Prescott Journal, May 25, 2005

VOL. 175, NO. 22~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ May 25, 2005

NEWS

Rain fails to wash away fun at Harbour Days

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT The weather might not have been the best at times, but Harbour Days showed Prescott is still the place to be on the Victoria Day long weekend.

An organizing committee led by Sue O'Hanlon put together a series of events for people of all ages.

"Overall, I think it was a good weekend," O'Hanlon told The Journal Monday night.

A clear sky and seasonable temperatures made for a promising start to the long weekend. However, off-and-on showers and cool winds put a damper on most outdoor activities by early Sunday.

Organizers decided early Monday morning to move the kids day activities (usually the biggest draw of the weekend) from the waterfront to the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

By early afternoon, hundreds of people had visited the arena and taken part in the Invista games or watched volunteers take the plunge in the celebrity dunk tank. The one exception was the Grenville Fish and Game Club's boat rides, which proceeded as planned at the marina.

Although she was waiting to confirm an estimate of how many people were at the arena Monday, O'Hanlon said things seemed to work out very well.

"Kids walked away with something really good," she said.

Rain and wind or the threat of bad weather prompted other changes to the schedule. The Sunday afternoon concert in the amphitheatre was moved to the Legion. The band concert set for Monday night at the amphitheatre took place at the high school.

O'Hanlon said new events added to this year's festival were well-received.

More than 100 people attended the community bonfire held in Centennial Park Friday night.

Good weather and several attractions in the area of the clock tower also appeared to draw decent crowds to the downtown core Saturday morning.

One event which fell short of expectations was the boat flotilla on Saturday night. Dozens of people lined the waterfront area to catch a glimpse of the river parade, but only two boats took part.

O'Hanlon said the poor response was not from a lack of trying. Some boaters indicated they would have preferred being given more notice. In noting spectators showed up on a cold and windy evening to watch the flotilla, O'Hanlon said the event would be attempted again next year as long as organizers can guarantee there will be enough boats to make it worthwhile.

This was the first year the committee organized Harbour Days. Failing health prevented long-time organizer Mike Boyles from continuing his duties.

"His presence was missed," O'Hanlon said.

As for an assessment of this year's Harbour Days, O'Hanlon said "We've learned from our mistakes." She went on to add just about everyone on the committee is excited about prospects for next year's festival.

Among the ideas being considered are some type of kite event on the eastern end of the waterfront as well as a fireworks display. O'Hanlon acknowledged fireworks cost a lot of money, and organizers will need a lot of support from the community in order to make that idea become a reality.

THIS WEEK

High school bands to perform tonight

PRESCOTT Several secondary school bands from the Leeds-Grenville area and the visiting Spirit River Academy group from Alberta will gather at the Leo Boivin Community Centre today (Wednesday, May 25) for a concert at 7 pm.

The Massed Band event will be hosted by the South Grenville band, which recently returned from its week-long trip to Alberta.

Tickets can be purchased at the door; everyone is invited to attend. Proceeds will be used to help show the guest band the sites of Eastern Ontario.

May community dinner to be served today

PRESCOTT A Master's Hands Community Supper will be served today (Wednesday, May 25) from 5 to 6:15 pm at Seaway Christian Church.

The monthly dinner for the less fortunate is free of charge; everyone is invited to attend.

Seaway Christian is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.

Get an update on town plans at open house

PRESCOTT Updates on Prescott's downtown revitalization study and official plan review will be provided at an open house to be held next Wednesday, June 1 from 4 to 8 pm at town hall on Dibble Street West.

The public is invited to drop in and find out the latest word on the two planning processes. IBI Group, the consulting firm hired by the municipality to oversee the processes, has assessed downtown priorities based on public input and is scheduled to have updated findings available at the open house.

The downtown revitalization study is to be completed this spring. Town officials have indicated they hope the official plan review will be finished later this year.

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation have provided a total of $35,000 for the downtown plan. The town is paying for the review of the official plan.

Renovated St. John's offers tours Saturday

PRESCOTT The public is invited to tour the newly-renovated St. John's Anglican Church this Saturday, May 28.

A ribbon-cutting to mark the official opening will take place at 11 am. Light refreshments will be served.

Part of the chapel at St. John's has been converted to a hall. The former hall area has been mothballed.

St. John's is located at the corner of Centre and James streets.

Federal election averted

Liberals will be held accountable for their actions: MP Brown

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

OTTAWA Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown took part in what is being described as one of the most interesting times in Canadian political history.

The speaker of the House of Commons broke a tie vote on the Liberal-NDP budget Thursday evening, enabling the Liberals to defeat a non-confidence motion and retain its minority government.

Earlier in the week, high-profile Conservative MP Belinda Stronach crossed the floor and became a Liberal as well as minister of human resources and skills development. That move, combined with the support of two independent MPs, allowed the Liberals to stay in power.

"There's never a dull moment," Brown told The Journal Friday.

The local rookie MP said by late Thursday afternoon he and his colleagues expected the Liberals to win the vote on the revised budget. Former Conservative MP Chuck Cadman, who sits not far from Brown in the House, had indicated he would likely vote in favour of the government's budget motion.

Brown voted in favour of Bill C-43 the original budget put forward by the Liberals because of his belief there are good things in it for Leeds-Grenville.

However, Brown added there was "no way" the Conservatives would have voted in favour of C-48 and given a blank cheque to the Liberals and their "orgy of spending." The assertion that the Liberals are relatively decent financial managers is "all out the window," the Conservative MP said.

As for the loss of Stronach, Brown said it was disappointing to lose a member of the caucus. The move did not come as that much of a surprise to Brown.

"We'd seen signs there was some unhappiness there," he said.

Brown added the switch had more to do with ambition than principles. He would not be surprised to see Stronach contending for the Liberal leadership not far down the road.

Stronach's defection has served to strengthen the Conservative caucus, according to Brown. "Our party is more unified than ever," he said.

Although the fact there will not be a federal election in June came as relief to many parliamentarians, Brown noted many people in Leeds-Grenville had indicated to him they wanted an election now. "In due course, there will be an election," he said, adding the Conservatives are not deliberately planning to bring down the government anytime soon. The Tories will work hard to hold the Liberals accountable for their budget deal with the NDP and offering a cabinet position to a Conservative MP.

"It worked for now, but at what price," asked Brown. "I'm not sure what more they can throw out there."

Brown defeated incumbent Liberal MP Joe Jordan in the June 2003 election. Jordan narrowly defeated Brown a Canadian Alliance candidate at the time in the 2000 election.

Remembering VE Day

PRESCOTT Those who served Canada during the Second World War were remembered and honoured in Prescott Sunday afternoon.

A small crowd gathered at the cenotaph at Fort Wellington to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the six-year war in Europe.

Poor weather conditions made the ceremony feel more like late fall then late spring. Off-and-on showers, strong winds and below-normal temperatures created an atmosphere not unlike that of a Remembrance Day ceremony.

As the parade of veterans, Legion members and Air Cadets was about to arrive at the cenotaph, a cannon was fired by Fort Wellington staff. The cannon was fired a second time at the conclusion of the singing of O Canada.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn noted Canada was a small country that had a lot to offer in the Second World War. Of a population of about 11 million, 1.1 million Canadians signed up to serve and fight for freedom. It was not only those who served in the military who played an important role, according to Lawn. There were the people on the home front who worked in the factories, forests and other places who also contributed to the war effort. The ceremony gives Canadians a chance to take stock and to "...ensure we're making the best use of the gift these men and women gave to us," Lawn said.

The mayor presented a remembrance plaque on behalf of town council to Branch 97. Accepting on behalf of the Legion was Les Dunn, a Prescott native and Second World War veteran who was part of the contingent that represented Canada at Holland liberation ceremonies in Europe earlier this month.

Lawn said it was an honour to have Dunn represent Prescott and this country in Holland.

Student employment centre is open for another season

PRESCOTT - Students looking for jobs and employers looking for young workers can again go to the Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students (HRCC-S) for their employment needs.

The Prescott location, which opened earlier this month, is located at 292 Centre St. above the post office. Last year, the centre posted more than 80 jobs for secondary and post-secondary students.

"This year we are celebrating over 35 years of summer service," stated HRCC-S supervisor Ann Harmsmen in a press release.

"In the coming weeks, student employment officers will be contacting local employers to discuss their summer employment needs and to make them aware that our HRCC-S is open and ready to assist them in any way it can."

In addition to offering job posting services for employers, HRCC-S provides youth with interview advice, job search strategies and resumé building. All of these services are provided free of charge.

The Prescott office is open weekdays.

For more information, call Summer Employment Officer Mary Ellen Hough at the Prescott office (925-2508).

Chamber membership grows

JOHNSTOWN The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has added a name to its membership list.

Chamber directors voted at their meeting last Wednesday at the Bridgeview to accept an application by Defensive Driver Training of Brockville.

Membership in the local business organization is in the range of 150.

The next Chamber of Commerce meeting will take place Wednesday, June 15 at Grenville Arms.

Open doors to local heritage sites this Saturday

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The heritage of the Leeds and Grenville area will come alive at this year's Doors Open event.

The showcase of historical and interesting buildings and properties will take place this Saturday, May 28. At least 40 sites in the region (including more than 15 in South Grenville) will be open free of charge in the morning and most of the afternoon (most from 10 am to 4 pm); in some cases, the locations are rarely accessible to the public.

Launched in 2002 by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, the program is offered in many areas of Ontario at different times of the spring, summer and fall, and is aimed at increasing awareness of local heritage. Doors Open is also a way for participating churches, museums, non-profit groups (and, indirectly, the greater community) to promote themselves to local residents and visitors from outside the immediate area.

"It is a wonderful and affordable way for individuals and families to travel the province and celebrate the vibrant heritage of our diverse communities," stated Ontario Culture Minister Madeleine Meilleur.

Doors Open sites in Brockville-Thousand Islands include:

Prescott/South Grenville

* Battle of the Windmill

* Blue Church

* Blue Heron Inn

* Bridgewaters Inn

* Fort Wellington

* Forwarders' Museum

* Johnstown United Church

* North Channel Cemetery Spirit Walk

* Prescott Municipal Building

* St. John's Anglican Church

* The Colonel's Inn

* Countryman's Gardens

* Homewood Museum

* Grenville Christian College

Addison

* Calamity Jane's Dining Lounge

Athens

* Christian Reformed Church

* Fire Truck/Hall

* Public Library

* Joshua Bates Centre

* Wiltse Pioneer Cemetery

Brockville

* Brockville Club

* Farmers Market

* Fire Department (Perth Street)

* Brockville Museum

* Public Library

* Railway Caboose

* Railway Tunnel

* First Baptist Church

* First Presbyterian Church

* Loyal Orange Lodge

* St. John's United Church

* St. Peter's Anglican Church

* Wall Street United Church

* Robert Shepherd Grist Mill

* Fulford Academy

* Fulford Place

* Gilhooly's Antique Coach House

Delta

* Old Stone Mill and Museum

* Philipsville Baptist Church

Lyn

* Heritage Place Museum

* St. John the Baptist Anglican Church

For more information on Doors Open in Leeds and Grenville (including locations), visit www.doorsopenontarios.on.ca or call 342-4357. To obtain a free 2005 program guide, call 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746).

Town still plans to hold the line on municipal tax rate: finance chair

PRESCOTT The chairperson of Prescott's finance and corporate services committee says it has been hard to keep from increasing the municipal tax rate.

But Councillor Suzanne Dodge adds the town is still on track to hold the line on the 2005 tax rate.

The municipal budget is still being finalized; it was reviewed at the committee level Friday and will be the subject of one last committee session May 30 before being presented to council for its approval.

Dodge told The Journal last week's meeting included "serious number-crunching." Some items being considered for this year have been deferred to the 2006 municipal "wish list," according to the councillor.

As it now stands, the 2005 budget does not include service or staff reductions. In terms of grants to community groups and organizations, Dodge said "no one is getting more than last year" and no cuts are in the works.

A review of the town's community grants system is expected after council approves the 2005 budget.

Dodge said this year's budget proposal still needs some fine tuning. The councillor also noted she would like to see money allocated in the budget for follow-up to the downtown revitalization study which will soon be completed.

In 2004, council approved a small reduction to the municipal tax rate. Some property owners ended up paying more in taxes because of reassessment.

Funding for new OPP building yet to be announced

Development Drive property is preferred site for Grenville County detachment facility

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT Municipal leaders and Ontario Provincial Police officials are still awaiting word on funding for a new building in which to house the Grenville County OPP detachment.

In a recent letter to Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, Angela Lockridge of the OPP's business and financial services bureau notes the new building has been identified as a priority in the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services multi-year infrastructure plan of 2005/06.

"Please be assured this project is also a priority for the OPP," she states.

The current facility at the corner of Edward Street and Prescott Centre Drive just south of Highway 401 is no longer big enough to handle the needs of the detachment. The situation became more critical when the OPP absorbed several additional personnel as part of the disbandment of the Prescott Police Service last September.

Lockridge indicates the Ontario Realty Corporation, the provincial government agency responsible for securing facilities for other government entities such as the OPP, is reviewing Ministry of Transportation plans for work on the 401 and how it would affect any plans to renovate or expand the existing detachment building.

It was noted at a Prescott Police Services Board meeting Friday morning that there are plans for a new on-ramp near the building, which would likely rule out the expansion option.

The location being considered for the new building is on Development Drive across from the Riverside dealership just north of the 401. Inspector Brent Hill, Grenville County detachment commander, said this is his preferred site because of its proximity to the 401 and a north-south route.

There are no negotiations between the town and the realty corporation at this time, noted Mayor Lawn. However, the mayor has discussed the matter with Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter at a conference earlier this spring. There has also been correspondence on the subject, the mayor said Friday.

Hill noted a realty corporation official had been asking about the status of plans to run water and sewer lines to the north side of the 401. The infrastructure was not put in as part of the Riverside project; however, running the lines under the 401 would take place as soon as additional commercial developments were set for the industrial park area.

Check out skilled trades, other careers at CASTLE

BROCKVILLE Skilled trades and other career opportunities will be showcased at an upcoming event in Brockville.

The Career and Skilled Trades Learning Experience (CASTLE) event offer hands-on experiences for people who are seeking employment or considering a career change.

CASTLE will be held Wednesday, June 1 from 10 am to 6:30 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall.

The program, which is funded by the Government of Canada and sponsored locally by St. Lawrence College, promotes skilled trades and other career opportunities through interactive demonstrations and workshops.

Many companies are reporting a shortage of skilled labour. Tradespeople earn good money and are in demand.

For more information, call 345-0660, ext. 3219 or visit www.trythetrades.com.

A similar CASTLE event will be staged on June 15 at the W.B. George Centre at Kemptville College.

No more brush at works yard effective this Saturday: town

PRESCOTT Brush will no longer be accepted at Prescott's public works yard as of this Saturday, the town has announced.

Prescott council approved the move earlier this spring as part of a decision to purchase a wood chipper. Compost material can still be dropped off at the public works facility located at the north end of Sophia Street.

In a notice which appears in this week's Journal, the town outlines its new procedure for brush. The municipality will chip brush placed at the curb on the second and last Wednesdays of each month from spring until winter. Brush is to be placed at the curb no later than the Tuesday evening before pick-up day.

According to the notice, Branches between six and 12 feet in length are to be piled neatly at the curb with the butt ends facing the roadway. Branches less than six feet long must be bundled or they will not be collected and chipped.

Small branches and twigs are to be bundled; bags cannot be put through the chipper.

The collection of leaves, grass and yard waste (which must be left in clear bags) will continue to take place on the last Wednesday of the month.

Eaton seeks Liberal nod

BROCKVILLE Prescott resident Bob Eaton is seeking the federal Liberal nomination in Leeds-Grenville.

The regional vice-president of the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union announced his candidacy last Wednesday. Eaton is the lone declared candidate for the local Liberal nomination at this time.

The Liberals held the Leeds-Grenville seat until Conservative Gord Brown defeated MP Joe Jordan in the June 2004 election.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Students have always been quick to welcome new students and staff to our Algonquin community. Each of our classes have gained a new student in the past month. The school also has three new staff.

Students in the grade 2/3 class welcome Ms. Shannon Smith and the computer learning experiences she has provided through the Math Trek software. Also new to the staff is Mrs. Nancy Ripley. In her role as educational assistant, she delivers programming for one of our newest students. Both have been made to feel very welcome and have adjusted well to our Algonquin community.

Our newest staff member is in-school tutor, Mrs. Cathy Caputo. We are fortunate to have a tutor of her calibre. Mrs. Caputo comes to this position having just completed her teacher qualifications. Students stand to benefit from her experience.

Boundary Street Public School: Grade 8 students will once again be having a bake sale on Friday, May 27. Proceeds will go to the graduation fund.

Junior and intermediate students will be treated to a concertina on the morning of June 1. The Fort Town Concert Association's generosity is providing this opportunity for our students. Later in the morning, staff and students will be recognizing our school volunteers for the many hours that are given to our programs. We appreciate volunteers' willingness to share their time and talents with us on such a regular basis.

On Monday, May 30, school council members will be cooking breakfast for our students. We are all looking forward to sausages, eggs, juice, and muffins.

Our student recognition assembly will be held Monday, May 30 at 12:45 pm. All parents/guardians are very welcome to join us.

Hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets.

St. Joseph Catholic School: It was great to see our Grade 6 students participating enthusiastically in the EQAO provincial testing.

Jump Rope for Heart was a great success thanks to Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Donovan, the students and staff. St. Joseph raised more than $2,300. Stay tuned for the final tally as not all pledges are in yet.

Exciting learning opportunities are taking place at Queen's University this week as eight of our intermediate students are participating in their SEEDS Residential Program.

Our Track and Field athletes will be participating in the Iroquois Track Meet on Thursday, May 26. A Track and Field Day is planned for St. Joseph on Tuesday, May 31.

Hope to see our families out enjoying the great company, the delicious barbecue and the many activities at the St. Joseph Fun Fair on Wednesday, June 1 from 5 to 7 pm. Grade 3 students from St. Mark's and their families are also invited.

On Friday, June 3, the Grade 5 classes will be exhibiting their science fair projects. Families will be invited to view the displays.

St. Mark Catholic School: This week our Grade 3 students will be participating in the EQAO provincial assessments in reading, writing and mathematics.

Our Grade 2 students will make their first Holy Communion on Sunday, May 29 at 2 pm at St. Mark's Catholic Church with Father Appelman as celebrant. On Monday, May 30 at 10 am, we will celebrate a Marian mass along with St. Joseph school in honour of Mary in her month of May.

We welcome Isabelle Fortier on harp and Phillip Hornsby on percussion (from Jeunesses Musicales) on May 31 at 2 pm in our gym. Lynda Southam arranged this for our students.

On Wednesday, June 1, we welcome our new Junior Kindergarten students and their parents to our First Time Bus Ride Safety Program. It will begin at 9:30 am in the gymnasium. We acknowledge the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario transportation department and Dundas Bus Lines for their support.

Hot lunch this week is pizza.

When it comes to fancy hats, the fancier the better

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

Plans are under way for our special "tea." We are serving all those dainty sandwiches and goodies we remember from the fancy teas. Why not bring out the old hat the one your mother wore when the Queen was here? If you don't have a treasure, why not make one? The fancier the better.

You are invited to bring your materials and join us at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 1 when some of us will be creating our hats. Even "tillies" and toques qualify. Those wearing hats will be given a special discount on their "tea." The next planning meeting is tonight at 6:30 pm. We still need suggestions, so please attend if you can help. Call Walker House at 925-5300.

A planning meeting for the Seaway Autumn Colour Studio Tour will be held here today at 3:30 pm. Please plan to attend if you are one of the participating artists.

Just a reminder of the chicken and salad lunch this Friday, May 27 at 11:30 am.

Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge 1st, Joan Roe; 2nd, Janet White; door, Andy Britnell. Fun bridge Wanda Wilson. Wednesday night bridge 1st, Brenda Humphry; 2nd, Andy Britnell. Thursday night euchre 1st, Yvonne Crawford; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Dora Cook; door, Jeanine Marion.

Air Cadets are completing a busy month

By Captain John E. Henry

PRESCOTT The 661 Lt W.F. Sharpe Squadron spent May 14 and 15 at the Ivy Lea campground completing survival training. The cadets toughed out the cold and wet weather Saturday with enthusiasm and smiles and truly enjoyed the beautiful weather that Sunday had in store for them. For each of the 30 personnel in attendance, it was a tremendous weekend full of information, new skills and fun.

With rain gear in tow, the cadets spent much of Saturday learning how to survive in the wilderness. Classes on topics such as shelter construction, map and compass and wilderness first aid made for a very intensive day of training. Saturday night the cadets made and slept in their very own shelters (called "hoochies") and spent the day on Sunday competing with their peers through team challenges that tested their new found skills. The exercise commander, Captain Jackie Henry, said "They (the cadets) did a wonderful job working as a team to complete their training. All of the cadets who participated in this exercise are to be congratulated for their hard work."

As the training year winds down, Prescott's cadets are keeping as busy as ever! With participation in the VE Day parade in Prescott, the annual soap box derby, gliding and an annual parent-cadet awards banquet (on top of regular training nights and band practices) filling out the month of May, why not stop by and join in on the fun?

Cadets is available to any youth between the ages of 12 and 19. The unit parades Tuesday nights from 6-9 pm at South Grenville District High School. Call 349-0488 or visit www.cadets.ca.

Board names new principal of St. Joseph Catholic School

PRESCOTT The new principal of St. Joseph Catholic School has been named.

Margaret Fancy, who is currently serving as curriculum director with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, will succeed Deborah Zabloski as principal at the senior elementary school in Prescott.

Zabloski has served with the board for 31 years, the last three of which have been at St. Joseph. Her retirement notice was accepted by the board in early April.

The Catholic district school board released its first round of principal and vice-principal appointments for the upcoming academic year on Friday.

Spencerville Legion seeks lapel pin designs

By Ruth Chouinard, Public Affairs Officer

We have been very busy at our branch this spring. We served a record 270 people at our annual Mud Pout Dinner April 30. The Mother's Day brunch was attended by 72 people. All the food was donated, and we had some good entertainment as well.

Our next Sunday breakfast will be held May 29 from 8 to 11 am. We are having a yard sale (surplus equipment and glassware) the morning of June 25. Other people wishing to set up a table in the hall to sell their crafts or other items (no junk) should contact the branch (658-2031) for information.

We are holding our third annual hip-of-beef barbecue on the afternoon of Canada Day (a Friday) until 8 pm or until the food runs out. Refreshments will be served inside beginning at 11 am. Advance tickets will be available at the Legion; this event is always a sell-out!

Most Legions have their own lapel pins to wear on civilian clothes, and our branch has decided to hold a design contest open to people of all ages to submit lapel pin designs which reflect the unique history of the Spencerville branch.

We would like to receive designs on letter-size paper, either hand-drawn or computer-generated, in colour. The person who submits the winning design will receive an age-appropriate prize valued at up to $100. Please put your name, address and telephone number on the back of your design and submit it to The Secretary, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 604, Box 102, Spencerville, K0E 1X0 or drop it off at the branch. The deadline is July 31. All entries will become the property of the branch.

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is a potentially life-saving skill most people can learn with some expert training and practice. We will be holding a course this summer. We will also be holding a Smart Service course now required for all who work in liquor-licensed facilities. More details to come.

The highland games are coming to Spencerville June 18, and Branch 604 will be open and serving food all day. Bar opens at 11 am.

Family members make their mark in Ottawa

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Three major accomplishments for one family in a short period is a big thing.

Brother and sister Gavin and Amanda Bush of Prescott and their cousin Annie MacPherson of Cardinal, have a lot to be proud about as the two young women are getting set for their second year as pipers with the Ceremonial Guard at Parliament Hill, and Gavin prepares for his first year with the Ottawa Fury midget rep soccer team.

For the girls, the two cousins have been piping almost seven years, with last year being their first year as part of the ceremonial guard.

"We just applied for it and auditioned," said Amanda. "There were 12 positions available across Canada and we were chosen. We thought we had a good shot since we've been told we could make it."

The fact both girls were selected to the guard, didn't come as a surprise to the duo since they had been doing things together since they started.

"We usually do this together," indicated Annie. "We took lessons together, and have always been close. This will be a lot of work, but it should also be a lot of fun and a great experience."

For the girls, the prestigious position is looked at in simpler terms.

"It's more of a summer job," explained Annie. "We stay in the dorms at Carleton (University) and work a lot, but for us it's better than flipping burgers or pumping gas."

As part of being in the ceremonial guard, the two girls not only had to excel at bagpiping, but also complete basic military qualifications, which saw them wake up early, run, participate in drills and learn rifle drills."

As part of their positions, the girls have to wake up early in the morning and march the guard to the Parliament Hill or be stationed with guards at the Governor General's house. As part of the tradition of the guard they are not allowed to speak and are expected to appear faceless to the public taking in the event.

The two local girls said they enjoy the experience and spending the time together each summer, since they are currently attending different universities. (Annie attends Brock University in St. Catharines, while Amanda attends Trent University in Peterborough.)

The two will be working from May 24 until Aug. 28 as pipers of the ceremonial guard.

As for Gavin, he is currently getting under way in his first season of rep soccer with the highly regarded Ottawa Fury team in the Super X League.

Gavin, a standout striker, has been involved with the local Prescott Gunners rep team, as well as being one of the top players in the Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association as a Grade 10 student at St. Mary Catholic High School in Brockville.

Bush, who has a natural affinity to the game, indicates some of the early programs in the area he participated in are what helped him get involved in the sport.

"I was always interested," said Gavin, "but when I was young Bill Ault had soccer camps at the Drummond Building and it really set me on the right track."

Gavin also credits his Gunners' coach, Eric Pattison, with being a key part to his development as a player.

The young striker got involved with the Fury in October. After learning of a tryout already started he came in halfway through and was granted the 12th slot on the team after its intention was to only keep 11 players.

"It's pretty involved," explained Gavin. "I'm up in Ottawa four to five times a week, and in the summer we travel a lot and go to places all over North America such as Albany, Orlando, Connecticut, Boston and Chicago. We do some pretty intense training with sprints up a hill and drills."

For the young striker, he tries to pattern his game after his favourite player Thierry Henry of Arsenal of the English Premier League and hopes his ability in the game will lead him to a scholarship and maybe more.

"I'd love to make a living out of the sport I love," said Gavin. "I just want to play in university or college and try to get drafted in the MLS (Major League Soccer) league or go play in Europe."

For Gavin and Amanda's mother and Annie's aunt, Tracy Miller, seeing the three do well in what they do makes the extra effort all worthwhile.

"We're all very proud of them," explained Tracy. "Their (Gavin and Amanda's) father, Ed Bush, is great and we take turns and he is an awesome help. We couldn't be any happier for them."

Input sought on possible water, sewer expansion

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

JOHNSTOWN - The potential for water and sewer services in Johnstown and Riverview Heights could become a reality.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta townships are working together with the Town of Prescott to study possible alternative methods to provide water and sewer services from Prescott west to Riverview Heights and east to Grenville Park east of Johnstown.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Ward 2 Councillor Peter Martin, who is also a member of the South Grenville Economic Development Committee, believes the public needs to be aware of both the positives and negatives of what could end up being a large project.

Martin indicated a grant has been received from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, to study the feasibility of the project.

"Eastern Engineering was hired as the consultants," explained Martin. "They have put forth a draft report and now we are seeking public input on the information we have before decisions can be made."

"There is a combination of residential, commercial and industrial land in the areas," said Martin, "so there is potential for growth in both directions in those under-serviced areas. If the project does go through, then there would be greater potential for industrial growth which would benefit everyone."

While he indicated the project could have some positive impact on the area, Martin also indicated there are still things that need to be worked out.

He added that due to the flat terrain of the area an additional five pumping stations would have to be built, and to extend fire protection water towers could be constructed in both Riverview Heights and Johnstown.

"There are still some environmental conditions which need to be addressed," said Martin, "and there is the cost issue. The total estimate is about $10,870,000, which is about half for water and half sewer, and that doesn't include costs to take the lines into developments from the sewer line extension."

Martin indicated the project is something which has been considered for a long time and with the money from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, it allowed the townships to get all the groundwork done and out of the way even if the project doesn't proceed immediately.

The first information session was held April 25.

The next open house will be held June 2 at 7 pm at town hall in Prescott.

Input can also be submitted to the municipal offices in Prescott, Maynard and Spencerville.

Prescott student selected for study tour of battlefields

PRESCOTT - Amy Whitehorne, a Prescott-area university student, has been selected for the 11th annual Canadian Battlefields Foundation (CBF) study tour which is happening this June 1-14.

Whitehorne is one of 12 students representing seven universities from across Canada. She graduated from Queen's University in Kingston this month with a BAH in history and english literature and will be seeking a career as a high school history teacher.

She is currently on the waiting list for teachers college at Queen's University.

Students participating in the study tour were selected by a national competition. The application process involved students filling out a form, sending in a transcript and also completing a mini essay indicating why the student wanted to go on the tour.

Whitehorne indicated to The Journal she has a strong interest in military history, although her undergraduate history degree at Queen's did not deal extensively with the subject. She also stated she hopes to learn more about the Second World War on the tour.

Once on the tour, participants will tour Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel, Dieppe, and the battlefields of Normandy and the Scheldt battlegrounds of Belgium and the Netherlands. The tour will be directed by Dr. Marc Milner of the University of New Brunswick.

"I'm especially honoured we will be at Juno Beach for the June 6 ceremony," stated Whitehorne. "I really feel strongly (that the) sacrifices soldiers made not be forgotten."

Nearly 700 marijuana plants seized

EDWARDSBURGH A 32-year-old man faces a drug production charge after police seized nearly 700 marijuana plants from a property near Spencerville Thursday.

The Grenville County OPP drug enforcement section executed a search warrant at a trailer on Burnie Road. In all, 686 marijuana plants of varying sizes (some as tall as five feet) were seized. Officer also seized growing materials and lighting equipment.

A man who resides in the trailer was arrested and charged. As of Tuesday, his name had not been released.

If all the plants had reached maturity, their total value would be nearly $700,000.

The search was the result of an investigation by Grenville County OPP constables Pergunas and Wright. Drug enforcement officers are continuing the investigation.

Trailer stolen

EDWARDSBURGH Grenville County OPP are investigating the theft of a utility trailer from the parking lot at Angelo's on County Road 44.

On May 21, a 43-year-old man reported the theft to police. The Carrier Advantage cooler unit was white and bearing licence plate number B3911D. The trailer, which was for sale, was last seen May 17. The unit is valued at $12,000. Constable McConnell is investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP detachment in Prescott or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Items missing from garage

SPENCERVILLE A 14-inch Stihl chain saw and two Stihl weed-eaters were reported stolen from a detached garage on County Road 21 east of Spencerville May 17. The items have a total value of $450. OPP Constable Lapensee is investigating.

Seniors Web site retained

BROCKVILLE An online resource for senior citizens has been extended.

By visiting www.seniorsinfo. ca, the public (including residents of the Prescott area) have access to information about government programs and local community agencies available to elder citizens.

The Web site was created through a partnership involving the federal and provincial governments and the City of Brockville, the first arrangement of its kind involving information of seniors. The one-year program, which is based at the Brockville Public Library, has been given a six-month extension.

Subjects covered on the Web site include health, transportation, taxation and housing. Seniors and service providers in the Brockville area have been active in helping design the site.

For more information, call the co-ordinator, Holly Millious, at 498-1880 or visit the Web site.

Join the folks

PRESCOTT St. Paul's United Church will host a folk concert Sunday, May 29 at 7:30 pm.

The evening will include performances by the St. Paul's Folk Choir and guest musicians Gary Stokes & Friends.

Refreshments will be served. There is no admission free, but there will be a free-will offering.

Proceeds go to restoration of the church roof. St. Paul's is at the corner of George and Dibble.

EDITORIALS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It worked for now, but at what price?"

Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown, commenting on the government's effort to win the budget vote.

Editor's Notebook

LIBERALS WIN THE BATTLE, CANADIANS LOSING THE WAR: There is little doubt last week's drama that ended with the speaker of the House of Commons casting the tie-breaking vote to keep the minority Liberal government in place for the time being will go down as one of the most interesting times in national political history. Based on opinion polls, the public got what it wanted: no June election.

The Liberals managed to buy some time by making a budget deal with the New Democrats and securing just enough support from independents to survive the confidence vote. The government is not stupid enough to believe it still has the confidence of most Canadians; there is far too much evidence of wrongdoing (fueled, in part, by having majority rule for too many years in the absence of a viable alternative) to give voters much of a comfort level when it comes to their elected leaders.

As for the shots being fired at MP Belinda Stronach for dumping the Tories and crossing over to the Liberals, criticism related to her switch from one political party (for which she sought the leadership not that long ago) to another is fair game. Some of the more personal shots which are somehow connected to her gender are pathetic and go way over the line. Attack Stronach for being a so-called traitor or for caring more about personal ambition than political affiliation, but keep the fact she is a woman out of it. David Kilgour and other male MPs have switched sides and gender was not an issue then, so why should it be when a woman (who happens to be young and attractive) does the same thing? We give credit to Leeds-Grenville Conservative MP Gord Brown for taking the high ground on this one, and wish our local MPP had taken the same approach.

There will come a day when the Liberal government will have no choice but to let the voters decide its fate. As for the so-called government-in-waiting, we would like to remind the Conservatives they will have to do more than just harp on the Liberals' mistakes and weaknesses in order to gain the confidence of Canadian voters. Just because most of us believe part or most of the Liberal government is tainted or corrupt does not mean it will lose the next election, which is a sad commentary on what our federal political system has become.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH: In addition to noting the efforts of the many volunteers who gave of their time to make Harbour Days a success, we would like to acknowledge the people who stood in the rain and took part in the Walk for CHEO and the VE Day ceremony Sunday afternoon.

Whether it is paying tribute to veterans of the Second World War or raising money for a children's hospital, these people demonstrated their support of a cause under less than ideal circumstances. Once again, these volunteers made a difference in our community.

Tim Ruhnke

The future of your elementary school is not guaranteed

THE NEW GUY by Tim Ruhnke

For those of you who are concerned about the future of the public or Catholic elementary school in your rural area or small town, here is a friendly reminder: never take anything for granted.

My hometown of Deep River is losing its senior elementary school at the end of June, and its primary elementary school is on the chopping block for June 2006 unless the community can come up with a plan to save it. Deep River and Prescott have about the same population, but Deep River does not have nearly as many people living in the surrounding area.

The district school board has plans to squeeze all students into the high school. Logistically, the move appears to be feasible with some changes and renovations to the existing structure.

My sense is public school supporters in Deep River would have been hard-pressed to convince the board to keep both elementary schools open. However, the community (and, in fairness, others in the region) did not appear to have taken the prospect of losing both facilities that seriously until the board was preparing its chopping list.

It is no secret certain schools in South Grenville are at risk of being deemed surplus. Given the current funding formula in place in Ontario and the reality of declining enrollment in an area which is not experiencing a growth in population, the Upper Canada board will inevitably taking a serious look at its own schools and how many it can afford to retain. Protests based on emotion alone will not likely sway trustees; business plans and community partnerships which state the economic case in favour of keeping a school open are what will have the most impact.

To be blunt, never assume the future of your community's school is safe or that someone else is looking after it.

* * *

It's been three weeks since I last wrote about the absence of functioning pedestrian push buttons at the intersection of Edward Street and Churchill Road. One night last week, I observed a man and his dog waiting for the lights to change so they could cross Edward. They waited and waited and waited. Finally, a vehicle turning onto Churchill Road triggered the signals to change. Of course, most people would have crossed without waiting for the right signal especially if it means having to stand there for a few minutes even after pushing the button... assuming there is still a button to push, as is not the case on the northeast side of the intersection.

If the problem has been corrected by the time this paper hits the streets, kudos to the municipality for making things safer for pedestrians. If not, I hope we do not have to wait until the overpass and Edward Street north resurfacing projects which are to get under way after the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival ends in late July.

Proposed district high school to have 35 rooms: 1956

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Among the old photos and stories posted inside the TD Canada Trust branch in Prescott to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the bank from which TD evolved is the front page of the May 31, 1956 edition of The Prescott Journal. At that time, the new Toronto Dominion Bank (formed by the merger of the Bank of Toronto and the Dominion Bank) officially opened its Prescott branch.

Here are some of the other front-page stories from the spring of 1956:

* Revised preliminary plans for South Grenville District High School have been approved by the local board. The proposal calls for a 35-room building to be constructed on the northern edge of Prescott.

* The Prescott Rotary Club's fort field committee is urging adults and children to stay off the newly-levelled and seeded field area at Fort Wellington. The work that has been completed is aimed at making better use of the field as a sports area.

* John Edward Fischl has graduated from McGill University with a bachelor of commerce degree. The young man will be joining the Louis Fischl Glove Company in Prescott and will be associated with his father.

* The Grenville Fish and Game Club has conducted its first vermin hunt. Fourteen marksmen took part in the hunt; they bagged a total of 66 groundhogs, two crows and two starlings.

Bob Whitley had the most success on the outing; he shot 21 groundhogs.

Now is not the time for Canada to roll over onto its back

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

We sat in puppy obedience class nearly two years ago and learned about alpha personalities and submission and a few other things that are as important in the real world as they are in dog world.

In order to show them you are the boss, the woman running the class told us to hold the dogs on their backs and not to let them flip over.

If they are not submissive, they will squirm, fight to roll over, and only after giving up, they will look away and simply pretend that they were not on their backs or ignore their situation.

That is where we are as a country right now. We are lying on our backs, looking away, pretending that what is happening to our once proud nation is not really happening.

I wasn't angry last week when the Liberals, as they say, "won" their confidence vote in the house. I was, however, angry at the events leading up to the budget vote and the immediate aftermath following the budget vote.

A week before the vote, my wife and I sat and listened to Belinda Stronach at a Nepean-Carleton Conservative Party dinner. The Liberals, she told us, had lost the authority to govern. Jack Layton didn't have the answers, she told us, and Paul Martin, she added, didn't even know what the questions were.

She joked about the Paul Martin action figure, which she said came with its own party whip, Jean Chrétien's baggage and with a map of Canada. Quebec, she said, was sold separately.

She painted a picture of Paul Martin as what he is a man desperate to stay in power regardless of the cost.

Although Ms. Stronach was underwhelming as a speaker, she did strike a nerve with the crowd.

She vowed to go to Montana to fight for the farmers of Eastern Ontario and the rest of Canada trying to get the border reopened for Canadian beef cattle exports.

She said that the BSE crisis cost our farmers $7 billion, and that the Liberals were too busy with corruption and scandal to worry about something so trivial. That was then.

I was angry when she crossed the floor to the Liberals. I wasn't mad because she swung the vote. I was angry because only a few days earlier we bought into her façade of integrity that masked her raw ambition.

I haven't voted in Canada since 1993, when I voted for Jean Chretien's Liberals. I wanted an election not because, as many Liberals accuse, it was an opportunistic chance to seize power. Rather, it was an opportunistic time to give the people a chance to be heard.

When Chuck Cadman cast the deciding vote, I felt sad and empty. I listened live on CFRA, and I pulled over and sat in my car. I can't remember the last time I had felt so empty and dejected about being Canadian.

Afterwards, I knew more crap was on the way. PM Paulie Walnuts and his other thugs were saying things in the media like the people of Canada have spoken and expressed confidence in us and do not want an election.

Who do these smug and arrogant liars think we are?

All the federal budget vote said is that everyone has a price. Jack Layton and the NDP had a price. So did Belinda Stronach.

If you choose to look beyond the corruption and still support the Liberals, I wanted this election for you too. I will never change your mind, and you will never change my mind.

In fact, if you still support the Liberals, you have shown that still have a passion for Canadian politics. I congratulate you for it.

The Conservatives have lied too, so has the NDP, but now more than ever we all need to care about this country's present and future and try to restore integrity.

What makes me livid is that there are so many Canadians who don't care. They are sick of the Gomery Inquiry.

All politicians are corrupt, they will say, and they don't ever want to vote again. Liberal, Conservative, French or English, you should be fuming over this scandal.

But, as a culture, we are being put on our backs while Big Brother let's call him Grand Frere in this case rubs our tummy and we look the other way, pretending we are not there.

It's time for all of us to roll over and bite the hand that feeds us.

Canada's Conservatives and Liberals may be harshly divided right now. I do, however, hope we can stand together and inject some passion into the apathetic people and make people care about Canada again.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

It is time for town to fix our streets and sidewalks

The Editor;

I am appalled at the condition of our streets. On May 6, I fell after my toe tangled on broken, uneven pavement on George Street north of Dibble Street. I was taken to the emergency room and spent approximately six hours being assessed and treated.

Sine my unfortunate accident, I have required multiple individuals to take over care of my husband and myself. I strongly urge the municipality to examine their priorities for the health, safety and well-being of the residents of Prescott before someone else is seriously injured.

Edith Van Dusen
Prescott

CARDINAL NEWS

Theatre group ready to perform

CARDINAL - A group of young thespians has been hard at work preparing for the annual presentation of the Cardinal Lions Children's Theatre Group May 28 and 29 at Benson Public School in Cardinal.

Each year, the group puts on a musical play which involves morals and life lessons to pass along to the kids.

This year the group is performing Malice in the Palace: The Story of Esther, which is based on the Book of Esther in the Old Testament.

In the story, the powerful King Xerxes chooses a beautiful Israelite maiden named Esther to be his queen, while an evil servant named Haman and a faithful one named Mordecai will try and sway his decision. In the story, Xerxes' loyal subjects learn to stand up for what is right.

The group is comprised of 12 children in grades 4-8 from Cardinal and the surrounding area.

The group began rehearsing last October at St. John's United Church and has been practising more recently at Benson Public School.

Seaway District High School teacher Jason Edge does the drama production for the play, while retired Seaway District High School teacher Karen Koivumaki provides the children with musical direction.

The project has become a community effort, with the Cardinal Lions Club and other members of the community aiding the production by helping out with set construction, costumes and make-up.

There will be two performances of the play: Saturday at 7 pm and a matinee Sunday at 3 pm. Both performances are at Benson Public School.

There is no admission charge to the play, but free-will offerings and donations of non-perishable items to the Food For All Food Bank will be accepted at the door.

Volunteers needed for adopt-a-spot program

CARDINAL - Volunteers with a green thumb are being sought by Cardinal In Bloom to help take care of adopt-a-spot gardens around the village.

There are still a few flower beds around the village which require volunteers to plant, water and weed this summer, with Cardinal In Bloom and the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal providing the plants.

The work of the volunteers keeps the program running each year.

Students requiring community service hours are welcome to participate.

Anyone interested should contact Debbie Rylands at 657-3982, Debbie Johnston at 657-1044, Marj Kempffer at 657-1764 or Lori Kilmartin at 657-1400.

Ladies make their mark at dart league

CARDINAL The Cardinal Ladies Dart League handed out the hardware at its 2004-2005 closing banquet held Saturday night at the Cardinal Legion.

First place in regular season play went to The Go Getters (Tina Summerfield, Sharron Easter and Jackie Coville. Placing second were The Queen Bees (Diana Hoy, Edith Small, Marla Seeley and Grace Patterson).

The Bees stung The Go Getters to win first place in the playoffs.

The Dart Gals (Tara Summerfield, Betty Bissonette and Claudette Heffernan) placed third in the regular season.

The banquet included the presentation of awards:

Most Games for Regular Player: Tina Summerfield (16)

Most Games for a Spare Player: Christine Veley (10)

High 3-Dart Finish for Regular Player: Sharron Easter (86)

High 3-Dart Finish for Spare: Christine Veley (64)

Most Improved Player: Claudette Heffernan

Rookie of the Year: Claudette Heffernan

Most Bullseyes for a Regular Player: Tina Summerfield (17)

Most Bullseyes for a Spare: Elaine LaFave (6)

High Score for Regular Players: Diana Hoy, Betty Bissonette (140)

High Score for Spare: Emily Marriner (144)

Sportslady of the Year: Bernadette Cheetham.

SPORTS