VOL. 175, NO. 21~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ May 18, 2005

NEWS

Augusta council loses its second member this year

Councillor seat is open following resignation of Garry Ferguson

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - Garry Ferguson has resigned from Augusta council.

Ferguson, a township councillor since November of 2003, was contacted Monday by The Journal. When asked for the reason why he chose to resign from council, he stated "I can't really answer that."

Ferguson's resignation is the second resignation from Augusta council in less than four months. Deputy Reeve Doug Barton resigned in mid-January.

"It's just not my piece of cake, (that's) all I can say," Ferguson added.

Ferguson resigned from council last Tuesday. He said he called the township office that day indicating his resignation, and took in a letter of resignation to the office last Wednesday.

Of council, Ferguson said "I don't think there's leadership there." Ferguson also said "I'm retired, (I've) got lots at home to do," adding he has a small woodcutting business which has been "really busy" this year.

Ferguson also stated, he was contacted by Councillor Pauline Cyr following his resignation, and visited by Reeve John McCrea on Friday.

Ferguson believes Cyr and McCrea were surprised at his resignation.

Reeve McCrea told The Journal he was made aware of Ferguson's resignation last Tuesday night. "I'm disappointed for the township. (Ferguson) knew the township from one end to the other in a practical sense - he had the history of the township," McCrea said.

Ferguson is a former roads superintendent in Augusta.

McCrea added he did not know of the reason for Ferguson's resignation. He also said he hadn't read the resignation letter, but understood that Ferguson "didn't throw any bricks" in the letter.

When asked whether or not he anticipated difficulty in filling the councillor position, McCrea said "No, I don't think so."

McCrea said no special meeting had been called to address the vacancy, but stated that at a finance and administration committee meeting at which the upcoming budget was discussed last Wednesday afternoon he thought council "pretty much agreed" the appointment should go to the person who was "next in line" (had the next highest number of votes) for councillor in the last election, which is Carol Stephenson.

However, he added "It's entirely up to council's prerogative" as to how to fill the vacancy.

When Barton resigned in January, council decided to appoint the person who got the next highest number of votes for the position in the 2003 election (Bill Buckler,) rather than holding an election to elect a new person to the position or appointing someone else from the township.

THIS WEEK

Victoria Day prompts usual holiday closures

The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed on Victoria Day (Monday, May 23). Regular office hours return Tuesday, May 24.

The deadline for display and classified advertising for next week's edition of The Prescott Journal is this Friday, May 20 at noon.

Banks, government offices, Canada Post and most stores will also be closed on Victoria Day.

Sunday service marks anniversary of VE Day

PRESCOTT A ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day will take place on Sunday, May 22 at the cenotaph at Fort Wellington.

The service of remembrance and thanksgiving to note the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945 will begin at 2 pm. A parade will leave Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion at about 1:40.

The public is invited to attend.

All aboard the model train open house

PRESCOTT The Leeds and Grenville Model Railroaders will host an open house this Saturday, May 21 from 10 am to 2 pm above Doyle's on King Street West.

See model trains on display and in action on two large layouts.

Admission is free; everyone is welcome to attend.

Heritage river trail is site of CHEO walk

PRESCOTT The Walk for CHEO will take place Sunday, May 22 at 1 pm at Prescott's Heritage River Trail just east of the marina.

This is the second year in Prescott for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario fundraiser.

Pledge sheets are available at Round 2 on King Street West. For more information on the Walk for CHEO, call Cynthia at 925-3054.

Chamber of Commerce meets today at noon

JOHNSTOWN This month's meeting of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will take place today (Wednesday, May 18) at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant.

Chamber of Commerce directors are reminded lunch meetings are now being held on the third Wednesday of each month instead of Thursdays.

The local business organization has a membership of about 150. In addition to representing its members, the Chamber of Commerce contributes to community projects through special fundraising activities.

Rain fails to dampen spirits at Kids Day event in Prescott

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The rain on Saturday didn't stop the Kids Day staged by Prescott Family Chiropractic on Prescott's waterfront from being a great success,

Approximately 400 people attended the event at the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour, which included dental screenings, fingerprinting, vision testing, and fire safety, among other presentations from community organizations. In addition, Kids Day included face painting and free refreshments for people who attended.

Donna Gilson, office manager of Prescott Family Chiropractic, stated she was amazed with the excellent turnout for the event. "People were prepared for the weather," she stated.

Gilson added the event, which focused on children's health and safety, was started 11 years ago by chiropractors in the U.S and is now in 40 different locations worldwide, including the U.S. Australia and New Zealand.

She added the good turnout showed parents were "interested in safety."

Parent Kim Holmes of Johnstown believed the event was "very valuable to the community and to children," and added for herself, getting her kids pictures done by the OPP was particularly important. She also said the information provided by the event was useful.

However, Holmes also mentioned an important aspect of the event was that it was fun for children. "They're having fun, that's what's important," she stated.

Another parent, Phil Burton, said "I think it's (Kids Day) pretty good." However, he also stated "Is society this bad (that we) have to fingerprint a six-year old... I just hope it's not necessary."

Burton, who lives in Prescott, added it was obvious "a lot of work" had been put into the day, and that his children particularly enjoyed the balloons and refreshments. "There's nothing better than free cake and balloons," he said.

Dr. Gauri Shankar, whose Prescott Family Chiropractic sponsored the event, said the turnout was "fantastic" despite the rain. He was also quick to credit the estimated 40 volunteers who volunteered their time at the event. "(We've had) some great community involvement," he stated. "We sent them (businesses and organizations involved) a letter explaining what we were doing, everybody jumped on board."

Brent Norton, fire prevention officer with the Prescott Fire Department, also believed the day was worthwhile. "We try to drill home to people, (fire) can happen anywhere, anytime," he stated.

He also said that, through talking to children at the event, many children were already aware of fire safety and prevention. "We teach them young," he said.

During the event, Shankar also presented a cheque for $2,500 to the Food For All Food Bank in Prescott. The money was raised through a series of sponsorships from businesses.

In addition, three people were acknowledged with "Child Empowerment Awards" presented by Shankar. These awards are given to people for their dedication to children's health and safety and who have made a difference in the community. The winners were Dr. Jim Holmes, Candy Alexander and Constable Holly Howard of the OPP.

Shankar, who learned about "Kids Day International" while at a conference in Colorado in November 2004, paid special tribute to Gilson, who had the biggest hand in organizing the day. "She worked 10 weeks (planning the event,) he stated.

Harbour Days will make quite a splash this holiday weekend

Set sail for the many events and activities in Prescott on the Victoria Day weekend

By Tim Ruhnke. Journal Editor

PRESCOTT The unofficial start to the 2005 summer season is just around the corner.

Harbour Days 2005, Prescott's Victoria Day weekend festival, will combine many annual and returning events with a few new elements.

For example, new to this year's Harbour Days is a community bonfire to kick off Harbour Days this Friday at 8 pm at Centennial Park.

Saturday includes everything from a medieval fair at St. John's Anglican Church to a sidewalk sale in the downtown core. The clock tower area will feature the usual Saturday morning selection at the Prescott farmers market as well as special tables and activities.

A boat flotilla will hit the water Saturday night at about 8 pm. The parade will start after the cannon at Fort Wellington is fired; the boats, some of which are expected to have lights and decorations, will make their way from one end of town to the other. Saturday also marks the opening of the fort's 2005 season.

On Sunday, the Legion will once again be hosting a breakfast and barbecue dinner. There will also be the annual outdoor church service at the amphitheatre and blessing of the harbour as well as a free concert in the afternoon.

A special ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of VE Day will take place at the cenotaph at Fort Wellington at about 2 pm.

Monday is for children at Harbour Days. The annual soap box derby will take place in the morning on the George Street hill north of King Street.

Also in the morning, Invista games will take place near the amphitheatre, which will play host once again to the teddy bear picnic. Other activities for youngsters will be held nearby; free lunch for the kids will be served.

In the event of rain, many of the children's day activities will be moved from the waterfront area to the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

There will also be free boat rides courtesy of the Grenville Fish and Game Club. The Coast Guard will also have a presence on children's day.

Added to this year's festival is a celebrity dunk tank starting at 11 am.

Entertainment for the family will be offered in the afternoon at the amphitheatre.

Harbour Days will be capped off Monday evening with a concert featuring bands from South Grenville District High School and the visiting Spirit River Academy group from Alberta.

This year's Victoria Day weekend is being organized by a group of community volunteers headed by Sue O'Hanlon. She noted the group is trying to carry on the festival which had been spearheaded for many years by Mike Boyles, whose poor health prevented him from carrying on in the lead role.

"What we have is a very enthusiastic committee," said O'Hanlon, who added she and the other members are excited to see how their efforts come together.

For more details on Harbour Day events, see the schedule in this week's newspaper.

Conservatives are ready to face corrupt Liberal government: MP

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

OTTAWA Gord Brown says he has learned never to take anything for granted.

The Leeds-Grenville Conservative MP believes there are enough votes to defeat the Liberal government in Thursday's federal budget vote. However, he declined to speculate on how his party would do if Canadians ended up going back to the polls next month about a year after the last election.

Brown noted, though, that the Conservatives would be in a good starting position if an election were to be called. "The Liberals have proven they are corrupt," said Brown, who added they "...are ruining the country's finances."

He said he will join his Conservative colleagues in opposition to the budget. Thursday's vote will be "a true test" of the minority government, according to Brown. He believes the Liberals do not have the confidence of the House of Commons or of most Canadians.

If the Liberals are not defeated in the budget vote, Brown expects the Conservatives would not force another confidence vote in the near future. "I don't think Canadians want it (an election) in July," he said.

When asked about what might appear to some as a co-operative effort between the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois to bring down the Liberal government, Brown indicated the Bloc has voted more often with the Liberals than with the Tories. As for concerns about a strong showing by the Bloc in a federal election, the Leeds-Grenville MP said people outside Quebec who vote Liberal will be seen by Quebecers as endorsing corruption. The Conservatives offer a choice other than separation or corruption, according to Brown.

Closer to home, Brown said he has spent much of his first 10 months as an MP focused on economic and social issues of local significance, including the BSE crisis and federal apparel duties which affect the Hathaway shirt factory in Prescott.

The MP noted he set up satellite constituency offices throughout the riding, including one at town hall in Prescott.

The MP pointed out the federal commitment to fund one-third of the cost of a new sewage treatment plant for Prescott came during his relatively brief time on the scene as MP, and not during the preceding years in which the riding was represented by a Liberal.

Brown also noted he has made many appearances in the riding and is very close to meeting his commitment to appear at each municipal council in the riding.

"I've come a long way in a year," he said.

Brown joins Conservative bid to seek status in Canadian beef ban appeal

OTTAWA Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown is among 70 Conservative parliamentarians who are seeking intervenor status in an effort to block a permanent court order prohibiting the U.S. Government from reopening the American border to older live Canadian cattle.

The Conservative group has filed a motion in a Montana court. In early March, a judge in that state granted an injunction (which also applies to the rest of the country) just days before the border was to reopen to cattle shipments from Canada. The injunction was filed by a group representing American cattlemen.

A full hearing on whether or not to grant a permanent court order is scheduled to take place July 27.

In a release issued on the day the border was to have reopened, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell stated the injunction was a disappointing and frustrating "temporary setback." Although the minister indicated the government would continue to work with its American counterparts to address the fallout from confirmed cases of mad cow disease in Western Canada, Ottawa is not directly involved in the Montana injunction case. The Canadian government applied for "amicus" status in which a written submission could be entered into evidence but there would be no testimony or formal participation in the proceedings. The American judge turned down the application. Ottawa has not appealled that decision, according to Brown.

"The Liberal government dropped the ball on this issue," the local MP stated last month. "If the Liberals won't do what needs to be done, then we, the government-in-waiting, must and will," he added.

The Conservatives' request for intervenor status can be appealled if it is rejected initially, Brown noted.

Town sticks with federal budget motion

PRESCOTT It appeared Prescott council was prepared on Monday night to retract a resolution calling on Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown to support the federal budget.

However, a motion to take back the budget resolution council had approved two weeks earlier did not materialize.

Town council passed the earlier motion because of concerns the Liberal government's one-third of infrastructure funding for a new sewage treatment plant would be lost if the budget did not get approved prior to the fall of the government and the need for an election. Town officials cited a memo from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario urging municipalities to support the budget to ensure gas tax and infrastructure money is secured.

Brown's office has maintained the money to cover Ottawa's nearly $5 million contribution to the sewage plant was allocated in the 2003 federal budget.

Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said Monday the information from the Conservative MP's office and the town's consulting engineer is that the funding is not tied to approval of the proposed 2005 budget, which is to be voted on by the House of Commons on Thursday. Haller noted the town had asked the federal-provincial infrastructure program to confirm in writing the fact the money was included in a previous federal budget. As of Monday night, no such letter had been received by the town.

Mayor Robert Lawn said town officials "are fairly certain" the sewage plant funding is covered by the 2003 budget. However, council was not prepared to proceed with the retraction without the confirmation letter from Ottawa.

"I guess we won't do that tonight," Lawn said.

The town is also seeking permission from the senior governments to proceed with design work associated with the sewage treatment project. The design phase will take about eight months and cost about half a million dollars. Prescott officials say the longer the project takes, the more it will cost the municipality to maintain the aging facility located at the Johnstown Industrial Park.

Still running to the podium

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

Maitland runners did very well at the LGSSAA Track and Field Meet held last week at TISS.

Charlotte Larry won gold in the midget girls 1,500-metre and 800-metre and 4 X 400-metre relay. Matt Leeder also brought home two gold for the midget boys 1,500-metre and 3,000-metre races. Matt Millard won three silvers for the senior boys 800-metre, the 1,500-metre and the 2,000-metre steeplechase. Geoff Millard won three bronzes for the senior boys 400-metre, 800-metre and 1,500-metre events. Paul DeSchiffert won silver in the 3,000-metre race. The first four finishers in each LGSSAA event qualify for participation in EOSSAA which takes places at the Terry Fox Sports Complex at Mooney's Bay in Ottawa.

The first day of EOSSAA took place on Monday, May 16 with just the 1,500-metre races and the hurdles being run. There were 47 schools participating. Charlotte Larry won gold in the midget girls race. Matt Leeder also brought home the gold for his midget boys event. Matt Millard won second in the senior boys race.

Competitors finishing in the top five places qualify for the east regionals which will be held at the Terry Fox Sports Complex on May 26. The east regionals cover schools from east of Oshawa north to Peterborough and across to the Quebec border, including Ottawa.

No tax rate increase this year: finance chair

PRESCOTT A municipal tax rate hike is unlikely this year, according to the chairperson of Prescott's finance and corporate services committee.

Councillor Suzanne Dodge told council Monday night it appears there will be no tax increase in 2005. The finance committee is expected to have one more budget meeting this Friday before presenting a proposal to council.

The municipality did not increase the municipal tax rate last year; however, an increase in assessment resulted in tax hikes for some property owners.

Holding the line on taxes is "an incredible feat" some of Prescott's municipal neighbours are having difficulty achieving, Dodge noted. One of the factors in the town's favour this year is the new provincial program which replaces the former Community Reinvestment Fund, created by the Progressive Conservatives in the late 1990s to offset increased municipal spending resulting from the downloading of provincial services. The new funding program provides more money to Prescott than its predecessor; however, many other municipalities in the region and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will receive less (and considerably less, in some cases) from the province under the new formula.

Unlike Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott is a separated municipality which does not pay county taxes. Prescott is a member of the Leeds-Grenville joint services committee and pays an annual levy for services provided on a counties-wide basis.

Park named in honour of Sarah Spencer

PRESCOTT The Churchill Road park has been named in honour of a community-minded young woman who passed away last fall.

Prescott council voted unanimously Monday to name the recreation area between Mackenzie Road and Massie Drive the Sarah Spencer Park. The vote was in response to a request made by the Prescott Blossoms Garden Club.

Spencer, a Prescott native who received numerous awards for her volunteer work as a youth, was away at university in Thunder Bay when she died last November at the age of 21.

Garden club representative Mike Laking told council renaming the park near where she lived would be a good way to honour her to keep the spirit of someone he described as "one of the finest young Prescottonians we have had." Sarah loved flowers and gardening, Laking noted.

The Prescott Blossoms group took the initiative and obtained more than 365 names on a petition of support for the park naming proposal. Laking said "a sizeable amount" of money has already been raised for a special garden to be located in the northeast corner of the park. A design for the garden has been donated by Astrid Strader.

Laking noted input on the design was received by Sarah's grandmother and great grandmother, both of whom were in attendance at the council meeting.

The garden club, which has evolved from the federally-funded Prescott Blossoms program which saw young adults receive work experience and job skills while beautifying park areas and other features of Prescott, continues to provide support for maintaining gardens and parks in the community.

Augusta council proposes tax hike of 2.3 per cent

Township budget includes plan to expand municipal building in Maynard

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - A greatly expanded municipal office, new trucks for fire services and the public works department, and roads repair are just some of the items mentioned in Augusta Township's proposed budget.

A public meeting was held on the budget Monday night at township hall. The tax rate increase for the municipality is 2.3 percent, while the county tax rate increase is 8.75 per cent. Thus, the total tax rate in the township will rise 3.78 per cent. "I wish we could've had a little lower (rate increase) at the county level," stated Councillor Pauline Cyr.

This tax rate increase would see a home worth $100,000 see its taxes rise by $46.87 for 2005, for a total of $1,286.87. Last year, taxes on such a home were $1,240.

A bylaw approving the new tax rate will be brought to the next regular meeting of council on Tuesday, May 24.

"I'd like to commend the chairs (of the committees) and senior staff for bringing a budget together which I support," stated Reeve John McCrea at the beginning of the meeting.

The improvements to the township office were detailed during the meeting.

According to information provided during the meeting, the proposed expansion of the current office would increase space by 2,500 square feet. It would include greatly expanded council chambers, a lunchroom, wheelchair accessible washrooms and 1,000 square feet of storage for township records, as well as an expanded parking lot. The storage space for records would be on a new second floor of the building. "We need to have proper storage (for the records)," stated McCrea.

The amount budgeted for the addition is $235,532. Of this amount, $80,000 will be taken out of a reserve fund designated for the office expansion.

Plans for the new addition were drawn up by Public Works Director Ken Dickson and Building Inspector Marcel Lavigne.

In addition to an expenditure for improvements to the township office, there is also an increase of $26,023.35 for the roads capital section of the budget. This increase is seen because it will include repaving of the Algonquin and Dixon roads.

In addition, it was determined a truck will be leased for the public works department which would also be utilized to plow snow around municipal sites (garbage dumps, township office) in the winter time.

The fire protection capital section of the budget indicates an amount of $172,000, a 92 per cent increase over the actual amount spent last year. However, this section includes partial funding for a new rescue van for the Maitland fire hall, among other expenditures.

Certain expenditures also were budgeted for substantially less in the 2005 budget. Sand and salt parts and supplies, which cost the township $102,076 in 2004 are now budgeted for only $60,000, due to the fact that the roads, buildings and public works committee has a computerized system for one of its trucks, and plans to put a second one on another salter truck this year.

This system helps prevent waste of salt by varying the amount of salt released according with the truck's speed.

Deputy Reeve Bill Buckler also stated the township is looking at coarser-grit sand, which would help save money by requiring less salt. "Less salt on the roads is better for the environment," he stated.

The budget for protective policing in the township increased 10.83 per cent to $694,730, to which township Manager of Finance Linda Robinson attributed to a new union contract by the OPP as well as the fact the costing supplied by the police is always at "the highest level."

She highlighted the difference between the amount budgeted versus the actual amount in 2004 (a difference of more than $36,000) which showed the amount budgeted would be more then the amount paid. "We always get some back," she stated.

During the meeting, it was also stated the township would utilize its gravel pit on the Limerick Road for gravel, as opposed to buying it, which the municipality did last year.

Six members of the public showed up to the meeting.

Next township council meeting will be held Tuesday

MAYNARD - The next regular meeting of Augusta council will be held Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 pm.

Council meetings in the township are usually held on Mondays. However, the Victoria Day statutory holiday on May 23 means the meeting has been postponed by one day.

The township office and landfill sites in the township will also be closed on Victoria Day.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Almost $45 per student that's what Algonquin students' Jump Rope for Heart efforts netted in their recent fundraising event. Now that's impressive!

Altogether, they raised $5,294.31 in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, outperforming last year's effort by nearly $200.

Their efforts are also very much in keeping with Algonquin's motto of a "Journey in Discovery." Students have discovered the internal satisfaction they gain from demonstrating good community spirit and caring citizenship. Through their fundraising efforts, students have demonstrated the Character Counts trait of generosity, while at the same time reinforcing health habits and lifestyle choices by choosing to incorporate daily physical education routines into their lives.

Parents, staff and community members are equally as proud of their efforts.

Boundary Street Public School: Grade 3 and 6 students will be participating in EQAO's Assessment of reading, writing and mathematics during the week of May 24 to May 27. Information has been sent home with students.

On Thursday, May 26, our students will travel to Iroquois for a track and field meet. Students continue to practice each day at school with coaches Mrs. Fortier and Mrs. Arthurs. Good luck and enjoy the day.

The school council meeting postponed from last Tuesday evening, in order for members to attend a meeting at SGDHS, was rescheduled to Tuesday, May 17.

Hot lunch this week is burgers.

Central Public School: Grade 3/4 participated in the Caring for Others program sponsored by the United Way.

Grade 5/6 visited Brockville General Hospital May 12 as part of the VEP program.

Grades 1 and 2 are busy studying types of material in science.

The track team is preparing for the southeast regionals in Iroquois by practising three times a week.

Hot lunch Friday is hot dogs.

Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: Last week, our Grade 4 and 5 students from Maitland joined Grade 5 students from Algonquin to take part in our Maynard track meet for students from grades 4-8.

Although the weather was cool, both days saw tremendous athletic performances and excellently behaved athletes. Winners in their categories were: Matthew Courtney, Marla Corney, Emma Selleck, Nathaniel Peters, Amara Heisel, Dylan Bell, Rebekah Beattie, Trent Corney, Jennifer Pettem, Rhys Larry, Sarah Sprague, Mitchell Spicer, Kristen Sturgeon, Taylor Corney, Jessica Dunnington, Kyle Jensen, and Erin Bradley.

We greatly appreciate the support of our organizer, Mr. McAllister, and his team of teacher helpers as well as the hard work and dedication of our Maitland parent coach, Mrs. Pettem. It takes a team effort to create such a successful event.

Last week, many of our Maynard Grade 7 and 8 students took part in the Canadian Math Competition Gauss contest. Our top three students in Grade 7 were, Dawson Beattie, Caitlyn Moulton, and Josh Jones. Top three winners in Grade 8 were Sam Brooks, Kristen White and Steven DeJong. Our appreciation goes to Mrs. Farmer, the teacher who organized the competition.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Grade 6 provincial testing is presently taking place.

Jump Rope for Heart takes place this Friday, May 20 in the afternoon. Please support our students as they raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A number of our Intermediate students will be off to Queen's University from May 2427 to participate in the SEEDS Residential Program. We are certain they will enjoy this opportunity at higher learning and will represent St. Joe's well!

On Monday, May 30, students and staff of St. Joseph and St. Mark schools will participate in a Marian celebration of the eucharist at St. Mark's Church at 10 am. Father Appelman will welcome parishioners as well as our school communities to join in this tribute to Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and our mother. All are welcome!

The St. Joseph Fun Fair will take place Wednesday, June 1 from 5 to 7 pm. Grade 3 students from St. Mark's and their families are also invited.

Put on your fancy hats and head for Victorian tea

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Our next Friday lunch will be held May 28 at 11:30 am. Chicken and salad are on the menu. Please call 925-5300 if you wish to come or sign the list.

We are planning to have an old-fashioned Victorian tea on Saturday, June 4. We will be serving fancy sandwiches and goodies. We may also be having a fancy hat contest, something that could be worn on such a special day. If you would like to help with some of the planning, please call.

Just a reminder of the container gardening workshop being held here Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. There will be a small fee.

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge 1st, Valerie Schulz; 2nd, Jim Campbell; door, Ruth Betsworth. Fun bridge Glen Morris. Wednesday night bridge 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Ruth Britnell. Thursday night euchre 1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Jessie Shaver; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; door, Lou Baldwin.

Members of 4-H club get inside look at flower shop

Submitted by Fiona Cleary

The second meeting for the 4-H Happy Hoers Gardening Club was held on the evening of Wednesday, May 11 at Prescott House of Flowers. Owner and operator Lisa Smith generously gave her time to the 10 members and attending parents to show them around and tell them about the work and the behind-the-scene sactivities of a typical flower shop.

Many of the beautiful flowers on display and in the refrigeration area were discussed, and the care and preservation of them was a great education to everyone. Shipping and packaging of a variety of flowers, cutting equipment, arrangement sizes, types of vases, colour co-ordination and filler flowers and greenery were all shown and displayed for the members.

After a quick educational card game was done by each member to find and identify different flowers around the shop, all the members were given bright yellow carnations and greenery to make their own arrangement in a bud vase for their moms. Lisa also generously gave each member a colourful, six-legged Beanie Bug and flower preservative packages.

Lisa says it is a pleasure to come to work every day because her work environment is so colourful and enjoyable and there is an endless number of arrangements her creative staff is able to "say it with flowers." It was an interesting and informative gardening meeting thanks to Lisa.

For more information about flowers, log onto www.prescotthouseofflowers.com.

For more information about 4-H clubs in Ontario, log onto www.4-hontario.ca.

Next community supper is on May 25

PRESCOTT A Master's Hands community supper will take place next Wednesday, May 25 at Seaway Christian Church on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:15 pm.

Admission to the monthly suppers is free; all are welcome to attend.

Leeds-Grenville Idol competition set for next week

BROCKVILLE Tickets for this year's Leeds and Grenville Idol Contest are now available.

The fundraiser for the United Way of Leeds and Grenville will be held Thursday, May 26 at 7 pm in the auditorium of Brockville Collegiate Institute on Pearl Street East.

As of last week, all 15 spots in the junior category (ages 10 to 16) had been taken. There were still three spots available in the senior category.

There are contestants from the Prescott and Spencerville areas, a United Way release noted.

The singers will be judged by an independent panel of community members.

Tickets are on sale at the United Way office, 42 George St., Brockville.

For more information, call 342-8889.

CWL to host fashion show next Thursday

PRESCOTT A fashion show will be held Thursday, May 26 at St. Mark's Parish Centre on Edward Street.

The evening of fashion, fun and fellowship will begin at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Admission can be paid at the door.

Proceeds from the event go to the many community projects undertaken by the Catholic Women's League at St. Mark's.

For more information, call Susan Daigle at 925-3989.

Author to appear this evening at library in Spencerville

SPENCERVILLE Author Merilyn Simonds will be at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library today (Wednesday, May 18) at 7 pm.

The Convict Lover and several of her other novels will be available for purchase at the gathering, which is being hosted by the Friends of the Library group.

Refreshments will be served.

The library is located on Henderson Street near Centennial '67 Public School.

SCHOOL SCENE

Benson Public School: During May, students are recognized for being courageous and ambitious. Haley Taylor, Kassandra Lapierre-Patry, Jacob Devries, Shai Kemp, Cody Adams, Ashly Miller, Conner Elliot and Josh Coville were all recognized on Friday, May 13.

Two Grade 7 students went to Kemptville College May 17 to participate in a workshop called "Make the Change". These students are Jessica Halladay and Anne McNairn.

The Grade 8 class is looking forward to their fund-raising activities at the car wash and barbecue May 28. Come for lunch and get your car washed at the same time with all proceeds going to a good cause.

On May 25, Angus Armstrong of the Rag Time Brass will be at the school to entertain our primary division.

On May 26, students will compete in the southeast regional track and field meet at Seaway District High. Mrs. Turcotte has done a wonderful job coaching this team, and we all appreciate her time and talents.

South Edwardsburg Public School: Our evening of art and music, which took place yesterday, was a tremendous success. We appreciate the continued support of staff, parents and volunteers who through their dedication and commitment to South Ed., provide an exceptional learning environment for our students.

Alanna Lasenba and Taylor McNeil attended the "Make the Change Symposium" in Kemptville yesterday. Congratulations, girls, on a job well done representing our school and the presentation on our nutrition program "Eat Well to Excel."

Our choir will be entertaining the residents of Mayfield Retirement Residence in Prescott tomorrow.

On Friday beginning at 1:40 pm, students will be divided into teams to participate at skipping stations throughout the school yard for Jump Rope for Heart.

Grade 7/8 students will join an outdoor basketball game to support Hoops for Hearts.

A reminder today is the last evening for the computer learning lab and the family reading program for this season.

Hot lunch today is chicken nuggets.

St. Paul's ladies host food sale Saturday

PRESCOTT The Ladies' Guild of St. Paul's United Church will be holding a Harbour Days food sale this Saturday, May 21 beginning at 9 am at the clock tower.

The menu will include a roast beef on a bun lunch including a slice of homemade pie and coffee. Baked goods and jams will also be available.

OPP TOWNSHIPS NEWS

Suspect tracked down in bush

AUGUSTA A 23-year-old Quebec man faces several charges in connection with an incident Monday morning which led to a police search of the bush south of Highway 401.

Ministry of Transportation officer David Hopewell was conducting inspections on the highway when he pulled over a Ford truck pulling a trailer at about 9:48 am. The driver exited the truck and fled into the bush. Three OPP officers arrived a short time later. A canine unit and the OPP emergency response team were also dispatched to the area.

The suspect was located by the canine unit and emergency team at about 11:36 am.

The truck and trailer had been stolen from a compound in Chatham-Kent. The trailer contained 10 riding lawn mowers stolen from a business in southwestern Ontario. The mowers have a combined value of $50,000. The truck and trailer are worth an estimated $100,000.

The Quebec man was arrested and charged with three counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and one count of mischief and possession of house-breaking tools. He was released on conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

Detective Constable Stewart of the Leeds and Grenville Crime Unit is the investigating officer.

Rock smashes school bus windshield

EDWARDSBURGH No one was injured when a large rock was thrown at the windshield of a moving school bus, according to Grenville County OPP.

The bus was on County Road 22 last Tuesday at about 4:35 pm. Two male teenagers hiding in the bushes beside the road threw the rock, which was described as being the size of a baseball. The windshield was smashed. The driver was shaken up but was not injured. No one else was on the bus st the time of the incident. Constable Blanchette is the investigating officer. Anyone with information is asked to contact him at the OPP station in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Two vehicles are scratched

CARDINAL Charges are pending in connection with an incident on Dundas Street that was reported Thursday evening. The owner of a 1993 Oldsmobile and 1989 Dodge Caravan observed two male youths walk past the vehicles and scratch them. A damage estimate is unknown. Two suspects were identified and spoken to, according to the OPP. The investigation by Constable Kavanagh continues.

Side window of van smashed

MAITLAND The side window of a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina van was smashed, OPP were told Friday evening. The incident occurred on County Road 2 near Maitland. Damage is estimated at $300. A suspect has been identified. Constable Foley continues to investigate.

Drinking, seat belt use checked

SOUTH GRENVILLE Constables MacKinnon and Blanchette conducted a RIDE check in Cardinal Sunday. The officers checked 40 vehicles and issued three Highway Traffic Act warnings.

Constable Blanchette checked vehicles for seat belt compliance on May 9 and May 14 in Spencerville. In all, 56 vehicles were checked. One warning was issued on the second day of the spot checks.

One of two men in fight taken to hospital

PRESCOTT Officers with the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 41 calls for service in the Prescott patrol zone last week.

A case of wilful damage is being investigated by Constable Barr. The owner of a 1990 pick-up truck observed a male teenager walk by his truck on Victor Road and run an object along the side of the vehicle. Damage is unknown but appears to be minor, according to police. The incident was reported Friday just after 9:30 pm.

On Saturday at about 2:45 am, constables Foley and Barr were on patrol on King Street West when they observed a fight in progress on the south side of the street near the Daniels' Hotel lot. One of the males who was fighting fled on foot but was apprehended about 100 metres away.

The 20-year-old Prescott man was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm. The other male was taken by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital where he was treated for facial injuries and released. The 41-year-old Prescott man was arrested for breach of an undertaking and held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information on occurrences in the Town of Prescott (as well as Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta) is asked to contact Grenville County OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Dial 9-1-1 in emergency situations.

Condo site needs rezoning

PRESCOTT Town council has initiated the process to rezone the Water Street property on which the Mariner's Club condominium project is to be built.

At its meeting on Monday night, Prescott council approved a schedule to address the zoning issue. The four-storey, 28-unit building is planned for the vacant Blue Fence property east of the Moran-Hooker Trade Centre overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Although the town's planning and development committee has approved the proposed design and site plan drawings of Mariner's Club, it also recommended the municipality hire a professional planner to review the proposal and ensure all matters have been dealt with properly. James Robertson of the IBI Group the firm working on Prescott's downtown revitalization study and official plan review was hired to review the Mariner's Club proposal.

"We do need to rezone the site," CAO/Clerk Robert Haller told council Monday.

Notice of a June 20 public meeting on the rezoning proposal is being advertised in this week's paper. The public meeting will precede a regular council meeting at which a bylaw to change the zoning will be presented for three readings. If the bylaw is approved, a 20-day appeal period would kick in when notice of the approval is advertised in that week's paper. The appeal period would end July 13, and a final site plan could then be approved by council at its July 18 meeting.

If other considerations fall into place, construction could begin by September.

Prescott veteran among Canadian contingent welcomed by the Dutch

PRESCOTT The 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland had special meaning to two local men who went to Europe to take part in the commemoration.

Prescott native Les Dunn was selected by the federal government to represent the Governor General's Foot Guards at the anniversary in Holland.

Dunn, who enlisted in 1940, was a tank driver who arrived in Holland shortly after the Canadian and Allied forces liberated the nation from German occupation.

Dunn, 84, was accompanied on the trip by Gary Sluytman, a local Ontario Provincial Police constable who was born in Holland a couple of years after the war ended.

Dunn and Sluytman were invited by Mayor Robert Lawn to appear at Monday night's town council meeting and talk about their trip.

Sluytman described the warm response given to the visiting Canadian contingent. The Dutch people have maintained a deep respect over the years for their Canadian liberators, according to Sluytman.

Streets were lined with Canadian flags, and countless people of all ages lined parade routes to pay tribute to the visiting veterans. "It was a great time for all of us," Sluytman said.

Dunn laid a wreath during a private ceremony on May 5, liberation day. He also got a chance during the trip to visit with a member of the Dutch family with whom he lived during his stay in Holland. Dunn has kept in touch with the family for many years.

In noting he was honoured to be asked to speak to council, Dunn remarked "I am glad I was born in Prescott."

He went on to note he is one of only a few surviving members of the local group that enlisted at the same time in 1940. "We had our share of heroes," Dunn stated.

Members of council and the audience at the meeting applauded Dunn at the end of his brief presentation.

The year 2005 has been declared Year of the Veteran. Prior to leaving for Holland, the Canadian contingent was given a tour of the new war museum in Ottawa.

Local artist's stolen tulip is found and then repaired

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

OTTAWA - Jill (Robinson) Alexander, who painted a fiberglass tulip featured in the Ottawa 150 Tulip Arts Festival (part of the Canadian Tulip Festival), was upset when the flower was stolen from the festival last Saturday night.

However, she was glad the flower was returned though damaged last Tuesday night by police. The flower was returned to police in Kanata by a 22-year old man.

Alexander, who now lives in Ottawa, is a self-taught artist whose parents Carl and Shirley Robinson live on County Road 26. She has been involved with a number of art projects in the Prescott area. These have included paintings on the windows of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer and murals at the Prescott Fire Department. In addition, she has paintings on display at Cup after Cup on King Street.

Her tulip, titled "Colours of Spring," was one of three tulips taken by a group of Lisgar Collegiate students last Saturday night on a scavenger hunt. She surmised the hunt called for a tulip, which led some students to lift the tulips from the Festival Plaza at City Hall. The other two tulips were also recovered.

"The constable called me yesterday (Wednesday, May 11)," she stated, adding the constable said the incident was caused by "pure stupidity, alcohol related."

"I was relieved to have it back, but sad at the damage," she explained. The tulip had been sawed in two pieces, and had "serious paint chips."

However, Alexander came into another bit of luck when she was interviewed on CBC Radio about the theft last Wednesday. Eric Martin from Dunrobin heard about her plight, and offered to repair the flower.

"He took the tulip at 5 pm last (Wednesday) night, by 7 (pm) he called to say it was fixed," stated Alexander. Martin delivered the tulip back to Alexander early Thursday morning.

"It's standing tall, true and happy," she said.

Although it has been determined no charges will be laid in the incident, Alexander has been informed the students involved in the affair will be dealt with at their school. In addition, she has learned the people involved in the incident will also be doing community service at the festival.

"The principal said they're a good group of kids," stated Alexander. "They didn't relate the theft to hurting people."

It is the third time that Alexander has painted a tulip in the festival. She estimates "Colours of Spring," which features vibrantly-coloured tulips on a black background took her more than 50 hours to paint over the period of one month.

The tulip also includes a personal message from Alexander, which reads "Take a risk, follow your dream, leap with faith, feed your soul."

Following the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, the painted flowers will be used as promotional items at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto.

EDITORIALS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It's just not my piece of cake."

Augusta Councillor Garry Ferguson, who resigned from township council last week

Editor's Notebook

Take nothing for granted

Lately, the Conservatives have been touting themselves as the "government-in-waiting." Given the deterioration of the Liberal government, the Tories' confidence is understandable. Whether or not the federal budget vote is lost or won, it has become clear the Liberals will be hard-pressed to maintain their tenuous hold on power much longer. Let's not forget Prime Minister Martin is on record as committing to an election call within 30 days of the Gomery Commission report being published.

However, one of the more unsettling scenarios to arise from this political farce in Ottawa could be a backdoor strengthening of separatist forces in Quebec. With support for the Liberals on the verge of collapsing and the absence of a strong Conservative presence, the Bloc could end up with all but a handful of seats in the House. Some pundits have even suggested the Bloc could become the official opposition during the next session of parliament.

As much as the credibility of the Liberals is taking a beating because of the sponsorship scandal, the perception that the Conservatives and the Bloc are working together to topple the Martin government could raise a few red flags in many parts of the country where the Tories are not guaranteed to win. Even if the Bloc has voted with the governing party more than it has with the Tories, we suspect the Liberals might try to link those two parties together during the election campaign. The Grits will also come out and tell Canadians there were all these things the Liberals were prepared to spend money on but were unable to because of the Tories and the Bloc.

We do not believe most Canadians will buy into those claims, but we are yet to be convinced the Conservatives will be able to channel voters' anger with the Liberals and their sponsorship scandal into a Tory majority.

We do not want an election a year after the last one, but Canadians have had enough of the political chess game that has taken an already bad situation and made it much worse. The polls suggest the country is now more willing than it was a few weeks ago to be asked to select a new government. Whether or not this week's budget vote triggers an election remains to be seen; unless there is a sudden and drastic change in the political landscape, Canadians will be heading back to the polls sometime this year whether we like the timing or not.

Many of us are fed up with recent developments and are desperate for change; the problem is, there are no assurances the outcome of an election next month would be that much more beneficial to Canada than the circus that has been pitching its tent in Ottawa.

All we can do is hope.

Tim Ruhnke

The return of Texas Hold'em Poker is long overdue

CLUB HOUSE REMARKS by David Dickenson

I have to admit I'm hooked.

I love trying to figure out whether to hold'em or to fold'em, whether I should walk away or should I run?

That's right, the big craze right now across the world of Texas Hold'em Poker has finally taken a full grab on me and it's not letting go.

While I remember playing the game a little in high school and more during my college days as an excuse to have a few beers, it wasn't till about a year ago I really got back into the game.

While it's not a sport, it's still a very fun game and an interesting pastime, which has limitless potential for entertainment.

The exhilaration of your heart beating when you go all in to the feeling you have knowing you just bluffed your way to a pot when you had absolutely nothing, can be just as good as scoring a goal or hitting a trey from behind the arc.

Now I know everyone has had to have watched the game at least once, given there are about five or six different leagues and associations with weekly television shows this week.

But for those interested, it's not a hard game to learn. Each player is dealt two cards down and then there is betting and five community cards are dealt. All you have to do is make the best possible five-card hand from your two cards and the five community cards and there you have it.

It sounds simple, but there are a lot of tricks to it - like knowing what to bet to get the person to stay in the game a little longer so you can squeeze a few more chips from them in the pot or what to bet to bluff your way to an easy pot.

It really is something else.

Recently, I've been pretty active with some of the guys I went to high school with getting together for a low stakes game and a couple beers, where we tell some old stories and pretty much make fun of one another mercilessly.

It's a very fun event, and for someone who doesn't have a large income readily available to waste on booze or gambling, this is perfect.

I can go play the game and have a couple beer and it costs no more than $20 for the whole night.

Since it's such low stakes and really the biggest thing on the line is bragging rights it makes for a fun experience. Win or lose, there are no hard feelings, just a good night of some fun telling some stories and joking around.

If you've never seen the game, try it out on one of the free online sites or watch it on television, because it's really quite fun.

The absolute appeal is incredible. One of my good friends who's known for his thriftiness (he doesn't spend more than $20 in a week) has jumped on board the poker bandwagon and is loving every moment of it.

Ten dollars is a small price to pay for a night of some fun and good-natured ribbing.

Sterling re-elected but Tories could lose Ontario: 1985

FROM THE ARCHIVES

May 18, 1985

* Carleton-Grenville MLA Norm Sterling was re-elected to a third term in the Ontario legislature, but the Progressive Conservatives lost 20 seats in the provincial election and are in danger of losing power. Sterling scored a 6,500-vote victory over Dan Maxwell of the Liberals, but the incumbent's showing was not as strong as in 1981. The MLA noted the proposal by former premier Bill Davis to extend full funding to separate schools was met by "a lot of resistance."

* As if the quality of Prescott's drinking water has not been getting enough bad press lately, there is now word the director of dental services at the district health unit has indicated fluoridation levels do not meet provincial standards. Dr. Frank Wilson noted he was glad to hear updated fluoridation equipment will be installed at the new water filtration plant in the works. Wilson's input was received enthusiastically by all members of Prescott council except Councillor Marion Fortier, who said she objects to fluoridation of the municipal water supply as a matter of conscience. She questioned the benefits of adding fluoride, noting there are already too many toxic substances in the water supply.

* Sandy Hill Cemetery is being described as a disaster area because of what vandals have done to it in recent years. At least 148 headstones are damaged; some have been knocked over and remain on the ground. Cemetery board chairman Fred Stretton said the board has barely enough money to take care of the grounds. Father B.J. Walsh reported there are fewer damaged and overturned headstones at St. Mark's Cemetery, but it was acknowledged the church has difficulty paying the repair costs each year.

* The IGA Foodliner on Edward Street has officially opened its 4,000-square-foot addition. Approximately 2,000 people visited the expanded store at an open house Sunday night. There is now an in-house bakery, deli meat and cheese section and an oven for in-house pizzas. The opening was not the only addition for store owners Garrie and Elaine Vaughan; they also welcomed the recent arrival of their third child.

* The Village of Cardinal had a surplus of $83,000 in 1984. Reeve Jim McLaughlin said the money will help the municipality build additional sidewalks and "brighten up the business section."

* St. John's United Church in Cardinal has celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Ridiculous Star Wars character comparisons cut both ways

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

This week, Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the last of the six Star Wars movies, comes to a theatre near you. Sort of. There isn't really a theatre near you, so you will have to head to Kanata or Bayshore or Ottawa or even Ogdensburg or Watertown or Massena just to see it.

But remember, before you get your geek on, it's just a movie.

Maybe it's the critics trying to sound overly academic or maybe it's the entertainment writers who are trying to read more into what's really there, but the Star Wars movies are just good old fashioned adventures based on good vs. evil. There isn't really anything poignant or metaphorical about these films below the surface. Yet, people try to make them out to be more culturally and politically significant than they are.

A critic from France told the media following the Cannes Film Festival that George Lucas was making a statement in Revenge of the Sith, as Darth Vader was really George W. Bush and that the movie was a metaphor of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Unbelievable.

This was an educated person who said this. Lucas laughed at the statement, as he had come up with the Star Wars saga long before he had even heard of Dubya.

Yet, the French and the media, desperate to vilify the Americans and their president, actually made this connection. Somewhere at a Burger King, Michael Moore was probably eating a Whopper or two, reading the paper and nodding his head in agreement, praising the French for their brilliant insight and superior culture and morality. France is, thanks to Golf Ball Jacques, an ally now. So are Germany and Russia.

It's a good thing we aligned ourselves with them rather than with the evil baby-eating Americans, Brits and Australians.

So if that's the French take on Star Wars, I would like to offer my review of the movie.

I haven't broken down a film in about 20 years, when I saw Death play chess against a guy on the beach in Sweden in the Seventh Seal in Film Studies 101

I also remember things like the baby carriage rolling down the stairs in the Russian propaganda classic Battleship Potemkin.

So since I have qualified myself to you as a film snob, here it goes. I give Revenge of the Sith two thumbs up.

C3PO is multi-cultural but he is a coward, constantly surrendering and trying to talk his way out of trouble. He represents France.

Anakin Skywalker goes over to the dark side as he is seduced by unlimited power. This unlimited power represents the unlimited amount of money that corrupt politicians in France, Germany and Russia have stolen through the U.N. Oil for Food program.

Darth Vader symbolizes the chain smoking people of France. If you smoke six packs a day all your life, like they do, then you can get hole put in your throat, become part machine, and you can wear a mask and sound really cool, especially if you talk like James Earl Jones.

The Death Star represents the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Someone find Hans Blix and tell him it really does exist after all.

The Empire represents Al-Qaeda, and their puppet master, Darth Sidious, represents Osama bin Laden, using his manipulative powers to control leaders like Count Dooku, who represents Jacques Chirac.

Jabba the Hutt is a Crime Lord that employs smugglers from across the galaxy. Actually, he's not in this movie. He's in the one where the crime lords get together and form an ad agency to get bogus contracts and kickbacks from the Republic.

Yoda represents Dick Cheney. Not only is he powerful and wise, but look at him. Separated at birth or what?!?

And the big hairy wookie Chewbacca represents women from Europe who refuse to... oh, never mind, I'll get in real trouble if I say that...

Okay, before all you lefties get your undies in a knot over this, it's just satire. These are ridiculous statements made about the movie and about France just to illustrate how ridiculous the Cannes comparisons between George Bush and Darth Vader are.

As thrilling as a Star Wars release is, they tend to bring out the worst in people. We mock the fans, like the guy who slept in front of the theatre in downtown Seattle for six months before the release of Episode II.

Or maybe we mock the people who dress up in costumes to go to the film.

Maybe those fans have never kissed a girl, but they are innocent, and they are just having fun with the excitement.

The analogies like the one of Bush being Vader are beyond wrong. They are dangerous.

So remember everybody, it's just a movie. Buy your ticket, have some Milk Duds, and just enjoy the adventure. That's all it's meant to be.

CARDINAL NEWS

SPORTS

Giants qualify 17 of 19 athletes for EOSSAA track and field meet

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

BROCKVILLE - The South Grenville Giants track and field team had a strong showing at the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association (LGSSAA) championships by posting a fourth place finish with less than 20 athletes.

The Giants accumulated 253 points at the meet, finishing behind the TISS Pirates in first with 1,115.5 points, the North Grenville Knights with 295.5 points and the Rideau Lions with 287 points.

More impressively for the Giants, of the 19 athletes who participated in the LGSSAA championships, 17 advanced to take part in the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championships held Monday and Tuesday at the Terry Fox Athletic Centre in Ottawa.

"We had a great meet with only taking 20 kids," said Giants coach Mark Lewis. "We didn't have any real disappointing runs and had some great performances from our jumpers and throwers."

Despite being pleased with the finish at LGSSAA, Lewis still sees bigger things for one of the strongest Giants track and field teams in recent memory.

"I'm really excited," said Lewis. "Our athletes that did well at LGSSAA should be able to do well at EOSSAA as well. We could end up with a fourth or fifth place finish in all of Eastern Ontario."

Jamie Froats paced the Giants with a trio of gold medals at LGSSAA including a time of 13.37 in the 100-metres, a time of 28.25 in the 200-metres and teaming with fellow midget runner Jessica Rupert and junior runners Jaime Grimes and Erika to run a 54.70 in the 4x100-metre junior girls relay, which ranks as one of best times in Eastern Ontario this year.

The Kamenz sisters also continued their strong showings for the Giants this year with Erika winning a pair of gold medals in the junior girls long jump with a leap of 5.10 metres and junior girls triple jump with a distance of 9.99 metres, while also
finishing second in the junior girls 100-metres with a time of 13.54.

Erika's younger sister, Zoe, also won a pair of gold medals for the Giants capturing the midget girls shot put with a throw of 9.79 metres, while winning the midget girls discus with a toss of 24.37 metres.

Cory Alkerton also had a big day qualifying for EOSSAA in four events, the midget boys 4x100-metre relay team with teammates Sebastian Last, Mark Wynands and Kristian Knapp), shot put, discus and javelin. Alkerton captured gold in the midget boys javelin competition with a throw of 40.22 metres.

The Grenville Christian College Lions finished ninth at the meet with a total of 65 points.

Alex VanVaerenberg brought home the lone gold medal for GCC by capturing the junior boys pole vault competition by clearing 3.05 metres.

Athletes finishing in the top four spots in each event qualified for the EOSSAA championships, while some athletes such as South Grenville's Jacob McGuire in the senior boys 200-metres received a bye because each school only being allowed to send a maximum of three athletes in one specific event. McGuire was the highest finishing athlete not from TISS in the event, giving him the nod to advance.

Peewee Bulldogs advance to semis of Steel City Cup

HAMILTON - The Cardinal-based Kriska Bulldogs minor peewee hockey team had a big weekend April 29 advancing to the finals of the Steel City Cup in Hamilton.

In their opener, the Bulldogs got off to a quick start scoring a 5-0 victory over the Detroit Wizards. Cory Wilson led the Bulldogs with a pair of goals, while Ben Hutton, Dylan Rodgers, Jarrett Williams added singles. Nick Pichette had a pair of helpers.

In game two, Kriska was able to pull out a 3-1 victory over the Sudbury Lakers. Brock Jessop, Ryan Van Stralen and Rodgers scored for the Bulldogs in the victory.

In game three, the Bulldogs managed to score a 3-2 win over the host Hamilton Tigers. Russell Hinch and Rodgers scored for Kriska in the win.

After being seeded first after the preliminary round, the Bulldogs faced the Hamilton Tigers in a semi-final match-up. After being tied 3-3 heading into the third period, the Bulldogs continued its strong play to pull away from the Tigers for a 6-3 win. Wilson led the Bulldogs with a pair of goals, while Van Stralen, Williams, Hinch and Hutton also scored. Rodgers added a pair of assists.

In the final, the Bulldogs dropped a 5-1 decision in a re-match with the Sudbury Lakers. Clark Seymour scored the lone Bulldogs' goal in the loss.

Other members of the Bulldogs are Ryan Ball, Jarrett Pitt, Kelsey Gunn, Taylor Eamon and Ronnie Harrison.

The Kriska Bulldogs travel
to Ottawa Friday to take part in the Ottawa Ambassadors tournament.

South Grenville area school results

Girls

Midget girls 100m

1. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 13.37

Midget girls 200m

1. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 28.25

Midget girls 400m

3. Becky Langstaff, SGDHS, 69.13

Midget girls long jump

2. Jessica Rupert, SGDHS, 4.46m

3. Jamie Froats, SGDHS, 4.07m

5. Becky Langstaff, SGDHS, 3.84m

Midget girls triple jump

2. Jessica Rupert, SGDHS, 9.94m

4. Becky Langstaff, SGDHS, 8.87m

Midget girls shot put

1. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 9.79m

Midget girls discus

1. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 24.37m

Midget girls javelin

4. Zoe Kamenz, SGDHS, 19.27m

Junior girls 100m

2. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 13.54

3. Natasha Plosaj, GCC, 13.84

Junior girls 200m

2. Natasha Plosaj, GCC, 30.04

Junior girls 1,500m

3. Liz Hooper, SGDHS, 7:02.93

Junior girls 3,000m

3. Liz Hooper, SGDHS, 15:46.10

Junior girls 4x100m relay

1. South Grenville (Jamie Froats, Jaime Grimes, Jessica Rupert, Erika Kamenz), 54.70

Junior girls long jump

1. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS,
5.10m

Junior girls triple jump

1. Erika Kamenz, SGDHS, 9.99m

Junior girls shot put

2. Karie Neddo, SGDHS, 7.47m

Junior girls discus

7. Karie Neddo, SGDHS, 14.79m

Junior girls javelin

3. Karie Neddo, SGDHS, 23.40m

Senior girls high jump

2. Maggie Hutton, SGDHS, 1.35m

Boys

Midget boys 100m

7. Kristian Knapp, SGDHS, 12.22

Midget boys 1,500m

4. Mark Wynands, SGDHS, 4:53.19

Midget boys 3,000m

5. Mark Wynands, SGDHS, 11:50.42

Midget boys 100m hurdles

2. Kristian Knapp, SGDHS,
17.71

Midget boys 4x100m relay

2. South Grenville (Cory Alkerton, Mark Wynands, Kristian Knapp, Sebastian Last), 50.47

Midget boys pole vault

2. Brian Farnsworth, GCC,
2.45m

Midget boys shot put

3. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 12.36m

4. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 12.24m

Midget boys discus

2. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 30.54m

3. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 28.47m

Midget boys javelin

1. Cory Alkerton, SGDHS, 40.22m

5. Sebastian Last, SGDHS, 32.42m

Junior boys 100m

2. Mike Froom, SGDHS, 12.33

6. Kyle Pyke, GCC, 12.99

7. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 13.08

Junior boys 800m

3. Braeden Elliott, SGDHS, 2:24.01

Junior boys 1,500m

4. Braeden Elliott, SGDHS, 5:03.38

Junior boys pole vault

1. Alex VanVaerenberg, GCC, 3.05m

4. Kyle Pyke, GCC, 2.45m

Junior boys long jump

3. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 4.86m

Junior boys triple jump

4. Andrew McCaw, SGDHS, 10.99m

Junior boys discus

4. Clayton Dunnington, SGDHS, 32.26m

10. Riley Perrin, SGDHS,
24.03m

Junior boys javelin

9. Clayton Dunnington, SGDHS, 27.64m

11. Riley Perrin, SGDHS,
23.50m

Senior boys 100m

4. Devrim Ozerdinc, GCC, 11.77

5. Peter Chui, GCC, 11.79

8. Jacob McGuire, SGDHS, 12.10

Senior boys 200m

8. Jacob McGuire, SGDHS, 24.70

12. Alvin Ng, GCC, 25.52

13. Nick Thornhill, SGDHS, 25.55

16. Jimmy Lock, GCC, 26.26

Senior boys 800m

8. Scott Baker, SGDHS, 2:25.67

Senior boys 4x100m relay

3. Grenville Christian College, 48.11

7. South Grenville (Milt Ramirez, Mike Froom, Nick Thornhill, Jacob McGuire), 51.48

Senior boys pole vault

2. Kevin Puddicombe, GCC, 3.80m

3. Mark Farnsworth, GCC, 3.65m

Senior boys long jump

6. Jacob McGuire, SGDHS, 5.53m

Senior boys shot put

11. Kelvin Li, GCC, 8.30m

Senior boys discus

8. Scott Baker, SGDHS, 22.64m

Senior boys javelin

7. Adewunmi Docemo, GCC, 32.55m

11. Scott Baker, SGDHS, 23.78m

12. In Soo You, GCC, 20.72m

Major novice Isles defeat Can-Am team

MASSENA - The Cardinal-based St. Lawrence Islanders major novice regional hockey team continued its strong play with an 8-5 victory over the Huron Can-Am Saturday in Massena.

The Islanders put forth a strong team effort over the Can-Am, which is made up of players from Plattsburgh, New York and Cornwall on its way to the win. Jordan Smail and Eric Cornell each had a hat trick for the Islanders, while Tanner Hummell added a pair of goals and four helpers.

David Armstrong and Jake Watson split duties in goal in the win.

To date, the Islanders have played 19 games, sporting a 14-4-1 record.

The Islanders still have a lot of hockey left in their season; they will travel to Montreal Friday for a four-day tournament. The Islanders will also go to Arnprior for a tournament June 4, before playing in the biggest tournament of their season, June 23-26 in Boston.

Major peewee Isles off to good start

CARDINAL - The St. Lawrence Islanders major peewee AAA regional-hockey team got off to a good start to its season at their host tournament April 30 in Cardinal.

The Islanders opened the tournament with a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Valley Vipers and a 4-1 victory over the Kingston Beast, before dropping a 3-1 decision to Rideau Lakes. Michael Karam led the Islanders with three goals, while Shayne Morden, Mitchel Chartrand, Dylan Casselman, Casey Crooke, Alex O'Neil and Cody Johnson added singles. Crooke (3), Morden (3), Karam (2), Alex O'Neil, Colin Halladay, Josh Pitt, Ryan Vincent and Chartrand added assists.

On May 7, the Kings travelled to Kingston and posted a 1-2-1 record at the Kingston summer tournament. In its first two games, the Islanders dropped a 4-0 decision to the Ottawa Little Senators before falling 4-1 to the Ottawa Capitals and then bouncing back to score a 6-4 victory over the Ottawa Valley Vipers and a 1-1 draw with the host Kingston Beast.

Troy Cove led the Islanders with a pair of goals, while Alex O'Neil, Halladay, Brendan O'Neil, Morden, Ryan Vincent and Crooke added singles. Pitt, Zachary Brandt, Halladay, Morden, Johnson, Crooke and Casselman chipped in with helpers. Curtis Van Allen and Tyler Gallinger each had strong games in goal for the Islanders.

On May 11, the Islanders scored a 6-2 victory in an exhibition game with the Ottawa 67's in Ottawa. Brendan O'Neil led the Islanders with a pair of goals, while Pitt, Karam, Vincent and Cove also scored. Cove (2), Johnson (2), Chartrand, Casselman and Michael Prosper added assists.

Official Jr. B Web site launched for Rangers

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers have gone interactive.

The Jr. B Rangers hockey team launched its official Web site last week joining numerous other Eastern Ontario Jr. B Hockey League teams which have gone
online.

The Rangers' Web site can be found at www.sgrangers.ca.

North Leeds Fastball league starts Thursday

DOMVILLE - The North Leeds Fastball League starts play Thursday, May 19 in Domville.

The opener will feature Eric Fowler's Domville Aces taking on Jason Ault's Spencerville Stingers.

The game is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 pm in Domville.

Games in the 10-team regional league will be played Thursdays at 8:30 pm.

Come out and see two local rivals battle it out on the diamond for bragging rights.

Angels girls hockey team registration in June

BROCKVILLE - The Brockville Girls Hockey Association will be holding its 2005-06 registration sessions in June.

The first session is from 9 am until 4 pm on Saturday, June 4, while the last session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15 from 6 pm until 8 pm. Both sessions are at the Brockville Memorial Centre. Late fees apply after these dates.

For more information contact Laurie Murphy at 924-1599 or Sue Singleton at 345-7295.

Palliative care tourney set for September

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

Last year the tournament raised more than $92,000 for Paliative care 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 cruise on the St. Lawrence River. For more information, call 342-4461, ext. 3362.