VOL. 175, NO. 18~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ May 4, 2005

Town to MP: support budget

Council wants to secure sewage plant money; funding allocated in '04, Brown's assistant says

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Town council is calling on Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown to support passage of the 2005 federal budget.

Council voted Monday night in favour of asking the local Conservative MP to vote in favour of the minority Liberal government's proposed budget prior to a non-confidence motion which could topple the government later this month and force an election.

The Prescott council resolution notes the federal share ­ $4.8 million ­ of infrastructure funding to cover about one-third of the town's $15-million sewage treatment plant replacement project is tied to the budget.

Councillor Suzanne Dodge said the Association of Municipalities of Ontario had indicated the money to fund the federal component of the program falls under the current budget proposal before the House of Commons.

Dodge indicated council is not trying to be partisan by asking Brown to support the budget; the town is trying to get its sewage plant, she added.

During the media question period at the end of the council meeting, Mayor Robert Lawn noted the proposed municipal share of the gasoline tax is also tied to the federal budget. Lawn estimated Prescott stands to receive $76,000 from the tax this year; the amount would increase to the range of $225,000 per year by 2009.

THIS WEEK

Youth fair being held today at high school

PRESCOTT - Today, people interested in more information about services available to teenagers are invited to check out the "Where to Turn" youth fair at South Grenville District High School.

The event runs from 8 am to 3 pm. It will feature displays and representatives from 30 different community agencies, including Family and Children's Services, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Prescott Youth Centre.

It is the third year for the fair. The event is being hosted by Connect Youth, the Interact Club and the youth centre.

The 2004 fair attracted approximately 800 teachers and students.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event.

Saturday dinner, silent auction for food bank

PRESCOTT ­ A roast beef dinner and silent auction in support of Food For All Food Bank will be held this Saturday, May 7 at St. Mark's Parish centre on Edward Street.

Doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner will be served at 6 pm.

Tickets will be available at the door; they can also be purchased in advance by calling 925-2444.

The food bank serves residents of Augusta, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Prescott. Food depots are located on Henry Street in Prescott and in the library building on County Road 2 in Cardinal.

Shakespeare actors need a place to stay

PRESCOTT ­ Two actors who will be performing in the 2005 St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival are in need of a place to stay in Prescott.

The visiting performers require a bedroom and access to a bathroom, fridge and cooking facilities. Hosts are not required to provide food or cooking.

The actors will be in town from June 10 to July 24.

Many residents who graciously opened their homes to actors last season enjoyed the experience and are doing so again this year.

Anyone with suitable space available is asked to contact Judie Martin at 925-1820.

Library campaign success is stacking up

Door-to-door letter drop to take place in Prescott

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ There were many reasons to celebrate at the Prescott Public Library Monday evening.

An update on the Friends of the Library's rejuvenation campaign included announcements of several donations. Friends Chairperson Sandra Lawn reported the group has already raised more than $220,000 and is within about $145,000 of its campaign goal (assuming a grant of $75,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is approved).

Plans to expand and renovate the Dibble Street West facility will proceed later this year if the fundraising drive continues to be successful.

Topping the list of donations acknowledged Monday was the pledge of $6,000 by the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's board approved a contribution of $1,200 in 2005 and recommended additional payments of $1,200 in each of the next four years.

Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Smith said she is "absolutely delighted" the business organization is able to support the library rejuvenation campaign.

Chamber director and finance committee member Brent Laton noted the library is an economic development issue; having an active and vibrant library is a key factor when people are thinking of settling in a community, he said.

The library campaign also received a donation of $1,200 from Humanitarian Services of the local Odd Fellows and Rebekahs.

It was also announced the Kiwanis Club of Prescott had contributed $500.

Lawn noted there seems to be a pleasant surprise every day when it comes to the library fundraising campaign. On Friday, the Gallaugher family came forward and donated $2,000

Lawn also noted she was approached by a representative of the Prescott branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in the post office Saturday. Details of what Lawn described as a generous offer are to be worked out in the coming weeks.

Earlier in the day Monday, a cheque for $1,000 was received from a former Prescott resident who "moved to the big city" a long time ago, according to Lawn.

Contributions to the library's campaign are not limited to money. Artist Bill Fowler has donated an original watercolour painting of part of Prescott's eastern waterfront area. The work will be first prize in a raffle; proceeds will go to the fundraising drive.

Lawn noted that Fowler, who is 89, began to take a serious interest in sketching while serving with the RCAF in the Second World War. She indicated it is great to have an example of Fowler's unique and exceptional talent as part of the campaign.

A door-to-door letter drop will take place this month in Prescott. Volunteers of all ages are lined up to take part in the canvass aimed at increasing awareness of the library project and obtaining additional financial support from the community.

Never take railway safety for granted: police

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The importance of using caution at railway crossings and on or near rail lines cannot be underestimated, according to the OPP and CN Rail police.

Last week was National Railway Safety Week. To mark the occasion, the mangled remains of a pick-up truck hit by a slow-moving train were displayed in Maitland and Prescott on Thursday.

The pick-up truck had been struck by a train travelling at 30 kilometers an hour in Brockville several years ago. At the time of the collision, no one was inside the truck.

Constables Sam Masanotti and Ray Foster of the CN Police Service accompanied the display. Also on hand was Constable Gary Sluytman, community services officer with Grenville County OPP.

A motorist is 40 times more likely to be killed in a train-vehicle crash than in a two-vehicle collision.

Foster noted one-third of train-car collisions involve a vehicle running into the side of a train, which suggests the speed of the car or an inattentive driver might be major factors in those crashes.

More than 50 per cent of collisions occur at crossings with lights and bells.

It is important to "keep the learning cycle going," according to Masanotti. People of all ages need to be reminded of the risks associated with crossing rail lines or walking beside or on tracks.

Sluytman visited elementary schools in Prescott last week to talk to youngsters about railway safety.

The constable said he stresses not to play on or beside railway tracks.

Youngsters are told to stop, look and listen before crossing the tracks. If one train goes by, a person should wait for the bells and lights to stop and make sure there is not a train coming on another track.

To illustrate railway safety tips, Sluytman gives younger students a children's activity book published by Operation Lifesaver. Rover the Railway Rabbit and his friends learn important lessons about not playing near the tracks and not using rail lines or bridges as shortcuts.

Increased enforcement to cut down on trespassing and infractions at level crossings (such as speeding and going around activated warning arms) was also part of last week's safety campaign.

Garden club has a lot growing for it in 2005

By Barb Martin, President, Prescott Blossoms Garden Club

Prescott Blossoms may not have been funded in 2004, but that did not mean that all activity ceased. Under our new logo, created by local graphic artist Paul Boivin, we are ready for 2005.

Early last year, Astrid Strader, Sue O'Hanlon and several other committed volunteers, formed the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club, which is the volunteer arm to support Prescott Blossoms activities and to provide an ongoing vision and maintenance schedule for the 27 parks and green spaces located in Prescott that comprise over 80 acres in total.

There are currently more than 17 volunteer members of the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club and we are always looking for more.

The mission statement of the garden club, "To recognize and practice application of urban stewardship, to promote healthy ecosystems and a healthy community," has already been in practice for a year, and the results are amazing.

* The Churchill Road park berms are currently blossoming with a plethora of over 200 tulip bulbs planted by a local resident in memory of a friend and continue to be cared for by community volunteers;

* The Trotman Anchor Garden and the Daniels Parkette, planted in 2003 by Prescott Blossoms with assistance from the Coast Guard, BIA and Ontario Power Generation are beginning to bud and wake up and should look amazing this year;

* The Prescott Heritage River Trail, a joint project of Prescott Blossoms, the Town of Prescott and Parks Canada, is being made use of extensively as a walking trail and dog owners are using the "poop" stations plastic bags and garbage bins;

* The Rotary Lighthouse with its new white siding, prepared by Prescott Blossoms and installed by Prescott Rotary, gleams on our waterfront;

* The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, for which Prescott Blossoms provided the lighting, ushers, music and other help in its inaugural year is coming back for a third year;

* The Town Hall landscaping is undergoing a spring cleaning by community volunteers now and will be blossoming later this spring;

* The Fire Station gardens have emerged from their cover of snow looking wonderful and the fire hydrant fountain is ready to go; and

* The new berm planted last year at the corner of King and Water streets will be augmented this year with mulch and more plants and will present an inviting view from King Street.

These are but a few of the activities of the Prescott Blossoms and the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club over the past couple of years. Stay tuned to see what we have planned for this year!

Prescott Blossoms Garden Club has also set the schedule for green space clean-ups over the next six weeks as follows:

May 4, 6 pm ­ Prescott Town Hall front gardens

May 7, 11 am ­ Fertilizing Workshop at Canadian Tire (small fee)

May 7, 8 am ­ Fort Field and Heritage River trail ­ Prescott Cadets

May 11, 6 pm ­ Plant Welcome signs (west and north entrances)

May 14, 10 am ­ Plant/Shrub Information Workshop at O'Reilly's YIG (small fee)

May 18, 6 pm ­ King Street Planters (to be planted at the tennis courts)

May 24, 6 pm ­ Container Gardening Workshop - Walker House (small fee)

May 25, 6 pm ­ Trotman Anchor Garden ­ waterfront parking lot

If you would like to be part of the fun, contact Sue O'Hanlon at 925-1595 or Mike Laking at 345-0660, ext. 3179.

Creation of family health team will mean better access to care

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has announced the creation of a family health team with the aim of improving access to health care for residents of the South Grenville area.

In Leeds-Grenville, the area which will be served by the team includes the southeast and south-central areas. The southeast area includes Spencerville, Cardinal, Johnstown, Prescott, Roebuck and Shanly in the municipalities of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and part of Augusta.

The south-central area includes Brockville, Athens, Lyn, Toledo and other communities which fall in Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge and the south and east portion of Augusta.

The VON Southeast Leeds and Grenville family health team is one of the first batch of a total of 52 Family Health Teams and three community family health teams approved by the provincial government, which will serve more than 1.1 million patients in 55 communities across Ontario.

"The outcome is that more people (can) access health care," stated Ruth Kitson, executive director of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville branch of the VON. "Over 15,000 (people) in Leeds and Grenville have no physician." The amount of funding for the local initiative has not been announced. However, the Province of Ontario has earmarked $600 million for primary healthcare reform, which includes the family health team program.

Kitson stated the VON would be sitting down with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care sometime in the next several weeks. She added the VON will have a better idea of what services the family health team will be offering in the "next few months," with the program being solidified by fall. "(It's) not in stone yet," she added.

As part of the family health team initiative, the VON has asked for three more nurse practitioners. However, the exact details of the family health team and what services it will offer have not been solidified.

Kitson put forth a number of suggestions as to what the program could include. One of the suggestions she mentioned was the establishment of a "mobile unit" which would allow members of the family health team to go to smaller communities, to allow residents to access healthcare services.

A mobile unit would also help to further awareness about health issues to residents. "It would help (people) monitor their own health," explained Kitson.

She added 85 per cent of patients visiting the Winchester hospital emergency room (where a number of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal residents go) and 76 per cent of people who visit the emergency room at Brockville General Hospital are at a "triage four or five" level, levels which can effectively be dealt with by a physician or nurse practitioner.

The VON is also working with municipalities in the family health team's coverage area and seeking their input about the team. In addition, Kitson referred to two doctors - Dr. Thomas of Cardinal and Dr. Wagg of Brockville - who have expressed a strong desire to be involved in the decision-making process involving the family health team.

According to Kitson, the establishment of a family health team will help take the burden off emergency rooms being visited by people who don't have a family doctor.

Part of the reason the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville VON branch was selected as the delivering agency for the family health team is because of its current nurse practitioner program which was established in Dec. 2003. This program, which now serves more than 500 people out of the VON's nurse practitioner site in the Towne Centre Plaza in Brockville, is still accepting patients. "People don't have to wait (until the family health team is established) if they don't have a doctor," stated Kitson.

Their nurse practitioner program is available primarily for patients who don't currently have a family physician.

Tony Judd of Liberal MPP Leona Dombrowsky's constituency office in Napanee stated the family health teams and community family health teams announced in April is the first wave of the McGuinty government's establishment of a total of 150 family health teams over the next three years. Dombrowsky, the regional minister for Eastern Ontario, made the family health team announcement on behalf of Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman on April 15.

Smart meter plan is a dumb idea, RSL advises councils

PRESCOTT ­ A rumour about yet another change to the way Ontario's electricity sector is run has prompted municipal officials to act.

At the request of Rideau St. Lawrence (RSL) Utilities, the councils of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal and Prescott voted Monday night to call on Premier Dalton McGuinty to scrap reported plans to create a new corporation which would operate a so-called smart meter plan throughout the province. Smart meters let utility customers know how much electricity they are using at certain times of the day. The purpose is to promote energy conservation by getting people to use less electricity during peak demand periods.

RSL, which is owned primarily by the municipalities of Prescott, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal, South Dundas and Westport, is opposed to the rumoured proposal. Hugh George, Prescott's representative on the RSL board, told town council the move would be detrimental to the local utility. Creating a new corporation and placing it between RSL and customers would take away the meter business (and the profits it can generate) from RSL and reduce the value of the municipality's investment in the company, according to George. He also questioned whether or not a province-wide agency for smart meters would end up being more efficient than the existing set-up.

"I believe you should be very concerned about this initiative," he said.

George commented it is unfortunate local utilities and municipalities are having to act based on a rumour. However, he added there have been strong indications the premier's office would announce the change on Wednesday (today), which is why municipal councils were being asked to lobby the government on short notice.

Local distribution companies, the Ontario Energy Board and the provincial energy ministry are all opposed to the rumoured smart meter plan in the works, according to George.

Paying tribute to Maitland volunteers

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

MAITLAND ­ The Maitland Education and Recreation Corporation (MERC) continues to salute local volunteers.

The community group hosted its annual volunteer appreciation dinner and handed out its Volunteer of the Year Award Friday night at MERC Hall.

The organization also acknowledged the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its grant which enabled the organization to renovate the kitchen at the community hall.

About 50 people attended the event.

Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was on hand to present a plaque which notes the financial support of Trillium. In 2003, the provincial agency agreed to provide a grant of $25,000 for kitchen work.

The foundation receives $100 million per year from Ontario's charity casinos; with that money, Trillium provides grants to community groups and non-profit organizations.

The original bare-bones kitchen was part of the original hall built more than 20 years ago. Moira Taylor, a past-president of MERC, noted there are many individuals and businesses which helped make the kitchen project a success. It could not have happened without everybody's participation, Taylor added.

The MPP said he toured both the new kitchen and the main course for the evening, adding "they're both terrific."

Runciman also noted the overall effort made by members of the Maitland community.

"Volunteers make a difference," the MPP remarked.

Master of ceremonies Geoff Noyes echoed those sentiments. He said he has had a lot of fun volunteering during his eight years in Maitland, adding the community is a special place thanks to all the people who pitch in with recreation programs and social events.

"We certainly couldn't do it without you," he said.

Noyes said there were a lot of worthy candidates for the Volunteer of the Year award. Clarke stood out for the "ton of work" she has done for the community, he added.

In addition to donating her time at teen dances and as a board member, Clarke also volunteers at Maitland Public School and is active with mentoring programs and the Girls Guides, for which she serves as district commissioner.

Clarke, who received a plaque and a gift, said she is honoured and flattered to receive the award. Looking around the room, she noted there are thousands of volunteer hours represented by the people attending the dinner.

Her family is fortunate to have taken part in various recreational and other activities since moving to Maitland 19 years ago, Clarke noted.

"I just feel so privileged to live here," she commented.

BPH hosts Mental Health Week events today, tomorrow

BROCKVILLE ­ Special events is being held at Brockville Psychiatric Hospital (BPH) to mark Mental Health Week, May 2­8.

The theme of this year's week is "Practise mind and body fitness." The mental health and addictions resource centre at BPH (located on County Road 2 on the eastern outskirts of Brockville) is hosting free events which are open to the public.

Today (Wednesday) at 6 pm in the staff dining room of the main administration building, singer/entertainer Lisa Leveque and comedian Wayne Pratt will show how humour and music are two elements of a happy and healthy life in "Laughter is the Best Medicine."

There are two events tomorrow (Thursday). At 1:30 on the south side of the fountain in front of BPH, the Memorial Iris Garden will be officially opened. The garden has been planted in honour of individuals whose lives were lost prematurely because of mental illness.

A session on relaxation and stress reduction techniques will take place at 6:30 pm in the education training room in the administration building. The session will be led by Donna Wilson, founder/director of the Healing Arts Centre & Yoga Studio in Brockville.

For more information, call 345-1461, ext. 2538.

A true story spun into a good novel

BOOK REVIEW by Joyce Morris

The Convict Lover
by Merilyn Simonds
350 pages

Nothing fuels the excitement of romance as much as the element of taboo. Add to a romance, fantasy and anticipation nurtured by smuggled letters and sudden disappearances, and you have a winning formula for suspense and perhaps a hint of dread.

Based on a true story secret exchange of love letters (found by author Merilyn Simonds in a Kingston attic), between a young, religious and ailing woman and a wily convict in the Kingston Penitentiary, this novel is more than just a romance.

The author skillfully weaves pages of political, social and economical research into the plot giving us an understanding of the Canadian justice system as it was in the 1920s. About as political as it is today. The historical aspect of the book is what makes it such a good read. Without it, the repetitious and domestic writings between the two lovers wouldn't hold our attention for long even though Ms. Simonds is good at throwing curves into the otherwise static plot. Letters go astray, people notice things, the family puts pressure on the young girl, the convict gets into occasional trouble in the jail and disappears, the girl gets ill and withdraws thinking she's being punished. Will they be discovered we wonder?

The penitentiary and the immediate area of Portsmouth was a world onto itself. It is operated like a huge factory employing and involving every soul surrounding it. As juxtaposition to this effect the author uses newspaper clippings of Canadian and world events to say, "look this is happening outside this world of the gaol." It is a good contrast and gives us relief from the claustrophobic buildings and quarry. Ms Simonds blends these 'breaks' into the story quite successfully but there are a couple obvious "research tracts" thrown in which are out of context. For example, we are suddenly, without being led into it, given a half-page description of a movie starring Lillian Gish who was a popular Canadian movie starlet at the time the story took place. One sentence at the end tied it to the girl's feelings of being cloistered while Gish enjoys such freedom but nowhere in the book do we get the idea that this is a girl who would have attended such a movie. It would have been against her religious allowances.

Of particular interest to Eastern Ontario readers is the description of the penitentiary itself and the quarry on the north side that provided work for the inmates. Driving through Portsmouth today we still get a sense of dark, looming, heavy closed off places. Readers may not know that when it was first in operation there were numerous trade booths and workshops within the jail. Not only did these shops provide numerous needed articles for the inmates they were also suppliers to the government. Garments, leather goods, upholstered items, uniforms, furniture all made their way into government supply.

However, it was cutting rock in the quarry that kept the men occupied year in and year out.

It was in the quarry that the two "letter" lovers found a place to exchange correspondence over a year and a half. The girl gets pulled into buying contraband for the convict and stashing it in the quarry. She struggles with her Calvinistic conscience and beliefs but since she felt she was at death's door most of the time, she decided it was no sin to help another human being. Besides, the letters from him made her feel good and she was convinced they would meet when he got out. He told her so.

It didn't turn out that way but we aren't surprised. The convict does his time, disappears and the girl stays within her family circle, never marries and lives in Portsmouth until her death in 1986. A true story spun into a good novel.

Merilyn Simonds will be at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Library, Spencerville Branch, on May 18 at 7 pm. The Convict Lover and several of her other novels will be available for purchase at this gathering.

Prescott BIA to conduct AGM this Thursday night

PRESCOTT ­ The annual general meeting of the Prescott BIA will take place this Thursday, May 5 at 7 pm at Cup After Cup, 179 King St. W.

In addition to the election of a new board of directors and the selection of a chairperson, there will be discussions on a BIA manager, flower pots and beds at welcome signs, Harbour Days and the July 30 appearance by the OPP Golden Helmets.

Also on the agenda for Thursday night's meeting will be a review of the BIA budget and an overview of the downtown Prescott revitalization study which is under way.

All members of the downtown business improvement area are encouraged to attend.

North Channel Cemetery book to be launched soon

JOHNSTOWN ­ A new book about the North Channel Cemetery will be introduced next weekend.

Let the Stones Speak, written by Sandra Robertson and published by the Grenville County Historical Society, will be launched at a gathering to be held Sunday, May 15 from 2 to 4 pm at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown.

The comprehensive book tells the story of this early Grenville County burial ground located east of Johnstown.

Robertson spent many hours researching the stories of each family buried at North Channel.

The book includes photographs of each stone at the cemetery.

There is also a "Relationships" section of the book which shows how the people buried there are connected to each other.

Girls Incorporated Dream Auction is this Saturday

BROCKVILLE ­ The 2005 Dream Auction will take place this Saturday at the 1000 Islands Mall.

In addition to the live auction (which will be broadcast on Cogeco TV), the 12th annual fundraiser for Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.) of Upper Canada will include a silent auction.

Among the hundreds of items up for bid are a Caribbean cruise, plasma TV and golf and gift packages.

Girls Inc. offers one-on-one mentoring, birth companion, economic literacy and other programs to girls and young women in the region that includes South Grenville.

For more information, contact Carol Vandertol at 345-3295 or Elizabeth Healy at 345-5747 or visit the Web site: www.girlsinc-uppercanada. org.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I just feel so privileged to live here."

MERC Volunteer of the Year Susan Clarke, commenting on being a resident of Maitland

Portraits of the Past

Editor's Notebook

REGION NEEDS SEED MONEY TO GROW: As much as we would rather not see the future of Eastern Ontario's economy depend primarily on government handouts and make-work projects, the region is not exactly in a position to turn down whatever it can get from the province.

We have given credit to the federal government for following through on its pledge to create an economic development fund exclusive to Eastern Ontario and commit a second year of funding to the program.

Progressive Conservative MPPs in Eastern Ontario are calling on the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty to create a regional program in this area similar to one already in place in the northern part of the province. Although we must note the Tories did not see fit to establish a heritage fund for Eastern Ontario when they were in power, we support the intent of the private member's bill put forward by Norm Sterling (who used to represent the Prescott area at Queen's Park).

It would be nice if the two senior levels of government could get together regionally on economic development as they do with infrastructure; in the absence of such a partnership, a separate provincial fund overseen by people from Eastern Ontario could give this region some of the backing it needs in order to secure a viable economic future in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

No one wants the east to be viewed as an economic basket-case in constant need of propping-up by governments. All that is being asked for is seed money with which Eastern Ontario can grow a diverse and self-sufficient business sector which does not rely on Queen's Park or Parliament Hill for its survival.

CAT FIGHT COULD BE MOOT: It is no surprise emotions ran high at a recent discussion on cat licensing that took place at town hall. When it comes to pets, governments must walk a fine line between addressing legitimate animal control issues and infringing on the rights of owners whose dogs or cats are like members of the family.

As is the case in other areas of municipal regulations, enforcement is a key issue. A town or township must be prepared to act on its own bylaws. Just having something written down for use in a worst-case scenario is not the answer, especially for something like dog and cat licensing and control which tend to generate a lot of complaints and enforcement issues. At this time, the town does not have a bylaw enforcement officer (although there are plans in the works).

Whether or not Prescott or any other municipality in the region should enact cat licensing is up to councils to decide. All we suggest is there is no point creating a bylaw unless a commitment to enforce its provisions goes with it.

Tim Ruhnke

Sorry I am unable to attend your event, but I'm dead

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

As someone who is somewhat familiar with the subject of losing one's hair, I understand the effect it can have on an individual. Losing hair because of illness can be traumatic, but giving some or all of it up by choice can also be an emotional thing.

In two recent cases, people in South Grenville parted with their locks as a show of support for others. The large group of Casco workers and friends of Jeff Allen who had their heads shaved recently performed a selfless act that gave financial and emotional support to a local family dealing with cancer. Jackie Coville had her long hair cut so it can be used to make wigs for youngsters who lost their own locks to illness. She also collected money for the charitable group that has the wigs made. In fact, it appears her actions might have prompted at least one other person to do the same thing. As Jackie noted, individuals, businesses and service clubs came through with their own support of her initiative.

These two stories show how volunteerism can come in many different forms. Giving up one's hair is truly a selfless act, which is what volunteering is supposed to be all about.

* * *

I'd like to think John Morris would have had a chuckle over this. Not too long ago, a letter inviting John to take part in a gathering of local authors was received. The event would include readings by many of the writers. I believe the format was something that might interest John ­ that is, if he were still alive.

What was surprising was the name and signature at the bottom of the letter. Given who the person is, the position he holds and the business he was in, it is somewhat disconcerting to think he was unaware of John's demise.

It's the kind of situation I suspect John would have enjoyed. He probably would have wanted us to send the organizer John's regrets for not being able to attend.

* * *

I am sure many pedestrians in the Edward Street corridor are pleased the town has constructed a sidewalk north of Churchill Road and installed functioning crosswalks, but there is one little glitch which needs to be addressed. The push-button system at Churchill Road needs some help. At least two of the buttons do not activate a change of signals, and one of the buttons is gone. There is no point in having a nice new sidewalk if walkers do not have a safe way to get to it from the other side of the street.

By the way, for the two or three motorists who haven't figured out the trick to get the lights to change if your vehicle is stopped behind the white line in the left-turn lane on Churchill at Edward, here it is: move forward past the white line. A vehicle stopped behind the line will not hit the sensor which activates the traffic signals.

Chick Kirkby to be roasted at little league fundraiser: 1985

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 1, 1985

* Voters in the Prescott area and throughout Ontario will be going to the polls tomorrow to elect a new provincial government. Two-term Carleton-Grenville MLA Norm Sterling of the Progressive Conservatives is being challenged by Liberal candidate Dan Maxwell and Alan White of the New Democrats.

* It appears many residents of Prescott would prefer to see a provincial grant of $895,000 for waterfront development used to reduce the municipality's share of the bill for a new water filtration plant. In a letter to the editor, Gregory Adams wonders if the recent announcement (which was made during the election campaign) is a political plum or an insult to PUC customers. "Although Mayor Lawn graciously accepted the near million dollars, she should have told Premier Frank Miller the money will be put towards the proposed plant to ease the burden on our senior citizens and those on fixed incomes with other bills to pay," Adams writes.

* Well-known local sports figure Chick Kirkby will be roasted by his friends at an appreciation night to be held later in the month at South Grenville District High School. Proceeds from the event will go to minor baseball and the creation of a fund for construction of a little league diamond.

* A commemorative plaque honouring the former Prescott High School has been placed into a wall at the Dibble Street municipal building. The plaque, engraved on a slab of granite by Charlie Bowers, was dedicated by alumni during the 1984 reunion. The two schools operated from 1894 to 1930 and 1932 to 1958.

* Members of the Cardinal Fish and Game Club, in association with the Ministry of Natural Resources, have harvested 400,000 pickerel eggs from the Cornwall area and transported them to the Cardinal area where they are being hatched and the young are being released. Twenty thousand of the fry will be raised in a shallow pond dug at the rifle range last fall. Club President Donald Towsley and ministry biologist Mike Hart indicated fewer yellow pickerel have been spawning locally, a situation which might have been caused by disruption of natural spawning grounds resulting from construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway nearly 30 years ago.

If only we took politics as seriously as we take Bertuzzi's suspension

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

Last week, Todd Bertuzzi went to New York to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to be reinstated into what was once the NHL.

So why is this important? Simple. Canadians as a whole care a heck of a lot more about Todd Bertuzzi and his attack on Steve Moore than they do about which crooked politicians were hooked up with which crooked French Canadian ad executives.

I won't be so trite as to say the Bertuzzi incident changed my life in any way. Things like Columbine and September 11th and Karla Homolka change your life. But the Bertuzzi incident did open my eyes as a writer. My take on the incident, which I wrote about in my weekly column for ESPN.com, earned me my first actual death threats as a columnist. I realized then that people are way too into their fantasy hockey teams.

It happened on March, 2004, and I had to file my column that night from the west coast as I was off to Indiana the next morning. Everybody knew something was going to happen that night. In a previous game, Moore, a fourth line rookie for the Avalanche, had lined up Canucks captain Markus Naslund and more or less digitally remastered him. The hit was, in the opinion of most officials, legal. But it was unnecessary and it broke a code where a drone doesn't unnecessarily lay out a superstar away from the play. Naslund suffered a concussion.

Heading into that Monday night rematch in Vancouver, it was payback time. There was big talk of a bounty being placed on Moore's head. Moore got into a fight early in the game, but it wasn't a big fight and it was hardly a score settler. Avs coach Tony Granato assumed it was, but Todd Bertuzzi was not satisfied. Late in the third period, with the score at somewhere around 8-1 or 9-1 for Colorado, Steve Moore was out on the ice and Bertuzzi tried to pick a fight with him. Moore ignored him, and that's when Bertuzzi lost it and ragdolled him face first into the ice from behind.

So I wrote what I saw and how I interpreted it for the hundreds of thousands of ESPN.com readers. Within an hour of the column going live, it was clear that people were much more passionate about what happened than anyone would have guessed.

Some people reading the column assumed I was sticking up for Bertuzzi and trying to justify what he did. I did not stick up for him in any way. I wrote that the blame for the incident should include Bertuzzi and also extend beyond him. But when people get passionate and their buttons are pushed, they see everything black and white and respond without thinking.

I blamed Granato for the incident and called him out. What was he thinking putting a guy out on the ice with a bounty on his head when you are up by eight goals in the other team's barn? Granato of all people should know about "the code", as I pointed out that he once served a 15-game suspension for lumberjacking Neil Wilkinson on a payback for a cheap shot. Granato hung Steve Moore out to dry and should have been fired immediately. He endangered the life of his player, though not intentionally.

Then there was Andrei Nikolishin. On the video clip when you see it, he is the third guy in. My instant reaction and what I still believe after seeing the clip several hundred times analyzing it is that Nikolishin, Moore's teammate, broke Moore's neck when he dogpiled onto Bertuzzi and Moore. If you look at TSN.ca and find the story they did on Bertuzzi last week in the archives, take a good look at the photo that goes with the story. It is a CP shot taken just when Nikolishin dives on both players and you can literally see how the dive drove Moore's face into the ice. What on earth was Andrei Nikolishin thinking?

There were also complaints that the referee lost control of the game. If that's the case, why isn't he being singled out?

More than 500 e-mails poured into my inbox over the next few days. They were extremely negative or positive with no grey area at all, and they were literally split 50-50 down the middle.

Then there were the death threats. "If I ever see you I will break your neck and see how you like it. Steve Moore was lucky and he lived. You won't be that lucky."

That was the first one and it kind of messed up my head for a few days. Then, you realize that someone who sends an unsigned threat and then cancels their hotmail account is more likely to spend their time in their parents' basement reading Star Trek novels and looking for naked girls on the Internet than they would be plotting an attack on you.

We will still try to push buttons and trigger reactions from you, and I am surprised each week as we go through our letters that people are more concerned with skateboard parks, pesticides and gay marriage laws than they are about the Gomery Inquiry.

This goes back to my original point. We care more about Todd Bertuzzi's suspension than we do about the worst political scandal in Canadian history.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Council should get its priorities straight

The Editor;

I am not naturally a person to kick a man when he is down or to criticize a particularly inept town council, but the news in this week's Journal lit my fire!

On Page 3 is the story of the proposed overpass improvement and the refinishing of Edward Street. What happened to the refinishing of Churchill Road started a couple of years ago? Also, the north end of Boundary up into Kingston Crescent, which has been severely weakened?

I challenge the mayor, engineer and town council members to drive that way and not be horrified with the state of the road surface. Sending a public works truck with a few shovels full of asphalt is not the answer. After a few cars have driven over the plugged holes, the filling has disappeared altogether! A total waste of time and money.

It is high time council got its priorities straight, especially now during all the talk of "town refurbishment."

Peter Matassa
Prescott

He should give poetry a pass

The Editor;

Dear Jeff,

As a rule we enjoy what you write

Showing different perspectives brings issues to light

And while we may not always agree with your views

It is your right to give your opinion of the news

It is with great regret that I write this letter

(Goodness knows my own rhyming is no better!)

So have mercy on us, we beg on our knees-

Spare us from any future poetry, please!

Julie Larose
Prescott

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Algonquin is one of 10 elementary schools selected to present their specialized programming initiatives during Education Week.

During the past three years, Algonquin staff have developed literacy programming, helping students learn language basics and build strong foundations for future successes. This three-component resource support program is being showcased in the UCDSB's Celebration of Learning by the leadership team of Wenda Taylor (literacy co-ordinator), Margot Snow (resource teacher), Julianne Grenkie (junior teacher) and Patricia Mayer (principal).

One component targets mastery of sounds, letters and high-frequency words needed as a base during the early years. Another provides intensive one-on-one practice with a variety of reading strategies to build reading comprehension. While all components are targeted at primary years, the Essential Skills computer programs are also being used to reinforce skill-building at all ages. Individual student progress is tracked, benchmarks set and next steps planned.

Staff are extremely proud of the students' progress and are keen to share their successes.

Boundary Street Public School: Primary students have worked throughout the spring to prepare for their Loonie-Toonie Plant Sale to be held Friday, May 6 during morning and afternoon recesses. Funds raised will be used in the grade one/two class and two/three classrooms.

Members of student council have organized this week's Spirit Week. Activities are as follows: Monday ­ Crazy Hair Day; Tuesday ­ Celebrity Day; Wednesday ­ Crazy Hat/Hat Day; Thursday ­ Pajama Day; Friday ­ Twin Day. Everyone is encouraged to have fun, be creative and show school spirit.

The school council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 10 has been postponed as members will be attending a meeting at SGDHS that evening.

The library is hosting a Panorama book fair. It will be open Monday to Thursday this week during recesses and lunch.

Hot lunch this Friday is pizza.

St. Mark Catholic School: Welcome to Catholic Education Week as we celebrate in many ways the theme "Being the Body of Christ."

Each day has a special meaning for us. On Monday, we celebrated being the mind of Christ; Tuesday, we celebrated being the heart of Christ.

Today, we celebrate being the face of Christ. On Thursday, we celebrate being the voice of Christ, and we celebrate being the hands and feet of Christ on Friday.

Each day, the appropriate body part is added to a special mural in the hallway celebrating "Being the Body of Christ."

This Thursday is World Catholic Education Day. We will also hold a BBQ and spring concert on Thursday; the BBQ starts at 5 pm in our back yard. Parents are asked to bring their lawn chairs; the concert will begin at 6 pm.

On Friday afternoon, our students will take part in Jump Rope for Heart.

Hot lunch this week is chicken chunks.

Recipe collection will reflect quite a variety of local tastes

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

We have been collecting favourite recipes. We hope to reflect a variety of dishes from various kitchens.

There will be meat and veggie recipes as well as desserts. We hope to have those comfort recipes your children liked or you liked as a child. Small-quantity recipes are welcome as well as those for larger groups. It would be especially good if we could have at least one recipe from each household on our membership list. You can call 925-5300 for more details or drop off your recipe at the office.

The spring cleaning of the kitchens will take place next Wednesday at 9:30 am. We will have a light lunch when we finish. All help is welcome. We need cleaners, helpers and a supervisor or two, so please let me know if you can come.

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge ­ 1st, Barb Martin; 2nd, Charlie Steiner; door, Ann Lindsay. Fun bridge ­ Joan Salmon. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Charlie Steiner. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Jessie Shaver and Yvonne Crawford; 3rd, Micheline Cook; door, Gladys Somerville.

Township council considers water and sewer rate hikes for next year

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - In the Environmental Services/Public Works Committee minutes from April 20, it was noted that since council had not increased the flat rates for water and sewer in the village of Cardinal the past two years, there will no doubt have to be an increase in the municipal levy.

Mayor Peggy Taylor noted there could be no change to the water and sewer rates without first having a public meeting, which council is looking at holding in June.

Taylor indicated there are many things expected to be brought up at the public meeting, including other systems which would better reflect a user-pay system.

"Right now you don't pay by volume," said Taylor. "The people who have homes and businesses worth more right now have to pay more than those which don't cost as much. A family of five using more water in a cheaper home is paying less than an older person living alone in an expensive home, who wouldn't use nearly as much water. It doesn't reflect water and sewer usage."

The mayor explained nothing could be done for this year, but council will look into this in the future.

"We can't do anything until there's a public meeting, so we'll look at it again for next year and check out all options out there."

Cameron tells his council colleagues about cats running at large in Cardinal

SPENCERVILLE - Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron noted to council at its Monday meeting he had received multiple requests to mention at the council table the problem with cats running at large in Cardinal.

Cameron said the concerned citizens indicated people were just letting their cats run around loose in the village and are hoping council will take measures to make the public aware the township has a bylaw on the books regarding not just cats but animals running stray in the township.

The councillor suggested possibly inserting a copy of the bylaw in with the tax bills. Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated the township should talk to its Web master about highlighting part of the bylaw on the township's Web site to feature.

Support the mill by taking part in Canoe Poker Run

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville Mill Foundation's Canoe Poker Run sets sail this Saturday, May 7.

Registration for the event on the South Nation River is at 10 am at the starting point near O'Hagen's Bridge on County Road 18.

Prizes will be drawn at 12:30 pm at the mill. Proceeds for the event go to the mill.

Clock Tower Park plans are progressing

SPENCERVILLE - It was noted in the Parks and Recreation Committee minutes at Monday's regular council meeting plans for the Clock Tower Park were starting to move forward.

It was noted Parks and Recreation Manager Mike Spencer is going to discuss the plans with Mrs. Woodland who is making the donation.

The projected cost of the clock is $15,000, cast iron benches are $850, with a budget of $20,000 for the project. It was also noted paving stones were desired for the project.

It was noted Spencer is going to finalize costs before meeting again with Mrs. Woodland.

According to estimates from council they weren't sure when work on the project would commence, but indicated they expected it to take place this summer since they believed the family hopes to see it completed before the Spencerville Fair in September.

The clock tower is to be erected at the site of the former bank at the corner of Spencer and Centre streets.

Council makes note of being overlooked in MPP's release

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Township council got a chuckle from some wisecracks while reviewing correspondence at Monday's regular council meeting.

When it was noted the township received Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman's release regarding municipalities in his riding losing funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund program, council members were quick to voice their opinions.

Mayor Peggy Taylor noted she was pleased to see Mr. Runciman's release in the package, before Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron jumped in noting the township was overlooked by name from the list of municipalities which will lose funding in the riding.

The release listed the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Brockville, Augusta, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Merrickville-Wolford and Augusta by name as examples of where provincial funding will be lost.

Mayor Taylor quickly quipped "He (Runciman) probably still thinks we're part of Prescott."

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School: In April, students were recognized for being patient and tolerant. Claire Rylands, Keith Taylor, Keyra Tristram, Brittany Simzer, Thomas Carrothers, McKenzie Gill, Stephan Poaps and Christopher Sherman were all presented with special certificates at Friday's assembly for their outstanding behavior this past week.

The Grade 8 class is looking forward to its year-end activities. A car wash will be held May 21 at Schrader Automotive in Cardinal. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be barbecued and drinks will be available. Come out and support our students as they prepare to move on to the next phase of their lives.

Our magazine fundraiser was a huge success. Our top student was Curtis Patrick, and the class that sold the most was Mrs. Coe's grade 3-4 class. This class will get to share the giant chocolate bar. We raised more than $2,700. with this fundraising campaign. Congratulations to all those who participated.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Character development is a primary goal at SEPS. Students are engaged in many grade-level and school-wide activities that provide opportunities to learn and develop positive character traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

In April, we celebrated the trait "perseverance;" we congratulate our students on their commitment to working very hard to achieve a goal without giving up.

We kick off our chocolate bar fundraiser Friday. We do not intend for students to sell door-to-door, but rather to offer these chocolates to family and friends.

On Monday, May 9, we welcome the Heart and Stroke Foundation demo team for a demonstration of its skipping skills.

Hot lunch today is pizza.

Mike Spencer elected new president of South Grenville minor hockey

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association will have to find ways to be more fiscally responsible in order to keep registration fees as low as possible, according to its new president.

Mike Spencer was elected to the top post at the association's annual general meeting held last Wednesday at the Prescott Fire Hall. Spencer is a long-time referee-in-chief who has been involved in minor hockey for 30 years. The other presidential candidates were Elaine Whiteman and Mary Campbell.

The new president told The Journal he appreciates the support of the membership, adding he is committed to working on behalf of the entire organization.

"When I do something, I give 100 per cent," Spencer said.

Past-President Rose Williams was elected vice-president for the upcoming year.

Other members of the executive chosen last week include Colleen Heward (treasurer), Kelly Spencer (rules and discipline), John Sherman (ways and means), Joe Francica (hockey development), Carole Dubeau (equipment manager, Carolyn Mason (secretary/publicity) and Scott Davis (referee-in-chief).

The crowd at last week's AGM was larger than at many general meetings in recent years. More than 80 people attended the 2005 AGM.

On the agenda were 32 proposed amendments to bylaws and the association's constitution. After the chair of the meeting ruled several of the proposals illegal because they were not signed, members discussed and voted on the remaining amendments.

Among the proposals voted down at the AGM were a bid to add two positions (house league coaches rep and B rep/B house team coaches rep) to the executive and a plan to conduct two meetings annually at which players would be invited to express their ideas about the South Grenville association. Another rejected proposal would have seen the formal adoption of the red, white and blue New York Rangers colours for South Grenville; team jerseys and related clothing would have to have the official South Grenville colours and logo.

In a close vote, members voted in favour of a zero tolerance policy relating to physical and verbal abuse of coaches, other team officials, players, parents or executive members. However, the adoption of a "good sport code of conduct" to be signed by minor hockey members was defeated.

It appears 2004/2005 was not a successful year from a financial perspective. Estimated revenue and expenses show a loss of more than $25,500 compared to a modest surplus reported the previous year.

Spencer said the situation would have been even worse had it not been for the effort of long-time treasurer Paul LaBrash, who opted not to seek the position for another year. "He's done an outstanding job," the new president stated.

As for dealing with the deficit and increasing costs, Spencer said he would prefer to consider a small but consistent registration fee hike. Relying on profits from big tournaments is fine as long as they make money as they did in the past, he noted.

However, he agreed the goal of the association is to keep the cost to players' families as low as possible.

Giants rugby team falls in first games

PRESCOTT - It was a tough start to the season for the South Grenville Giants girls rugby team.

The Giants dropped its first two games of the season against two of the strongest teams in the league falling Friday at BCI 53-0 and then dropping a 63-0 decision to Gananoque Monday in Prescott.

Despite the two lopsided scores, Giants coach Shawn Saunders indicated the team is improving and starting to find their way.

"Those were the two toughest teams in the league and that's a pretty hard way to start the season," explained Saunders. "I really like the enthusiasm of our girls and the way our rookies are stepping up and making big strides. Each time they are out there, they get better. The one thing that is still holding us back is we need to get everyone working together as a team. Everyone just isn't on the same page yet."

Against the Trojans, South Grenville had little luck on offence as the Gananoque defence smothered the Giants and used its size advantage to gain key drives running though the South Grenville defence.

South Grenville will look to rebound from the tough start when it takes on the TISS Pirates Friday at 2:30 pm in Prescott. The Giants will then travel to Elgin Monday to take on the Rideau Lions at 1 pm.

SGDHS athletes have record-setting day at Bay of Quinte track meet

BELLEVILLE - The South Grenville Giants track and field team showed it is a force to be reckoned with at the Bay of Quinte meet April 29 in Belleville.

South Grenville, which took a team of 18 athletes to Belleville, managed to finish 11th out of 36 schools, setting high standards for the rest of their season.

"We were excited to see the kids perform so well through the bad weather," said Giants coach Mark Lewis. "I think this was an eye opener for a lot of people. All our kids did well and it's probably the best showing we've had in my two years here. It would have been nice to finish top 10, but we were really pleased."

The Giants put together a strong showing across the board with eight podium finishes, including four gold medals.

The Kamenz sisters (Zoe and Erika) led the South Grenville charge with Zoe Kamenz scoring a pair of gold medals in the midget girls shot put with a distance of 8.71 metres and in the midget girls discus with a throw of 24.19 metres, which broke a meet record by more than three metres. Zoe also finished seventh in the midget girls javelin with a distance of 17.73 metres.

Erika picked up where her sister left off by setting a new meet record in the junior girls long jump with a leap of 4.83 metres, which broke the old mark by 36 cm. She finished second by one centimetre to Allysha Chapman of Courtice in the junior girls triple jump, also breaking the previous meet record with a jump of 10.07 metres. Erika also managed a seventh place finish in the junior girls 100-metres with a time of 13.10.

Cory Alkerton led the charge for the boys with a pair of podium finishes in the midget boys throwing competitions.

Alkerton broke the meet record of 40.06 metres in the midget boys javelin with a toss of 40.36 metres to take gold. The midget athlete continued his strong showing at the meet with a second place finish in the midget boys shot put with a throw of 11.82 metres, and rounding out the day with a 10th place finish in the midget boys discus with a throw of 21.60 metres.

Sebastian Last also collected a gold medal for the Giants with a throw of 33.04 metres in the midget boys discus. Last also placed sixth in the midget boys javelin with a throw of 32.98 metres and seventh in the midget boys shot put at 11.18 metres.

South Grenville's other podium finish came from Jamie Froats, who ran a 13.38 in the midget girls 100 metres for second place. Froats also finished sixth in the midget girls long jump with a leap of 3.86 metres.

Grenville Christian College's most notable podium finish on the day was a silver medal in the junior boys pole vault competition where Alex VanVaerenberg broke the meet record of teammate Kevan Puddicombe at 3.15 metres by clearing 3.20 metres. TISS's Kyle Lawson then cleared 3.30 metres to take top spot. VanVaerenberg also finished 10th in the junior boys high jump clearing 1.55 metres.

Puddicombe also brought home a silver medal for the Lions clearing 3.60 metres in the senior boys high jump.

SGDHS golf team looking for veteran presence to lead

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants golf team is hoping for big things in its third season of Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association (LGSSAA) play.

The team consists of eight players and two alternates, with the top eight players on each team ranked and playing in foursomes of similarly ranked players. Two points are awarded for each player you finish ahead of in a foursome.

The Giants team has ranked, in order, its top eight golfers as, Braden Miller, Josh Rupert, Jeremy Boyd, Kyle Lavery, Mike Froom, Derrick Lavery, Julien Francis and Ryan Wynands, while Adam Patrick and Payton Williams have been named alternates.

Giants coach Kevin Devaney indicated the team is expected to bring a very veteran presence.

"Braden Miller should do pretty well this year," said Devaney. "He had a good year last year and he's a good golfer. He's played every year we've had a golf team as has (Josh) Rupert and Derrick (Lavery), so we'll have three third year players coming back for us."

The Giants travelled to Highland Golf Club in Brockville yesterday for the TISS host tournament. South Grenville will then travel to Nationview Golf Course on May 11 for the North Grenville tournament.

South Grenville will hold its tournament May 18 at Prescott Golf Club.

The Giants will play at a
yet-to-be-determined location for the St. Mary tournament
May 25 and will close the season with the LGSSAA tournament June 1.

South Grenville area results

Girls results

Midget girls 100m

2. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 13.38

Midget girls 400m

19. Charlene Smith, SGDHS, 1:20.43

Midget girls 1,500m

10. Liz Hooper, SGDHS,
5:54.28

Midget girls long jump

6. Jamie Froats, SGDHS,
3.86m

Midget girls shot put

1. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 8.71m

Midget girls discus

1. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 24.19m (meet record)

Midget girls javelin

7. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 17.73m

Junior girls 100m

7. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 13.10

34. Brittany Libby, SGDHS, 15.78

Junior girls 1,500m

17. Liz Hooper, SGDHS, 7:03.51

Junior girls long jump

1. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 4.83m (meet record)

Junior girls triple jump

2. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 10.07m

Senior girls high jump

8. Maggie Hutton, SGDHS, 1.40m

Boys results

Midget boys 1,500m

15. Mark Wynands, SGDHS, 5:22.56

Midget boys 100m hurdles

4. Kristian Knapp, SGDHS, 17.99

Midget boys shot put

2. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 11.82m

7. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 11.18m

Midget boys discus

1. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 33.04m

10. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 21.60m

Midget boys javelin

1. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 40.36m (meet record)

6. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 32.98m

Junior boys 100m

19. Mike Froom, SGDHS, 12.63

29. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 13.68

Junior boys 1,500m

5. Braeden Miller, SGDHS, 5:04.33

Junior boys 3,000m

11. Mark Wynands, SGDHS, 11:20.82

Junior boys high jump

10. Alex VanVaerenberg, GCC, 1.55m

Junior boys pole vault

2. Alex VanVaerenberg, GCC, 3.20m

Junior boys long jump

20. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 4.29m

Junior boys triple jump

9. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 9.93m

Junior boys javelin

18. Clayton Dunnington, SGDHS, 28.39m

19. Riley Perrin, SGDHS,
26.43m

Senior boys 100m

9. Peter Chui, GCC, 11.81

16. Jacob McGuire, SGDHS, 11.99

31. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 12.44

40. Daniel Lim, GCC, 12.65

40. Alvin Ng, GCC, 12.65

46. Chad Hyland, SGDHS,
13.02

Senior boys pole vault

2. Kevan Puddicombe, GCC, 3.60m

6. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 3.15m

Senior boys long jump

23. Jimmy Lock, GCC, 4.64m

Senior boys shot put

22. Kelvin Li, GCC, 7.65m

Senior boys discus

26. Kelvin Li, GCC, 14.71

St. Lawrence major novice Islanders capture tourney title

CARDINAL - The St. Lawrence major novice Islanders regional summer hockey team had a big couple of weeks capturing their host tournament April 23 at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

The Islanders opened the tournament with a 4-3 win over Casselman before defeating the Midway Mustangs (Westport/Smiths Falls) 6-2 in the semi-final.

In the final, St. Lawrence was on fire scoring a 10-0 victory over the Pro-Edge Stars.

On April 30, the Islanders travelled to Outaouais and advanced to the semi-final of the prestigious 16-team Outaouais tournament.

In the round-robin, St. Lawrence scored a 7-0 victory over Albany, a 4-1 victory over Dragon Laurentie (Montreal), a 3-1 victory over the host Outaouais and a 9-8 win over the Montreal Ice Storm to post a perfect 3-0 record.

The Islanders were able to nudge out the Upper Valley Vipers (Pembroke) in the quarter-final 6-5 before dropping a 6-1 decision to a strong Montreal Mission team in the semi-final. South Grenville's David Armstrong was named the most valuable player in the semi-final for his play in goal.

Members of the Islanders are goaltenders Armstrong and Jake Watson, defencemen, Jordan Greenway, Cameron Marsh, Josh VandeGlind, Jordan St. Louis, Nathan Gibson and Sean Rodee and forwards, Tanner Hummell, Tyler Young, Eric Cornell, Jordan Smail, Cole Merkley, Shane Woolsey, Ryan Moffit, Parker Richards and Aaron White. The team is coached by Mark Armstrong, and assistant coach Cahl Gerow.

PDSA soccer action to start May 16

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) is gearing up for the start of its season May 16 and 17.

PDSA President Rob Carr indicated parents will be receiving calls beginning this week from coaches letting them know which team their child will be playing on.

The league has 660 kids registered in the six age groups, which were redesigned to allow kids
to start soccer at an earlier age
and continue on past the age of 16.

The league features an Under-5 division which plays from 6 pm until 7:30 pm Tuesdays, an Under-7 division which plays Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm, an Under-9 division which plays Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, an Under-11 division which plays Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm, an Under-14 division which plays Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm and 7 pm and an Under-18 division which plays Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm and 7 pm.

The 2005 season is being dedicated to 35-year PDSA president and Prescott's Mr. Soccer, Tom Carr who passed away last year.

Rob Carr indicated the league is still in need of some assistance with coaches still needed for all age groups especially Under-18, and a few sponsors were still needed for the extra teams in the league this year.

Anyone registered who hasn't received a call by May 10 to inform them of their team should call Rob Carr at 925-1396 or Leanne Burton at 925-0782.

Leeds captures men's indoor soccer title

PRESCOTT - Leeds was able to hold on to capture the 2004-05 men's indoor soccer league regular season title April 20 at South Grenville District High School.

The team consisting of Jim Monagan, Gary Seymour, Eli Carrier, Matt Gladle, Mike Preston, Tony Readwin, Mike Oneil, Tim Waring and Elijah Finley captured the title with a 19-5 record on the season for 57 points, followed by Celtic in second place with a 17-7 record for 52 points.

On April 23, the league held its playoff tournament with the Celtic coming out on top of Real Madrid in a shootout after both teams ended tied 6-6 at the end of regulation. Wes Campeau scoring the winning goal on a penalty shot, while Alex Hermens made a save to give Real Madrid the title.

Real Madrid was made up of Campeau, Hermens, Danny Powers, Wade Mooney, Nick Hermens, Joey Visneski, Robbie Carr and Mark Spence.

Carrier was named the league's top keeper, while Rob Pyefinch was named the most improved player and Tim Sawyer won the Silver Boot as the points scoring leader with 124 points. Alex Hermens was named the league's most valuable player, with Brad Speck the runner up.

The league is based at South Grenville District High School and features players from Leeds and Grenville, with a few players from the outlying areas such as Ogdensburg, Kemptville and Smiths Falls.

Prescott Curling Club hands out annual awards

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club held its annual closing banquet April 16.

More than 60 members and guests attended the event with the team of Dan Cook, Laura Payne, Ian Bridger and Julie Bridger winning the club championship for a second consecutive year.

Mike Morris was named the club's volunteer of the year.

It was noted the club had another very successful season and expects to see all its members return in the fall.

Palliative care tourney set for September

BROCKVILLE - The Friends of the St. Vincent golf tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the Brockville Country Club.

Last year the tournament raised more than $92,000 bringing the 11-year total to $672,000.

The events will feature two shotgun starts at approximately 8 am and 1:15 pm. Those golfing in the morning can take advantage of a fully licensed afternoon cruise on the St. Lawrence River.

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

Senior games qualifying starts this week

PRESCOTT - The Ontario Senior Games Area B championship will begin its qualifying session this week.

Bid Euchre will be held at Club 85 in Brockville Thursday, May 5 starting at 10 am. Walker House will be hosting Bridge Friday, May 6 starting at 10 am.

The Prescott Legion will play host to darts qualifying Tuesday, May 10 starting at 10 am.

For more information, contact Jean at 658-2845 or Joanne at 348-1481.

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