VOL. 175, NO. 10~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ March 9, 2005

Prescott is being positive

Chamber of Commerce holds annual awards banquet at golf club

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ People from small towns like Prescott can compete with everyone else, according to the guest speaker at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.

Barry Bekkedam, who grew up in Prescott and is a successful businessman and former college basketball player and Team Canada member who lives in Pennsylvania, addressed the near sell-out crowd at the Prescott Golf Club.

Bekkedam stressed the importance of believing what you are capable of doing. He noted his own experience of going from a summer basketball camp in Prescott to being named all-American at Villanova in 1986. Bekkedam said basketball and being able to travel around the world helped him make it in the business world.

From his start in real estate in the early 1990s, Bekkedam built a capital management firm that serves as chief investment officer for clients with $4 billion dollars in assets.

He said he seemed to get luckier the harder he worked. Having been disappointed by many star athletes and other successful people with whom he has dealt, Bekkedam emphasized the importance of realizing one's potential and not giving up on it.

"You've got to keep with it," he said. "If you don't believe for a minute, you're done."

With his parents and brother in the audience, Bekkedam noted his family is his top priority, with business coming second.

The guest speaker drew applause after his speech when he announced he would be donating $2,500 U.S. to the Prescott library rejuvenation campaign.

As for the state of the community, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said there has been a good deal of progress in 2004-05. Lawn emphasized opportunities the town can grab and not challenges facing the community.

"Maybe I've been whining a little too much," the mayor said in reference to his previous awards dinner speeches.

Lawn cited the downtown revitalization study, official plan review and the potential for 80 new homes in the northeast section of Prescott as some of the opportunities which have emerged. The mayor congratulated Herb Willer on the condominium development he completed recently as well as Riverside Pontiac Buick on its new facility north of Highway 401 which "set the standard" for others to follow.

These positive signs need to be carried through, according to the mayor. The community must work together and support businesses and the volunteers who contribute to the quality of life for local residents, Lawn added.

Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Smith also noted the positive steps being taken, adding co-operative efforts involving the business community, municipalities and organizations "will ensure a progressive year ahead."

THIS WEEK

Simcoe set to break the ice next week

PRESCOTT ­ CCGS Simcoe will begin to conduct ice-breaking operations early next week, according to a Canadian Coast Guard safety advisory issued Monday.

The ship is scheduled to leave the Prescott base next Monday morning (March 14) and head west along the main shipping channels to Picton and the Bay of Quinte before returning to base at the end of the week.

The coast guard reminds ice fishers, snowmobilers and other recreational users of the ice to steer clear of ice-breaking operations because the surface could be unstable well away from the ice-breaker's tracks.

Sign up for the March Break program at fort

PRESCOTT ­ Fort Wellington's March Break program for youngsters between the ages of seven and 12 will take place next Tuesday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 16 from 1 to 3 pm.

On Tuesday, children become new recruits when they enlist in the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment. They will try on uniforms, learn how to march and play games in the barracks.

The Wednesday program (Defending Prescott) will have participants become engineers and find out how the fort was built. Each youngster will build his or her own fort to take home.

Space is limited to 20 kids per session. There is a registration fee. Refreshments will be provided.

To sign up for more information on the fort's March Break program, call Elizabeth LeBlanc or Joan MacKinnon at 925-2896.

Church to serve ham and bean dinner today

MAYNARD ­ A ham and bean dinner will take place today (Wednesday, March 9) at Victoria United Church in Maynard.

Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. The menu includes ham, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, corn, roll/pickles and homemade pie.

Take-out orders will be available.

For tickets, call 925-4114.

Jeanne Chaters receives volunteer award

PRESCOTT ­ Jeanne Chaters has a smile that is almost as endless as her list of volunteer projects.

That was one of the ways Robert Haller described the recipient of the 2004 recipient of the Community Service Award given out by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented Monday night at the Chamber's annual awards banquet held at the Prescott Golf Club.

Although she does not own a business, Chaters has been a key volunteer when it comes to promoting the community.

Chaters has been accepting phone calls on behalf of Tourism Prescott and the Chamber of Commerce at her home. "Jeanne answered every call with a friendly welcome," said Haller, Prescott's CAO/clerk. She has also served as the tourism group's secretary/treasurer and bingo co-ordinator ­ "a job no one likes," Haller remarked.

Although she has cut back on her Tourism Prescott involvement, Chaters is still offering countless hours of volunteer service to many community-based organizations and projects.

She also promotes the Fort Town concert series and the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, and is a member of the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club.

Chaters has also served on the board of the Grenville County Historical Society and is on the Walker House board of management.

Haller referred to the award winner as a "volunteer extraordinaire" on so many fronts.

Chaters was also noted as the type of person who sees the best in others and maintains a positive outlook.

She never complains "and her joy is genuine and is really contagious," said Haller, who added her membership in the group of community service award winners "...is probably well overdue."

Chaters' humility was evident during her acceptance speech. "You don't ever expect to get this," she said of the community service award.

In noting she started pitching in shortly after she and her husband Jack moved to Prescott seven years ago, Chaters said volunteering has "a satisfaction of its own."

She is encouraging others to get involved and help others see Prescott for what it is. "I call it the little gem on the St. Lawrence," Chaters commented.

Recent recipients of the community service award include Bob Millar, Ray Young, Norm Fortier and the late Tom Carr.

Money pours in as library launches fundraising drive

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Accessibility was the word of the day at the launch of the Prescott Public Library's public fundraising campaign Saturday afternoon.

More than 50 people were at the library, as it kicked off its Our Library, Our Future campaign aimed at raising a total of $572,000 for the rejuvenation of the library.

The proposed renovation to the library will greatly expand the size of the library as well as increase the size of the main adult reading area by moving it to the 2,415 square foot former gymnasium of the municipal building, allowing the current adult books area to be transformed into a new reading area, a learning room, offices and work spaces

Friends of the Library Chairperson Sandra Lawn indicated the renovations are needed. More than 2,500 of the town's 4,000 residents active members of the library.

"We want this to be an intellectual centre for the community," explained Lawn, "and we need to make it physically and intellectually accessible for all. We want services and programs for all ages so this can be a place where children and the elderly can both come together and use the resources."

Lawn continued, "This is a wonderful team effort from all involved. This project is a partnership between the library board, Friends of the Library, the municipality, the volunteers and our local schools. There are many things we need in this library and the list is long. The way we're going about this has been one step at a time."

The board oversees operations; the Friends group handles fundraising.

Twelve-year-old Jacob Whitney, who last year was stricken with flesh eating disease, and still has difficulty walking, spoke briefly to the crowd indicating he has always used the library and he was happy to be part of the campaign to improve the facility.

CJOH-TV anchor and personality Max Keeping was on hand for Saturdays launch, praising the importance of literacy and reading and commending the group on all their efforts.

"This is wonderful, you have a vision for what your community needs and are out to build it," said Keeping, "and who is better at community building than the Lawns?"

Keeping continued, "Another generation down the road they are not going to be able to meet the skills needed in Ontario to make a living. One in five people in Ontario, the best province in the country, don't meet the criteria for literacy. Could any one of the children here imagine going to McDonald's and not being able to order because they can't read the menu? There are people out there who want to be able to read and can't. Many kids today are pushing away books for video games and projects like this can help kids learn that their imagination and imagery of reading is the best television show or video game they could have."

The renovations are also to include a new big circulation desk, new flooring throughout the library, bright lighting, new study carrels and area for computers which all community members Internet access.

The Friends of the Library have already raised more than half of the required funding with donations from foundations and other donors, but with the public launch more potential donors will be approached with the public invited to contribute towards the project.

The good news for the library continued with numerous donations being handed over by people attending the event $10,000 from Ron Sauve and Mary Lou Murray on behalf of RBC Financial Group, $25,000 from the Caldwell family, $5,000 from Elma Pyl on behalf of BMO Financial Group (Bank of Montreal) and $100,000 from Barry Laushway, representing the Bedwell Memorial Trust.

Lawn indicated the significant donation from the Bedwell trust, was money left to Laushway, which was specifically directed towards the use of children, particularly children with intellectual disabilities. Mr. Bedwell lived in Prescott Place and was a Rotarian and it was felt the library project was something which the family would want to be involved.

Lawn indicated the first two phases of the renovation were completed with the municipality completing the $100,000 phase one, which included the windows, landscaping, outdoor lighting, doors, exterior access, security and raising and preparation of the floor in the old gymnasium for new stacks.

Phase two of the project which has been completed included collecting on available grants, including $9,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, $5,000 from the Brockville and Area Community Foundation and $28,500 from the Bell Canada Community Development Grant.

Phase three of the project includes the public campaign launch as well as many other requests under consideration.

Phase four will begin when the funding is in place and includes a completed design and working drawings as well as the target of an early July Trillium grant announcement of up to $75,000 in additional funding, which would allow for a tender call and a three month construction project.

Cancellation of border reopening another blow to local beef industry

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - On the cusp of the U.S. border reopening to Canadian cattle under 30 months, a number of actions in the U.S. have combined to keep the border closed.

The border was supposed to open to Canadian live cattle under the age of 30 months March 7. However, a U.S. federal judge granted a temporary injunction March 2 to postpone the import of Canadian live cattle into the U.S.

This injunction was granted to U.S. protectionist group Ranchers - Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) in Billings, Montana. Also, on March 3, the U.S. Senate voted against opening the border. However, this vote was seen as being symbolic only; U.S. President George Bush stated he would overturn the resolution.

"There's certainly disappointment (on the part of beef farmers)," stated Alec MacGregor, farmer and president of the Grenville Cattlemen's Association which represents farmers in the South Grenville area.

He also stated he believes the border closure is completely unnecessary. "We (Canada and the U.S.) are both considered minimum-risk countries (for mad cow disease)," he stated.

"There's really no reason (for the border to remain closed) other than political and protectionist."

MacGregor's sentiments were echoed by Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown, who stated in a March 7 press release "These decisions were not made on science... They are purely protectionist moves on the part of the U.S. cattle industry and its supporters in government."

However, in an earlier release Brown stated he was not "altogether surprised" about the judge granting the injunction to R-CALF, because the same judge granted the organization a temporary restraining order against allowing additional cuts of Canadian beef entering the U.S. last May.

"The judge appears to be friendly to this organization," he stated.

"Yesterday's (March 3) U.S. Senate vote against opening the border is just the latest in a long line of delays and disappointments for Canadian farmers," stated Stephen Harper, Conservative leader and leader of the official opposition in a March 4 press release.

Harper puts the blame for the delay in opening the border on the Liberal government. "Once again, Liberal promises to solve this problem on behalf of Canadian farm families have come to nothing. The government seemed completely taken by surprise by these developments," he stated.

Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said Thursday the federal government is considering emergency funding for farmers hit by the border closure, and that there are some resources already within the federal Department of Agriculture.

Goodale has also stated Ottawa has spent $1.5 billion to try to offset the economic impact of the border closure.

In regards to his own farming operation, MacGregor stated "It's getting harder and harder to stay optimistic," because his cows are going to start calving in a couple of weeks, increasing the size of his herd.

He added it's tough for him to stay positive about calving when the U.S. border is still closed for slaughter and sale of Canadian beef.

He also stated that a time for the border re-opening is very indefinite. "I've seen everything, from a few weeks to summer or fall (for the border reopening.) He added there are many variables connected to the border reopening, but that he hopes it occurs "sooner than later."

This temporary injunction and U.S Senate vote are the latest in a long line of challenges for Canadian beef farmers, who have seen their industry decimated since the border was first closed to Canadian cattle after a cow with mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalitis) was discovered in Alberta in 2003. There have been additional confirmed cases in the west since then.

BGH pleased with transfer from St. Vincent

Officials say it is too soon to give precise timeframe or estimate of job losses

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - Since 1887, St. Vincent de Paul Hospital has offered patient care to residents of the Leeds-Grenville area. However, these services will now be offered by Brockville General Hospital (BGH). This announcement was made at a press conference last Tuesday.

Ray Marshall, president and CEO of BGH, is pleased about the transfer of services from St. Vincent's. "We've got a lot of work to do (regarding transfer of services)," he stated. "The real focus is the commitment to patient care. This is the best way to move forward."

Marshall added both hospitals have a history of providing high-quality care to patients, and that he expects this quality to continue with the service transfer.

The decision to close St. Vincent's is not one which Providence Continuing Care Centre (the Kingston-based organization which has operated the hospital since 1996) has taken lightly, according to PCCC Board Chair Larry Norman.

He added a number of factors - including the hospitals inability to balance its budget, and the buildings unsuitability for its rehabilitation role - prompted the decision to transfer services to BGH. "It's a rehabilitation hospital and we have many rooms which don't have wheelchair accessible washrooms," he stated.

Norman added St. Vincent's faced the dilemma of either reducing services offered by the hospital, or transferring services to BGH. "We felt this (transferring services) was the best thing to do."

In regards to what will happen to staff at St. Vincent's, Norman did not give a firm answer. However, he did make reference to the process of complete transfer of services and beds to BGH taking several years. "There's lots of opportunity to manage this in the time frame." He also stated that, because of attrition and retirements, he is "not pessimistic" about the number of jobs lost by the transfer. He estimates the hospital currently employs approximately 170 people.

Norman also mentioned the service transfer has the full support of the Sisters of Providence, who are the sponsors of the hospital. He added the sisters will continue to operate other hospitals and health care facilities of Providence Continuing Care in Kingston.

Marshall stated BGH has received a notice of intent from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to amend the restructuring direction of the hospital. This notice of intent indicates that BGH will assume the services of St. Vincent. The notice is available from Marshall's office for 30 days from March 1 for the public to offer comment.

In 1998, the Health Services Restructuring Commission directed BGH to be the acute care provider for the Brockville area, including most of South Grenville, and St. Vincent's to assume non-acute care. St. Vincent currently operates a total of 47 inpatient beds, 42 of which are for complex continuing care and five which are for rehabilitation.

This transfer will involve BGH offering the services currently offered by St. Vincent de Paul Hospital. These services include complex continuing care, diabetes education, rehabilitation beds for people recovering from stroke or spinal cord injury, outpatient rehabilitation (encompassing speech, occupational and physical therapy) and the Hospice of Providence, which provides palliative care services and is funded through community donations.

"We're committed to the transfer of palliative care," stated Marshall. He added it's key for the community to remember palliative care exists because of community support, and that this support must continue to ensure palliative care continues.

The service transfer will necessitate BGH building onto its current hospital structure as well as renovating a portion of its existing building. "We have a vague idea (of the structure needed) but have nothing on paper," stated Karen Gillan, chair of the BGH board. She added the building of a new structure to accommodate all of St. Vincent's services is expected to take in between five and six years.

"We don't have the space here (at BGH) to accommodate all the patients (from St. Vincent). We have to build," stated Marshall. He added the new construction will be a multi-step process which will include meeting with planners and architects to determine the scope and of the new construction, releasing tenders and constructing the building.

However, transfer of management for the facility is beginning immediately, and is expected to take between eight and ten months. BGH will offer St. Vincent's services at the existing hospital until the new construction is complete.

Neither Gillan nor Marshall would comment on what, if any, staff decreases or job losses would result from the transfer of services from St. Vincent's to BGH. However, Gillan did say BGH is looking forward to "welcoming all staff (from St. Vincent's) and the skills they bring to palliative care, complex continuing care and rehabilitation." She added "we know we don't have staff that have these skills and really appreciate the skills they bring."

Gillan also spoke to the fact the new BGH construction will include 24 psychiatric beds from the Elmgrove facility at the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital. The addition of these beds - which was part of BGH's 1998 restructuring plan - was announced in a letter from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care the week of March 1.

In reference to how BGH will fund the absorption of St. Vincent's services and patients, Marshall stated "As part of the due diligence process, (BGH will) have discussions with the Ministry of Health to ensure the funding is there." Gillan stated "It's up to us to come up with a good plan (for offering services) we can afford long-term."

Mark Edmonds, site administrator for St. Vincent's, said he believes consolidating hospital services at the BGH site and having an upgraded hospital there will be an important drawing card for recruiting doctors and health-care professionals. "Having a single facility is more attractive to health-care professionals. (They are) drawn to an updated facility," he stated.

Gillan added the consolidation of services at one site is expected to have positive benefits for people who use the hospital. She stated having all services of both hospitals on one site will lead to a "streamlined, seamless" continuum of care for residents. "It's a very positive thing." she mentioned.

Prescott council has more proposals to hear before setting 2005 budget

Town engineer recommends deferral of water and sewer rate hikes proposed for July 1

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ They have heard from most municipal departments and related agencies, but Prescott council still has plenty of work to do to finalize the town's 2005 budget.

Heading into last night's council and finance committee meetings, two departments had yet to present their budget proposals: administration (scheduled for next Monday) and fire (which had been scheduled for last night).

Councillor Suzanne Dodge, chair of the finance and corporate services committee, told The Journal Monday it is too early to speculate on what the outcome of budget talks will be. "We haven't had one 'deliberation' meeting yet," she said.

In 2004, council approved a slight decrease in the residential municipal property tax levy, although some ended up paying more because of higher assessment values.

Last July, water and sewer rate increases averaging about 50 per cent were implemented. During its 2004 budget deliberations, town officials indicated additional rate hikes would be expected this July.

However, those increases were not approved as part of the 2004 budget package adopted by council.

Earlier this year, Town Engineer Clyde Solomon recommended deferral of rate hikes in July. Dodge said council has yet to make a decision on how to handle the rate increases in 2005. The subject was likely to arise at the finance meeting Tuesday night, the councillor noted.

Also on the committee's agenda was an update on costs associated with disbandment of the Prescott Police Service.

The council and committee meetings would normally have been held on Monday night. The meetings were postponed by one day so they would not conflict with the Chamber of Commerce awards banquet held Monday.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Accident leads to tire charge

SPENCERVILLE ­ On March 1 at about 10:15 am, Constable Foley responded to a single-vehicle motor vehicle crash on Highway 416 northbound near the County Road 21 exit. After the Ford Focus was checked, the male driver was given an offence notice for having improper tires. No serious injuries were reported.

Car towed, licence suspended

EDWARDSBURGH ­ While on routine patrol on Highway 401 March 4 at about 2:15 am, Constable Jones stopped a 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. Open liquor was found in the car.

The driver registered a "warn" on a roadside screening device; the 27-year-old Loyalist Township resident received a 12-hour licence suspension, and the car was towed. He also received an offence notice for the open liquor.

Stolen snowmobile worth $13,000

AUGUSTA ­ A 2004 snowmobile valued at $13,000 was stolen from a property on County Road 15 near Sixth Concession.

It is believed the theft occurred sometime between 11:30 March 5 and 6:35 am March 6. The black and white 700-cc special edition Arctic Cat has distinctive features; its vehicle registration number is 931 406. The owner had parked the machine without keys.

It appears the vehicle was removed and travelled north on a trail towards North Augusta.

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

Empty trailer taken from lot

EDWARDSBURGH ­ An empty cargo trailer valued at $20,000 was stolen from the parking lot at Angelo's sometime between March 4 at 7 pm and March 6 at 12:30 pm.

The 2003 Trailmobile 53-foot van-style semi-trailer with dual axle has "Road Runners" printed in burgundy on the from, sides and rear. The unit bears Ontario plate P95820.

Constable Foley is investigating.

Officer checks stop sign compliance

SPENCERVILLE ­ On March 4 between 8:20 pm and midnight, Constable Blanchette was at the intersection of county roads 44 and 21. This location is an area of concern because some motorists do not obey the stop sign on 21, according to an OPP news release.

The constable charged four drivers with failing to stop; he also issued a seat belt offence notice and two Highway Traffic Act warnings.

Two girls who had been drinking fight each other, according to police

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 42 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

In response to a disturbance call on Wood Street East on March 5 at about 11:30 pm, Constable Wright found two 15-year-old girls who live in Prescott had been fighting consensually. Neither sustained serious injuries. The constable also found both minors had been consuming alcohol. One of the girls became verbally abusive and would not go home, according to an OPP news release. She was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the detachment where she was lodged for the night. The girl was issued a provincial offence notice and released the next morning.

Constable Wright went to Kriska after the on-site security company requested extra police patrols. The constable was told by a security guard he had located an open trailer with fresh vehicle tracks nearby March 6 at about 2:40 am. Unknown culprits had left the door to the empty trailer open; no damage occurred.

Police are asking the public to report suspicious vehicles in the area. Licence plate information and a description of the vehicle are important details, as is a description of the driver and the direction in which the vehicle was heading.

Anyone with information on any occurrences in Prescott or the adjacent townships is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The local detachment is based at the intersection of Edward Street and Prescott Centre Drive just south of Highway 401.

A skating party

PRESCOTT ­ Everyone is invited to bring their skates and have a good time at the Family Skate Night next Wednesday, March 16 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

There is no admission fee. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served upstairs.

The event is sponsored by The Prescott Journal, the Town of Prescott and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer.

How to market events is focus of workshop to be held in town

PRESCOTT ­ A workshop on how to market festivals and events will be held next Tuesday, March 15 at the municipal building on Dibble Street West.

The Brockville and District Tourism Office is presenting the workshop, which will run from 7 to 9 pm. Topics will include researching markets, designing communication plans, flyers and brochures, and operating a budget.

The facilitators are Karen Park and Jan Bonhomme, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in organizing events.

Pre-registration is required. There is a registration fee.

Call 342-4357 for more details.

Memories of China is a visit to remember

FORT TOWN CONCERT REVIEW by Colin Boag

In Prescott Friday evening (March 4), there was a little sex, albeit spoken in verse, there was violence, a self-inflicted, love-driven throat-slashing, there was opium smoking and possibly the most enchanting musical recital to be heard in southeastern Ontario for many years.

The occasion was the third concert of the 2004/5 season of the Fort Town Concert Association and featured a young Chinese-born Canadian, Liu Fang, playing the pipa and the guzeng and story teller/actor, French Canadian, Jean-François Blanchard. The story, and text, revolves around the discoveries and memories of French Canadian poet, Alain Grandbois, (1901-1975) during his visit to China in 1934. The music ranged from Liu Fang's interpretations of ancient music from the Tang and Ming dynasties, through to contemporary works.

The pipa, (pronounced pee-pa) can best be described as a Chinese lute but in the hands of Liu Fang it produced sounds at times reminiscent of the guitar of Carlos Montoya and at others the banjo picking of a blue grass aficionado whilst retaining the unique sounds of traditional Chinese music. All three sounds were heard in the opening piece, Spring Rain, composed in 2003 by Zhu Yi and Wen Bo. The work opened slowly and quietly with Liu Fang serene, composed and seemingly at one with her instrument ­ a pose she maintained throughout the concert. As the piece developed the fingers on Fang's right hand moved over the four strings of the instrument with at times mesmerizing speed evoking Montoya's flamenco guitar interspersed with the twanging sounds of the banjo.

The first half of the concert ended with a very boisterous, traditional work closing with actor Blanchard depicting the suicide of a defeated Chinese general in 202 BC.

After the intermission, Liu Fang opened with a traditional Chinese work, High Mountain and Flowing Water, played on the guzheng, a member of the zither family and demonstrated that her artistry was not confined to one instrument.

The meld of acting, poetry and music occasionally stumbled when portions of the spoken poetry were not clearly heard by a majority of the audience but this in no way diminished the pleasure of listening to Liu Fang.

An abbreviated version of the concert was given earlier in the day at Iroquois Public School.

The suicide scene was appreciably more dramatic, thanks to some clever stage design and lighting effects by stage director Jacques Lemieux, and evinced the collective intake and expelling of breath of the approximately 150 children. Occasional announcements over the PA system failed to ruffle the composure of Liu Fang.

The concert was sponsored by the Town of Prescott.

The final concert of the 2004/5 season, the opera Die Fledermaus, is scheduled for April 8 in St Andrew's Church, Prescott.

The exercises are the same; the times will be different

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our new exercise group is going quite well. However, after two weeks we have moved the time slot to 4:30-6 pm. This allows us to exercise before dinner and then have the evening free.

Although there will be someone here each afternoon, you can choose the days which best fit your routine. Three times a week makes a good program.

On Friday, April 1 we plan to have a spaghetti and salad lunch. If you would like to join us, please call 925-5300 and we will put you on the list.

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Janet White; 2nd, Nancy Coligan; door, Joan Roe. Fun bridge ­ Joan Salmon. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jean Annable; 2nd, Jessie Shaver; 3rd, Micheline Cook; door, Mary Reynolds.

Spencerville Legion Branch 604 supports the community

Submitted by Ruth Chouinard

St. Patrick's Day arrives early at the branch Saturday, March 12 with a party of irish stew and entertainment with a jam session, a group of talented musicians beginning at 7 pm.

The branch hosts a major event each month: annual mud-pout dinner in April and Mother's Day celebrations in May. Watch this paper for our announcements.

Community Service

Funds raised by our branch not only help to support the Legion; a percentage usually finds its way back into the community. We have previously assisted the OPP Bicycle Rodeo, local sports teams as well as other charitable organizations.

Most recently, we have donated to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation, the Edwardsburgh Library, The Alzheimer Society and the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Volunteer Fire Department. The branch also provides a foot clinic for senior citizens every third Tuesday of each month and there is also a seniors club which meets monthly to plan outings and activities. Please contact Rusty Saunders at 925-3497 for details.

The Spencerville Branch Club Room is open daily from 11 am. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays we close at 6 pm. Thursday and Friday at 11 pm. The public is welcome. Sunday, unless there is an event planned we are closed.

The branch also offers at reasonable rates a hall seating 160 people and complete kitchen facilities. For information, call 658-2031.

Pictures of main street, downtown waterfront to be made into book

PRESCOTT ­ A local man is putting together a book based on photographs of King Street and the downtown waterfront area.

John Perrin is seeking additional images and photos from any era for his collection. Anyone who has pictures to give or lend can contact Perrin at 925-3955 or at Box 1792, Prescott.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Fun and games make learning fun ­ or that's what classmates experienced during shared Buddy Reading time.

This week was extra special, though, as grade 4/5 students entertained their grade 1/2 buddies with games created "just for them." Games included a couple of word searches focusing on high-frequency words, following instructions and colouring the fishing line that linked a specific word to the fishing pole and matching word beginnings and endings.

The best activity, however, was saved until the end. A four-act play written and performed by five Grade 5 students had Allison Powers as the teacher teaching valuable lessons in the importance of being honest and telling the truth, as well as persevering and completing homework. The students (Cody Knapp, Dan Halladay, Brittany Smith and Amara Heisel) discovered great satisfaction in making wise choices.

Grade 1/2 students were quick to recognize this month's trait of self-discipline from our Character Counts program as well as the qualities found in a true friend.

Benson Public School: During the month of March, students are being recognized for persistence. On Friday, students were presented with awards during our assembly. These students are Holden Merkley, Kyle Peeler, Nicholas Grant, Shai Kemp, Dylan Mills, Ryan Hopkins, Matthew Gilligan and Kristen Hamilton.

Report cards went home Tuesday. If you wish to meet with your child's teacher, feel free to contact the school and request an interview.

Our fundraising campaign starts today. Students will be bringing home catalogues and order forms. Payment may be made with cash, cheque or credit card.

The easiest way of ordering new magazines or renewing old ones that you already subscribe to is to go online at www.qsp.ca, set up your account and use Benson's number (10394). There is a place for your child's name for the incentive program. There are more than 700 titles from which to choose. We are promoting literacy in the community as well as raising funds for many programs at our school.

Boundary Street Public School: Report cards were sent home early this week, along with an interview request form. Parents/guardians are asked to complete the form and return it to the homeroom teacher.

Congratulations to all participants in our talent show. We acknowledge all who volunteered their time and the many businesses and individuals who donated items for prizes and door prizes. The community support is greatly appreciated.

Hot lunch this week is Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Have a safe and happy March Break.

Central Public School: Students of the month for February were Taylor McDougall (Grade 3), Virginia Brown (Grade 4), Steven Moulton (Grade 8), Bria O'Hanlon (Grade 1), Ben Hutton (Grade 6), Benjamin Milburn and Conner Wilson (Kindergarten).

Central is very pleased about the new town library expansion and we look forward to utilizing the new facility.

A reminder that grades 1-4 are skating Friday, March 11.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Grades 6, 7 and 8 are fundraising for their Quebec City trip by selling chocolate bars.

Regal order books have gone home to raise funds for the Wizard of Oz performance.

Our school is very proud of our two basketball teams which participated in three tournaments. Players wish to acknowledge their coaches, Mr. Pratt and Ms. Polite. Both teams displayed good sportsmanship and excellent improvement over the season.

Have a safe March Break, everyone.

Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: This month at Maynard we have said goodbye to Ms. Crosby, who has accepted a teaching position at TISS. We will miss Ms. Crosby's many artistic talents and dedication to student learning, but she has promised to come back and visit. At the same time, we welcome Mrs. St. Pierre, who has come out of retirement once again to capably take over Ms. Crosby's teaching responsibilities.

Mr. Templeton and Mrs. Baker's classes have been busily rehearsing the play Dig It for the past few weeks. This musical play is a lively journey through time to visit the ancient Mesopotamians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Chinese. An evening performance will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at 7. Dress rehearsals will be Tuesday, March 8 at 11:30 and Wednesday, March 9 at 11:30.

The following Maynard students were the February Students of the Month. These students were nominated for demonstrating the virtue of conscience: Haylea Holmes, Lauryn Hoogwerf, Jered Fortier, Payden Selleck, Mike Barkley, Desmond Martin, Zach Gifford, Sydney Wehmeyer, Colton Gilson, Cassie Towe, Cody Leizert, Alex Martin, Jennifer Mathie and Kelly Beattie.

Report cards were sent home with all Maynard and Maitland students Tuesday, March 8.

We wish all of our students and their families a wonderful March Break.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to the winners of the St. Joseph Public Speaking Competition: Chris Walasek, Victoria Boyd and Katie Hayman in the Intermediate Division and Adam Norton, John Lawless and Sarah Norton in the Junior Division. Honourable Mention goes to Christina Simpson, Kevin Glover, Sierra McGuin and Paul Edge. These speakers are invited to the Royal Canadian Legion this Saturday, March 12.

St. Joe's will host our intermediate science fair Wednesday, March 9. Winners advance to the regional fair.

Report cards will be sent home today (Wednesday).

As part of our healthy relationship theme, Dr. Tina Daniels will visit the grade 6, 7 and 8 classes at St. Joe's Thursday, March 10.

Come to the Prescott Fire Hall Saturday, March 12 from 8 pm to 1 am for a St. Patrick's Day dance. St. Joseph school council is hosting an adult dance for all St. Joseph parents, staff and friends. For tickets, call Leeann Burton at 925-0782 or Stacy Zahn at 925-5175.

Happy March Break! School resumes March 21.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Congratulations to our February Students of the Month. We appreciate the contributions made by Burger King and McDonald's in celebrating our students' success and achievements.

Under the direction of our volunteer director, Mrs. Rawlings, our choir members are entertaining the residents of Bayfield Manor in Kemptville today.

Report cards go home this week.

Hot lunch today is hot dogs.

Don't forget to check this month's newsletter for information on two new programs coming to SEPS soon.

Have a safe and Happy March Break.

Grenville Fish and Game Club hosts outdoor show in Spencerville Sunday

SPENCERVILLE - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will be hosting its first Grenville Sportman & Outdoor Show Sunday (March 13) at the Drummond Building in Spencerville.

The show will open at 10 am and run until 6 pm with numerous events running through the day.

The main feature of the show will be a 3D archery tournament, which will start following the 8-10 am registration session.

"The 3D archery is the focus of the show," said Grenville Fish and Game Club Archery Chair Mark Stevens.

"There will be more than 100 archers taking part and numerous items at the booths."

The show will also feature antler scoring, calling demonstrations by the GFGC youth, a turkey calling competition and draws and door prizes.

Stevens indicated the show is also being used as a way to return the support to some of the vendors which have been good to the club.

"There will be 13 or 14 vendors there," said Stevens. "A lot of this will be a chance to see what's new out there, but also it's a chance for us to give some exposure to the companies who are not used to getting it. A lot of the vendors are people who support the club and we want to get them some exposure as a way to show our appreciation."

Numerous vendors from around the area will be at the show, including Mike's Trail & Tackle, Gobble & Grunt Archery, Blue Mountain Outdoors, Manotick Bait & Tackle, Boundary Bait & Bow, Old Joe's Hunting Supplies, Canal Gallery & Boats, John Russell Bows, Doug Jensen Carving and Ottawa Archery.

There is a nominal admission fee, with children under 10 years old admitted free.

For more information on the show, visit www.grenvillefishandgame.com or call (613) 928-2652.

Matt Leeder is having continued success on the indoor track this season. Leeder finished first in the 1,500-metre and 3,000-metre events at the Legion Ontario Championship Indoor Track Meet in Toronto on Feb. 12. Leeder ran in the 17-and-under age classification.

Leeder ran in the Hamilton Spectator Meet on Feb. 18 in the 19-and-under classification and came in second in the 1,500-metre event.

There is a group of Maitland runners leaving this Thursday for the Disney Relay Meet in Florida. Matt Leeder, Matt Millard, Geoff Millard, Paul DeSchiffert and Charlotte Larry will all attend the meet that takes place March 11-12. The teams will race on Friday and Saturday and then spend time relaxing in Clearwater, returning to Canada the following Saturday.

Leeder, who is attending this meet for the first time, says the meet should be a fun event with a number of different races offered. He will be running in the 4X800 metres, 4X1,600 metres and the medley event that has a 400-metre, 800-metre, 1,200-metre and a 1,600-metre leg. Leeder will be running the 1,600-metre leg.

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Matt Leeder wins provincial Legion raceVendors still have time for spring trade show

SPENCERVILLE - The third annual Spencerville Spring Trade show, hosted by the Spencerville Agricultural Society is happening April 1 and 2.

The show is still seeking vendors; 22 vendors have registered and 10 more have made verbal commitments . The goal is to have 50 vendors participate in the show; the deadline for registration is this Thursday March 10.

"Thirty vendors is still a good show. However, we are falling short in the landscape, pool and spa industry," stated Mary Tessier, one of the event organizers. She added show organizers would like to have window and door companies, golf courses and motor bike dealers register for the event.

Everyone who attends the event will receive a ballot to win door prizes donated by vendors. In addition, the Land O' Lakes Shrine Clown unit will attend the event to entertain children.

Businesses interested in registering for the show are asked to contact Janet Perras at 258-7343 in the evening.

Highland games to host concert next month

SPENCERVILLE ­ A Scottish military concert hosted by the Veterans Memorial Highland Games will take place next month at the Brockville Arts Centre.

Featured at the April 16 event will be the Glengarry Pipe Band, which placed first at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA and sixth at the World's Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow, Scotland last year. The Eastern Ontario group combines traditional compositions and new harmonized arrangements.

Also to perform at the concert are Larry Keen and the Keenagers, a lively group of 60-plus singers whose renditions of old wartime songs will have listeners tapping their toes.

The brother-and-sister team of Dirk and Michelle McMillan, from the Maggie Bush School of Dance, will perform traditional military highland dances.

The concert will also include the duo of fiddler Brittney Pinder and pianist Rob MacKenzie.

Advance tickets are available at the arts centre box office (342-7122).

For more information on the concert or the Veterans Memorial Highland Games, call Kelly Bush at 657-1117.

Youth centre hours

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Youth Centre is offering expanded hours for March Break (March 14-18).

The centre at 438 King St. W. will be open Monday to Friday from 1-4 pm and 6-9 pm.

Call the centre at 925-2004.

O'Reilly's is named local business of the year

PRESCOTT ­ The 2004 recipient of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award has accomplished a lot in its relatively short existence.

O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer opened its doors in the fall of 2002. The 44,000-square-foot store located on Prescott Centre Drive just south of Highway 401 has become a vital part of the community, noted award presenter Suzanne Dodge.

O'Reilly's is much bigger and offers many more products and services than its predecessor grocery store, the Prescott valu-mart on Edward Street. The new store added a pharmacy, sit-down restaurant area, photo lab and departments featuring health foods, children's clothing, houseware and greeting cards.

As a result, the store has attracted many new customers from the immediate market area and beyond.

It was also noted O'Reilly's has sponsored many groups and activities. The store has made its community room available for meetings involving non-profit groups and special events. The O'Reilly family has "given back very generously to the place they call home," Dodge said.

Store co-owner Chris O'Reilly recalled working at valu-mart in Prescott when the Ice Storm of 1998 occurred. He said he was "blown away" by the way the community came together during that crisis. O'Reilly said he did not hesitate when the chance to invest in a new store became available.

"The community has given me tremendous support," remarked O'Reilly, who noted sales have been up recently despite the opening of new or expanded stores down the road in nearby municipalities.

He also thanked his management team; without them, O'Reilly would not have the time to put into the various groups and causes in which he is involved.

O'Reilly serves as a director on several boards, including the Chamber of Commerce.

Other winners of the business award in recent years include Beach Home Hardware, W.L. Peters, St. Lawrence Printing/The Prescott Journal and 730 Truck Stop.

Riverside wins Boyles award

PRESCOTT ­ Riverside Pontiac Buick is the recipient of the inaugural Michael Boyles Business Expansion or Improvement Award.

The car dealership is the first winner of the award named in honour of the Chamber's long-time executive director and Prescott's good-will ambassador who retired for health reasons late last year.

The award is presented to businesses which grow and show their confidence in the community by investing in Prescott.

In the fall of 2004, Riverside opened its new and expanded facility at the corner of Edward Street and Development Drive just north of Highway 401. The business closed its used car lot on County Road 2 near Johnstown, but retained part of the old dealership on Edward Street for use as a body shop.

Ray Young, a past community service award recipient, presented the Boyles award to Riverside. Young said the new facility is "an absolutely beautiful, modern, efficient car dealership that "truly lights up the night."

He noted owner Gus Birnie had a vision in the mid-1980s to purchase the land which eventually was developed.

Mr. Birnie was on vacation in Mexico and could not attend the banquet. Stuart, one of his three sons and a partner in the business, accepted the award. He said his father was flattered to hear Riverside had won the Boyles award.

Stuart went on to say as a second-generation businessman he and others his age should "toot their horns" about what Prescott has to offer. He said there is no better place to make a living and raise a family.

Earlier in the evening, Boyles received the biggest standing ovation of the night when Ken Durand presented him with a plaque in honour of his years of service as Prescott's "greatest booster" and one of its biggest supporters.

Master of ceremonies Barry Laushway said the crowd's spontaneous response was "so very well deserved."

Catherine MacLean started helping other people at a very young age

PRESCOTT ­ Catherine MacLean's volunteerism started at an early age.

The 18-year-old received the Connie Dickey Youth Award at the Camber of Commerce banquet Monday night.

Shortly after moving with her family to Prescott in 1997, MacLean's volunteer work began by helping a neighbour look after her active grandchildren. The woman had a pool but did not swim, award presenter Gerry Ring noted. At a young age, MacLean provided a valuable service.

While at Central Public School, MacLean helped the Kindergarten teacher with Christmas concert preparations and performances.

As a member of 661 Air Cadet Squadron based in Prescott, MacLean has been promoted to the rank of flight sergeant and assists with training and leading junior cadets. She has received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence.

MacLean was the first president of the Interact Club (youth wing of the Rotary Club) at South Grenville DHS.

She is one of two students to serve on the advisory council at South Grenville. MacLean has also been an active member of the school band and has been a member of the rugby and Reach for the Top teams.

An active member of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian congregations in Prescott and Spencerville, MacLean is in both choirs and helps with church suppers. She also runs the nursery at the church.

Having now completed high school, MacLean is doing a co-op placement at Wellington House and maintains a part-time job at Burger King.

In accepting the award, MacLean offered special thanks to her parents, Ian and Judith, who let her stay out late and allowed her to do the things she does.

This is the 30th anniversary of the Connie Dickey memorial award, which was named after the young Prescott woman and volunteer who died in Toronto in 1973. "She always gave, I'm told, the best of herself," Ring said.

The Caldwell family supports the annual award presented by the Chamber of Commerce.

Recent winners of the Connie Dickey award include Meagen Gibson, Katie Beatty, Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton, Emma Parrott and the late Sarah Spencer.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You don't ever expect to get this."

Jeanne Chaters, on receiving the Community Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce

Editor's Notebook

Losing a hospital hurts

Last Tuesday's announcement about consolidating health-care services in Brockville downplayed the fact St. Vincent de Paul Hospital will be closing its doors. Although the long-term viability of the facility was placed in doubt as a result of hospital restructuring seven years ago, the scope of last week's announcement came as a surprise to some workers, patients and their families, some of whom live in the Prescott area.

There was plenty of talk about the beginning of a new era in health care in the Brockville area, and we hope the optimism expressed by hospital managers is realized. For now, though, we empathize with those who are hurt and angered by the decision that will see BGH take over services and, in all likelihood, move them to the General site when space becomes available.

With all due respect to BGH, there are many people in the area who believe the service they get at St. Vincent is very good and compassionate. As we have seen in other walks of life, bigger is not always (and often rarely) better. There will undoubtedly be job losses, and workers will have to endure the uncertainty over who goes and when.

The Sisters of Providence have indicated their mission is now complete. Again, with all due respect, the reality is there will always be a need for compassionate care in the community. The plain truth is the challenge of dealing with modern health care in the 21st century was not something the organization was able or willing to meet. It was clear several years ago that two stand-alone hospitals in the same small community could not continue.

One thing that does not pass the smell test is the suggestion this represents a "made in Brockville" solution. If St. Vincent was a willing participant in this consolidation exercise, it is only because it had lost the will to fight or put up with the ongoing struggle to retain its identity in the changing health-care system. As one St. Vincent worker said, the community never really spoke up and went to bat for the hospital when the beginning of the end arose seven years ago.

This is not about religion or any ongoing turf-war battles between bureaucrats. The fact is an institution with deep roots in the community will be ending because of the reality over which it has or had little or no control. Although it is true other cities in Ontario seem to be surviving after their two hospitals have been merged, do not insult the community by emphasizing this represents the dawn of a new beginning for health care in Brockville. The impending closure of St. Vincent de Paul is a real loss to a large segment of the community, and people have every right to be apprehensive and skeptical when it comes to what will happen to services based there.

We hope things work out in the long run, but don't suggest the community wanted things to end this way.

Tim Ruhnke

Purchasing a new car is not so easy for younger adults

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

Last month I visited the Montreal International Auto Show. Although I visited the event on a weekend - which meant throngs of people and standing in line for well over an hour before getting into the event - it was worth it.

See, I really love cars and have for most of my life. I don't just covet the European or Asian luxo-mobiles either. I can see the beauty and functionality of something like a Hyundai Accent just as clearly as I can admire the class and perfection of a Mercedes-Benz.

There's just something about the feeling a brand-new car exudes. It's knowing no one else has a history with your vehicle, that it's unspoiled and ready for you to have your own adventures with it. Also, with a brand-new car, you can be as fastidious about maintenance as you like and not have to pay for the repair mistakes and oversights of a previous owner. As well, because of increased competition in the car industry, incentives and warranties for new cars have never been better.

But despite this, it seems fewer and fewer young people are buying new cars. Just last week I heard the average age of the Canadian new car buyer has risen to 35.

When I first heard this, I was surprised. But then I thought about it and wasn't so shocked. After all, cars these days really are better, more reliable and longer lasting then they've ever been. There's also far less of a stigma associated with buying a used car then there used to be.

However, I suspect the main reason why fewer and fewer young people are buying cars is because they can't afford them.

Having been a car buff my whole life, I have collections of car guides and magazines dating from the late 1980s. Just taking a brief glance at car prices from those days reveals a sobering fact: the prices of new cars have risen greatly over the past 15 years.

In 1989, a base-level Honda Civic could be had for under $10,000. Granted, those Civics weren't as technologically advanced as today's models, but you'd be hard-pressed to get one today for under $17,000 or $18,000 before taxes. If you want any options, $20,000 is a pretty safe bet.

It seems prices for mid-sized vehicles have risen even more sharply. A Buick LeSabre, which started at less than $20,000 15 years ago, now costs closer to $40,000. I don't think even the most flinty-eyed auto industry executive can say for certain today's LeSabre is fully twice as good as a 1989 model.

The stratospheric prices for most new cars means many younger people (like me) just starting out after university or college probably don't have a hope of being able to afford a new car.

Now, I'm sure there are many people who say young people should have different priorities than buying a new vehicle (like, for example, paying off their student loans). However, I must say I look forward to the day when I'm able to swing having a brand new car. I just wish that day wasn't quite so far in the future, and that car companies had kept the prices of at least some of their cars in line with the starting salaries of many young graduates.

Local establishments cope with shortage of beer: 1985

FROM THE ARCHIVES

March 10, 1960

* The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce is asking for more letters of support in a bid to have the P&O Ferry Docks area converted to a public park. The ferries will stop running once the Ogdensburg-Prescott International bridge is open later in the year. Mrs. Jean Casselman, MP, has agreed to contact the Department of Transport, which has jurisdiction over the dock area.

* Students from Churchill Public School in Riverview Heights took part in a minstrel show and amateur hour in front of a packed house at Central Public School in Prescott. The entertainment was led by music instructor Kenneth Mara. Flowers were presented to the principal, Mrs. C. Robertson.

* Part of the editorial column: "The snow falls alike on the just and the unjust, after which the unjust does not shovel his driveway (source: Stratford Beacon-Herald)."

March 13, 1985

* The falling Canadian dollar might not sit well with people heading south for the March Break, but at least one local manufacturer welcomes the drop. Jim MacKay, manager of the RCA plant in Prescott, notes the lower dollar (about 70 cents in American funds) will help the company sell more television sets in the United States. In 1983, more than 270,000 sets were manufactured at the Prescott plant.

* Restaurants and bars in the Prescott area are coping with dwindling domestic beer supplies as a lockout of brewery workers continues. They ran out of domestic beer at the Daniels' Hotel; however, American brew has arrived to fill the void.

Police have also stopped trucks carrying loads of beer from Quebec. Transporting liquor across provincial borders without a permit is an offence.

* The departure of CCGS Simcoe for ice-breaking and buoying duties in western Lake Ontario has been delayed. Clay Margison, manager of the Prescott Coast Guard Base, said there are electrical problems in the engine room. The Simcoe will place buoys in Toronto and Hamilton harbours and break ice in the Bay of Quinte. CCGS Griffon remains at her winter base in Midland.

Pot smokers should ask themselves a question in wake of killings

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

There are a couple of things about the RCMP grow-op ambush and murders that are disturbing and need to be said.

First off, I need to make something clear.

I am not a pot smoker. I have never been a pot smoker. I never will be a pot smoker.

The closest I have ever been to being stoned involved painkillers after a head injury, a separated shoulder, or after having my wisdom teeth chiseled and manually jackhammered out of my mouth by a sick and cruel dentist.

But don't think I'm going high road on you. I'm not. Weed is just not for me. I say no, and whether other people do or don't is their business, not mine.

I try not to judge pot smokers. I have issues with protestors who get stoned and throw bricks and paint at cops. When I worked in the U.S., some of our best graphic designers and creative people were fueled by their daily "4-20". Whatever it takes.

So if you're a recreational user, hey, that's your thing. I was never going to judge.

But after last week's horrific tragedy in Alberta, my first and initial reaction was that it was time for all of the recreational users out there who fuel the demand for this industry to take a good, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself this one question:

Do you have blood on your hands?

So many people reacted in so many ways to these awful murders.

I strongly disagreed with people who tried to use this tragedy as a reason for why marijuana should be legalized. Would legalizing marijuana end organized crime's involvement in grow-ops? No. As long as there is a secondary or black market for marijuana or anything, there will be organized crime involvement. If it can be sold, it will be grown or stolen.

I believe that because I worked in the trading card industry for more than a decade and was involved in having people arrested for forging autographs, theft, fraud and more. Merchandise was stolen from trucks regularly. Even the trucks were stolen. Many companies stopped selling to some retail chains ­ I won't mention any names but a non-unionized one comes to mind ­ because internal theft could not be controlled. I worked at a hockey card show in Montreal in which the show promoter, Jean-Guy Pichette, was shot in the middle of a crowded room in front of all of us and robbed of the money he collected in dealer table fees. Our industry also saw the remains of a sales executive found in a burned car.

The fact that hockey cards, Pokemon® cards, Tiger Woods autographs and bobble head dolls were decriminalized didn't stop organized crime putting its stamp on what should have been a fun and innocent business.

Personally, I don't think marijuana should be legalized. I am terrified of people getting high and then getting behind the wheel of a car. Our government has allowed the image of marijuana to become trendy and hip. In fact, a recent survey in the daily media reported that kids see tobacco as more dangerous than marijuana. Most say marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol.

But what about taking both? People are always taking drugs and also having a beer or a drink.

Marijuana has not been presented to young people as a dangerous drug in the same way tobacco has. Instead, it is cool and accepted. How surreal is it that peanut butter is seen as more of a threat at our schools than dope is. This image has fueled recreational user demand, because people think they aren't doing anything wrong by smoking up and it's harmless. The user demand has fueled the opportunity for grow-ops. A Toronto police officer said over the weekend that 90 per cent of all grow-ops are controlled by organized crime. Saying that recreational pot smokers are fueling organized crime is less of a stretch than saying that legalizing pot will end organized crime's involvement in grow-ops.

As it turned out, the killer of the RCMP officers was an evil person who set up an ambush. He would have killed officers whether pot was legal or not. It was a terrible tragedy. We should be focusing on the four men tragically killed and their families and why this demented whackjob killer was not dealt with earlier rather than fooling ourselves into thinking that legalizing pot would eliminate drug-related violence.

If you smoke pot, you likely disagree with me, and that's okay. I expect it.

Again, I'm not judging you or trying to tell you what's right or wrong and I'm not trying to convince you to agree with my opinion that pot should remain illegal.

I'm just asking you a simple question, and it's your own answer to yourself that counts, not what I think.

Do you have blood on your hands?

Council will not give itself a raise

SPENCERVILLE - Although the base remuneration rates for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council have been deemed appropriate, council unanimously passed a resolution at Monday's council meeting which would see future councils receive annual increases in compensation levels.

The increase will begin in 2007, after a new council is elected. No council members at the meeting indicated they thought the current amount of remuneration they receive is inadequate.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor stated the reason behind the resolution is because councils are looked upon negatively when they give themselves a raise.

"Future councils will avoid the negative connotation (of giving themselves a raise)," she stated. Taylor also made reference to the recent case in which Prescott council gave itself an increase in remuneration.

The increases will be given Jan. 1 of each year starting in 2007. According to the resolution, they will be "by the same percentage amount as that given to council members of the United Counties of Leeds-Grenville."

The resolution stems from a recommendation made at the Feb. 8 administration committee meeting.

More water meter talk in the works

SPENCERVILLE - A meeting on water and sewer services and water meters in Cardinal will likely happen at the same time the budget is released in May or June, it was stated at Monday night's council meeting.

A motion put forth at the Feb. 16 environmental services/public works committee indicated the Cardinal water/sewer rate be increased by a total of $40 for 2005, and "that staff be directed to review options for the installation and financing of water meters."

However, a note following this motion stated it was not possible to increase the "special charge component" of the water/sewer billing for 2005. As a result, rates will not going up at this time.

"(We have to) figure out how to finance water/sewer services from the two plants in Cardinal," said Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor. "People need to know the choices out there."

She added a public meeting on water and sewer services and water meters would likely occur in "May or June" around the time the township's budget is released.

Land sale money to go into sewage reserve

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - In a recorded vote, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council voted 6-1 to accept the treasury and tax collection report of Feb. 3, which included a recommendation to put the proceeds of the sale of several acres of land in the Industrial Park Sewer Reserve Fund towards expansion of the waste water treatment facility in Johnstown.

The sale of this property located in the industrial park in Johnstown, occurred Jan. 1. The township has received the down payment and first installment of the amount outstanding on the property, which is between seven and eight acres in size, from the Bencan corporation.

Councillor Hugh Cameron was the lone dissenter, saying the money raised from the property sale shouldn't be used for just one portion of the municipality. "(It's the) sale of township land. It (the money) belongs to all of the township." He added, "The entire township does not benefit from this (sewer infrastructure in the industrial park)."

The sewage treatment plant is owned by the Town of Prescott. However, it has been stated if an expansion occurs, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal would seek to utilize the facility for homes and businesses in the Johnstown area.

Cameron's criticism was countered by Councillor Peter Martin, who stated "If you don't put money into the land, industry might not locate there." Martin also stated that industry may be more likely to locate someplace where they don't have to pay for the infrastructure themselves.

Councillor Charlie Burrell stated he believes putting the funds in the reserve fund is "a good way" to keep the money out of the general revenue fund. Councillor Frank Noccey stated the land in the industrial park benefits "all of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal" if it means industry locates there.

Mayor Peggy Taylor agreed, stating the industrial park is "definitely looking for business." She also said further discussions on the money will continue at budget meetings.

Condo plans will be on display at open house this Saturday

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - An open house for a proposed condominium project in Cardinal is being held this Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13 from 2 pm until 4 pm at the Village Square Mall.

The four-storey, 16-unit King Shanly Condominium complex is being planned by Gail and Charlie Burrell of Cardinal for the County Road 2 location overlooking the river west of Cardinal Convenience.

"The complex is mostly for retirees and mature adults," explained Mr. Burrell, who is also a Ward One councillor in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

"What's happening in the area is there are no apartments of the quality we are trying to provide and there are a lot of older people who can't or aren't willing to take care of a house anymore. It should be very nice, and Gail and myself are planning to move into the complex when it's completed."

Construction on the project is pending the sales of the units, as is the opening date, but Mr. Burrell doesn't think it will be a long process.

He indicated, despite little fanfare about the complex, the interest has already been overwhelming.

Burrell noted the condos will run between $135,000 and $143,000 and range between 1,200 and 1,300 square feet with an attached garage for all units, balconies on every suite and views of the St. Lawrence River, parks and the international bridge.

Holy Week, Easter worship includes changes to walk

EDWARDSBURGH ­ There are changes to the Good Friday Cross Walk set for later this month, according to the Cardinal-Johnstown Pastoral Charge.

A new route will enable people of all ages in both communities to walk comfortable distances prior to Good Friday worship services on March 25.

The Cross Walk in Cardinal begins at 8:45 am at St. John's United Church and ends at St. Andrew's and St. James' Presbyterian Church in time for a 10-am service. In Johnstown, the walk begins at 5:45 pm at Johnstown United Church and ends back at the church for worship at 7 pm. The Cross Walk is in its fifth year.

Palm Sunday worship takes place March 20 at 9:30 am at Johnstown and at 11 am at St. John's, which will also be the site of Maundy Thursday worship March 24 at 7 pm.

On Easter Sunday (March 27), sunrise worship will take place at 7:30 am in the Johnstown church parking lot. Easter worship is at 9:30 am at Johnstown United and 11 am at St. John's; Cory Gander will be the guest musician.

For more information, call 657-4702.

Refreshment vehicle bylaw would include chip wagons

SPENCERVILLE - A new bylaw regulating refreshment vehicles in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was presented to the public and read a first and second time by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Council Monday night.

Directly before the council meeting, Deb McKinstry, deputy clerk of the township, led a public meeting in which she laid out the provisions of the refreshment vehicle bylaw.

These stipulations include such vehicles (chip wagons) requiring a licence from the township, which is to be renewed each year and will cost $200.

The bylaw will cover the entire township, including Cardinal, which did not previously allow refreshment vehicles. Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated an individual in Cardinal requested to operate a refreshment vehicle, which helped prompt the bylaw.

The bylaw also states no more than two licences for refreshment vehicles will be allowed per village or hamlet in the municipality. It also stipulates no refreshment vehicle is to be within 750 feet of any lot line of property housing a restaurant establishment. As well, no refreshment vehicle is permitted to be within 65 feet of any lot line of residential-zoned property.

Taylor also brought up the fact that two chip wagons in the township (located at the 730 Truck Stop outside Cardinal and Drummonds Gas in Spencerville) currently don't meet the 750-foot rule, but they could perhaps be grandfathered because they've been in their current locations for so long.

The bylaw was not given third and final reading Monday. The proposal was to be discussed further at a planning advisory committee meeting last night.

People of all ages invited to attend stamp club meeting this evening

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place tonight (Wednesday, March 9) at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

The meeting will start at 7 pm. Adults and children are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.v

Peewee Rangers #1 victorious in games

CARDINAL - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers #1 continued its strong play with a pair of dominant victories.

On Feb. 13, the Rangers #1 scored a 13-2 exhibition victory over Gananoque Redmond Realty at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. Sean Perrin led South Grenville with a six-goal performance, while Kyle McNamara and Rhys Larry each scored a pair of goals and Josh Mintz, Pat Froom and Michael Lawless added singles. Taylor Garswood (5), McNamara (4), Lawless (2), Perrin, Larry, Mintz and Froom added assists. Dustin Kester and Jacob Scott split time in goal for the Rangers.

On Feb. 12, South Grenville travelled to Athens and came away with an 11-1 victory against the Athens Aeros. Perrin scored a hat trick for the Rangers, while Mintz, Larry and McNamara each had a pair and Dustin Miller and Phil Biccum added singles. McNamara (3), Froom (2), Perrin (2), Coleman Colpitts (2), Miller (2) and Larry added assists.

Peewee B Rangers advance in playoffs

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers advanced to the second round of the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League playoffs Feb. 24 by defeating the South Dundas Lions in three games.

In game one, South Grenville dropped a 3-0 decision to the Lions, as the Rangers struggled offensively.

In game two, the Rangers were able to get payback on South Dundas scoring a 5-0 victory over the Lions.

South Grenville was able to get the four points needed to win the series by scoring a 5-1 win in game three. The Rangers took a 2-1 lead into the third period and were able to pull away with insurance markers to take the game and series.

Affiliate player Sean Perrin led the Rangers with four goals in the series, followed by O.J. Knol (2), Scott Stephenson, Lucas Stitt and Robbie Deeks. Deeks (4), Dylan Render (3), James Halladay (2), Stephenson, Stitt and Zach Temple chipped in with helpers.

Prescott #6 leads men's interbranch dart league

CARDINAL - Prescott #6 has taken a lead in the Seaway Interbranch Men's Dart League with 211 points as of March 3.

Iroquois #5 is second with 170 points. Prescott #1 is third place with 168 points, followed by Iroquois #3 with 137 , Iroquois #7 with 125 and Cardinal #4 with 106.

Randy Prophet has the most games won with seven, followed by Jerry Carr with five and Duane Kirker, Bill Hutt and David Haynes with three apiece.

High scorers for the month include Tom Rae, 177, 140, 131, 120; Bernie Montroy, 140, 125x2; Haynes, 140, 125; Tony Barkley, 140; Hutt, 140; Tom Coville, 140; Kirker, 140; Glen Adams, 135; John Marchand, 125, 121; Gary Bradford, 124; Carr, 123; Wayne Bellinger, 121 and Rick Sayeau, 120.

Spencerville Mixed Blooperball registration set for March

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville Mixed-up Blooperball League will be holding its registration session this month.

The first session was held March 8.

There is a second session Tuesday, March 15 from 7 until 9 pm at the Edwardsburgh Lions Hall.

New players are welcome.

Come out and join the league for a summer full of fun, socializing and getting active while playing the summer pastime.

For more information, contact Doug Thompson at 658-2558 or Ian Bridger at 657-1299.

Grenville Sportsman & Outdoor Show in Spencerville March 13

SPENCERVILLE - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will be hosting the Grenville Sportsman & Outdoor Show this Sunday, March 13 from 10 am until 6 pm at the Drummond Building in Spencerville.

The show will feature an indoor 3D archery tournament. Registration for the tournament is from 8 am until 10 am.

The show will also feature antler scoring, calling demonstrations and a turkey calling competition. There will be draws and door prizes awarded throughout the day.

For more information on the show, visit www.grenvillefishandgame.com or call (613) 928-2652.

PDSA holding second soccer registration session this Saturday

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) will be holding registration for the 2005 season this month.

The next registration session will be held this Saturday, March 12 at the Prescott Fire Hall. The final scheduled registration session will be Saturday, March 19 at the fire hall. All sessions run from 9 am until noon.

The PDSA will offer Under-5, Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-14 and Under-18 leagues this year. Rep soccer is also available for certain age groups.

For more information contact Leanne Burton at 925-0782 or visit www.leedsandgrenville.com/PDSA.

PFSC figure skater Kevin Paul off to provincial championships

PRESCOTT - A young Prescott Figure Skating Club member will be getting his
first crack at the provincial championships after a strong finish at the Eastern Ontario Sectional.

Kevin Paul, 12, will be off to the all Ontario competition March 19 in Waterloo
after putting together a big day Feb 18 at the Eastern Ontario Sectional invitational championship in Nepean. Paul skated a strong two minute performance in his first-ever sectional competition on his way to a third overall finish out of the 11 skaters in his preliminary men's group.

"I didn't think I did all that well," said Paul. "I made a couple mistakes and I wasn't as neat as some of the other skaters, but I skated fast and jumped high, which is what the judges must have been looking for. I seem to get lucky in competitions and don't fall that much. I'm hoping what any person (heading into the provincials) would hope; I'd love to get a medal."

For his mother, Meg Paul, watching her son get the chance to go up against the stiff competition is a big thrill.

"He's always loved it and been comfortable on the ice," said Mrs. Paul. "It's nice to see his hard work pay off; there aren't a lot of boys in the area skating so it's nice for him to get the chance to compete more. People have always told him he had a natural ability for this and now he's just working on his technique. He's got a great coach in Mary Jane Paul (no relation)."

Paul has been skating with the Prescott Figure Skating Club for two years, but has been involved in figure skating with other clubs since he was five years old.

Novice B Rangers trail Jr. Braves
in playoff series

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice B Rangers trail the Brockville Jr. Braves 4-2 in their first to five-points second round playoff series.

On Feb. 28, the Rangers scored a 1-0 victory over the Jr. Braves at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. John Lawless scored the lone goal with less than two minutes left in the game to give the Rangers the win.

David Armstrong had the shutout in goal.

On March 1, South Grenville travelled to Brockville and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Jr. Braves in game two of the series. Lawless scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, while Zachary Shankar added a single. Cameron Smith and Tyson Kirkby added assists.

Armstrong had a strong game in goal despite picking up the loss.

On March 4, the Rangers dropped a 4-2 decision to the Jr. Braves in Brockville. Lawless scored both goals for South Grenville, while Armstrong had a strong game in goal in the loss.

RSL major atom Kings sweep Blazers in playoff series

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major atom Kings advanced to the
second round of the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League playoffs with a five points straight sweep of the Kanata Blazers.

In game one Feb. 27, the Kings scored a 2-0 victory over the Blazers in Spencerville.

Slater Koekkoek and Adam Douma scored for the Kings, while Koekkoek, Cal Laforty, Joey Sargeant and Spencer Lee added assists.

On March 3, the Kings travelled to Kanata for game two of the series and scored a 4-2 victory over the Blazers. Laforty scored a pair of goals for the Kings, while Marc Beckstead and Taylor Henry added singles. Sargeant (2), Henry (2), Koekkoek, Douma and Warren Steele chipped in with helpers.

The Kings completed the five point sweep of Kanata March 5 in Spencerville, with a 0-0 tie. Jarrett Pitt had the shutout in goal in a penalty-free game.

The Kings travelled to Gloucester last night to take on the Rangers in the opener of their second
round playoff match-up.

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