VOL. 174, NO. 47~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ December 22, 2004

Spirit of Giving is about sharing

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Spirit of Giving is alive and well in Prescott.

About 270 boxes containing Christmas dinner food, canned goods and toys were distributed Sunday at South Grenville District High School.

Spirit of Giving was founded 20 years ago by South Grenville teacher Bernie Currier and is being continued by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with a group of students at the school. Art Hitsman of the Kinsmen was in Currier's accounting class when the Christmas program was founded. Hitsman recalls Currier's "impassioned" speech about his own Christmas experiences as a child and how something like Spirit of Giving is important during the holiday season.

"People need it at Christmas," Hitsman said. "This is one time of the year when it is nice to help."

As for this year's campaign, Hitsman believes more items were collected this year compared to 2003.

Collection barrels were placed in most schools in the area and at several businesses. High school students also did a door-to-door canvass in the Prescott area. There is no exact count of the number of non-perishable items received, but Hitsman agreed the figure must be in excess of 10,000.

Donations and fundraising enable Spirit of Giving organizers to purchase turkeys, vegetables, oranges and other Christmas dinner items. The cost of these items is in the range of $10,000; as of Tuesday, it appeared there was enough money to cover those costs.

Hitsman said the Spirit of Giving boxes might help take some of the stress off people who are going through tough times. The boxes go to individuals and families with or without children. In one case, a household of five adults and four children registered for the program.

Volunteers gathered in and near Gym C to sort the food and toys and place them in the boxes, each of which notes the number of people in the household and the ages of the children in the home.

Some of the canned goods collected by Spirit of Giving made their way to the shelves of the Food For All Food Bank. The food bank's Prescott location on Henry Street is open each Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Hitsman said he and his fellow Kinsmen are happy to maintain the program, adding there might come a time when some who are pitching in now might need a helping hand in the future.

"You know you're doing something right," he said.

THIS WEEK

Christmas greetings

This week's Journal includes a special Christmas greetings section featuring drawings by elementary school students in Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

The Journal appreciates the community-minded businesses and organizations which support the annual greetings section. We also acknowledge the participating schools and, most of all, the hundreds of youngsters who submitted drawings and written material.

Master's Hands supper to be served today

PRESCOTT ­ The Christmas edition of the Master's Hands Community Supper will take place today at Seaway Christian Church.

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

Seaway Christian is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

Firefighters ask Santa to visit township hall

SPENCERVILLE ­ Santa Claus will be making a special trip to Spencerville tonight.

Station 1 of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Fire Department has asked the jolly old fellow to drop by township hall at about 7 pm and give treats to all the children who are there. The public is invited to attend.

An open and shut case for the holiday season

PRESCOTT ­ The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Christmas Eve, this Friday, Dec. 24.

Regular office hours return Monday, Dec. 27.

The deadline for display and classified advertising in the Dec. 29 edition of The Journal is this Thursday, Dec. 23 at noon.

Government offices, banks and some retailers will be closed next Monday. Some offices will also be closed Tuesday, Dec. 28. There will be no mail delivery next Monday or Tuesday.

Festive RIDE checks can happen anywhere

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP officers conducted several RIDE checks at various times of the day and night last week.

More than 500 vehicles were checked at locations in and around Prescott. One 12-hour licence suspension was issued. Four Highway Traffic Act offence notices and several warnings were issued. One driver was charged for having no insurance.

Motorists are reminded the Festive RIDE campaign could set up a police check anywhere at any time during the holiday season.

Soup for the Soul has same great taste in new home

High school students serve more than 400 Christmas dinners

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The location was different, but this year's Soup for the Soul community supper had the same volunteer flavour as its predecessors.

An estimated 430 Christmas dinners were served Sunday afternoon and evening at the annual event held in the main gymnasium at South Grenville District High School. This marks a slight decrease from the 480 meals distributed at the 2003 edition of Soup for the Soul held at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

Event co-chair Jessica Arcand cited the new location and weather conditions (snow in the morning, followed by high winds and plunging temperatures) as reasons for the drop in attendance. However, she and co-chair Ryan Delaney indicated they were pleased by how things went Sunday.

Dozens of South Grenville students, staff and other volunteers did everything from cook the turkeys and prepare other parts of the meal to serve the food and bus the tables

Pre-event work included collecting donations and ensuring all aspects of the operation were being addressed.

Arcand said 350 meals were served in the gymnasium. There were an additional 50 delivery and 30 take-out orders.

The event started at 3 pm. Delaney said things began to pick up and then remained steady at about 4:30 or 5 pm.

Thanks to the many donations as well as the support of the volunteers and the use of the high school's hospitality facilities, there were plenty of leftovers as the supper drew to a close. Going into Sunday, organizers did not have a specific plan as to what to do with the remaining food. By the evening, though, it was noted the Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa had put out a call for assistance because of the cold weather alert and the need to get homeless people off the streets for the night.

The leftover food was taken to Ottawa by Norie Spence, Arcand said. "It's going to a good cause," she added.

Soup for the Soul was founded by Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton, who were best friends and Grade 10 students at St. Mary Catholic High School when they organized the first event in Dec. 2001. The Christmas-season community supper, something that was not being done at the time, was open to everyone and grew in significance each year.

Eaton and Dodge are now in their first year at university; as a result, they handed over control of Soup for the Soul to a group based at South Grenville. Arcand and Delaney had taken part in the dinner, but most of the others at the high school were not very familiar with the event.

Dodge was on hand at South Grenville this weekend. Eaton had one last exam to write at university and was unable to come home to Prescott in time for the event.

"It seems to be going pretty well," said Dodge, who added the atmosphere was different than it had been at the parish centre. However, she noted people attending the supper were socializing and warming up as the event progressed.

"I'm happy that it went on and how things have worked out," she remarked.

Soup for the Soul is not considered a charity event. The supper enables people from different walks of life to gather and share a Christmas meal. Some diners brought desserts to serve to others, one of the traditions that has carried on each year. There was also an appearance by Santa Claus.

New to Soup for the Soul was a shuttle bus that transported diners to and from the clock tower parking lot.

Delaney noted he was not sure in the beginning how the event would be received at South Grenville. As things began to wind down late Sunday afternoon, he said he was feeling much better about the experience.

"It's a good thing to do at this time of year," Delaney said.

Suzanne Dodge, Kaitlynn's mother and a Prescott councillor, said it was "sort of strange" to be in the gymnasium instead of the parish centre. However, seeing the teenagers in the serving line and clearing tables were examples of how the spirit of the event has been maintained in the new environment.

"I'm just really happy that it's happening," said Dodge. "It's good to see South Grenville kids get a taste of community involvement."

Hathaway plant stands to benefit from federal government moves

Extension of duty remission order aimed at supporting apparel, textile industries; local MP pushed for action

OTTAWA ­ A recent announcement by the federal government is being greeted as good news for a manufacturing facility in Prescott.

Late last Tuesday, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced measures to assist Canadian textile and apparel manufacturers. Among the measures is a five-year extension of duty remissions which enable domestic producers to compete with cheap foreign imports.

However, the remissions will be phased out in the last three years of the program (75 per cent in year three, 50 per cent in year four and 25 per cent in the fifth year).

The remission orders were to have expired Dec. 31. Industry officials claim many plants faced closure if the protection measures had not been renewed.

The Hathaway shirt factory in Prescott, which dates back to the 1940s, has a workforce of about 140 people. Officials with the parent company, Behar Cline Manufacturing, and Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown were among industry representatives and politicians who were in Ottawa this fall to push the federal finance minister to extend the remission orders.

Last week's announcement is good news for the local plant, its workers and the town, according to Sheldon Cook of Behar Cline in Prescott.

"There are a lot of changes occurring in international trade, and this will give us some time to make adjustments and react to continuing challenges," he stated.

The government also announced tariffs on fibre and yarn imports and textile inputs used by the apparel industry will be eliminated as of Jan. 1.

Fifty million dollars in additional funding will be provided over the next five years to encourage companies to shift to higher-value products as well as focus on niche markets and improve productivity, according to a government news release. Companies can apply for up to $3 million in repayable federal government contributions for projects which include acquisition of machinery and equipment.

Although Brown noted last week's announcement is "a step in the right direction," he criticized the manner in which the issue was handled. "This government ignored this industry until we (the opposition) started discussing the issue in public back in August," Brown stated. "It took them until the brink of disaster to make an announcement. That is not the way to conduct business on behalf of Canadian manufacturers."

Although the industry still has challenges and changes to face, the moves announced last week are expected to produce positive results.

"I have no doubt Mr. Brown's work and that of other MPs ensured the survival of this plant and others in Canada," Cook said.

Deadline for Eastern Ontario fund projects extended to the end of June

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Recipients of money from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) will have longer to complete their projects.

One of the conditions set out as part of the creation of the $10-million fund earlier this year was projects were to spend the money and be finished by March 31, the end of the federal government's fiscal year.

The fund is being delivered by 15 community futures development corporations in Eastern Ontario on behalf of FedNor and Industry Canada.

Heather Lawless, executive director of Prescott-based Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC), told The Journal Monday the deadline has been extended to June 30. Lawless said she and other community futures were told about the extension at a regional meeting held Friday.

The short timeframe in which funded projects were to be completed was a concern that had been expressed by opposition politicians and some municipal leaders. Earlier this year, a FedNor spokesperson told The Journal there would be flexibility in the program to address concerns about the deadline.

The first project to receive confirmation of EODF funding through GCFDC is a downtown revitalization study being undertaken by the Town of Prescott. The town will receive $30,000 from the fund plus an additional $5,000 from GCFDC operating funds; these two amounts cover most of the estimated cost of doing the study.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn noted recently it would be difficult for the municipality to have its consultants complete the study by the March 31 deadline.

On Monday, the mayor indicated he is pleased the deadline has been extended. Lawn said the town and the IBI consulting group hired to work on the study and review of Prescott's official plan would be aiming to complete the project by the end of April.

Successful applicants are being advised of the new deadline, which also applies to projects yet to receive formal approval. However, Lawless recommends prospective applicants or those who have already been approved complete their work by the end of May.

GCFDC has not been advised whether it will receive additional resources with which it can extend the position of program co-ordinator.

The other EODF submissions for which funding has been confirmed by GCFDC were made by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal (including a joint project involving Prescott and the Township of Augusta) and North Grenville.

GCFDC is funded by Industry Canada. The corporation's volunteer board of directors reviews EODF applications in the South and North Grenville areas.

For more information on the fund or GCFDC, visit www.grenvillecfdc.com.

Shop South Grenville winners selected

Oh, what fun it was for these three people to Shop South Grenville this Christmas.

The three winners of the Prescott Journal's holiday season promotion were selected Monday. To be eligible to win, customers filled out ballots at participating businesses in the area.

First place went to Betty Baldwin of Cardinal. The winning ballot was entered at Madmacs Furniture and Appliances.

The winner of the second place prize was Mark Dickey of Cardinal. He filled out a ballot at O'Carroll's Grocery.

Third place went to Samantha Patreau of Brockville. Her ballot was entered at Round 2.

Each of the three winners received numerous gift certificates and items. The first place winner received a quilt from Thimbles & Seams, taps from D.W.J. Plumbing & Sons, a teddy bear from Vanguard Drug Mart, a copy of Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800-2000 courtesy of The Prescott Journal and gift certificates from Hollywood Hits, Kellie's Cuts & Curls, G.T. Automotive, Cardinal Flowers, Your Family Dollar, Curves, Rona Hardware, O'Carroll's Grocery, Prescott Glass and Biba. The total value of the prize package is $570.

The package for second place included a coat from 730 Truck Stop, products from His & Her's and Colour Pallette, and certificates from Jessup House, Rick's Automotive, House of Flowers, Round 2, Bridgeview Restaurant & Marina and The Connection. The total value is $300.

Prizes for the third place winner included a clock from Madmacs and certificates from Tom's Cutting Block & Meat Shop, Grenville Pharmacy, Giant Tiger, Superior Motor Sport, General Dollar & Party "Sense" and The Prescott Journal. This package has a total value of $205.

The Journal congratulates the winners and appreciates the support of shoppers and the merchants who participated in the draw.

Next meeting is in January

PRESCOTT ­ The Dec. 20 meeting of Prescott council was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 3 at 7 pm.

The municipal office at 360 Dibble Street West will be closed Dec. 24, 27, 28 and 29. The office will be open Dec. 30 and the morning of Dec. 31.

Bloom contest winners lighting up the night

CARDINAL ­ The winners of the annual Cardinal in Bloom Christmas Lighting Contest have been announced.

First prize ($100 in O'Carroll's Grocery gift certificates) was awarded to Joanne and Tom Smail of 5194 Meadowland Dr. Second place went to Marcy Harper, 605 East St., who received $50 in O'Carroll's certificates. The third place prize of $25 in O'Carroll's certificates was given to Jack and Mandy Walsh of 5202 Meadowland.

The judges also gave honourable mentions to the following: Marilyn McLaren (2061 Dundas), Brenda and Scott Brown (660 East), Angie Halladay (656 East), Ann and Sheldon Gill (530 Gill), Martha and Shawn Disheau (916 George), Mr. and Mrs. B. Esson (5195 Meadowland), Barb and Tom Owers (17 Hoy), Stan and Wendy MacDonald (506 County Rd. 2), Ed and Carolyn Douesnard (2075 Shanly) and Nicole and Bobby Sayeau.

Each honourable mention receives an ornament. Prizes and certificates can be collected at General Dollar & Party "Sense."

Christmas celebrations set for Prescott churches

PRESCOTT ­ Churches in Prescott will be marking the Christmas season with special and regular worship services this weekend.

St. Paul's United Church, located at the corner of George and Dibble streets, will have a Christmas Eve service of lessons, carols and candlelighting this Friday at 7 pm. There will also be a carol service Sunday, Dec. 26 at 10 am.

At St. John's Anglican Church at James and Centre streets, there will be a family eucharist Friday at 7 pm and a holy eucharist at 9:30 pm.

A Christmas Day service will be held Saturday at 10:30 am; the Sunday service will also begin at 10:30 am.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Centre and Dibble streets) will host its Christmas Eve service at 6:30 pm. There will also be a service at St. Andrew's Knox in Spencerville at 8 pm. The Boxing Day services will be Sunday at 9:15 am in Spencerville and at 11 am at St. Andrew's in Prescott.

St. Mark's Catholic Church on Dibble Street will conduct mass Christmas Eve at 7 pm and at midnight.

Christmas morning mass will take place Saturday at 11 am.

Candlelight communion will be held Christmas Eve at 7 pm at Seaway Christian Church on Churchill Road.

Post office, banks closed Monday and Tuesday

PRESCOTT - Both the post office in Prescott and the banks in South Grenville feature holiday hours for the 2004 Christmas season.

The post office in Prescott will be open from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 24. It will be closed both Monday, Dec. 27 and Tuesday, Dec. 28, the statutory holidays for Christmas and Boxing day, respectively.

The Royal Bank branches in Prescott and Spencerville will be open until 3 pm Dec. 24. They will both be closed Dec. 27 and 28.

The Bank of Montreal in Prescott will be open until 3 pm Dec. 24. It will be closed both Dec. 27 and Dec. 28.

The TD Canada Trust bank branches in Prescott and Cardinal will be open until 4 pm Dec. 24. They will be closed Dec. 27 and Dec. 28.

Lower the federal voting age to 16, Leeds-Grenville MP Brown says

OTTAWA ­ The federal voting age should be lowered from 18 to 16, according to Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown.

Bill C-261 is a private member's bill introduced in November. The proposal calls for the Canada Elections Act to be amended to change the voting age to 16. Federal candidates would still be required to be at least 18 in order to seek office.

In noting he became involved in politics as a youth, Brown says it is important to support "the leaders of tomorrow" who take an interest in government affairs.

"This is about empowering youth and encouraging their participation in the electoral process," the Conservative MP states in a news release.

Voter participation is steadily declining; traditionally, the participation rate for young people is much lower than that of their elders. By lowering the voting age and reaching teenagers when they are still in school taking civics classes, voting habits could be established early and might be more likely to stay with a person as he or she gets older.

The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in the early 1970s. There have been two other bills that tried to lower the voting age from 18, but neither went to a vote. Bill C-261 has support from a group of MPs representing all four parties in the House of Commons, according to Brown. The bill is expected to be put to a vote early in 2005. Debate at second reading is expected in early February.

Brown notes 16- and 17-year-olds can obtain driver's licences, work and pay taxes. Someone who is 17 could be called on to serve his or her country. "They should be engaged in the democratic process," the MP says.

A change in the voting age would not mean an automatic change in provincial and municipal age minimums. "Our hope is, however, that these jurisdictions will follow the federal example if this initiative is successful," a backgrounder from Brown's office states.

Brown encourages students to visit Ottawa and learn about politics in Canada. The MP's constituency office in Brockville will cover $100 of the cost of transporting local school groups to Parliament Hill.

Come and have a look at Santa's Runway this Christmas Eve

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Maitland Park Estates will be celebrating Christmas Eve with its 17th annual Christmas Luminarias.

Sand is placed in the bottom of a white paper bag and a candle is placed in the sand. On Christmas Eve, the bags are set along the street at approximately 10-foot intervals and lit at 6 pm. The effect is like a runway; in fact, the Luminarias is often called Santa's Runway.

Mike Ascough, chairman of the Luminarias committee, says 2,800 candles have been delivered to the 130 households in Maitland Park to be lit on Christmas Eve. Ascough has a large committee to help bring the event together.

A few weeks before, Christmas residents are canvassed to collect the money to buy the candles and bags. Then on a Saturday morning, the team meets in Merv Hodgson's garage to prepare the bulk bags of sand and package the candles and paper bags for each household. These packages are delivered to each home.

This year's committee members were Mike Ascough, Merv Hodgson, Gerry Morand, Kerry Wilson, Jamie Price, Pat Doherty, Sean Lehman, Phillip Young, Colin Campbell, Warner Bischof, Paul Ballentine, Tom MacDonald, Jim Grimes, Gunther Haase, Bobby Doyle, Ian Jack and Barry Halliday.

The Luminarias is a tradition that started in Medieval Spain when Southern Spanish residents guided their guests to their remote homes by lighting bonfires along the road.

The tradition was brought to North America starting in New Mexico and using candles instead of bonfires.

Residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico line their streets and also place candles around their flat roofs.

For a special treat Christmas Eve, come to Maitland and drive around the Luminarias. Maitland Park is located just south of the 401 and can be entered off Maitland Road onto Oak Street, John Street or Cedar Street.

Christmas church services set in Augusta

AUGUSTA - A number of churches in the township will be holding Christmas-related services this holiday season.

St. Peter's Anglican Church in North Augusta is holding a family Eucharist service at 6 pm Christmas Eve. St. James' Anglican Church in Maitland is having a family Eucharist at 7:30 pm on Christmas eve, and a holy eucharist in the tradition of the book of the holy prayer at 11:30 pm.

Victoria United Church on the Third Concession in Maynard is hosting a 7 pm family church service on Christmas Eve featuring traditional Christmas music and performances from the church's choirs. Their regular Sunday service will be held on the 26th at 11:15 am.

Bethel United Church on the Third Concession in Bethel is holding an 11 pm communion service Christmas Eve concluding at the stroke of midnight.

The Maitland Community Reformed Church on County Road 2 is holding a Christmas family service Saturday, Dec. 25 at 10 am.

The church is also holding its usual service Boxing Day at 10 am.

Richard Dumbrille receives Grenville County Historical Society award

Lifelong Maitland resident restores old schoolhouses

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAITLAND - Richard Dumbrille has dedicated his entire life to the preservation of local historic buildings and objects. This dedication has resulted in him receiving the Grenville County Historical Society's Award of Merit for 2004.

"It's certainly a very coveted award," said Dumbrille at an awards ceremony held in his restored schoolhouse in Maitland last Wednesday night. "Many admired people proceeded me. I'm thrilled to be a recipient.

Dumbrille, a lifelong Maitland resident, has made it his business to ensure the history of the village is never forgotten. He has done this both by helping to preserve many village buildings and also writing a book; Maitland: A Very Neat Village Indeed, published in 1985.

Dumbrille, who was the fourth generation of his family to serve as postmaster in Maitland, also served as president of the society in the 1960s. He was also one of the founding members of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1976 for his work of privately preserving old structures in Maitland.

He is quick to credit his parents for fostering interest in historical preservation. "I grew up in an environment of (my) parents preserving a historical home," Dumbrille said. He added this family home in Maitland has now had six generations of the Dumbrille family live in it.

Perhaps one of his proudest historical reconstructions occurred when he purchased two Maitland schoolhouses in 1977 and treated both to full restorations. One of the schools is now used as a home; the other, which was in extreme disrepair when he bought it, houses Dumbrille's extensive collection of antiques.

"When I bought it, it was an absolute ruin," said Dumbrille. "There was no roof, the wall was falling in."

This schoolhouse, which was built in between 1830 and 1840, is touted by Dumbrille as featuring one of Maitland's most historically accurate reconstructions. His wife, Sarah Jane, added he went to Colonial Williamsburg (the world's largest historically reconstructed town in Virginia) to get the correct formula for mortar which was used in the building's reconstruction in the 1980s.

Dumbrille and his wife have collected many artifacts throughout their lives, many of which are now displayed at the schoolhouse, which was likened to "a private museum" by members of the historical society. Included in his collection are books, clocks, rugs, and pieces of artwork and furniture, many of which have a connection to the Maitland area.

"When you see people of the status of Richard (Dumbrille), they have to be recognized," opined Grenville County Historical Society President Sandra Shouldice, who presented the award to Dumbrille. She added "When people drive along the Highway (2) through Maitland, they see it's a historic town."

Shouldice also named Dumbrille's book as "a prime reference" for obtaining information about Maitland. "We get inquiries all the time (about Maitland)," she explained "We use his book a lot for information (about Maitland.)"

Shouldice added it's people like Dumbrille who are key in keeping area history alive. "We need to promote what's here - the past," she said.

OPP NEWS

Credit union safe is targeted

MAITLAND ­ There is evidence someone tampered with the safe at the on-site credit union at the Invista Maitland Site, according to Grenville County OPP. Police were contacted by office staff after they had reported to work on the morning of Monday, Dec. 13. Constable Butcher responded and found entry had been gained through a window. Although there was evidence of tampering, the safe had not been opened. The Technical Identification Services Unit also attended and removed several pieces of evidence. It is believed the break-in occurred during the overnight hours of Dec. 12-13. Anyone (including workers at the site) with information on this incident is asked to contact the OPP in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).

Sudden freeze leads to crashes

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Eastbound lanes of Highway 401 between Maitland and Prescott were closed for more than three hours Friday morning after a flash freeze created icy road conditions and led to three collisions in the Blue Church area.

Several people were taken to hospital, treated and released. Three tractor-trailers and two other vehicles were involved. Eastbound traffic was rerouted through Augusta and Prescott.

Police remind motorists to adjust their driving to match poor road and weather conditions. Hit the road early in case of delays, leave extra space for braking and slow down. If there is no need to travel in bad weather, do not do it.

Collisions rise as conditions worsen

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Nineteen of the 30 motor vehicle collisions investigated by Grenville County OPP last week took place Monday, Dec. 13.

Of those 30 crashes in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott and Augusta, seven involved deer and one involved a dog.

Police also reported 31 false alarms, eight of which were false 9-1-1 activations. The public is being asked by the OPP not to program 9-1-1 on speed dial or a similar telephone feature. Officers are dispatched to 9-1-1 calls whether or not they end up being actual emergencies.

Be prepared for busier emergency rooms

KINGSTON ­ Emergency rooms can be very busy places during the Christmas season, according to a sub-committee representing emergency departments at hospitals in southeastern Ontario.

There are things the public can do to avoid paying a visit to emergency or making such a trip less stressful, the committee notes in a recent news release.

Check holiday season hours of the family doctor and pharmacy and ask about back-up coverage arrangements. Ensure there is enough prescription and non-prescription medication in the home to cover the holiday season.

Try to go to a walk-in clinic for less urgent illnesses or injuries. As much as possible, save emergency room visits for actual emergency situations.

If an emergency room visit is necessary, keep in mind waiting times are usually shorter in the morning.

In anticipation of what might be a long wait, bring reading materials, crafts or other distractions that will help pass the time and not bother others who are waiting. Keep the number of people accompanying a patient to a minimum.

Visitors are also being asked to be patient if the emergency room is busy. Doctors see patients based on need, not time of arrival.

Town library closed through Monday

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott Public Library on Dibble Street West will be closed Friday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Dec. 27.

The library will be open next Tuesday and Thursday.

Car loaded with gifts, other items stolen

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 48 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

A car loaded with items being brought home from school by a 21-year-old woman was reported stolen from the O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer parking lot late Friday afternoon. The red 1995 Pontiac Grand Am was left parked at about 5:30 pm and was not there when the young woman returned at about 6:30 pm, a police news release noted. The car was found the next day on a snowmobile trail off Cedar Grove Road. The vehicle had been left open; all the items were gone. Among the missing items were a DVD player, TV, laptop computer and Christmas presents. Constable C. Bisson is investigating; anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 925-4221.

Last Wednesday at about 9:30 pm, Constable Pergunas was called to an East Street residence. An unknown man had entered the house. The complainant's wife was in the bathroom at the back of the home; when the intruder opened the door, she screamed and he fled on foot. At about the same time, Constable McDade was dispatched to a parked car on Park Street between Edward and East streets. Someone had entered the vehicle and taken loose change and about 50 CDs. The owner of the home and the person who owns the vehicle provided descriptions to police.

An OPP K-9 unit was dispatched to the scene but was unable to locate the suspect. He is described as a white man in his mid-20s, about six feet tall with a thin build and wearing a two-tone blue ball cap. Constable Pergunas continues to investigate.

On Saturday at about 4 pm, OPP Constable Jones and Constable Shawn Steinburg responded to Mac's at Park and Edward streets. A clerk reported two males had been in the store and asked questions about the DVDs. After they left, the clerk noticed four DVDs were missing. The clerk knows the males in question. Police located one of the males, a 27-year-old Park Street East resident, with an older man who was escorting him back to the store to return the DVDs. The suspect attempted to run but was apprehended by the officers. A charge of theft under $5,000 was laid. Alcohol was a factor in this case, according to police.

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

Waste management, office hours in Augusta

MAYNARD - The Augusta Township office, the North Augusta Landfill Site and the Maynard Transfer Station are all working on revised schedules for the holiday season.

Both the landfill site and transfer station will be closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25), Dec. 27 and New Year's Day (Jan. 1). The township office will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Jan. 3. Office staff are taking Dec. 27 as the statutory holiday for Christmas Day, Dec. 28 as the statutory holiday for Boxing Day, and Jan. 3 as the statutory holiday for New Year's Day.

Award named after Boyles

PRESCOTT ­ The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce is creating a new award that will be named in honour of the organization's longtime executive director.

Mike Boyles has given up the position because of poor health. Boyles stated in a letter it is with deep regret he resigns from the position he held for at least 15 years. In noting the experience has been very rewarding, Boyles added he hopes to be able to help the Chamber in the future.

In accepting his resignation Thursday, the Chamber's board of directors discussed whether to rename an existing award or establish a new one; the latter option was selected.

Beginning in 2005, the Mike Boyles Award will be presented at the Chamber's annual awards banquet in March. Details of what the award will cover and the criteria for selecting a recipient are being finalized. Boyles will be asked for his input, it was noted at the meeting.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"This is something none of us is going to forget."

South Grenville senior girls basketball coach Joe Latham, referring to the team's trip to Hawaii

Editor's Notebook

PROVINCE-WIDE IS THE WAY TO GO: We are all painfully familiar with the broken promises of the McGuinty government, but we are encouraged by the Liberal regime's proposal to implement a province-wide ban on smoking in workplaces. At last, it appears Queen's Park is taking notice of the inadequate piecemeal system that has resulted in different rules for different municipalities.

If smoking is a significant health issue as we are constantly being told, then it makes sense for the provincial government to step in and ensure smokers and non-smokers know where they stand whether they are in Prescott, Toronto or any other community in Ontario.

Setting aside the merits of a ban on cigarette smoking in the workplace (which includes bars and restaurants), we reiterate our support for an across-the-board policy that makes it clear when and where smoking is acceptable in so-called public spaces. To its credit, the previous Prescott council called on the provincial government to set a policy that would cover all of Ontario. The move makes sense, and we are should give some credit to the Liberals for trying to resolve this issue once and for all.

As expected, much of the hospitality sector is up in arms over the proposal and how it, if approved, will supposedly result in lost business and lost jobs. The extent to which convenience stores and other businesses will be hurt by restrictions on cigarette display areas is also subject to debate.

There is no doubt the debate over clamping down on cigarette smoking is sure to heat up again, but we are inclined to support the notion that the rules associated with lighting up in public spaces should be the same throughout Ontario.

NEVER TOO EARLY TO START HELPING: The Christmas season has once again shown learning is not reserved for students. The Spirit of Giving and Soup for the Soul are two examples of the good things young people can accomplish.

Elementary and secondary school students collected thousands of non-perishable food items to be used in Christmas boxes for the less fortunate and by the Food For All Food Bank. Teenagers led the way by doing much of the organizing and serving of the annual community Christmas dinner which was held at the high school for the first time.

At a time of year when youngsters (and adults, for that matter) have many distractions with which to deal, the fact many local youths took the time to help others is a positive sign for a community that prides itself on having volunteer spirit. This does not mean all children are good or there are not legitimate reasons for those negative stereotypes to persist, but it does serve as a reminder there is reason for some optimism when it comes the next generation.

Adults can learn a thing or to from the youngsters who are, at an early age, becoming familiar with the adage it is better to give than to receive.

Tim Ruhnke

Giant team trip to Hawaii meant a lot to everyone

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

The Aloha state proved to be a very interesting place for me to experience as part of the group.

What the girls basketball team and the parents have seen and done here has been the experience of a lifetime.

Some see Hawaii as an exotic locale, while others figure it's an American state and isn't that big of a deal... well, really it's a little bit of both.

There are still street performers, hookers, Starbucks and box stores like you would see in the U.S.A., but there is also the hula dancers, surfing, luaus and leis of the native Hawaiian experience.

Some things have had big impacts, such as surfing and having a small Japanese girl a quarter of my size barrel straight into my ribs on a surfboard because she had no clue what she was doing, or watching the girls feed tiny birds at Pearl Harbor or even the shock on everyone's faces when the basketball team saw Sara Watt come out in a dress.

This trip has been a memorable one for the entire team, each and every parent and, of course, myself. It started great with real Aloha state hospitality from the University of Hawaii when a small contingent of our group went to a basketball game and I got to sit at the press table underneath one of the baskets, with cheerleaders to each side of us and free grub to boot. The whole spectacle of the NCAA game was just incredible, and the university was just awesome.

The girls really showed a lot of class and true Canadian spirit as part of the trip letting everyone know they were Canadian and proud. People in the hotel would wish the team good luck as they went to the bus each day in uniform, and when the girls were awarded the 4th place trophy and were the top Canadian team in the tournament, those waiting for buses at our hotel cheered for the team.

It's been the trip of a lifetime and surely one each and every girl on the team worked hard towards and certainly will never forget.

I think the experience really meant a lot to everyone, including me. We had fun, we laughed, we snapped pictures and not only did South Grenville bring home a trophy from the tournament, but I captured a title of my own while in the Aloha state. At the luau Friday night, after much pressure and goading from not only the team but the parents, I was asked up on stage and came away as the King of Hula, winning the male hula competition.

Petition calls for traffic lights at Edward and Wood: 1974

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Dec. 18, 1974

* With an extra measure of Christmas spirit, Prescott's LCBO and Brewers Retail outlets will be open until 9 pm this Monday evening, managers John Stethem and Jack Earle reported to The Journal yesterday afternoon. The two outlets will add the extra hours in addition to their regular Friday night late closing.

* A petition in support of installing traffic lights at the corner of Edward and Wood streets has been signed by 27 Wood Street residents.

* Fire losses for the 12-month period ending Nov. 30 totalled a mere $2,600 in Prescott, Councillor Harley Fortier reported to town council. Ten of 31 calls received were for automobiles burning. Most of damage occurred in eight residential fires, it was noted.

* Advertisement for Jim Arthurs Hardware in Cardinal: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Out they Go! Go! Go! Donner's Choice: 19-inch Admiral colour TV, from $365; Blitzen's Choice: AM-FM, 8-track and phono... component sets at reduced prices."

Dec. 19, 1979

* Federal riding associations are scrambling to organize nomination dates in the wake of the fall of the Progressive Conservative minority government led by Joe Clark. It is expected Leeds-Grenville MP Tom Cossitt will be unopposed. Cossitt defended the tough budget proposal that brought down the government, noting the deficit created by the Liberals would have bankrupted the country if taxes had been cut.

* The inauguration of the new clock tower and placing of the time capsule in the base has been tentatively scheduled for Feb. 23, 1980, according to the Rotary Club of Prescott. The date selected is the 75th anniversary of the founding of Rotary International.

* There might be three outdoor rinks in Prescott this winter. Recreation Director Ken Beattie said a rink on the Prince Street field is a possibility but will depend on support from residents of the area. The boards are already up on the playground area in Fader's Subdivision; the other rink location is the parking lot beside the Prescott Tennis Club.

At the risk of being politically incorrect, Merry Christmas

If you think that throughout this year I have done nothing but push buttons and offend people in this column, then I have saved the best for the end of the year.

I am going to say something more shocking and offensive than anything I have written to date this year.

Are you ready?

Are you sitting down?

Well, here it goes. Plug your ears and cover your eyes.

Merry Christmas!

(Cameras pan to women fainting and men in an outrage, dogs stop chasing cats, Becks stops dribbling his soccer ball, Peyton Manning throws an interception, players union reps and league reps sob in a group hug, Patrick Lalime makes a Game 7 third period save against the Leafs, Dalton McGuinty keeps a promise, Lucy lets Charlie Brown kick the ball, J-Lo goes a year without getting remarried, William Hung sings like Pavarotti... yes, these very words uttered by this crass, potty-mouthed and sophomoric writer have offended the masses beyond belief and chaos is upon us!)

I said it. I'll say it again. Merry Christmas!

And I mean it.

Why have we become so politically correct that we have all but banned the most joyful, festive, giving time of the year?

We get reminded of it every day when we open cards that say, "Happy Holidays!" or "Season's Greetings".

We get reminded when public Christmas trees have become "winter holiday trees".

We get reminded of it when the school plays have become "winter plays", and when the school bands and choirs holding concerts are no longer allowed to perform anything Christmas-related with the word "Christmas", "Jesus", "manger", or even "Santa".

Yes, even Santa is about as welcome in our schools as a smoker in Dalton McGuinty's cafeteria.

How did it get to this?

We go out of our way as a culture to make sure that we give recognition to Hannukah, Ramadan and even Kwanzaa. Yet, we have removed anything public we possibly can that reminds us of Christmas. Any mention of the holiday has been banned so as that we do not offend anyone from another culture. Could you imagine the uproar if we banned Ramadan or Rosh Hashanah?

Banning Christmas from schools is even more absurd than banning Halloween in schools. Halloween, we have been told, is evil, yet I still haven't found any evil in my boys dressing up as Sponge Bob and a Roman centurian and collecting candy with all the other kids in the neighbourhood.

I have never met anyone from another religion who is offended by Christmas. In fact, many Jewish and Muslim people celebrate Christmas not for its religious meaning, but for the spirit of giving and caring that Christmas represents. Some put up trees, put up lights, and even have a turkey.

We need Christmas. As a culture, Christmas remains the day that drives our economy. It puts people in shopping centres and gets them into stores. Christmas also fuels our hearts and souls. Christmas is the time of year when we feel most charitable to those in need. Christmas is a time for our family and friends.

Christmas makes most people feel warm ­ not just Christians, but everybody. If it doesn't, it should.

Sure, there are things about Christmas Day that I find offensive. For example, we were at a friend's house a few years ago and they put on a Kenny G Christmas CD. That, to me, was offensive. I'm not a Kenny G fan. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the CD was called, "Happy Birthday Jesus, Here's Some Crap!"

As offended as I was, I still had a great Christmas.

So Merry Christmas!

If you are from a non-Christian faith, I hope that you can still capture the spirit of kindness and giving in your own way.

And if you are Christian, make every Christmas a Merry Christmas, before the holiday is banned altogether.

New recruits welcomed by Air Cadet squadron

By Captain John E. Henry

PRESCOTT ­ It was with great pleasure that the 661 Prescott Air Cadet Squadron's commanding officer, Captain Douglas Fraser, read the oath to more than 25 new members of the unit earlier this month. With a few more recruits only weeks away, the squadron is happy to be heading into the new year experiencing such wonderful growth and interest by young men and women in our community.

These recruits are now full-fledged members of the squadron. After completing a course in general cadet knowledge, these cadets have the foundation to begin regular training in a national program that teaches youth how to be strong leaders and citizens by giving them the opportunity to pursue and achieve their goals. During the past six weeks, these cadets learned about protocol, history, how to wear and prepare the uniforms as well as the fundamentals of drill and discipline.

Prescott's Air Cadet squadron has a very exciting and busy schedule ready to go for 2005. There are numerous regional competitions, application deadlines for summer training and a squadron trip on the horizon. Why not make it your New Year's Resolution to be active? Anyone between the ages of 12 and 19 can become part of this national program that has a rich history of helping youth realize their full potential.

Enrollment information is available Tuesday nights (resuming Jan. 5) from 6 to 9 pm at South Grenville District High School, by calling 349-0488 or visiting www.cadets.ca

The squadron wishes everyone the very best this holiday season!

Some groups will be sticking around for the holidays

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

A very merry Christmas from all the members of Walker House to the community. We hope you find joy in the small moments of the season, good memories from the year past and a hope for new beginnings in the future.

The office will be closed from Friday, Dec. 24 at noon until Sunday, Jan. 2. Some groups will continue through the holiday week. Call your representative if you want more information.

We need someone to sort our scrapbook of clippings and pictures. If you are interested, please call 925-5300.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Joan Roe; 2nd, Eleanor Hatch; door, Valerie Schulz. Fun bridge ­ Candy Alexander. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Marg Fodey; 3rd, Jean Annable and Jeannine Marion; door, Micheline Cook.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Small school offers another great opportunity: The Hockey Sweater made a second appearance at Algonquin ­ this time as a theatrical production!

Last year, as a result of teacher Mrs. Palmer's quick-thinking initiative, students were treated to author Roch Carrier's personal visit to the school. This year, as a result of equally quick thinking on the part of office administrator Sue Loroway, students watched the Thousand Islands Young Theatre perform The Hockey Sweater at the school.

Grade 5 students also extended a personal invitation to their senior friends, part of the group sponsored by the VON at the Augusta Township Library, to join them for this presentation.

It is a direct result of this special care and attention provided by the staff at our small school, that Algonquin students receive benefits such as these often associated with larger schools.

Central Public School: Students return to classes Jan. 3, 2005. To all of our volunteers, parents and co-op students, we'd like to wish you a great holiday and acknowledge your support as you help with our students. Let's all enjoy the Christmas break and we'll see you in 2005.

Catholic district school board acclaims chair and vice-chair

KEMPTVILLE ­ Rom Eamer has been acclaimed chair of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.

Eamer began his fourth term as chair last week. The Cornwall-Glengarry representative has been a school board trustee for 24 years.

Lanark Trustee Nancy Kirby, a former Catholic board chair, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chair.

The trustee for Grenville County is Brent Laton of Prescott.

The chair and vice-chair serve one-year terms. Trustees are elected once every three years at municipal election time.

The Catholic Eastern Ontario district board operates St. Mark and St. Joseph schools in Prescott.

Prescott food bank location will be open

PRESCOTT ­ The Food For All Food Bank will maintain regular operating hours at its main office during the Christmas holiday season.

The food depot on Henry Street in Prescott is open Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

The satellite office in the basement of the Cardinal Public Library building is open Mondays from noon to 4 pm. However, the Cardinal location will be closed Dec. 27 and Jan. 3; the satellite will reopen Jan. 10.

Food For All serves residents of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal and Augusta.

The non-profit community organization is run by a volunteer board of directors. For more information, call 925-2444.

Donnie Marshall did everything

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Robin Shire remembers her uncle, Prescott businessman Donnie Marshall, as a man who did everything.

"He had a hell of a life," she said. "In his younger days, there was nothing he didn't do."

Marshall, a fixture in Prescott's business community since the mid-60s, died Dec. 3 of a massive heart attack at his Prescott residence. His sudden death came as a shock to Shire "I figured I had another 20 years at least," she said. She added Marshall had been in good health prior to his death.

Marshall grew up in Maynard in a large family with six other siblings. He went to school in Maynard until Grade 8, then went to high school in Prescott for three months before deciding to go to work.

"He hated school," explained Shire. "He thought he could do better in the workforce." Marshall worked at several Prescott factories before deciding to open a car dealership at the corner of Highway 2 and Merwin Lane in the early 1960s. The dealership went bankrupt six months after it opened, however Marshall went into real estate shortly after.

Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Marshall purchased several King. St. retail buildings and rental properties. It was after purchasing the Alpine Lodge trailer park in 1969 that Marshall got into the furniture business.

"When he bought Alpine Lodge, it came furnished," stated Shire. "As people moved out, he got their furniture." She added he started selling furniture out of the garage at Alpine Lodge before locating the store in buildings near the corner of King and Centre streets in Prescott in 1970.

Initially the store sold only used furniture and antiques, but expanded to selling appliances, new furniture, and musical instruments in later years. The Alpine Village complex moved to its current location in 1979. Marshall eventually bought the buildings where the complex is located from downtown merchants who were interested in selling the stores.

Shire, who has been a partner in the business since 1991, describes her uncle as a low-profile man whose main interests in later life included operating his store and spending time with his family. "My son and I and his mother were his world," she said. She added Marshall was "more of a dad to me than an uncle;" her own father passed away when she was 16.

She added her uncle was not big on volunteering in the community, but did believe in helping out his fellow man. "He always said the community-related things were up to me," she said. "He gave to the community in other ways."

She recalled a particular time when an old woman from Spencerville came into the store. "She was in tears. She told him she had no money for food or her prescriptions," Shire explained. Her uncle gave the woman money for her medicine, while Robin took her shopping for food and drove the woman home. "It's what our way was," stated Shire.

Shire has taken over the Alpine Village complex where her uncle spent much of his time in his latter years. "In later years, he was there seven days a week." However, she says she won't be. "Now we're closing Sundays," she stated.

Brockville, Leeds and Grenville VON has now merged with VON Lanark

BROCKVILLE - On Dec. 15, the Brockville, Leeds and Grenville VON announced its merger with the Lanark VON. This merger announcement came before the Brockville, Leeds and Grenville VON opened its new office in Brockville Dec. 17.

According to VON Executive Director Ruth Kitson, the merger will have only positive effects for the VON's satellite office in Prescott and the agency's other offices across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. "It (the merger) will only affect the (Prescott) office in a positive way," she explained, by

allowing the VON to "expand their community-based programs."

In addition, she says the VON covering a larger area is beneficial because it means it is eligible to apply for a greater amount of funding. The merger has not resulted in any job losses or office closures.

The merged Lanark, Leeds and Grenville VON will have its head office in the brand-new VON Primary Health Care - Nurse Practitioner site at the Towne Centre Plaza in Brockville. This new "state of the art" office, which held its grand opening Friday, will offer administrative support and delivers several of VON's programs, including Meals on Wheels, quality foot care clinic and the VON's new SMART (Seniors Managing Active Roles Together) exercise program. The VON received a $40,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation on Dec. 10 which will enable them to offer the SMART program at several sites across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.

The 2,500 square-foot office was funded through a $40,000 grant from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. "The new Brockville site is on one level, has ample accessible parking, and is wheelchair accessible," stated Kitson.

GCFDC confirms project funding for three applications by township

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - At Monday's regular meeting of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council, Grenville County Futures Development Corporation Executive Director Heather Lawless took the opportunity to mention a total of $70,000 has been allotted to the three separate projects which council applied for under the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF).

"For the three projects, GCFDC commits to a contribution of $65,000 under the EODF and $5,000 from our local operating budget," Lawless read from a prepared statement.

She went on to say for the environmental assessment studying water and sewer services in South Grenville, a total of $45,000 was specified, while $10,000 was allotted for business directional signage for Cardinal and Spencerville. An amount of $15,000 was stipulated for downtown beautification including signage, banners and lighting for Spencerville and Cardinal.

Council was pleased with the announcement. "I think it's great," stated Edwardsburgh-Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor. "We received funding for all projects requested."

Taylor added the proposals for community projects were the result of "a lot of work" from the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association and the township's economic development committee.

"It's a really good start," stated Township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald. He added that, although council didn't get all the money they requested for the projects, council was glad to have gotten the amounts it received.

"For the EA, we requested $50,000 and got $45,000. I think that's great." he said. He added a total of $50,000 was requested for the other two projects; $25,000 was received, meaning council got half of the funding for which they asked.

Council is hoping to receive contributions from community groups like Cardinal in Bloom and local businesses such as Cardinal Power to help offset the funding shortfall for some of the projects. In addition, McDonald mentioned scaling back the projects somewhat to make the most of the GCFDC funds.

He also mentioned the projects may be done in phases, with the first phase abiding by the GCFDC's timeline and future phases funded by other means.

Lawless added an extension was recently granted which would allow townships until June 30, 2005 to complete their projects. Previously, the deadline was March 31, 2005. In spite of this, she said "We're hoping people wrap up their projects by May."

Overnight parking times change as part of bylaw approved by council

SPENCERVILLE - Despite some objections from one council member Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council voted 6-1 in favour of supporting a new parking bylaw for the township at the regular meeting of council Monday Night.

Ward 1 Councillor Hugh Cameron took issue with the section of the bylaw involving the prohibition of "angle parking" in the township. Mayor Peggy Taylor admitted she thinks the bylaw, which was first introduced in January of this year and has been brought back to council several times, is "a little too persnickety" in places. However, she and the remainder of council supported the bylaw.

One of the most important sections of the new bylaw for winter drivers deals with changes in the street parking times for overnight winter parking. Previously in a "main street commercial/residential zone," winter parking was prohibited in between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am.

The bylaw now states that parking is only prohibited in between the hours of 2 am and 7 am.

Township Clerk/CAO Stephen McDonald says certain sections of the bylaw are not applicable yet, because winter parking restriction signage has not yet been changed. It is estimated they will not be changed until January. "The bylaw will be easier on residents who park downtown," said Taylor, adding bar patrons in Cardinal needn't worry about their cars being ticketed before the bar closes.

Ward 1 Councillor Charlie Burrell mentioned part of the reason the bylaw was changed is because snow removal generally doesn't happen in the township before 2:30 am.

United counties seek funding for bridge

SPENCERVILLE - The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville have applied for $800,000 in funding from the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace the bridge on Spencer Street in Spencerville.

Mayor Peggy Taylor, who attended the counties council meeting Dec. 16 in Council Chambers at 25 Central Avenue West in Brockville, mentioned the counties are looking to replace the bridge to accommodate "a full highway load of traffic."

Mayor Taylor was quick to point out it is far from guaranteed the counties will get the funding. However, she also said it's good the counties "do recognize the bridge is in need of repair."

Ward 3 Councillor Frank Noccey mentioned he fully supports county council's funding application. He also mentioned upgrading the bridge is important because "it's the only access into Spencerville from the 416."

COMRIF is a fund which utilizes funding from all three levels of government to fund rural infrastructure projects.

Christmas services in Cardinal

CARDINAL - Johnstown United Church is holding a Christmas Eve service at 6 pm with special music from the Leah Summers Ensemble.

A "carols and lessons" church service will be Sunday, Dec. 26th at 9:30 am.

St. John's United Church on Dundas Street in Cardinal is holding a Christmas Eve service at 7:30, with special music by Carol Morris. St Johns will hold a "carols and lessons" service Sunday, Dec. 26 at 11 am.

St. Paul's Parish Hall (Anglican) in Cardinal is holding a Christmas Eve service beginning at 7 pm with carolling and a Holy Eucharist at 8 pm. The Dec. 26 morning church service will be held at 9:30 am.

OPP NEWS

Driver blows nearly twice legal limit

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A 51-year-old Cardinal man faces an impaired driving charge following an incident Saturday night.

Constable Kavanaugh observed a 1998 Ford F-150 speeding on County Road 2 near Blair Road at about 9 pm. The eastbound vehicle was stopped and the driver was arrested at a residence on the outskirts of Cardinal. He was charged with impaired driving after providing breath samples of almost twice the legal blood alcohol limit, according to an OPP news release. He is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 7.

Harassment, uttering threats among charges

CARDINAL ­ A 42-year-old County Road 44 man faces three charges in connection with an investigation by Constable Kavanaugh.

On Friday at about 8:30 pm, a 38-year-old Cardinal woman called police about a domestic incident. She and her boyfriend had recently separated. He had been attending and calling the residence repeatedly on Thursday and Friday, an OPP release stated. She told police she had received 50 calls. Officers heard 26 separate messages on her answering service. One of the messages contained a direct threat to her ex-husband, according to police. Two officers went to the accused's residence and arrested him without incident Friday night. He faces charges of criminal harassment, uttering threats and mischief under $5000 (flower pots had been damaged during one of his visits to her residence).

Police cited minors as victims in the case as the reason no names are being released.

Recreation association gives township $4,000

SPENCERVILLE - At Monday night's council meeting, the South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association gave $4,000 to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.

"It's just like Santa - it comes every year," laughed Mayor Peggy Taylor. She added the monies given to council by the recreation association are put against the capital costs to run the community centre in Johnstown.

Council mentioned the amount given back to council has been as much as $6,000 in years past. The recreation association raises the money by holding a series of fundraisers throughout the year.

Hawaii trip provides plenty of Giant memories

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

HONOLULU - They came to Hawaii for basketball, but the South Grenville Giants senior girls basketball team left with an experience none of them will forget.

The Giants and parents group consisting of more than 30 people enjoyed its nine-day trip to Hawaii, making it not only their longest road trip of their season but full of many new high school memories.

Giants coach Joe Latham was thrilled with how the trip went for all the players and parents.

"This is something none of us is ever going to forget," explained Latham. "It was a great opportunity to take a really great trip, and it gave the girls an opportunity to do something they love while we were here; play basketball."

Latham indicated, despite not coming out on top of the tournament, the experience more than made up for it.

"We knew we would be in tough with the basketball," said Latham. "Those were club teams we were playing , but everyone handled it very well and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The Giants team members, who have been coached by Latham since a young age, couldn't agree more with what they have been able to take away from the experience.

"I just really loved everything about this (the trip)," said senior guard Alex Ward, who completed her South Grenville basketball career with the Giants' loss in the bronze medal game at the Palama Settlement Classic in Honolulu. "Everything's been great. When I started as a senior I certainly wasn't expecting to be doing this and when we found out last year it was incredible."

Ward explained the experiences she shared with both her family and friends will be a cherished memory.

"We got to go out surfing and the whole trip it was nice to be able to go out with the girls for a while and then go out with the parents," said Ward. "It was great to get to do so much like see the different Polynesian cultures and their ways of life in the regions."

For South Grenville the trip didn't start with the 12 hours of travel to Honolulu from Toronto, but more than a year ago with a commitment of players and parents to fundraise towards the Encore Sports Tour of Hawaii, which saw the girls play in the Palama Settlement Classic.

"We really did a lot of fundraising from May until December," explained Marlene Neddo, who was one of the many mothers who accompanied their daughters on the trip and heavily contributed to the fundraising cause. "We started with our Mother's Day bake sale and ran events nearly every weekend for this. We raised close to $21,000 to help pay for the trip, and it was definitely well worth it. It was a great experience to see our kids playing basketball internationally and they're even talking about trying to do this again in another two years."

Latham added, "Encore did a great job organizing things for us, having buses ready and events suggested, but it was really the parents who deserve a lot of credit here. From day one, the parents got on board and did a lot to make sure everyone could have the experience. The parental support has just been outstanding; they guaranteed we could go on the trip and were here to help us enjoy it."

For many, the experience came to them as a lesson in other cultures, with all of the group experiencing parts of South Pacific Culture with a luau Friday night, with some going back for more the next day at the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

After finishing fourth in the tournament, the girls learned their participation in the tournament was a bigger deal as the tournament helped to fund many of the activities of the Palama Settlement's centre including helping to run sports activities and provide low income housing for unwed mothers.

The whole group was able to fit a wide array of fun and cultural experiences in a short period of time, including learning to dance traditional Hawaiian dances like the hula, shopping at the International Market Place, surfing, snorkelling, visiting Pearl Harbor, hiking Diamond Head, a traditional luau where the girls dressed up for the part and forming friendships and comraderie amongst each other and others such as the Hamilton boys basketball team which was staying in the same hotel.

Each day everyone would be doing something new with certain days one big group taking part in activities, while others they would divide themselves in to smaller groups who are interested in particular activities to do and see as much as possible.

Latham indicated the highlight of the trip was experiencing a bit of the native Hawaiian sports.

"Our day at the North Shore was pretty neat," said Latham, who along with all 31 members of the trip travelled to Waimea Beach to watch the first Quicksilver Eddie Aikau surfing competition to be held in six years. "They only hold the event when the waves are big enough, and we got to see these pro surfers going out into 50 foot waves. Not many people anywhere get to see something like that, and we did."

For Neddo, the highlight of the trip was getting to watch her daughter's excitement with experiencing new things.

"I was really impressed with the snorkelling (at Hanauma Bay)," she said. "It really gave us some good bonding time and it's just great to see your kid get so exited about everything we did. The whole trip opened a lot of eyes for all of us in competitive basketball and other cultures."

Jr. B Rangers keep unbeaten streak alive with win and draw

CARDINAL ­ The South Grenville junior B Rangers will enter the Christmas break at the top of their division.

The Rangers had an impressive 7-3 win against Kemptville Saturday night in Cardinal but could only manage a 4-4 tie with the St. Lawrence Division cellar-dweller Morrisburg Lions Sunday afternoon.

South Grenville opened a commanding 4-1 lead by the end of the first period Saturday night and was up 7-1 after two. Eric Selleck and Matt Milberry each scored twice for the Rangers. The other goal scorers were Steven Frahn, Ryan Landon and Julien Francis. Greg Richardson was in goal for the win.

On Sunday, South Grenville spotted Morrisburg a two-goal lead in the first period before tying the game. The Rangers took the lead in the second, but Morrisburg got the equalizer. In the third period, it was Morrisburg that grabbed the lead. However, Matt Bailey scored the tying goal for South Grenville. There was no scoring in the overtime period.

David Lun, Adam Tousant and Frahn had the other goals for the Rangers. Tim Potter was in net for South Grenville.

All four Morrisburg markers were powerplay goals. South Grenville coach Rod Simmons acknowledged the Rangers got into some penalty trouble and became a bit frustrated by the clutching and grabbing of the Lions.

But Simmons noted the positive thing about the game was South Grenville managed to get a point out of it. Some of the regulars were rested, giving affiliate players a chance to contribute.

At the conclusion of play this past weekend, the Rangers were seven points ahead of the Brockville Tikis and had one game in hand in the Rideau Division of the Eastern Ontario league.

The coach said South Grenville's success has been a team effort. Goaltenders, defencemen and forwards are all contributing, according to Simmons; if one player has an off night, someone else rises to the occasion.

The Rangers hit the ice again tonight at 7:30 in Cardinal when they will take on the St. Lawrence Division-leading Alexandria Glens.

South Grenville will also take part in the league's Boxing Day tournament Sunday in Westport. The Rangers are scheduled to play South Ottawa at 10:30 am in the single-elimination tournament which features the league's top teams.

Giants finish as top Canadian team in Palama tournament

HONOLULU - The South Grenville Giants senior girls basketball team had some trouble with the Hawaiian club teams, but still managed a fourth place finish in the Palama Settlement Classic tournament last week.

After a pair of hard-fought defeats to Hawaiian Club teams to open the tournament, South Grenville advanced to the bronze medal game by virtue of a points-against system which placed the Giants ahead of fellow Canadian teams Ucelet and North Peace (both from British Columbia).

In the bronze medal game, the Giants fell to Kalakaua C for a second time in the tournament 70-29. Junior player Jaime Grimes led South Grenville with a six-point performance, followed by Sam Joudoin with five points and Stacy Kenney and Shannon Campbell with four points apiece. South Grenville also had strong games from Ashley Beaudoin with her perimeter defence and Karrie Neddo and Kristen Jessome working inside.

Earlier in the tournament, the Giants dropped a 67-35 decision to Kalakaua C and a 87-23 decision to Kalakaua B.

South Grenville coach Joe Latham called the tournament a learning experience, after getting to play a number of club teams that run year-round programs. He added he liked how the girls handled themselves, and the basketball was just a small part of the whole experience of the trip to Hawaii.

Other members of the Giants Hawaiian tournament team include Miranda Kenney, Becky Graham, Sara Watt, Allison Whyte and Lyndsay Biccum.

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Major atom Kings defeat Goulbourn Rams

NEPEAN ­ The Rideau St. Lawrence major atom Kings won their first game at a recent tournament in Nepean.

The Kings edged the Goulbourn Rams 1-0. Slater Koekkoek scored the lone goal. Spencer Corkery recorded the shutout.

In game two, the Kings
were edged 1-0 by the Eastern Ontario Cobras. The Kings dropped their third game to
the Nepean Raiders by a score of 5-3. Marc Beckstead had a pair of goals for Rideau St. Lawrence; Willy Fawcett also scored. Assists went to Adam Douma, Shane Riddell and Koekkoek.

In league action, the
Kings shut out the Cobras 2-0 Dec. 18. Jarrett Pitt was in
net for the win. The goals were scored by Tanner Casselman
and Joey Sargeant; assists
went to Fawcett and Taylor Henry.

On Dec. 16, the Kings defeated the Raiders 7-1. Beckstead and Casselman each scored twice; Henry, Koekkoek and Warren Steele added singles. Henry (2), Douma (2), Koekkoek (2), Beckstead, Sargeant, Spencer Lee and Cal Laforty picked up assists.

The Kings were edged 2-1 by the Ottawa Sting Dec. 14. The lone RSL goal was scored by Laforty, with assists going to Sargeant and Chris Moss.

Three days earlier, the Kings lost by the same 2-1 score to the Ottawa Valley Titans. Beckstead was set up by Douma and Henry for the Kings' only goal of the game.

Bantam B house Rangers unbeaten in 16

CARDINAL - The South Grenville bantam B Rangers house team is on fire as it
has reeled off a 16-game
unbeaten streak to start the season.

On Dec. 19, South Grenville travelled to Athens and came away with a 2-2 draw with
the Aeros. Athens scored two goals off the bat, before Trevor Murray and Josh Perrin answered back to secure the tie. Reilly Grootjans and Todd Kirkey added assists.

On Dec. 16, the Rangers scored a 5-1 win over the Athens Aeros at the Cardinal
and District Community Centre. Defenceman Chris Rice sparked the Rangers attack with an end-to-end rush for a goal, while Murray, Taylor Corney, Perrin and Michael Thomas
also scored. Josh Perrin, Ryan Robinson, Josh Newton, Thomas, Murray, Nick Perry, Chris Noonan and Tyler Curry added assists.

On Dec. 11, South Grenville travelled to Westport and scored a 2-1 win in a physical game with North Leeds. Fletcher Wehmeyer and Curry scored for the Rangers, while Murray and Kirkey chipped in with helpers.

On Dec. 9 the Rangers scored a 4-0 win over the Brockville Jr. Braves in Cardinal. Curry scored a pair of goals to lead South Grenville while Grootjans and Ryan Joudoin also scored. Noonan, Corney, Thomas and Wehmeyer added assists. Ashton Selleck had a shutout in goal and the defensive corps had a strong overall game.

SG atom B score pair of victories

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The South Grenville atom B rep team returned from the road with two victories recenly.

The Rangers defeated Brockville 3-1. Alex Stephenson scored a hat trick for South Grenville. Assists went to Cody Adams (2) Broydon Stufko and Matt Courtney.

South Grenville followed that victory with a 7-1 win over the North Leeds North Stars in Westport. Stufko (2), Stephenson (2), Houston Bujacz, Brett vanStralen and Dylan Dorey scored for the Rangers. Stephesnon (2), Matt Courtney (2), Cody Adams, Nathan Hamilton, John Wood,
Stufko and vanStralen added assists.

Peewee Rangers #2 riding hot streak

CARDINAL - The South Grenville peewee B house Rangers #2 have put together a strong season with a series of wins.

On Nov. 21, the Rangers scored a 6-1 win over Kemptville #2 in Cardinal. Cory Wilson paced South Grenville with four goals, while Mike Morrell and Rik Champagne added singles. Shane McGuire, Cody Patenaude, Champagne and Josh Bailey added assists.

On Nov. 14, the Rangers scored a 9-0 victory over North Dundas. Wilson, Patenaude, Champagne and Bailey each had a pair of goals, while Ian King added a single. Wilson (3), Champagne (2), King (2), Tim Kippax (2), McGuire and Morrell added assists. Matt Walker and Marc Brunet shared the shutout.

On Nov. 6, South Grenville scored a 6-3 win over South Stormont. Wilson, Patenaude, King, Kippax, Champagne and Danny Calhoun scored for the Rangers, while Kippax, Calhoun, Wilson, Morrell and Matt Leonard added assists.

On Nov. 3, the Rangers settled for a 2-2 draw with North Dundas. Patenaude and Wilson scored for South Grenville, while King and Calhoun added assists.

On Oct. 31, the Rangers scored a 9-4 win over North Dundas. Patenaude scored a hat trick for South Grenville, followed by King and Calhoun with a pair each and Champagne and McGuire with singles. King (3), Wilson (3), Calhoun, Morrell and Bailey chipped in with helpers.

RSL major atom Kings selling 67's tickets as team fundraiser

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence atom Kings are in the midst of a fundraising campaign to help with team costs throughout the season.

As part of their fundraising activities the Kings are selling tickets to the Ottawa 67's-Toronto St. Michael's Majors game at 2 pm Jan. 9 at the Ottawa Civic Centre.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 925-5048.

South Grenville Jr. B Rangers in Boxing Day tournament

WESTPORT - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers will travel to Westport Dec. 26 to take part in the annual Boxing Day Tournament.

The Rangers will play their opening round game in the single elimination tournament at 10:30 am against the South Ottawa Canadians.

If the Rangers win, they will play in the first semi-final match-up at 4 pm.

The final is scheduled for 8 pm.

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