasure, cold-war intrigue and Nazi Germany. And before now, the story of Poland's lost - and found - national treasure was virtually lost itself. However, 78-year-old former South Grenville DHS history teacher and Prescott resident Gord Swoger has written a book about this historical event.

The official launch of his book (entitled The Strange Odyssey of the Polish National Treasures, 1939-1961) will take place at the Prescott Library Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 pm. At this event, Swoger will read sections of his book and have signed copies available for sale.

Swoger's book tracks the journey of Poland's national treasure, from war-ravaged Poland in 1939 as it travelled through Romania, France, England and finally Canada. These antiquities - including tapestries, goblets, and ancient manuscripts - were removed from Poland by the ousted Polish government in hopes they would be protected from the Nazi regime.

After arriving in Canada in 1940, the treasures were housed in a building at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa. "The Poles had the keys to the floor - the understanding was the Poles would take care of their own treasures," Swoger said.

However, after the war, the two Polish governments (the government-in-exile in London and the in-power Communist government in Warsaw) fought for control of the objects. Following the Yalta conference in Feb. 1945, the Canadian Government recognized Poland's communist government and cleared the way for them to bring the antiquities home.

But when Poland's Ambassador arrived in Ottawa in 1946, the treasures were missing. "He couldn't find them. They had disappeared from the Experimental Farm," Swoger said. "Now we were involved in cold-war 'cloak-and-dagger' intrigue."

The plot surrounding the missing antiquities eventually involved the RCMP, UN, the Catholic Church and Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis.

It wasn't until Duplessis' death in 1959 that the treasures were traced to the provincial museum in Quebec City, where they had been displayed since 1948. The exiled Polish government "turned over" the treasures to Duplessis illegally. "It was Duplessis 'thumbing his nose' at the Canadian government," explained Swoger. "He vowed not to give them back to an atheist communist government in Warsaw."

The treasure was finally returned to Poland in 1960-61. "The Poles turned out in crowds as the items were returned. They welcomed their valuable artifacts back."

Swoger's interest in Poland started when he and his wife Barbara taught English there in the mid-1990s. However, he says what really triggered his writing the book was an article he read about the Polish treasures in The Ottawa Citizen in 1999. "I thought: 'That would make a book,'" he said.

He started researching the text in 2000 at the National Archives in Ottawa, the provincial archives in Quebec City, as well as archives in London, England and Warsaw. "Since I don't read Polish, I had to have translators in London and Warsaw," he said. He adds he knows of only one other book which deals with this subject, which was published in the 1970s in Nova Scotia.

The book's manuscript was finished in 2003. Its initial press run of 2,000 copies is being published by Dundurn press in Toronto.

It will be sold at The Gift Shoppe in Prescott and at Leeds County Books in Brockville following the Dec. 1 release date.

This is Swoger's first book. "I'm hoping there will be a big audience for the book out there." he said. "It's been a lot of work but a lot of fun as well."

Area makes pitch for senior games

Site selection committee makes stops in Prescott as part of local visit

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - After a tour of local facilities and presentations about what the region has to offer, officials with the joint Brockville, Athens, Gananoque and Prescott bid to host the Ontario Senior Games have high hopes about landing the 2007 event.

Joint bid co-chair Dave Dargie indicated the games, which are being presented to the Ontario Senior Games Selection Committee as 2007 Winterfest, feels the local bid is in a good position to win hosting duties.

"We're very pleased with how things went," said Dargie. "We had a debriefing afterwards and found the feedback was good, but the one thing we needed to handle was the opening and closing ceremonies, which will need space to serve 1,500."

Dargie indicated the bid committee has jumped on finding a location and now has until Jan. 15 to submit a final plan to the selection group.

"We're about 90 per cent sure we'll be the selection," said Dargie. "They told use that if we're selected they'll want us to be at the 2005 games in Barrie to introduce us as the next host. I'm confident we've done our home work and will get this."

Dargie indicated he hoped to hear a decision before the new year.

Members of the games committee hosted the selection committee last Tuesday afternoon for a lunch at the Prescott Curling Club prepared by the students from the South Grenville District High School culinary arts program.

Games bid co-chairs Dave Dargie and Sandra Lawn hosted the luncheon, with a series of speakers from throughout the Leeds and Grenville area talking about all the volunteering efforts, which could be associated to the bid.

Cheryl Marshall, of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville spoke of the powers of volunteering locally, explaining that there are more than 15,000 volunteers in Leeds and Grenville and the bid selection committee needed to look no further than Prescott's Soup for the Soul which was founded by volunteers Mackenzie Eaton and Kaitlynn Dodge to see what the area is capable of contributing.

Members of Communities in Bloom, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Prescott Midget AA Tournament, VON Leeds and Grenville, Gananoque Festival of the Islands and Canadian Aid for Chernobyl were also on hand and spoke of the extensive volunteer help they have received locally and the capability of the area to handle such a large event which would require more than 1,500 volunteers.

Following the lunch, Games selection committee member Doug Hannum indicated the pitch made from the joint communities has made a good impression.

"What impressed me most was this was not just Brockville, but a combination of communities in the area," Hannum told The Journal. "It's an outstanding collaborative effort. With everything we heard it shows there is no limit to what the people here are capable of; you obviously have a number of outstanding volunteers. It speaks highly of the quality of the bid and work from the bid committee."

The bid for the 2007 games would bring more than 2,000 people to the region to take part in the various events. Some of the events being hosted in the South Grenville region would include badminton and games organizing headquarters at Grenville Christian College, curling at the Prescott Curling Club and some events proposed for the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Chili at today's United Way stew lunch

BROCKVILLE ­ The seventh annual stew lunch in support of the United Way of Leeds and Grenville will take place today (Wednesday, Nov. 24) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wall Street United Church in Brockville.

The meal consists of beef stew or chili as well as rolls, a beverage and dessert.

Local dignitaries (including Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor) and celebrities are scheduled to be on hand to take part in a homemade chili competition. For an additional charge, diners can taste and vote on the entries and help choose the winner.

The event is being hosted by United Way member agencies. The 2004 Leeds and Grenville campaign is nearing completion; this year's fundraising goal is $785,000.

MERC awards 2004 bursaries

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Education and Recreation Corporation awarded eight bursaries at recent high school graduation ceremonies. MERC bursaries are awarded to applicants who are graduating students attending post-secondary school who reside in Maitland and who have completed 20 hours of community service, at least ten of which benefit the Maitland community directly.

Suzanne Lumsden. Alex MacMillan, Ray-Lyn Haist, Matt Price, Sara Price, Stacy Jones, Janey Brown and Jessica Covey all received the bursary. Suzanne Lumsden, Alex MacMillan, Ray-Lyn Haist, Matt Price and Jessica Covey each received the MERC Ontario Scholar Award of $100 for graduating with a grade point average of 80 per cent or higher in addition to the bursary.

Leeder of the pack

Matt Leeder finished first in the midget boys event at the Ontario Track and Field Association Cross-Country Meet this past weekend in Pickering. Leeder attended the meet as part of the Legion Track and Field Club coached by Bob Tucker. Matt Millard, Geoff Millard and Paul DeSchiffert ran in the junior men's division. Matt Millard finished 15th, Geoff Millard finished 17th and Paul DeSchiffert finished 31st in a field of more than 100 runners from all over the province.

All four Maitland runners will be attending the National Cross-Country Meet in Toronto Dec. 4. All four boys will be competing in the junior men's division because the national meet only offers two levels of competition: junior men's for under 19 years of age and senior men's for over 19.

Main street assault results in charges

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 53 calls for service last week in the Prescott patrol zone.

A 29-year-old Victor Road man faces charges in connection with an incident that took place Saturday at about 2:45 am near 233 King St. W. (Boomer's). What had been mainly verbal comments during the earlier hours of the evening escalated to assault when a 40-year-old Prescott man was struck repeatedly in the face. He was taken by ambulance to hospital a short time later; he was treated and released. The suspect was arrested at his residence. He faces charges of assault causing bodily harm and breach or recognizance.

Constables Wheeler and Kavanagh stopped a vehicle Saturday on Centre Street near the waterfront. All four male occupants were under 19 and consuming alcohol, according to an OPP news release. The four were issued offence notices for drinking under age. The 18-year-old driver was charged with failing to surrender his driver's licence, and he registered a 12-hour suspension on the roadside screening device. The vehicle was towed.

On Friday at about 3:30 pm, Constable Shawn Steinburg recovered a stolen 2001 Pontiac on Dibble Street West. The constable ran the Quebec plates; the vehicle had been reported stolen three days earlier in Montreal. There was minimal damage to the car. Anyone with information is asked to contact the constable at the detachment in Prescott.

A two-vehicle collision occurred Thursday at about 7:20 pm at the intersection of George and Dibble streets. A 1997 Pontiac Sunfire driven by a 17-year-old Augusta male failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a 1994 Ford Aerostar driven by a 35-year-old Prescott woman. The male was charged with failing to stop. After the collision, there was a nearby altercation involving males from the Sunfire. An ambulance attended to the two involved in the altercation, which police indicated was not related to the collision.

No charges are pending at this time. Constable Wright is the investigating officer.

The occupant of a Victor Road residence found a two-word profanity had been spray-painted on the side of her house. The incident occurred overnight on Nov. 15-16. The paint was gold in colour; police indicated distinctive writing was used. Constable Butcher is investigating.

Anyone with information on these or any occurrences in Prescott is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Woman lucky to be alive; van lodged under trailer

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A woman escaped with non-life-threatening injuries after the van she was driving struck a truck and became lodged under the trailer.

The collision took place last Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 16) at approximately 5:20 pm at the intersection of Highway 16 and the Highway 401 eastbound off-ramp just north of Johnstown.

A Freightliner driven by a 50-year-old Tavistock man was turning left onto the northbound portion of the highway. The rig was hauling an 85,000-lb. Concrete bridge girder. An Aerostar van driven by a 65-year-old Pennsylvania woman was northbound at the time of the crash.

The woman was extricated by firefighters and transported to the Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital. The truck driver was not injured.

Charges are pending; Constable Jones of Grenville County OPP is the investigating officer.

Illegal dumping appears to be on the rise

MAYNARD - There were 14 instances of illegal dumping in Augusta Township, between Oct. 26 and Nov. 21, as reported to Augusta Township according to a public works report.

"It (illegal dumping) appears to be on an upswing," said Deputy Reeve Doug Barton. However, he and other council members do not believe the increase in dumping was related to the revised fee schedule recently announced for dumping demolition materials at the North Augusta landfill site.

Councillor John Fischl added illegally dumping materials is an example of a "false economy," because residents will end up paying for township staff to pick up demolition items strewn about the township with their tax dollars.

Council mentioned it may only cost $5-10 to take an item to the dump, whereas it costs $40 to send township employees out with a truck to retrieve a discarded piece of furniture.

Garbage catches fire in back of truck

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A large tractor-trailer garbage truck was eastbound on Highway 401 just east of Highway 16 Friday at about 1 pm when the load caught fire. The trailer was disconnected. Both eastbound lanes were closed briefly as Edwardsburgh/Cardinal firefighters tried to get the fire under control. The load had to be transferred in order to completely extinguish the fire. No one was injured, and no charges are pending. The investigating officer is OPP Constable Jones.

More mail box mess

AUGUSTA ­ There are new reports of damaged mail boxes. On Nov. 16, the remains of a "cherry bomb" firework were found inside a box on Bisseltown Road. Minimal damage was reported. There were at least five reports of "mail box baseball" received Saturday morning. The areas involved include Hillbrook Road, Fourth Concession and Lords Mills Road. Anyone with information on these occurrences can contact OPP Constable Butcher.

Public board releases individual school results

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) released its Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) 2003-04 results for grades 3 and 6 at each school as The Journal went to press last week.

The following is a listing of the provincial, board and individual UCDSB school results in the South Grenville area. The percentages represent the number of eligible students who achieved the provincial standard or higher in reading, writing and mathematics tests conducted in the spring of 2004:

Salvation Army is on the move

PRESCOTT ­ The Salvation Army will be on the move in Prescott next week.

The downtown thrift store will be relocating across the street. The official ribbon-cutting and reopening will take place Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 am at 183 King St. W.

The Salvation Army Christmas season kettle will also be set up at the front of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer Dec. 2-4 and again on Dec. 16-18.

Most Augusta council members support Leisureville

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - At Monday's regular meeting of council, Augusta council voted 4-1 in favour of passing a resolution to offer support to the Leisureville development proposal in Brockville and Elizabethtown-Kitley.

The resolution is in response to a letter from David Paul, Brockville's economic development director. In the letter, Paul mentioned rallying support from local councils is a "last ditch effort" to show commitment in Leeds and Grenville towards the project.

Recently, Elizabethtown-Kitley voted against passing a resolution supporting the fun park. Under its current footprint in the west end of Brockville, the park would be partially in that township.

Brockville and the united counties council have endorsed the development proposal.

Augusta council, save for Reeve John McCrea, believes Leisureville would have many positive benefits for the region. "Anything that brings jobs we have to support," said Councillor John Fischl.

"It's one of the few opportunities to bring 4-5,000 jobs to our area."

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton admitted he's received calls from concerned citizens who are against the development. However, he said "(It's) not municipal government's responsibility to say we can't support gambling (in our society)."

However, council encountered stiff opposition from Reeve McCrea, who said "I can't support it. If they would substitute theatres for slots, then I could."

Council's resolution to support Leisureville will be brought back to the Dec. 6. meeting for formal approval.

Township to hold emergency planning exercise Dec. 8

MAYNARD - Augusta's Community Emergency Management Committee (CEMC) is planning its first sample disaster to be held Dec. 8 at the Augusta Library.

The committee, which formed in summer 2003, has developed an emergency response plan and designated the public library as its emergency headquarters. "This (Augusta Township municipal offices) is not an ideal location, " said Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson. She added the library in Algonquin is more centrally located and has kitchen facilities located nearby in the United Church hall.

The mock disaster will be held from 1-3 pm, and members of the public are invited to attend. All members of council were also encouraged to attend. However, Reeve John McCrea specified he would not be attending the sample disaster because he will be attending the inaugural meeting of counties council in Brockville.

McCrea was criticized by Councillor Fischl for not attending the emergency planning exercise . "If something serious happens, the reeve should know what to do" he said. Fischl added, in his opinion, McCrea should send Deputy Reeve Doug Barton to the counties council meeting in his place.

McCrea defended his decision to go to the counties council meeting instead of the mock disaster, saying "I have 100 per cent confidence if there's an emergency we will get people 'in the know' who know how to contribute." He added that, in the case of a disaster, "no one is indispensable," and that, although actions taken would be his call, they would be taken only upon advisement by others whose opinion he trusted.

Deputy Reeve Doug Barton said "It's important for all of us to know procedures."

One afternoon council meeting in the works

MAYNARD - As a result of a suggestion made at the Nov. 10 governance and finance committee meeting, Augusta council has decided to change its meeting times.

Council passed a resolution at Monday's council meeting to enable the public to review the proposed meeting time change. "We can't amend the (meeting time) bylaw before the public hears about it," said Augusta CAO Sharon Wilkinson.

The change in meeting times will mean that one council meeting per month will be held at 7 pm, while the other will be held in the afternoon. The meetings will still be held on Mondays. The new arrangement will be put into place in January 2005.

Part of the rationale behind the new meeting times is they will allow meetings to take place without having to ask Augusta Township staff members to come back to meetings in the evening, thus saving taxpayers money.

"My feeling is that one night meeting and one day meeting (per month) makes sense," said Councillor John Fischl. Deputy Reeve Doug Barton said, "I agree with the philosophy behind it."

Reeve John McCrea indicated he does not have strong feelings on the subject one way or the other.

St. Paul's bazaar to be held today

PRESCOTT ­ St. Paul's United Church will host its Christmas bazaar and luncheon today (Wednesday, Nov. 24).

The bazaar and bake sale will run from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Lunch will be served from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

In addition to the luncheon and bake tables, there will be crafts, knitted items, decorations and other things for sale.

St. Paul's is located at the corner of George and Dibble streets.

Fundraiser update

It was noted in last week's paper that Curves in Prescott had raised approximately $500 in its first annual "Challenge our curves for diabetes" fundraiser.

Since the photo was taken, the total for the Canadian Diabetes Association has grown. At last count, about $1,600 had been raised.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I can't believe we just won EOSSAA."

SGDHS senior boys volleyball team member Ryan Fischer, referring to South Grenville's victory in the Eastern Ontario championship game.

Editor's Notebook

MAKING THE GRADE: Although there continue to be critics of the manner in which standardized testing is done in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, we still find it noteworthy to report on the results of the assessments conducted by the Education Quality Assessment Office. The Journal published results for the two Catholic elementary schools in Prescott last week; results for public elementary schools in South Grenville appear in this week's edition.

As much as the public is often told by school boards and the province not to compare one school to the other based solely on results of the assessments, that is exactly what most of us end up doing. We should not jump to conclusions based on the results of one test, but we have every right to be proud or seek answers when the numbers are high, low or somewhere in the middle. The district school boards in this part of Eastern Ontario are correct in noting the percentage of local students achieving the provincial standard is on the rise, although it should also be noted province-wide averages are also on the rise. However, in most areas, this region continues to trail the provincial average.

In their recent news releases, the school boards focused on the fact their test results are getting better and their efforts on professional development are paying off. The overall picture does appear to be improving, but parents and taxpayers are going to see some of those assessment numbers and wonder who or what is responsible for, in some cases, such poor results. We suspect school board officials are not pleased to see those low numbers, and we hope they will do everything in their power to ensure students in each and every classroom in this region are making the grade.

RELIEF FOR PEDESTRIANS: It is good to see work beginning on those much-needed crosswalk upgrades on Edward Street. The pedestrian crossing near the high school (and, to a lesser extent, near St. Mark school) continues to go unnoticed by most drivers. Although the crossing is poorly marked and has inadequate lighting, many people who live in the area and know there is a crosswalk still appear to be overlooking the fact they are required to stop when a person is attempting to walk across the street. Now that there will be overhead signs and flashing lights, there will be no excuse for drivers to claim they were unaware of the crosswalk being there.

The town deserves credit for finally addressing pedestrians' needs by improving those crosswalks and building a sidewalk on the west side of Edward north of Churchill Road. One thing to note is the so-called crossing at the corner of Irvine Street will not be getting those bells and whistles, so pedestrians will still have to proceed at their own risk.

Tim Ruhnke

If we lose church suppers, what will we lose next?

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

About a month ago I attended a church supper at my church in Bishop's Mills. I hadn't been to one in a couple of years and had forgotten how much fun they are.

I'm sure most people reading this know what a church supper is. They are fund-raising dinners held by churches which typically feature a signature "dish" (roast beef, turkey, ham, strawberries and shortcake) along with side dishes, salads and desserts usually prepared by congregation members. These dinners are one of the oldest ways churches in North America have to raise funds.

When I was a little kid, I recall reading about them in the Little House on the Prairie series of books," (which, if you don't know, chronicle the trials of a pioneer family in the American midwest from the 1850s through the 1870s).

Even though attendance to many "traditional" churches has fallen sharply this past decade, many people still come out for the church suppers. In fact, some folks I know try to attend one every weekend (the number of churches across Leeds-Grenville makes this possible).

Particularly for people of older generations, the suppers are a longstanding tradition. They're a social happening which allows people in the community to get together. They allow people to interact across socioeconomic and generational lines.

But maybe not for much longer. See, the Ontario government, if it has its way, will make it so difficult and expensive for places like rural church halls to serve food to the public that many will have to cease operating.

Bill 170/03 was introduced as a reactionary measure by the Ontario government to help ensure public drinking water stays safe. This sounds like a vital piece of legislation but, in actuality, it unfairly targets small places (like rural church halls, motels and community centres) with unachievable regulations with which they can't afford to comply.

Even though the government has extended the time line of compliance for Bill 170, unless it is scrapped entirely the end result will be the same.

If the bill continues without substantial modification, there will be no church suppers whatsoever held at rural church halls to which it applies.

Local councils are encouraging residents of their townships to write letters of protest to their local MPPs to make the regulations set out by Bill 170 less exacting and money-intensive. I'd like to encourage people to do the same.

No one in this province wants to see another drinking water disaster, but I don't think anyone wants to lose the longstanding tradition of rural church suppers either.

Voters to decide fate of Roebuck Community Hall: 1974

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 25, 1954

* The weather and road conditions were poor, but Boundary Street Public School opened its doors. Principal W.K. Rorke indicated attendance was about 200. Pictured on the front page of The Journal are the first students to arrive at the new school, Allen and Virginia Watts and Denis Ashford, and teacher Mrs. Dean Hunter. The Churchill Road extension has yet to be paved.

Nearby, construction had begun on the 100th house in McAuley Gardens.

* MacFarlane's Garage on King Street East was about to display the new 1955 Plymouth V-8.

Nov. 27, 1974

* A formal investigation into charges that foreign-made televisions are being dumped onto the Canadian market could begin within a month, Grenville-Carleton MP Walter Baker has been told in a letter from Finance Minister John Turner. The demand for Canadian-made sets has been on the decline; more than 120 people have been laid off at the RCA plant in Prescott. IUE Local 523 President Gerry VanRijt asked the MP for government intervention to protect jobs and deal with cheap imports from Japan, Taiwan and the United States.

* Voters in Augusta Township's polls three and four will soon be voting on whether or not they are in favour of proceeding with construction of the proposed $100,000 Roebuck Community Hall. Lawrence Francis, chairman of the Roebuck Educational and Recreation Committee, told council residents of the township would not be required to pay for the new hall because of government grants and local fundraising that has been done.

* South Grenville's junior girls basketball team won the Eastern Ontario high school championship for the first time by defeating Perth 43-24. Shirley MacDonald was top scorer for the Giants at the regional playdowns.

Grey Cup and celebrations brought all of Canada together

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

"They told me that the Grey Cup was like Canada's Super Bowl, but this is nothing like the Super Bowl."

Those were the words of Dallas-based sportswriter Stephanie Peete from www.zanysportslady.com, who was one of the few U.S. reporters who came up to the Ottawa area to take in the Grey Cup.

When she said the Grey Cup was nothing like the Super Bowl, it was a sincere compliment to the event, the region, and the people.

The Grey Cup is nothing like the Super Bowl.

That's what makes it great.

For me, the events at the Grey Cup reminded me what I love about Canada and why I am happy to be back home. I had worked at five Super Bowls at the corporate level before returning home, and the Grey Cup proved to be everything the Super Bowl isn't.

The feeling of Grey Cup week, not just in Ottawa but in all of Eastern Ontario, was what separates us from Americans. We saw this early Saturday morning in a crowded Tim Hortons in Kemptville, with rowdy fans yelling "Arrrrgos!" while they mingled and met people and waited for their double-doubles.

The parties themselves are one of the most noticeable differences between the two events. The Super Bowl festivities are a glitzy cluster of corporate VIP events and $1,000-a-ticket functions. The parties seem to be centered around celebrities and stars, even though they will not give fans the time of day.

Players are around, but fans have little or no access to them. They have their own parties and events, and they stick to themselves. Most avoid fans. At the Grey Cup celebration, fans got to meet players and talk football.

Players would even approach fans to talk football, letting them know how thankful they were for the support they give all year.

Every CFL cheerleader from every team was there. They made sure that every fan was on the dance floor when live bands were playing. I don't think an everyday fan would get to dance with an NFL cheerleader at any event in the U.S.

Super Bowl fans are also different than Grey Cup fans.

Many are there for the Vegas factor. It becomes all about point spreads and injury updates and over-unders. Thousands upon thousands of fans put big money on the Super Bowl. They become fans not for the love of the game, but for the love of money they can win.

Canadian fans at a Grey Cup wear costumes and clothing to support their local teams and where they are from. Saskatchewan fans are incredible. So are Calgary and Edmonton fans. There were Halifax fans there and they don't even have a team yet. The Thunder Bay fans were crazy, and they will never have a team.

We met fans from Baltimore who still come up and party at the Grey Cup even though Baltimore's existence in the CFL was short, sweet and nearly a decade ago. Hamilton was well represented.

Sure, there is a lot of alcohol consumed, but it is at a much more responsible level than at a Super Bowl. It is about the celebration. And there wasn't a fan there that could give you the point spread let alone care what it was.

At the game, the fans have more fun than at a Super Bowl. Again, the gambling factor is a big part of that. The Super Bowl crowds can be angry and desperate. But at the Grey Cup there were flags waving proudly and colours visible for all nine teams in the league.

The Alouettes had a huge group from Montreal that came to Ottawa with Als gear and flags. It was one of the few events I have ever seen where the English and French people put aside their differences and got together to enjoy each other and embrace new friendships that were being made.

As the game ended, 52,000 or so people filed out onto Bank Street. There was no damage. There were no fights. There were no cars turned over or buildings set on fire.

It was an event that screamed out, "Hey America, this is what makes us Canadian."

As the game ended, Stephanie sat in the press box and said she could not wait to write about her first trip to Canada and the Grey Cup experience for zanysportslady.com, from the event to the wonderful people she met to the fact that we have kids playing hockey on a pond pictured on our five dollar bills.

"What y'all have up here in Canada," she said.

"It is truly special. Canada has in its culture and its sports the things that Americans can only reminisce about."

She is right, and it's something we can all be proud of. I hope we never lose what we have.

New program offered by United Way teaches youngsters to care for others

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

JOHNSTOWN - A new program being delivered by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville is targeting youngsters in hopes they will become more community-minded and volunteering-oriented.

This program, called "Caring for Others," was delivered to Grade 4 students at five schools in the region last week, including Johnstown and Algonquin.

"With United Way, we're mainly known for fundraising," said United Way board member Gord Mitchell. "In the last two years, we've been trying to reach out to the community, to provide a service."

Mitchell adds Caring for Others was developed jointly by him and Cathy Froom, program co-ordinator for the United Way. The concept for the program originated with Centraide, the Quebec arm of United Way, which has been offering such a program to school children for several years.

The program makes use of a workbook, a teacher's companion guide and a 90-minute in-class presentation delivered by representatives from the United Way, a local agency, and a business. "The idea was to get community people involved," said Mitchell.

He added one of the most important aspects of the program, from his perspective, is the materials have been localized to the Leeds-Grenville area. Because of this, he thinks students will get an appreciation for the local social agencies (such as Interval House, VON and Family and Children's Services) who help individuals in the region.

"It's important to start here (in Grade 4)," Froom said. "The Grade 4s getting introduced to it (volunteering) means in high school it will be a natural thing hopefully." She added "The biggest point (of Caring for Others) is community involvement - developing a sense of community."

Froom is quick to credit Mitchell, a retired elementary school principal who served at Westminister School in Brockville, with helping develop a program which would resonate with Grade 4 students. "Gord gave his insight from an educational perspective. You can talk to kids, but don't always get through." The program employs role-playing activities and classroom interaction to ensure its messages get through to the children.

Caring for Others is offered at no cost to schools, although Mitchell admits United Way is looking for a sponsor which would allow it to expand the initiative. He adds United Way will offer the program again in the spring, and will target both Catholic and public schools at that time.

"What we're hoping to do is to give kids a willingness to help others," said Mitchell. "We've been blown away by the enthusiasm (for the program)."

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Grade 5 students Faith Campbell and Brad Porter did our school proud as masters of ceremony for our Remembrance Day ceremony. Having auditioned with grade 1/2 teacher, Mrs. Wenda Taylor, students practised and prepared for their positions of responsibility. The set-up and take-down crew (Dan Halladay, Brittany Smith) worked alongside the gym decorators (Amara Heisel, Laura Laviolette) and class assistants (Meagen Stewart, Jessica Boose).

At the ceremony, representatives from each class (1/2: Katie Covill, Nicholas Forsyth; 2/3: Maranda Hall, Toran Long; 3/4: Sam Pitre, Jamie Finucan; 4/5: Kennedy Murphy, Jessica Boose) laid a wreath commemorating those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Student artwork, a reading of the symbolism of the poppy and a mini-performance about the importance of remembering (by the grade 4/5 class directed by teacher, Ms. Julianne Grenkie) and the respect deserved by our fallen heroes.

Boundary Street Public School: Congratulations to members of our girls and boys volleyball team who participated in a tournament this past Saturday and Sunday at TISS. The coaches are Mrs. Fortier, Mrs. Arthurs and Mr. Chajkowski.

Report cards went home Monday for students in grades 1-8. Interviews will be held this week.

There will be no school this coming Friday due to a professional development day; therefore, there will be no hot lunch.

Parents of students in grades 3-8 are invited to a hands-on workshop from "Boxcars and One-Eyed Jacks." Lynda Garrah will conduct an inspiring workshop in which she presents a number of ideas through which you can help your children with math. The workshop runs from 6:30 to 8 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 30. There will be a barbecue from 5:30-6:30 pm. A registration form was sent home with students. Please complete it and return it by Thursday.

Central Public School: On Nov. 11, students attended our Remembrance Day assembly which included poems, a video and readings honouring those who served. Each class made and laid its own wreath.

Intramural volleyball is in full swing, and there are 36 students participating. School teams participated in the Brockville tournament Nov. 20-21. The girls team won four games and the boys team won six, barely missing the playoffs. The next tournament is this weekend in Kemptville.

Congratulations to those who helped with Central's float in the Light Up the Night parade. The school placed second.

This Wednesday from 4 to 9:30 pm and Friday in the morning, first term interviews will be held.

On Thursday at 6 pm, an information meeting for parents of students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will be held giving details of the Quebec City year-end trip.

Student council will meet Thursday to discuss Christmas activities.

Maynard and Maitland Public Schools: We are very proud of our new mission/vision posters currently on display in the foyer of both schools. We greatly appreciate the support of Mark Calder, communications assistant for the Upper Canada District School Board, for his help in making this possible.

Book fairs are taking place this week at both schools; these fairs provide a wonderful selection of books at reasonable prices for our parents and students. They also allow us to add new resources to our libraries and classrooms; many of our current books are well-worn, as we have so many avid readers.

Report cards go home this week, with parent-teacher interviews being held Thursday and Friday.

We hope to have a 100 per cent turn-out in the first term; when parents and teachers work together, the children are truly the winners!

St. Joseph Catholic School: Report cards will be sent home Wednesday, Nov. 24. Parent-teacher interviews will take place Thursday, Nov. 25 from 4-6 pm and 7-8 pm and also Friday, Nov. 26 in the morning.

On the afternoon of Nov. 25, St. Joe's support staff will be attending a workplace violence prevention in-service in Kemptville. Teachers will be engaging in personal professional development at St. Joe's.

Our Grade 5 students will be visiting the Museum of Civilization to view the IMAX film The Mysteries of Egypt. They will also explore the children's and postal museums.

Our school council is putting on a November dance for our students Friday, Nov. 26 from 7 to 9 pm.

Advent begins Sunday. St. Joe's is participating in the Spirit of Giving campaign. Students are bringing in canned and boxed foods for the Food For All Food Bank. Mr. Kelly and Grade 8K are spearheading this campaign.

St. Mark Catholic School: This week, we welcome all of our parents to the school for mandatory first term interviews. A reminder to our parents Friday, Nov. 26 is a professional development day. Parent-teacher interviews will be held at this time. There will be no school for students.

We will host a Scholastic Book Fair in the library Nov. 25 from 9 am to 9 pm and Nov. 26 from 9 am to noon. I encourage all students, parents and school community to visit the book fair and have a look at current book titles to promote reading and the love of books for our young students.

We will have an adult paraliturgy in the school gym Monday, Nov. 29 at 9:15 am.

St. Mark School council will meet Monday at 7 pm in the school library. A presentation of EQAO results will be given.

Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.

South Edwardsburg Public School: To celebrate Youth Appreciation Week, the Optimist Club has provided a speaker and Guide Dog for the Blind to make a presentation to each class.

Our grade 7/8 class is at SGDHS yesterday and today. Partnered with the Grade 10 technology students, they are working on a history research project.

Report cards go home this week. Student-led conferences will be held Thursday.

Friday is a PA day; students do not attend school. Staff members will be participating in a professional development activity at the school.

Hot lunch today is hamburgers.

Last chance to attend free flu shot clinic

PRESCOTT ­ Free flu shots will be available this Thursday, Nov. 25 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District High School on Edward Street.

This is the final scheduled clinic to be conducted this season by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit in the Prescott area.

For more information on the clinics or influenza, call 345-5685 or go online and visit www.healthunit.org.

Each resident of Ontario is entitled to a free influenza vaccination.

Shots are also available from family physicians.

The usual surprises served; open house set for Dec. 12

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our speaker at the pot luck Friday was quite informative. Steve Webster from Home Comfort Senior Services described how help for seniors or those with a need could be arranged.

While the helpers in Prescott are limited at this time, he hopes to expand the services with demand.

The pot luck held its usual surprises but was delicious.

The business women's networking meeting will be held here Sunday, Nov. 28 from 2-4 pm. If you are in the workforce or have a business, plan to attend to share and exchange your views.

Don't forget our open house Dec. 12 from 1-3 pm.

Card game winners last week were as follows: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Harry Nesbitt; door, Ruth Wenger. Fun bridge ­ Jean Farlinger. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Doris Mossman; 2nd, Joyce Nesbitt. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jessie Shaver; 2nd, Micheline Cook; 3rd, Jean Annable; door, Eddie Arcand.

This week at T.R. Leger School

This week is a busy one at the T.R. Leger Prescott campus. We have some community partners coming in for a visit with students, including a visit from Sharon Pritchard, a Prior Learning Assessment Facilitator who is assisting with student portfolios.

We also have a representative from the Brockville Employment and Education Centre coming to talk about employment opportunities and other services the centre can provide our students.

On Thursday, an Algonquin College representative will be visiting with students interested in attending college.

Friday, we are hosting the Central and Western Region Professional Development Day for T.R. Leger staff. We will have several workshops for the staff to enjoy; therefore, there will be no school on Friday, Nov. 26 and our campus will be closed to the public.

Small fires set in vacant units doused

CARDINAL ­ A number of break-ins and small fires occurred Nov. 16 in a building at 4008 James St.

Three of the four unoccupied units of the mostly vacant building were entered with force. Fires were set in at least one apartment and the basement; they were extinguished without the involvement of the fire department. Constable Wheeler identified two males as being responsible; they are to be dealt with under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

There is no estimate of damage due to the state of the building prior to the break-ins.

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

Food bank has arrived in Cardinal

Library basement location opens to the public Dec. 6

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - A new satellite branch of the Food For All Food Bank was officially christened Monday in Cardinal.

The new office, which is located in the basement of the Cardinal Public Library, was opened after receiving the space in October from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.

Food bank Co-ordinator Bonnie Gommert indicated the new office comes as a wonderful opportunity for the food bank to continue to meet the needs of the community.

"It was through a lot of luck and a wonderful opportunity we got this office," said Gommert. "We really knew we needed to try and get something like this after we found out some people had to hitchhike to Prescott just to get food."

Food bank Chairman Neil Dufour added, "We never expected to get this big and it's really a credit to the volunteers, because without them we couldn't do anything. I know we'll get the same volunteer support here."

Deputy Mayor Bill Sloan was on hand at the opening to offer best wishes to the food bank.

"I have to congratulate the food bank on their new satellite office which will be handy for residents of the area," said Sloan. "It's nice to know there is someone out there to lend a hand."

Gommert explained of the more than 300 families who are signed up to use the food bank, more than 70 come from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, that represents about 25 per cent of the total clientele.

Upon the announcement of the satellite office, Gommert explained the food bank has received a slew of donations to help get things started in Cardinal, including $250 in start-up capital from the Prescott Kiwanis Club, $500 in vouchers for O'Carrolls Grocery from the St. Andrew's and St. James Presbyterian Friendship Group, $2,000 from the township and a large number of non-perishable goods from a food drive held at O'Carroll's Grocery over the weekend.

"Everyone has been so wonderful with making donations to help get our shelves stocked and us up and running here," said Gommert. "We already have enough food for a couple of months, but this should be an ongoing thing, since the area really tends to give generously to our food drops."

Gommert explained the food bank satellite office will officially open its doors Monday Dec. 6, with the office open from 12-4 pm each Monday to start.

"December is a new month and it makes it an easier transition to open to the public then," said Gommert.

"It also helps our customers keep their privacy when we open now that the ribbon-cutting and ceremonial opening is finished."

The main food bank depot on Henry Street in Prescott is open three days a week.

Portable john gets dumped

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A case of mischief that occurred during the overnight hours of Nov. 15 is being investigated by OPP Constable Large.

Someone entered a bulldozer in a hunter's quarry on County Road 22 between Froom Road and County Road 21; the belongings were thrown on the ground, an outhouse was flipped over and a scale house was entered although nothing was taken.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grenville County detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School: On Friday, students were recognized for being reliable and responsible. Our outstanding students were Claire Rylands, Selena Smith, Victoria Bowen, Spencer Disheau, Shane Riddell, McKenzie Gill, Anne McNairn and Chris Sherman.

We offer pizza on Tuesday and Thursday each week. Orders must be in on Monday of the week you wish to receive the pizza. Milk is available and must be ordered a week in advance.

Students are looking forward to Friday's professional activity day. While it is a day off for students, teachers will be working hard conducting interviews and participating in workshops. Parents should have sent back their form indicating their preferred interview time. Interviews will be conducted Thursday after school, Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Grades 3 and 6 testing results have been sent home with all the students who wrote the test. Please contact the school if you have not received your child's results.

Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools: On Nov. 11, all students (grades 4-8) at Centennial participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the United Church in Spencerville.

We marched over with the colour parade behind the flag-bearers and filed into the church. We sang hymns and listened to stories about war veterans and their struggles. We then had a few presentations by the school choir and Grade 8 students who shared readings on the history of the poppy and the meaning of the two minutes of silence. A few minutes later, we went outside and over to the cenotaph. The names of the people who died in the war from Spencerville were read from the list on the cenotaph. Many people and businesses sponsored a wreath to lay at the base of the cenotaph. Many students got to take part. The students showed an amazing amount of respect and courtesy.

The intermediate girls had their first volleyball tournament Nov. 16. They played Nationview and Iroquois twice and won against Iroquois in their first game 25-14. The boys also had their first volleyball tournament Nov. 18. They played four games against Nationview and Oxford, winning against Oxford in one game 25-23.

The retired teachers had a luncheon at the Presbyterian church Wednesday, Nov. 17. Six Grade 8 students were asked to share their talents for the ladies' entertainment. Ryan Laflamme and Paul Robertson played a few selections on keyboard. Ian Bain performed a few pieces on guitar, and Morgan Matthie and Bryn Thompson presented a few pieces of written work and comedic relief. They were presented gifts of appreciation. The ladies donated a $50 cheque to the sports store at Centennial.

We received our reports this week. Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for Thursday after school and Friday (PA day).

Angel tree program under way

BROCKVILLE ­ Be an angel and support local palliative care services.

The Hospice of Providence and the St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Foundation have launched the Tree of Remembrance campaign for another year.

"Christmas is a holiday that can be difficult for people who've lost loved ones," foundation Director Trudy Patterson said. "The tree provides a way of helping keep their memory alive."

In return for a donation to the hospice in memory of a loved one, an angel with his or her name will be placed on a Christmas tree.

This is the fourth annual year of the remembrance campaign. The palliative care program based in Brockville has been in place for 25 years.

Comprehensive palliative care was provided to 255 terminally ill patients and their families and friends in the area last year. The hospice program is not confined to one location. In addition to patients at St. Vincent's and Brockville General Hospital, there are also patients at long-term care facilities and in their own homes. Most of the work in the Prescott area is done in patients' homes; palliative care staff will also go to retirement homes if requested.

There were also 98 active volunteers who provided more than 8,000 hours of service in 2003.

The 2003 campaign raised $24,000; the goal is to raise $25,000 this year. The hospice does not receive provincial funding.

Angel of Remembrance brochures have been inserted into this edition of The Prescott Journal and are also available at Grenville Pharmacy. Organizations, businesses and schools are encouraged to set up their own remembrance trees.

For more information, call Patterson at 342-4461, ext. 3362.

Access centre health show is now on the air

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ A new program on health developed in partnership with the Access Centre for Community Care in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is airing weekly on Cogeco's community channel.

Healthy Living appears Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. The show provides relevant information for individuals and caregivers coping with an illness. Key aspects of a healthy lifestyle will also be presented. Local organizations are being invited to take part in the program to publicize their programs and services.

For more information, call Cindy Goldberg at the centre in Smiths Falls (1-800-267-6041, ext. 277). The access centre is a provincially-funded agency that co-ordinates in-home health services and long-term care placements.

Cadets honoured to be participants

By Captain John E. Henry

PRESCOTT ­ It was with great pleasure that 661 Air Cadet Squadron took to the streets of Prescott with its sponsor (Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion) on Nov. 11. The unit and band performed at two ceremonies that included the parade and service through the town of Prescott, as well as a smaller service in Maynard for a large group of school children. All of the cadets and staff who took part were honoured to be a piece of this very special day.

Giants senior boys volleyball captures EOSSAA gold

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - It was mission accomplished as the South Grenville Giants were crowned the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association senior boys volleyball champions Thursday in Prescott.

The host Giants made up for near-misses in the semi-finals the past two years putting together their best games to defeat the top-ranked Ernestown Eagles (15-25, 25-22, 15-13) in a three-set marathon final.

Despite some mixed emotions after Thursday's final, coach Kevin Devaney was thrilled with seeing his team achieve its goals.

"It wasn't really a show of skill in the final game, but a show of character," said Devaney. "They've been working towards this for a long time and it wasn't our best match, but we did what we needed to do."

Devaney continued, "These kids were so focused and never took anything for granted. They never looked ahead and did what they had to do in every game and sacrificed a lot along the way."

For senior co-captain Curtis Bucking, the EOSSAA championship in his final year of school was a special moment.

"It's one of the greatest feelings I've had in my high school career," said Bucking. "Our goal was to go of OFSAA and we came together and played hard and battled back when we were down and out. In the past four years they've (Ernestown) been the best team and they've beaten us every time; to beat them in my final year and in the EOSSAA final is just a special feeling."

Co-captain Mike Armstrong added, "It was a pretty nice feeling since we hadn't beat them, but we did what we wanted to do all year and now we get to go to OFSAA (the Ontario championships)."

In the semi-final, the Giants avenged last year's semi-final loss to Carleton Place defeating the Bears in three-sets (25-15, 23-25, 15-8) to advance to the final.

The Giants went through the Pool B round-robin without losing a set, defeating La Citadelle (25-23, 25-18) before narrowly eking out a pair of victories over a strong Opeongo team (25-23, 26-24). South Grenville dominated play in the early going after some of the teams seemed to be visibly shaken by the deafening roar of the South Grenville faithful cheering on the home team.

Devaney indicated it was not only his starters, but his bench that came up big for the Giants through the tournament, such as first year seniors Chris Hall, Josh Rupert and Sam Whitley, who proved to be key substitutions on their run.

For the four graduating Giants players, the EOSSAA victory will definitely be one of their most memorable high school moments.

"It's why I'm back this year," said Ryan Fischer. "I can't believe we just won EOSSAA."

Eric Selleck attributed the team's shocking win to the time and effort put into practice and games all season.

"It's been great," said Selleck. "The whole team has worked really hard for this and now we're EOSSAA champions."

Andrew DeDekker added, "We didn't expect this, but it's been great."

While South Grenville is hoping for a good showing Thursday at the OFSSA AA championships in Goderich, the Giants have set a simple goal for the tournament.

"We just want to play our best," said Armstrong. "We want to do well, but all we can ask of ourselves is to play our best."

Devaney indicated getting to go to OFSAA is what he always hoped his team would get to experience.

"I'm just ecstatic for the kids, especially guys like Spaz (Andrew DeDekker), (Eric) Selleck and Curtis (Bucking), who have been with me for four years" said the coach. "I remember when they were just little sponges soaking in everything you taught them and for them to get to experience OFSSAA is a great thing. For me it's the most rewarding part of being a coach."

Other members of the team are, assistant coach Matt Robinson, Armstrong, Braeden Miller, Derrick Lavery, Nathaniel Hayes, Craig Irvine and trainer Megan Gibson.

SG Jr. girls basketball team falls in heartbreaking final

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants junior girls basketball team suffered a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of the St. Mary Crusaders in the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association (LGSSAA) final Friday in Brockville.

The Giants came out of the gates flat footed, struggling to put points on the board to trail 21-14 at the half, before rallying back in the third quarter to pull the game within five points.

South Grenville continued its strong play in the fourth quarter to trade leads with the Crusaders, before a controversial referee's whistle riled the Giants. With 20 seconds remaining in the game and trailing by one point, South Grenville's Jessica Rupert stole the ball from a St. Mary player and was on a fastbreak by herself when one of the officials whistled the play dead as a St. Mary player sat on the court and appeared to be injured. South Grenville got the ball back below the basket but was unable to convert any of scoring attempts sealing the 38-37 victory for the Crusaders. Jaime Grimes led South Grenville with 16 points, followed by Rupert with 15.

Giants assistant coach Christine Sloan is proud of her team despite the frustrating final game.

"We got off to a tough start, but then we pulled together and worked as a team in the second half," said Sloan. "The girls have never really played that aggressive of a game. When it got a little rough, the girls stepped it up. It's still a little disappointing, but it just showed it was the top two teams out there."

In the junior semi-final, South Grenville used a strong third-quarter to score a 52-40 win over the BCI Red Rams last Tuesday in Prescott. Rupert led the Giants with 17 points, followed by Carrie Calhoun and Karrie Neddo with eight and Michelle McDonald and Grimes with six.

Seniors fall in LGSSAA semis

The Giants senior girls basketball team was eliminated from the LGSSAA semi-finals in a hard-fought 58-30 loss to the LGSSAA champion TISS Pirates.

"We just got beat," said Giants coach Joe Latham. "We ended up finishing the season with an 18-11 record. It was a bit of a frustrating season for the girls, with all their injuries which prevented us from getting any consistency; we were putting out fires all year. It was a tribute to the girls and how hard they worked to finish up with a winning record."

The Giants had trouble moving the ball throughout the game before turning on the jets in the fourth quarter for 14 points to make the game a little closer.

Sara Watt led South Grenville with 11 points, followed by Alex Ward with six and Allison Whyte with five.

Jr. B Rangers continue hot streak with pair of victories

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers are still in top spot in the Rideau Division after reeling off a pair of weekend victories over the Westport Rideaus and Athens Aeros.

Rangers coach Rod Simmons explained his team isn't ready to rest on its laurels and is still working to improve its play.

"We worked hard and tried to focus on the little things," said Simmons. "We've been trying to get our younger guys to see the ice a little better. We just want the boys to play three solid periods of hockey without complacency."

On Sunday, the Rangers travelled to Athens and scored an 11-1 win over the Aeros. South Grenville put pressure on the Athens goaltenders early and kept it on the entire game as Julien Francis had a four-goal game to pace the Rangers to the win, while defenceman Andrew Fortier had a strong game playing the point to score a hat trick. Other Rangers goals came from Jason Whelan, Matt Bailey, Steven Frahn and Eric Selleck. Selleck (4), Lawrence (2), Whelan (2), Peter Veltkamp (2), Dustin Swan (2), Derek Rupert, Frahn, Bailey, Fortier, Ryan Sullivan and Adam Tousant added assists.

For Francis, the four-goal showing came as an awakening for the young centre.

"I scored one last weekend and it just snowballed," said Francis. "My linemates (Selleck and Whelan) have been great moving the puck to get the offence moving. We have four full lines, and if we keep skating hard it'll be hard for other teams to keep up with the Rangers."

On Saturday, South Grenville got excellent goaltending from Greg Richardson to help lead the Rangers to a 6-1 win over the Westport Rideaus. Lawrence, Rupert, Ben Bowden, Bailey, Francis and Whelan scored for the Rangers, while Alex Rees, Veltkamp, David Lun, Francis, Sullivan, Tousant, Frahn, Whelan and Lawrence chipped in with helpers.

The Rangers sport a 16-3-2-0 record on the year in 21 games and, with a win or draw Wednesday against the Brockville Tikis, can clinch the Rideau Division spot in the Jr. B Boxing Day Tournament Showcase Dec. 26 in Westport.

South Grenville will travel to Brockville today (Wednesday) to take on the Tikis at 7:45 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre. South Grenvillle will return home Saturday to host the Gananoque Islanders at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

SG peewee B house #1 scores 9-3 win over Brockville Braves #1

CARDINAL - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers #1 had a roller coaster ride of a week posting a 1-1 record in games with Brockville #1 and Clayton.

On Nov. 20, the Rangers travelled to Brockville and scored a 9-3 win over Brockville #1. Sean Perrin led the Rangers with four goals, followed by Josh Mintz with a hat trick and Hunter McCarroll and Kyle McNamara with singles. Pat Froom (3), McNamara (2), McCarroll (2), Sean Perrin and Michael Lawless added assists. Jacob Scott and Dustin Kester split time in goal.

On Nov. 15, the Rangers #1 dropped a 3-2 decision to Clayton at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Perrin and McCarroll scored for the Rangers, while Dustin Miller picked up a helper.

Rangers bantam B house league team starts season with 10-0 mark

CLAYTON - The South Grenville Rangers bantam B house team scored a pair of road victories in recent league play to improve its record to 10-0.

On Friday, the Rangers travelled to Clayton, New York and were able to score a 3-2 victory.

Josh Perrin, Taylor Corney and Ryan Robinson scored for the Rangers, while Michael Thomas, Chris Noonan and Reilly Grootjans added assists.

On Sunday, the Rangers travelled to Athens and scored a 4-0 win over the Aeros led by the shutout goaltending by Ashton Selleck.

Balanced South Grenville scoring saw Perrin, Corney, Grootjans and Trevor Murray score for South Grenville, while Thomas (2), Gootjans, Noonan, Todd Kirkey and Perrin added assists.

The Rangers have a perfect 10-0 record on the season.

SG atom C house #2 scores win and draw

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Rangers atom C house team #2 started November off on the right foot with a win and draw.

On Nov. 6, the Rangers hosted North Leeds at the Cardinal and District Community Centre and came away with a 1-1 draw. A.J. Larocque scored the Rangers' lone goal, while Jesse Buchanan, Rick Heyman and Joel Mintz added helpers. Brandon Finlayson had a strong game in goal.

On Nov. 8, South Grenville scored a 5-0 win over the Athens Aeros led by shutout goaltending by Finlayson. Larocque scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Alex Boswall, Holly Jones and Spencer Disheau added singles. Buchanan (2), Jonathan Bernier (2), Boswall, Mintz, Heyman and Curtis Patrick chipped in with helpers.

South Grenville peewee Rangers improve record to 7-1-4 on season

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers improved their record on the season to 7-1-4, led by the strong goaltending tandem of Mason Williams and Mitchell Grant.

On Oct. 26, the Rangers hosted the Cornwall Royals and came away with a 9-1 victory.

On Oct. 31, South Grenville travelled to Ogdensburg and scored a 1-0 decision over the Blue Devils.

On Nov. 2, the Rangers had to settle for a 3-3 draw with the Char Lan Rebels.

On Nov. 8, South Grenville travelled to Winchester and scored a 2-0 win over the North Dundas Demons.

On Nov. 9, the Rangers hosted the South Stormont Selects and dropped a 2-1 decision.

On Nov. 14, the Rangers settled for a 2-2 tie with the Ogdensburg Blue Devils.

On Nov. 16, South Grenville hosted the Akwesasne Wolves at the Cardinal and District Community Centre and came away with an 8-1 win.

On Nov. 20, the Rangers scored a 6-2 win over the Cornwall Royals.

Goal scorers for all Rangers games were unavailable.

SG atom B Rangers score win, tie and loss in league play

KINGSTON - The South Grenville atom B Rangers had a tough week scoring a win, draw and loss in recent league play.

On Nov. 21, South Grenville travelled to Kingston and had to settle for a 0-0 draw with the Kingston Titans.

Devin Eaton and Nathan Peters each had strong showings in goal as they shared the shutout.

On Nov. 17, the Rangers travelled to Westport and fell 3-0 to the hometown North Leeds Stars.

This was the first league loss for South Grenville.

On Nov. 16, South Grenville hosted the Loyalist Jets at the Leo Boivin Community Centre and scored a 3-0 shutout victory.

Peters and Eaton shared duties in goal for the shutout, while Alex Stephenson (2) and Derik Bourgeois scored in the win. Matt Courtney had a pair of assists.

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