VOL. 175, NO. 14~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ April 13, 2005

Property owners' consent needed

Augusta council agrees to add clause to twp. zoning bylaw proposal

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - In a recorded vote, Augusta council voted 3-2 Monday night in favour of adding a preamble to the proposed zoning bylaw which will now require the landowner's permission before the property can be rezoned.

Councillors Pauline Cyr and Garry Ferguson and Deputy Reeve Bill Buckler voted in favour of the resolution, while Councillor John Fischl and Reeve John McCrea voted against it.

In his opening remarks, McCrea stated "we need planning, but we need accurate maps to do that." He also stated he was "much less comfortable" with the process council entered into after the second zoning meeting in Maitland.

He suggested that council "put the issue aside for the time being until we get something that is a little more acceptable. "

Before the resolution was brought to the table, Buckler stated he was "leery" of council going much further with the bylaw, in part, because of the many changes which had been made to the zoning maps.

Fischl stated that he wasn't against the resolution as-is, but said he would like to have it passed by a solicitor to see if it is legal.

A number of members of the Leeds-Grenville Landowners Association attended the meeting and its President Jacqueline Fennell spoke as a delegation to council. She pointed out that her organization had made available a petition supporting the preamble at several locations around the township and had collected in excess of 300 signatures; the association only has about 100 members in the township. According to Fennell, this shows interest in the preamble is not limited to just landowners association members.

McCrea added he believes the addition of the preamble to the bylaw makes it subject to the individual landowner. He also stated during council's discussion of the preamble "what do you do when two people are living side-by-each and somebody does something which is completely incompatible with that neighbour next door but all the neighbours all over?"ing

Following the meeting, Fennell stated she was "very much" pleased with the addition of the preamble to the zoning bylaw. She added now the landowners group will begin to target other municipalities in Leeds-Grenville who are also putting through zoning bylaws.

THIS WEEK

Downtown plan details to be unveiled tonight

PRESCOTT ­ A follow-up meeting to discuss plans for downtown Prescott will take place tonight (Wednesday, April 13).

The meeting had been planned for the Prescott Legion. However, a conflict has led to a venue change. Details of a proposed downtown revitalization plan will now be presented at the municipal building on Dibble Street West.

The first meeting, which was held three weeks ago, gave about 40 people a chance for input on projects and concepts which would make the downtown area a better place. Tonight, the consulting firm hired by the town to do the revitalization study is to present a detailed report developed, in part, from input received at the March 23 meeting.

Federal funding will cover most or all of the costs associated with the downtown Prescott study.

Roll out the barrels

SPENCERVILLE ­ The annual barrel race is set for this Saturday, April 16.

Eight barrels will be released from the dam at the Spencerville Mill at about 2:30 pm; the first one to float down the South Nation River to the bridge wins the race.

Spectators are welcome at this fundraiser for the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department.

Mayors' walk supports volunteers, charities

BROCKVILLE ­ The Mayors' Community Walk kicks off National Volunteer Week this Saturday, April 16

The two-kilometre fundraiser for the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville and charities begins at the former Phillips Cable building (registration starts at 9 am) and ends at Hardy Park.

Civic leaders and other people from South Grenville and the united counties area will take part in the forth annual walk. Each participant collects pledges; the money is split between the bureau and the charity of the participant's choice.

There is still time to sign up or support those who are taking part in the walk. For more information, call 342-7040.

New aerial truck is a must: fire department

Cost of replacing 40-year-old unit could be up to $800,000, Prescott officials are told

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The municipality needs to finally make arrangements to replace its aging aerial truck, Prescott Fire Department officials told the town's finance and corporate services committee Monday night.

The 40-year-old ladder truck is unreliable and is a major liability issue for the town, Fire Chief Bill Lawrence explained. He and the other department officers who attended the meeting noted this issue has come up every year at budget time but council has yet to act.

"We have to do something; we just have to," the chief said.

The town has only two fire vehicles (including the aerial truck) that are capable of pumping water; if one unit fails, the other must be able to compensate, fire officials noted.

Lawrence said a new aerial truck would cost up to $800,000. A small portion of that amount is in a reserve fund. The chief said the time has come for the town to "bite the bullet" and proceed with the purchase.

It will take two years to get the new unit, Lawrence said.

Councillor and finance chair Suzanne Dodge and other town officials at the meeting called for a business plan which outlines projected costs and payment and purchase options. Officials conceded something will have to be done to address the situation.

It is likely the municipality would borrow the rest of the money needed to cover the cost of acquiring a new aerial truck.

The subject of the aerial truck arose as part of the fire department's budget presentation to council members. The proposal also called for more money for equipment repairs, training and work on the fire hall. Lawrence noted there are costs associated with disbandment of dispatch last year which must be addressed.

Members of the volunteer fire brigade received just under $52,000 in honourariums in 2004. The budget proposal calls for $55,000 in grants to members.

The town will receive some financial relief in the form of a one-time Ontario Fire Services grant of $50,000. The unconditional grant is being given to municipalities throughout the province; Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal have also received grants of $50,000 (the amount given to municipalities with a population of up to 10,000).

As of Monday night, all town departments and agencies had been heard from in terms of the 2005 municipal budget process.

Unemployment rate rises to 8.3 per cent

KINGSTON ­ March was no better than February when it came to the regional unemployment rate, according to figures released by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

The jobless rate for the Eastern Ontario region that includes South Grenville was 8.3 per cent last month, up from 7.8 per cent in February.

Employment in the goods-producing sector decreased in March as it did the previous month, an HRSDC news release states. The biggest drop was in public administration. Job gains were reported in the services sector, including trade, business, building and support services.

A year ago at this time, the regional unemployment rate was 7.4 per cent.

The Prescott HRSDC office reported 1,507 regular and special Employment Insurance (EI) claimants at the end of March, an increase of 3.9 per cent from the previous month's figure of 1,450.

None of the other nine HRSDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area reported decreases in EI claimants in March. The overall increase in EI claims in the area last month was 4.7 per cent.

The current national and provincial jobless rates are lower than that of the Eastern Ontario region that includes Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Prescott-Russell.

Fine art guild prepares for annual show and sale

MAITLAND - The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art is holding its 14th annual art show and sale at the MERC hall on April 22, 23 and 24.

The theme of this year's show is "Stone Towers/Spring Flowers." This theme celebrates spring and the beautiful buildings and sites in the region.

Many of the artists in the guild will be creating works of local scenes, and a number of artists will be providing demonstrations of their work or will have works in progress on display at the show.

The show will run Friday, April 22, from 7-9 pm, Saturday April 23 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday April 24 from 11 am to 4 pm. Twenty of the artists in the guild will be exhibiting; hundreds of works will be displayed.

A draw will also be held for an original watercolour by guild artist Joan Firth. According to a press release from the guild, "Diversity in style, approach and product ensures that our collection contains original works to suit your taste." Many guild members work in the community as professional and exhibiting artists and art instructors; works by artists in the guild are in collections worldwide.

The guild has also donated books on art to a number of school and public libraries in the South Grenville area. Most recently, it donated a book on the art of the Lord of the Rings movies to the South Grenville District High School library.

Admission to the show is free, and refreshments will be served. The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1992 by a small group of artists in the area. The guild has grown to include 35 members and meets monthly at Walker House in Prescott to exchange interests, ideas and views.

For more information, call 342-3036 or 342-7794.

Upcoming waterfront event will be all about children

PRESCOTT ­ Kids Day International will be celebrated on Prescott's waterfront next month.

Events marking the eleventh annual health, safety and environmental awareness day will be held Saturday, May 14 from noon to 3 pm at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour. The event is being hosted by Dr. Gauri Shankar and Prescott Chiropractic Centre.

Crime prevention, child safety and environmental information will be presented in a fun atmosphere. Special ID cards will be given to each child who attends. The Ontario Provincial Police will be on hand to provide free fingerprinting of children. Police will also provide information on Internet safety and drug awareness.

The Prescott Fire Department will be there to offer fire safety tips. Sparky the Fire Safety Dog and Elmer the Safety Elephant will make special appearances at the event.

Dr. Lance McIntosh will conduct dental screening, and Dr. Jim Holmes will provide information on eye care for children. In addition to providing free spinal exams and scoliosis screenings, Shankar will distribute information on disease prevention and health issues affecting children.

Green Wings from Ducks Unlimited will also appear at the waterfront event.

There will also be free balloons, face-painting and a barbecue along with special prize draws and giveaways every half hour. Donations to Food For All Food Bank will be accepted.

"My staff and I invite all of our friends and neighbours to join us at this unique, fun-filled community awareness event," Shankar stated.

Local woman to donate hair to program for kids

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Jackie Coville of Maynard has had long hair for much of her life, but won't for much longer.

Coville has decided to take the plunge and cut off her 20-inch auburn tresses to donate to the A Child's Voice Foundation's Angel Hair for Kids program.

This foundation is based in Mississasuga, and its Angel Hair for Kids program provides human hair wigs free for children who have illnesses which have caused them to lose their hair.

Coville stated she got the idea to donate her hair late last year, when a young woman approached her about donating her hair at Seaway Valley Pharmacy in Prescott where she works as a home health care technician.

Coville explained the young woman had long hair, and had cut her hair short for Angel Hair for Kids." Coville added "(I have) long hair, very thick...I would like a new style."

Coville is having her hair cut at the Cardinal Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, April 23 at 3 pm. The Legion has supplied the site free of charge and made a donation to the cause. She has also made pledge sheets available at a number of area businesses (including O'Carroll's Grocery in Cardinal, Tan & Tone in Prescott and the Maynard store) to collect funds to send along with the hair to the foundation. She hopes to raise at least $500 to send to the organization with her hair donation. She added it costs about $800 to make a wig

She added that all people who pledge funds to the cause will have their names put into a draw for the person who makes the first "cut" of her hair at the legion. Her hair will be divided into three, 20 inch braids which will be cut off and sent.

Coville added she had been inspired by a quote on the foundation's Web site which read: "A child's cry for help must be heard, a child's needs must be met in a tangible way that makes a difference and, as a result a child's life will be enhanced."

In addition to encouraging cash donations to the foundation, Coville added anyone who has at least 10 inches of hair which has been cut off, and not colour-treated or permed is encouraged to donate their hair to the organization. Coville stated that if parents have hair from their children's first "long hair cut," they should send it to the organization instead of keeping it indefinitely.

In regards to her own coif, Coville stated "I am looking forward to shorter hair...(it's) great it can go towards helping someone else." She added she expects her new 'do to be short and feathered, and easy to care for.

Bag tags part of waste management proposal in the works in Augusta

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - A resolution for the implementation of a new garbage bylaw which would see the requirement of bag tags for Augusta residents, was passed at Monday night's council meeting.

This resolution states council agrees to advertise the proposal, financial implications, implementation schedule, justification, and all new proposed fees of the new bylaw and post those items on their Web site, along with a request from the public for input. Public input received by April 29 will be referred to the waste management committee, which will then refer the bylaw back to council for first and second reading at the May 9 council meeting.

The bylaw will be read a third and final time at the June 13 meeting, which would enable the township to have the bylaw operational by July 1.

The new garbage bylaw includes a fee of 50 cents per bag tag of garbage. There is currently no charge for taking bags of garbage to either the landfill site in North Augusta or the transfer station in Maynard.

There will be no charge for recycling in the township.

"We're trying to promote recycling," stated Councillor and waste management committee member John Fischl. He added the more items are recycled, the longer the North Augusta landfill can remain open

In other township waste management news, Augusta is going to have an amnesty day on Saturday, April 30 from 8 am to 4 pm at the Maynard waste transfer site. This event accepts free of charge up to four regular tires as well as items such as old paint for which residents are normally charged for disposal.

Small business funding info. to be available at open house

PRESCOTT ­ An information open house on assistance programs for small business will take place Tuesday, April 26 from 9 am to noon at Prescott town hall on Dibble Street West.

The resource forum will cover programs and services and identify funding opportunities for business in the area. Businesses of all sizes in the manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and other sectors stand to benefit from the information available at the open house.

The event, which is sponsored by United Way of Leeds and Grenville and by Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC), is in response to input received as part of the recent business retention and expansion study done in South Grenville.

The forum is free of charge; seating is limited to 40 people.

To register or for more details on the business assistance open house, call the United Way at 342-8889 or GCFDC at 925-4275.

New provincial fund means more money for Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ Town officials are pleased with how the province has replaced the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF).

Details of the new Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) were provided to municipalities recently. OMPF is being touted as a fairer and more transparent program than its predecessor, which was created in the late 1990s to offset additional municipal costs associated with provincial downloading of services.

The Town of Prescott received $642,000 from the CRF in 2004. Under OMPF, the municipality will receive $906,000 this year.

Prescott Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Laurie Kirkby told the town's finance committee Monday night the higher funding is due mainly to the municipality's limited property assessment and high social program costs.

Kirkby added Prescott's OMPF payment is likely to get bigger in future years based on information provided by the province.

Mayor Robert Lawn told council last Tuesday the new funding program is a key development for the town and is a move in the right direction.

However, he added this does not mean underfunded municipal councils should give up applying pressure to senior levels of government. "We (municipalities) can't continue to exist on seven per cent of taxes raised," Lawn said.

Town seeks public comment on fortification and adult entertainment bylaw proposals

Time for input at start of next council meeting on Monday

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A bylaw to help prevent fortification of properties in Prescott has been given first and second reading by town council

The matter was discussed at a community and protective services committee meeting last March 29; the proposed bylaw was presented to council last Tuesday.

The proposal includes measures aimed at limiting the extent to which a building or property could be fortified against entry by law enforcement agencies.

OPP Sergeant and former acting Prescott police chief Bryan Somerville said the bylaw "is not meant to be detrimental to any law-abiding citizens." Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said the bylaw "allows absolutely no greater powers;" police and bylaw enforcement officers must have reasonable cause before proceeding, he noted.

Some municipalities in the region have adopted similar bylaws at the request of law enforcement agencies.

Although Somerville did not indicate Prescott has a major problem when it comes to fortified properties and the type of people who occupy them, he remarked, "If we're not ready, we're going to be behind the eight-ball on this one."

Councillor Suzanne Dodge said it sounds like such a bylaw was long overdue.

Public comments on the proposed bylaw will be heard by council at the beginning of its meeting Monday night (April 18). Written comments can also be submitted to the municipality prior to the meeting. It is expected a final vote by council will take place later in Monday night's meeting.

The town is also seeking input on its proposed adult entertainment bylaw, which also was given first and second reading last week and could be put to a final vote Monday. The proposal would limit where an adult entertainment parlour could be located and establish licensing for such operations and the dancers who would perform there.

The municipality is dealing with an application from the Rainbow/Limit on King Street West. Adult entertainment would be permitted at that location, but the bylaw would not allow any other parlours in the downtown area ­ even if that one were to cease operations. Only one parlour would be permitted at any given time, and it could not be located near schools or residential areas.

Copies of the proposed bylaws are available at the the municipal offices.

Register for upcoming senior games events

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

The yearly senior games will once more be held during May.

Participants are encouraged to register before April 23. Walker House will host the senior bridge on Friday, May 6 starting at 10 am.

A registration fee allows you to participate in as many events as you wish. Forms are available at the office.

First and second place winners will advance to the district games in Kemptville in June.

Please call 925-5300 for more information. This is a fun way to meet new people as well as regulars from the surrounding areas.

With the better weather, the Wednesday night bridge is once more running.

We had a full three tables this past week but have room for more. It is not necessary to come with a partner; you have a different partner every fourth hand.

We play a progressive-style bridge and carry a running total score.

If you would enjoy an evening of bridge, join us at 7 pm.

Card game winners last week were as follows: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Valerie Schulz; door, Valerie Schulz. Fun bridge ­ Dorothy Durant. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd, Dora Cook; door, Jean Annable.

Ottawa Art Festival includes Robichaud

OTTAWA - Prescott artist J. Allison Robichaud has been chosen to exhibit his work at the Ottawa Art Festival to be held this Friday to Sunday (April 15-17) at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.

This is the 11th year for the festival, which is held as an annual event and fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Eastern Ontario branch.

It is the ninth year Robichaud has exhibited his work at the event. "There are always thousands of people floating through," he stated. "Always a small contingent from this area."

The art festival will feature the work of more than 100 selected artists, and will give the public the opportunity to purchase original works. On Friday, there will be a vernissage (opening night reception) from 5 to 9 pm; this event will feature seasonal hors d'oeuvres, live music and a preview of the festival's fine art collection. Tickets are available by calling (613) 724-9953.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Harbour Days will be a mix of old and new events

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Planning for this year's edition of Harbour Days is under way.

The annual Victoria Day weekend festival in Prescott will have many of its usual activities and events back for another year, but there are also a few new items being added to the schedule.

Sue O'Hanlon, a town councillor and one of 10 people helping to organize the festival, noted Harbour Days will be kicked off with a bonfire at Centennial Park on Friday night (May 20).

Returning on the Saturday will be a medieval fair and a yard sale as well as the Legion breakfast and barbecue, waterfront worship service and the Walk for CHEO on Sunday. Games for the kids and a teddy bear picnic are also planned for the holiday Monday.

O'Hanlon said new items for this year's Harbour Days include a baseball event at the Chick Kirkby Little League Ballpark on Saturday, a Legion and Air Cadet walk to the Cenotaph to commemorate VE Day on Sunday and a magic show and celebrity dunk tank on Monday. Proceeds from the dunk tank will be used to offset the cost of running Harbour Days.

Other events in the works include what O'Hanlon described as boat ballet on Saturday night. Local boaters at the harbour would place decorative lights on their vessels and form a parade on the water.

In place of pony rides and a petting zoo Monday, there will be a moon bounce and air slide. O'Hanlon is also hoping the soap box derby will take place on the Monday.

Organizers are also planning to have rain dates and alternate locations for some events in the event of bad weather.

Harbour Days had been run for many years by Mike Boyles, who is now in poor health. The organizers are trying to maintain the tradition of offering holiday weekend activities for children and adults of all ages, according to O'Hanlon.

"It's an event for the people," she said.

For more information or to get involved in Harbour Days, call O'Hanlon at 925-1595.

Workshop offers information on starting a small business

PRESCOTT ­ A workshop on starting a small business will be held next Wednesday, April 20 from 1 to 4 pm at town hall on Dibble Street West.

The event is being presented by 1000 Islands Entrepreneurship Centre. There is a registration fee. To register or for more information on the small business workshop, visit the entrepreneurship centre in Brockville city hall (Market Street West entrance) or call 342-8772, ext. 470.

The centre is also organizing seminars on how to write marketing and business plans; these workshops will be held in Brockville April 21 and 28 respectively.

Car damaged, bike stolen

PRESCOTT ­ Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 63 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

A black two-door 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier was damaged while parked at the high school Thursday night or at the owner's home on Augusta Township during the same overnight period. It appears someone had kicked the rear and left quarter panel. Damage is estimated at $800. The investigating officer is Constable Large.

An unlocked white BMX Free Agent bicycle with a grey and black seat and stunt pegs on the back wheel was reported stolen from Boundary Street Public School last Wednesday. The bike has identifiable features and has an estimated value of $200. Constable Rob Prophet is investigating.

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

Register for minor soccer and baseball this Saturday

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Registration for Maitland Baseball will be held at the MERC Hall this Saturday, April 16 from 9 am until noon. This is a coach pitch program for boys and girls aged four to nine. All games are played in Maitland on Monday nights from 6 to 7 pm starting at the end of May. If you would like to help with the program or have other inquiries, call Geoff Noyes at 348-1317.

Maitland Soccer will also have registration on Saturday, April 16 from 9 am to noon. The Little Kickers program is for children three and four years old. Soccer is for boys and girls five to 12 years old. All games are played in Maitland on Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 am starting May 7 with the final game being played July 9. Students wishing to earn volunteer hours by coaching can call John Wilson at 348-3563.

The MERC Board is looking for a summer parks and swim instructor to run an eight week summer parks program including four weeks of swimming lessons. Applicants must be certified Red Cross swim Instructors with CPR and first aid certification. They also must possess a valid driver's licence.

Applications must be received by April 24 and should be sent to MERC Summer Hiring Committee at Box 272, Maitland.

Prescott Blossoms is on menu at ecumenical group breakfast

PRESCOTT ­ The Seaway Ecumenical Group will host its next monthly meeting this Saturday, April 16 at St. Paul's United Church Hall on George Street just north of Dibble Street.

Breakfast will be served at 8 am. Tickets will be available at the door; all are welcome to attend.

The guest speaker will be Councillor Sue O'Hanlon, whose topic is Prescott Blossoms.

The mission of the ecumenical group is to provide a forum for like-minded individuals for fellowship and to express Christian faith in the community.

Chamber meeting to take place today

JOHNSTOWN ­ Directors of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce are reminded the dates of the monthly lunch meetings have changed.

This month's meeting will be held today (Wednesday, April 13) at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant. Beginning in April, meetings will be held on the second Wednesday instead of the third Thursday of each month.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"If we're not ready, we're going to be behind the eight-ball on this one."

OPP Sergeant Bryan Somerville, referring to a proposed fortification bylaw in Prescott

Editor's Notebook

DAMNED IF WE DO...: Wouldn't it be easier if we, as a nation, could tell the Liberals they have dropped the ball and it is now time for a different party to pick it up and run with it?

As much as recent testimony at the Gomery Commission is being touted by some pundits as the makings of the biggest scandal in Canadian political history, it is premature to hand over control of the country to Mr. Harper and the Conservatives. We reluctantly agree the commission should be given a chance to do its job, which means we must hold off on jumping to conclusions and assuming high-ranking Liberal officials and senior government leaders were participants in or had knowledge of one of the biggest scams ever to deplete our national coffers.

Many Canadians may not like what they are hearing or reading, but we suspect they remain uninterested in another election less than a year after the less one. Could it be voters will take pity on Mr. Martin for inheriting a mess created by his predecessor? The bottom line is there is no assurance a snap election would resolve the situation or, for that matter, lead to a Conservative government ­ as frustrating as that might seem to Canadians who have had it up to here with the mounting evidence of corruption at the federal level.

On the other hand, the Liberals have given us another example of the pitfalls of prolonged majority government rule by the same party. We might cringe at the uncertainty of whether or not there will be an election soon, but such uneasiness cannot be any worse than the discomfort we are beginning to feel as the commission begins to expose the Liberals' dark and dirty secrets.

No matter how this drama plays out and who (if anyone) pays the political price at election time, it is the taxpayers who will end up footing the bill for the stolen or wasted money and the cost of the commission. Nice system we have, isn't it?

ALWAYS TIME TO SHOW APPRECIATION: Volunteer Appreciation Week is approaching, but there is never a bad time to acknowledge the efforts of the many people in South Grenville whose selfless acts are making a difference.

As has been noted in this space on many occasions in the past, volunteers are what keeps the Prescott area going ­ especially at a time when higher levels of governments are unable or unwilling to maintain their financial support for many essential services at the community level. More than ever, the bottom line is we, as a community, must take care of our own situation because we cannot assume others will do it for us.

Whether it is working a bingo, chaperoning a school dance or driving someone to and from a medical appointment, volunteers are getting a lot of jobs done. For that, we salute you during the upcoming appreciation week and throughout the year.

Tim Ruhnke

Cleveland hears how volunteers make Prescott rock

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

Prescott made quite an impression on participants in the recent major midget hockey tournament. Chuck Long, the father of two players on the championship-winning Cleveland Crusaders, stated the following in an e-mail: "I've attended tournaments all over the U.S. and Canada with my three sons playing hockey, and I have to say this was the most fun we ever had at a rink. The fans were great (especially Whiskey Row), the competition was excellent and the hospitality of your town is unmatched." Long went on to note tournament organizers and the people who opened their doors to host the players. "The Cleveland hockey community certainly knows about Prescott," he added.

As we enter Volunteer Appreciation Week, here is yet another indication of how giving of one's time can make a difference and give visitors something good to talk about when they get home and recall their time spent in Prescott.

* * *

As some of you know, CBC Radio compiled a list of the top 50 "essential" popular songs of Canadian music. The selection process included voting by listeners and input by so-called expert panels which reviewed decades or eras and came up with top five lists. Among the "essential song" criteria: Does it woo you with words? Does it define a generation? Did it create a musical revolution?

Topping the list was Ian and Sylvia's 1963 rendition of Four Strong Winds. Placing a close second was the Barenaked Ladies' 1992 hit If I Had a Million Dollars. Rounding out the top five were Heart of Gold by Neil Young (1971), Stan Roger's Northwest Passage (1981) and the Guess Who's American Woman (1970).

The Hockey Song by Stompin' Tom Connors placed twelfth. Both Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell had a pair of songs in the top ten.

As for more contemporary artists, The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Bryan Adams, Tom Cochrane, Alanis Morissette, Sam Roberts and Sloan also made the list.

The one track which gave me goosebumps hearing it after many years was Leonard Cohen's Suzanne, the number eight song.

The CBC is not what it used to be, but every now and then there is something like this list of essential Canadian songs to remind me our public broadcaster offers material which is superior to the private sector. The discussions involving the compilation of the top 50 list were a refreshing change of pace from commercial radio which tends to focus more on the format of the month and inane banter than substance. I still listen to commercial stations a lot, but I take some comfort in knowing the CBC continues to offer a unique service which can be entertaining, informative and thought-provoking.

Officials deal with April snowstorm, bomb threats: 1975

FROM THE ARCHIVES

April 9, 1975

* So much for April showers! South Grenville was dumped on by a foot of snow followed by ice rain last week. Night-time snow removal operations were more of a challenge in Prescott because the winter overnight parking ban had ended days earlier. The spring snowfall resulted in schools and businesses being closed.

To make things worse, a young man phoned in two bomb threats to Benson Public School in Cardinal which resulted in the school being closed two different days. The first call was made to a private residence. Cardinal Police Chief Walter Kolodziechuk concluded the caller had misdialed; the resident's phone number was similar to that of the school.

* There is a vacant seat on Cardinal council. Citing personal reasons, Fred Emmons submitted his resignation effective April 30. Village council has yet to decide how the vacancy will be filled.

* The province has given its approval to a 53-unit senior citizens apartment complex on Prescott's waterfront, town council was advised in a communication from Grenville-Dundas MPP Don Irvine.

* The Roebuck Women's Institute has received free use of a meeting room in the new community hall. The move was approved by a 3-2 recorded vote by Augusta council at a meeting which reportedly included a bitter argument between Melba Francis of the institute and township Reeve Ron Thomas. The reeve said he had not been informed of what was going on and he indicated the community hall board was overstepping its duties by making decisions which should be made by council.

* The Toronto Red Wings (also known as the Butter Beeps) defeated the Ottawa West Golden Knights to win the championship game of the second annual Prescott Ramparts Kiwanis midget hockey tournament held at the Prescott Community Centre. The home team almost staged the biggest upset of the day by taking a 4-1 lead on the eventual champs before losing to the visitors in overtime. Mike Selleck scored a hat trick for Prescott; Brian DeDekker had the other goal for the Ramparts.

So much for Michael Moore's so-called safe haven to the north

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

I will never forget April 20, 1999.

In my bizarre streak of tragic coincidences, being in the Denver suburb of Littleton on that awful day still chills my soul and leaves my heart pierced.

In the span of a decade, we started out in 1992 by moving to the St. Catharines neighbourhood where, just a few months later, Kristen French was abducted. In 1995, I was in Lockport, N.Y. where a quiet hometown kid named Timothy McVeigh became the face of white middle class anger as he blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City.

Then there was Columbine. It wasn't the last weird thing. That happened in 2001, when I called off a business trip to New York. I would have spent the night of Sept. 10 at the World Trade Center Marriott. I cancelled the trip and stayed in Seattle because I did not want to miss my son's birthday, which falls on Sept. 11.

These are coincidences. But Columbine was different. It left me empty, and it left me forever terrified of a date on the calendar that happens to be Hitler's birthday.

Our family was planning a move from Texas to Colorado at the time. My wife had been in Denver a few weeks earlier and we looked at homes in Parker and South Park (yes, that South Park) and a few of the other Denver suburbs. I was working in Denver by this time, and I was to spend April 20 with our realtor as we looked at homes in Littleton, home of what would by the end of the day become the infamous home of Columbine High School. While Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris shot up the school and held students hostage before turning their guns on themselves, we were looking at houses only a mile or two away.

By the afternoon, we saw choppers filling the sky and people hugging and crying on the sidewalks, still not knowing what was going on. When I got back to my office in Edgewood, just west of Columbine, we found out exactly what had happened as staff members wept and held each other. A woman in our office had lost a niece, and a vendor who was in every day and did our film work had lost a child. The dynamics of our small company of 20 employees was already fragile as just three weeks earlier, a key staff member had killed himself. We learned later he was about to be arrested on child pornography and molestation charges.

It bothered me when Michael Moore released Bowling for Columbine. It sickened me when he won awards for it. Perhaps it was a documentary intended to make you think about what a sick and gun-crazed culture Americans live in. It was effective, though as time has gone on, we have been told that the scene in the bank where the customer got a free gun for opening an account was staged. We have been told Moore spliced and edited sentences together to make people like Charlton Heston say things they never said. We have been told the figures and statistics have been distorted and manipulated.

Moore was making a point, and that is fine. But having been in the Columbine area when the tragedy happened, it's shameful that Michael Moore has used and exploited a horrific tragedy to profit and build his own career. He profited by blaming America for the acts of two messed-up kids who had too much freedom.

Moore also profited from the horrors of Sept. 11 with his Fahrenheit 9-11 film, which is also criticized for its misleading facts and mistruths. I have no opinion on the film, haven't seen it, won't see it, and could care less if Moore's facts are right or misleading. I'm surprised he hasn't made a film blaming the U.S. government for the tsunami.

Moore spends much of Bowling for Columbine raving about Canada and how we have so few murders. Sadly, Michael Moore's Canada is long gone.

Last month, in a story that flew under the radar, three New Brunswick teenagers were arrested and three more were taken into custody when two students overheard a conversation and reported them. The youths were planning an April 20 killing spree at three high schools in Saint John. The killings were heroically prevented, but the Alberta murder of four RCMP officers in March was not. So much for Michael Moore's safe haven to the north. And if Moore likes government conspiracy theories and cover-ups, well, he'd have a field day with the Gomery Inquiry.

Canada should know who the two young heroes who stepped forward are. Imagine what the next week would be like if they did not speak out. We would be living through the hell of our own Columbine. It may have been the worst mass murder in Canadian history. Because of two heroes, we escaped it.

I will always have a phobia about April 20. I think of the ladies in our office crying uncontrollably and in so much emotional pain. This is hard to write about. I don't talk about it, and as I am finishing, tears are swelling in my eyes.

But I won't cry. I won't give Dylan Klebold or Eric Harris the satisfaction.

I won't give Michael Moore the satisfaction either.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Proposed through street is irresponsible

The Editor;

I was incredulously shocked and dismayed when I recently heard Prescott council is considering turning Mackenzie Road into a through street to the commercial area in the north end.

What kind of twisted thinking goes into proposing this kind of irresponsible plan? Mackenzie is only three blocks east of Edward Street, the main entry into the shopping area. Why propose a second entrance so close to the existing route?

Has council given any consideration to the way such a proposal would adversely impact the daily lives of Mackenzie residents? Many of these homeowners have lived there for over 30 years and others have bought houses recently and invested in Prescott because of Mackenzie's cachet as a peaceful dead-end street.

As a homeowner, my heart bleeds when I see our precious children out there now, playing hockey and stick ball and when I see our cherished pets that can now relax in their own front yards free from the deadly hazards of continuous traffic.

"Your safe and carefree days are over," council is telling them.

Our lives will be changed in many ways without regard or good conscience by those whom we voted into office to protect us. Yes, protect us from the increased dust and carbon monoxide that will invade our homes and lungs to the 24-hour noise pollution and the serious traffic dangers poised for our children, elders and pets.

And what about the safety of all the children and adults who find joyous and tranquil moments in the garden park at the south end of Mackenzie? Those people deserve to have a safe play and reflection area where they are not put in peril of noise and vehicular mishaps.

If you need to develop another throughway for emergency purposes, construct it in a non-residential area where it won't be detrimental to people's health or destroy long-established neighbourhoods.

It seems this council is too aggressive in making changes to attract newcomers to Prescott without regard and respect for the people who have built this town.

S.E. Roberts

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Generosity and compassion are two of the Character Counts traits Algonquin students have demonstrated in their fundraising efforts to support children orphaned by the devastating tsunami of Dec. 26.

With the proceeds from their used toy and book sale along with other fundraising ventures including a bake sale and a fun fair, also supported by school council hot lunch, staff matching funds and principal contribution on behalf of each student, a cheque in the amount of $1,611 is now in the hands of the Save the Children Canada organization. Wanting to make a difference for other children, Save the Children was deemed to be the best choice for the generous contribution. Wenda Taylor, lead teacher organizer of this event, says students are particularly proud of the monies they raised as a result of their personal choices of toy and book donations.

Staff are also extremely proud of the exemplary citizenship students have demonstrated towards this worldwide relief effort.

Boundary Street Public School: Students who traveled to Maynard P.S. for the Windmill Book Awards thoroughly enjoyed the activities focusing on literacy skills. Congratulations to door prize winners Ryan Clements and Jonathan McDougall.

Grade 8 students provided a delicious assortment of treats at their bake sale last Friday. The next bake sale will be held on the morning of Friday, April 22. They have also planned a pizza lunch for students in grade 4­8 Monday, April 18. Order forms have been sent home.

Arrangements for Grade 8 graduation photos have been made for the morning of May 4. Information will be sent home shortly.

Friday, April 22 is an early dismissal day. Students who walk to school will be dismissed at 11:35. Bus students will be picked up prior to noon.

Our recognition assembly will be held on Friday, April 15 at 12:45 in the gym. The social skill this month is tolerance.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: Literacy has been the focus of two recent events at Maynard and Maitland schools. We have purchased a new selection of books for our Maynard library with the proceeds from our Scholastic Book Fair. The books are literally "flying off our shelves" and into the hands of our primary students!

Last week, Maynard hosted the second annual Windmill Book Award for students from our two schools as well as Benson, Central and Boundary schools. With the superb organization of our library technician, Lynn Heibein, it went off without a hitch. Superfudge by Judy Blume was selected by the students as the #1 read.

The students were inspired and entertained by a presentation delivered by our guest author, Eric Walters. He delighted us with his stories about the art of writing and challenged all of us to take part in the events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Terry Fox run on Sept. 16, 2005.

St. Joseph Catholic School: The St. Joseph St. Patrick's Day Dance held March 12 at the Prescott Fire Hall was a success. Many parents supplied food and decorations. It was greatly appreciated. The following were very supportive: Prescott Fire Department, MacEwen's Gas Bar, Mr. Mozzarella and Bayview Convenience.

Grade 4 students will participate in the "Farm Comes to Town" exhibition in Kemptville today.

The Scholastic Book Fair will take place Wednesday, April 13 to Friday, April 15.

Friday, April 22 will be Early Dismissal Day. Students will head home at noon. Also that morning, students are welcome to wear their hats and caps of any kind to school. We are collecting a toonie for autism from students and staff choosing to wear a hat or cap.

Grade 7 students will be off to Quebec City bright and early Wednesday, April 27 and return April 29. Students will experience and learn history, Catholic faith tradition, French-Canadian culture and language and the responsibility and independence necessary to travel away from home.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Grade 8 graduation pictures will be taken tomorrow.

Our grade 5/6 students participating in the VEP program will visit the Brockville General Hospital and the Prescott OPP detachment with Constable Holly Howard tomorrow.

We are very pleased to welcome the Jump Rope for Heart and Stroke Demo Team on Friday.

In preparation of the grade 7/8 year-end trip, representatives from Camp Wenonah Centre will make a presentation to students and their families on April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Hot lunch today is hot dogs.

A wonderful end to the concert season

FORT TOWN CONCERT REVIEW by Gilbert Jamieson

Friday, April 8 was a very special day for the subscribers to the Fort Town Concert Association. First, it brought the season to a close and gave subscribers a chance to renew their memberships for the next season's musical presentations. Then, Chair Marilyn White introduced Mr. Colin Boag who announced that the Association will host the 2006 Conference of Jeunesses Musicales Canada here in Prescott bringing with it more than 100 members from Eastern Canada to enjoy a musical Labour Day weekend

Then the music began. The Jeunesses Musicales' Die Fledermaus (The Bat) by Johann Strauss was a performance to remember. Rarely does the audience at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church find itself really transported to another time and place, but Friday night was one of those occasions. With a few simple staging effects and wonderful young voices, it was taken to Vienna in the 1870s and to palaces of the nobility.

Jeremie Pelletier sang his way to the piano introducing the setting for the first act. Sitting at the piano, he suddenly became the orchestra that would support the music that would follow.

The cast created a wondrous comic scenario with intrigue upon intrigue with lovers hidden under coverlets and behind curtains. All was achieved with teamwork musically and physically at all times including the audience in the fun.

The waltz time had all the cast and even some of the audience dancing. The cast stepped forward and drew audience members (young and old) on to the stage and swept them into the three/quarter rhythm and the chosen few looked as if they had waltzed for years. This indeed was a wonderful closing for the FTCA year and we should all be grateful.

The names of this young cast will appear on many programs in the future. They were: Adele ­ Melanie Roy; Rosalinde ­ Chantal Dionne; The Prince ­ Chantal Scott; Eisenstein ­ Eric Theriault; Alfred ­ Marc Antoine Pronovost; Frank ­ Julien Patenaude; Dr. Falk ­ Pierre Etienne Bergeron.

Music benefits highland games

BROCKVILLE ­ A Scottish military evening concert in support of the Veterans Memorial Highland Games will take place this Saturday, April 16 from 8 to 10 pm at the Brockville Arts Centre.

The concert will feature the Glengarry Pipe Band and include Larry Keen and the Keenagers, Dirk and Michelle McMillan from the Maggie Bush School of Dance and Brittney Pinder and Rob MacKenzie on the fiddle and piano respectively.

Tickets can be purchased at the arts centre box office (342-7122). For more information on the concert, contact Kelly Bush at 657-1117.

The second annual highland games will take place in Spencerville later this spring.

OPP ­ TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Fast-moving vehicle keeps going

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ A 21-year-old Edwardsburgh man faces three charges in connection with an incident that occurred Saturday night. Sergeant Francis was conducting radar patrol on Weir Road at about 9 pm when he observed a vehicle moving very quickly. The constable followed the vehicle onto County Road 21 heading east. The police car's emergency lights were activated but the other vehicle did not stop until it reached a Beverly Street residence, according to an OPP release. The driver ran into the residence. The sergeant went to the home and arrested the man. He was charged with speeding (133 kilometers/hour in an 80 zone), failing to stop for police when signalled and careless driving. He is scheduled to appear in Brockville court May 3.

Blue paint splatters front of house

EDWARDSBURGH ­ OPP Constable Foster is investigating an overnight case of mischief reported last Wednesday at about 7 am. A man awoke to find the front of his Rooney Road residence had been splattered with blue paint. A pane of glass on the outside of a bay window had been smashed. Evidence found at the scene included a bottle of Busch beer and what appeared to be a pickle jar filled with paint. Neighbours confirmed a vehicle was at the residence between 11 pm and midnight. Damage was estimated at $200. Anyone with information is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221.

Seeking owner of found hockey equipment

AUGUSTA ­ Hockey equipment was found in a ditch beside Merwin Lane last Tuesday at about 6:15 pm. Call the OPP at 925-4221 and leave a message for Constable Runciman; she has the identifying features.

Store windows are broken

CARDINAL ­ Grenville County OPP are investigating broken windows at two stores in Cardinal.

The first case at Becker's occurred during the overnight hours of March 31/April 1 but was not reported until April 4. A circular crack was found in the front window; damage is estimated at $450. Constable Butcher is the investigating officer.

On April 6 at about 8 pm, police received a report of a broken window at O'Carroll's Grocery. A rock was found on the front porch. Constable Morrissette is investigating.

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

On the Beat With the OPP

Seat belts save lives, but they must be worn properly

With spring arriving, many people are out and about in the evenings and on the weekends with their children. Travelling safely needs to be practised year round, however beginning in September of this year; you will need to take extra precautions for your children. The new child safety seat law comes into effect Sept. 4 and now everyone transporting children will have to comply with the new law.

If your child is under the age of 8 and weighs less than 80 lbs. or is less than four feet, nine inches tall, he or she will be required to be in a booster seat. Less than 40 pounds still requires the child to be in a child car safety seat. This applies to grandparents' vehicles too! Anyone transporting a child will need a booster or child safety seat. The fines will be similar to that of a seat belt infraction ($110) and there will be points involved as well.

Seat belts are designed for adults weighing over 90 pound. It only makes sense to have children in booster seats or child seats. A seat belt cannot do its job effectively otherwise. Children and adults alike, who wear their seat belts improperly, will suffer injuries in a collision.

Installing a child safety seat doesn't have to be a frustrating task; follow the directions and take your time. There are alterations which can legally be done to make the seat work properly in your vehicle, if you feel it doesn't fit quite right. For more information on making your child seat work in your vehicle, check the manufacturers' specifications or contact your local OPP for an appointment to have the seat inspected. There are a few officers trained at the Kemptville and Prescott detachment who would happily check your seat. Your and your child's safety are not to be taken for granted. If you love them, buckle them ­ properly.

Submitted by Constable Holly Howard, community services officer for Grenville County and an 11-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Travel to exotic locations

SPENCERVILLE - On four consecutive Thursday evenings in April and May, the Friends of the Edwardsburgh Library will present a series of Armchair Travellers slide shows.

All the presentations will take place at 7 pm in the council chamber at township hall.

The series includes:

* April 21: a "vacation in Thailand" with Vicki Cameron slide show featuring Bangkok and Ko Phi Phi beach

* April 28: visit Japan with Barry Fawcett

* May 5: explore the ruggedness of the American southwest with Martin Connell

* May 12: see the exotic birds and plants of the Costa Rican jungles presented by Eileen and Bill Woodhead.

There is a small admission fee; tickets can be purchased at the Spencerville library (658-5575). Proceeds go to support the library.

Amnesty day set for April 30 at Scott Road landfill site

SPENCERVILLE - Township residents will have a chance to get rid of their large items when Edwardsburgh/Cardinal holds its dump amnesty day Saturday, April 30.

Township residents will have a chance to dispose of their white good items (refrigerator, stove, freezer etc.) at no charge, as part of the amnesty day from 8 am until 4 pm at the Scott Road landfill site.

Residents can also dispose of up to four maximum 17-inch car or light truck tires per household free of charge.

Tipping fees will be charged for other large items, including furniture. Hazardous waste and regular household waste will not be accepted.

Proof of residency will be required at the site.

Club meets tonight

CARDINAL - The monthly meeting of the Cardinal Stamp Club will take place today (Wednesday, April 13) at 7 pm at the Cardinal branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library.

Adults and children are welcome to attend. For more information, contact John Dugan at 657-1081.

Juvenile Blazers capture silver at host tournament

PRESCOTT - The Brockville Blazers juvenile girls regional basketball team had a big weekend at their host tournament advancing to the finals before falling to a strong Belleville Spirits team.

The Blazers put up big numbers throughout the weekend going undefeated in their three round-robin games at St. Mary in Brockville, before continuing their strong play Sunday at South Grenville District High School.

In their opener, the Blazers scored a 61-27 victory over the Kingston Runnin' Rebels. Meredith Clarey led the Blazers with a 15-point performance, followed by Jenna Beatty with 14 and Lindsay Coombes with 12.

In game two, the Blazers continued its strong play with a 40-31 victory over the Cornwall Lions. Beatty scored nine to lead the Blazers, while Coombes chipped in eight.

In game three, the Blazers continued its strong play on their way to a 63-20 route of the Ottawa Guardsmen. Kim Usher poured in 14 to pace the Blazers, while Sara Watt added 12. Beatty and Coombes each added 10.

In the semi-final, the Blazers had a tough match with Transway (Hamilton), which saw Brockville take a 27-25 lead at the half, before relinquishing the lead in the third quarter, before bouncing back to score the victory. Coombes and Beatty scored 14 points apiece to lead the Blazers, while Clarey and Sam Joudoin added eight apiece.

In the final, the Blazers played a tough Belleville Spirits team, which took advantage of Brockville coming out flat to take a 25-15 lead at the half, which they kept up through the second half on their way to a 47-36 victory.

Clarey was named the Blazers' most valuable player in the final.

Locals shine at national speedskating championships

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SURREY - For the second straight year, South Grenville has nationally-ranked speedskaters.

Two South Grenville athletes put together a strong showing at the 2005 Canada Post Canadian Age Class Short Track Speedskating championships April 1-3 in Surrey, British Columbia. Conner Elliott and Braden Elliott (no relation) each put together top 10 overall finishes at the meet to add to the area's sterling reputation as a budding hotbed for speedskaters.

Conner, a Grade 7 student at Benson Public School in Cardinal, put together a strong showing at his first Canadian Age Class Championships to register a fourth overall finish (out of 16 skaters) at the meet, which included a silver and bronze medal in individual races. His point total of 415 points fell just 22 points short of second place and 11 shy of third place overall.

Conner managed to capture a silver medal 777-metre race after posting a time of 1:22.780, while finishing with a bronze in the 666-metre race in a time of 1:16.980 and fourth in the 500-metre race with a time of 1:00.420.

Conner indicated for his first Canadian championship meet he was happy with the end result.

"It was a good experience," explained Conner. "I got to see a lot of good skaters and improve my times. The older guys were fun to watch since they're so fast, especially in the longer distances like the 3,000-metres. It was a fun trip and everyone has been so good to me. Neighbours called to wish me luck, some people at school were excited and the Cardinal Lions Club was very generous towards helping out with the trip."

Conner's mother Rhonda indicated the trip was a special thing for the whole family but indicated. unlike her son, her nerves got the best of her.

"I don't like to watch those final races," explained Rhonda. "I always get nervous and my stomach starts doing flips, but it was great to see Conner do so well."

For Conner, he was able to bring home a pair of podium finishes, but sees some small mistakes to work on.

"I improved on all of my times in all the race distances," Conner told The Journal. "I came close to a gold; I was right behind the first place skater in the 777-metres and passed him, but it was probably one lap too early, because he caught me. I thought it was going to be a little tougher going into it, but some of the kids didn't skate their best and some are just having an off year."

Conner's experience at the meet didn't come without some controversy as he was disqualified in the 333-metre final when he made an aggressive move which resulted in another skater falling.

"It was too close to call," said Conner. "I was just trying to be aggressive, but that's how things go.

Braden, a Grade 10 student at South Grenville District High School, also had a strong showing in Surrey, following up his fourth place finish in last year's Canadian Championships in Gloucester (including four bronze medals in the 500-metres, 777-metres, 1,000-metres and 1,500-metre relay), with a sixth place finish overall in the junior men's age group this year.

Elliott finished fourth in the 1,500-metre final with a time of 2:30:390 which gave him 75 of his 199 total points. Elliott was the top skater from Ontario at the meet and finished behind four skaters from a power-house Quebec team and one skater from Alberta.

South Grenville girls rugby team hoping for big things

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants girls rugby team is expecting big things from their veteran-laden team.

The Giants, which lost 10-12 Grade 12 players from last year's third place team is looking to rely on their experience this season in the six-team league.

"We lost those Grade 12s I didn't think we would," said South Grenville coach Shawn Saunders, "but we had 30-35 girls last year, so we'll still be getting back a pretty big veteran contingent."

One of the Giants returning hookers, Amber Salmon, agreed with the optimism of her coach.

"We have a solid team and we should do pretty well," said Salmon. "Last year we came up short to Gananoque in the semi-finals and finished third overall, and we're hoping to build on that. We should do well, and it's a good sign we have a lot of Grade 9s coming in."

Saunders indicated there are about a dozen veteran girls who will be coming back to be counted on for leadership, direction and help at practice.

"I think we're in a pretty good spot," explained Saunders. "We have a deep talented bunch of girls and I like our team's chances this year. It's a wonderful group of younger girls, who will be playing this year, but that's good for the future. We have 16 new girls this year who will be learning the game while getting to play now. We should continue to have a strong team the next few years."

South Grenville isn't expecting to go in and walk away with the league, but still hopes to make an impact on the league this year.

"From what I've been hearing, BCI seems to be the team to beat this year," said Saunders. "We play them in our opener and will find out then, but it should be a great year."

South Grenville will travel to Elgin Friday, April 15 to participate in an all-day exhibition tournament at Rideau District High School.

The Giants start the regular season Monday, April 25, by travelling to Brockville to take on the BCI Red Rams at Commonwealth Field. South Grenville will play its first home game Monday, May 2 in Prescott. Both games are scheduled to start at 3:30 pm.

Atom C house #3 falls in final

KEMPTVILLE - The South Grenville atom C house league team #3 advanced to the final of the Kemptville Panthers house league tournament March 13.

In their first game, the Rangers scored a 4-1 victory over the Cumberland Rockets. Taylor Byers scored a hat trick to lead the Rangers, while Thomas McNamara added a single. McNamara added a pair of helpers.

In game two, the Rangers scored a 2-0 victory over South Grenville #2. McNamara and Cole Burchell scored for the Rangers, while Garret Pollock added an assist.

In the final, South Grenville came close but was unable to pull out a victory as Casselman prevailed in a shoot-out. Casselman had a 1-0 lead until Byers tied it up at the five-minute mark of the third period to send the game into overtime.

Other members of the Rangers are Ewen Eaton, Brett McFarland, Damon Jarvis, Missy Schutten, Ryan Brown, Brandon Worden, Cameron Murray, Dylan Dobbie, Brianna Harnum and Jamie Finucan.

Major peewee Isles open season with win

CARDINAL - The Cardinal-based St. Lawrence Islanders major peewee AAA regional hockey team got off to a good start to their spring season with a 5-1 win over the Wizards at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

In a very fast-paced game, the Islanders got on the board early scoring three goals in a four-minute span in the first period.

The Islanders built a five-goal lead in the second period, before allowing allow their only goal of the game off a nice point shot, to ice the game 5-1.

Mitchel Chartrand scored a pair of goals to lead the Islanders, while Cody Johnston, Dylan Casselman and Josh Pitt added singles. Casselman (2), Michael Karam and Jayson Harmer chipped in with helpers.

Local Kinsmen hockey game raises $500
for Alzheimer's

CARDINAL - The Kinsmen Club of Prescott's second annual adult hockey
tournament was a huge
success April 9, raising more than $500 for the Alzheimers society.

The club put on the event and received help from the Cardinal rink staff and
management at the event, which ended up collecting a grand total of $524 for the cause.

Eight-teams competed in the event, playing a minimum of three games apiece.

The "B Champs" defeated the Hell Fish in the A final for this year's bragging rights, while RIPNET defeated the Kinsmen in the B final.

Royal LePage defeated the Ice Dogs in the C final, while the Cardinal Legion defeated Frank-n-Steins in the D final.

Baseball taking over Domville

DOMVILLE - Baseball is taking centre stage in Domville this summer.

The Domville Super Dave Fryday Night Mixed League is getting set for another season which will see teams of six men and four women take the diamond for the summertime fun.

Each team must draft eight players over the age of 30, with spots for four players between 20 and 30 to be drafted.

Registration will be held at the Domville Ball Diamonds Wednesday April 13 and Wednesday, April 20 from 6 until 9 pm both days. There is a fee to register.

For more information, call, Dean or Kim Bologna at 925-1696.

Domville will also be hosting its minor softball league this summer.

The league is nearing the start of its season and will be holding its final registration sessions Wednesday, April 13 from 6 until 9 pm and on Saturday, April 16 at 9 am until noon. Both sessions will be held at the Domville ball diamonds.

The league will feature a number of divisions from blastball (ages 4-6) right through to midget boys and girls ball (16-19).

For more information, call Dean at 925-1696 or John at 925-0590.

Augusta Minor Ball registration scheduled to finish tonight

AUGUSTA - The Augusta Minor Ball league will be holding its final 2005 registration session this week.

The final session will be held tonight (Wednesday, April 13) from 6 pm until 9 pm.

The registration session will be held at the Roebuck Hall, Algonquin Hall, North Augusta Hall and Domville Park.

For more information contact Marlene Neddo (Roebuck) at 658-3159, Cheryl McNamara (Algonquin) at 926-0231, Henry Eekhout (North Augusta) at 926-2827 or Dean Bologna (Domville) at 925-1696.

Johnstown minor softball league final registration set for Saturday

JOHNSTOWN - The Johnstown Minor Softball Association still has one registration set for the 2005 season.

The final session is scheduled to run from 9 am until noon this Saturday, April 16 at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre on Sutton Drive.

The league is open to boys and girls four years old and up.

For more information, call Mike Limburg at 925-1887 or Nancy Michalicka at 925-1968.

MERC Hall hosting summer registration session Saturday

MAITLAND - The Maitland Education Recreation Centre (MERC) is holding
registration sessions for summer sports programs.

Maitland youth baseball is holding registration for its 2005 season at the MERC hall this Saturday, April 16 from 9 am until noon.

The league is for kids between the ages of four and nine.

Game nights are Mondays starting in June.

There is a registration fee, but there are discounts for families registering more than one child.

For more information, contact Geoff Noyes at 348-1317.

Maitland soccer is also holding its 2005 registration session at the MERC hall Saturday, April 16 from 9 am until noon.

For more information, contact John Wilson at 348-3563.

Prescott Gunners adult teams looking for soccer coaches

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Gunners rep soccer program is still searching for coaches for their men's adult competitive teams.

The Gunners are looking for coaches for their men's competitive 4 and men's recreation 6 soccer teams.

Anyone interested in coaching should contact Steve McCurdy at 342-5994 or
Art Hitsman at 734-8486, 925-1315 or 349-1315.

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