Strike is over at Invista site
Union members accept three-year deal; some workers won't
be back
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
MAITLAND The strike at Invista Maitland is over, but
there is still uncertainty as to how many employees will be called
back to work.
More than 77 per cent of the members of Local 28-0 of the
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) Union approved
the three-year deal when it was put to a vote Friday. The vote
was 243-69; three ballots were spoiled.
Management and union officials had signed a memorandum of
agreement on Tuesday.
The vote brings to an end a strike that began June 4.
Reading from a prepared text, Invista spokesman Mark Lichty
told The Journal Monday Invista is pleased the labour
dispute has been resolved. "The company did not want a strike,"
he stated.
Lichty went on to state Invista recognizes the impact the
dispute has had on employees, their families and the community,
adding strikes place a strain on relationships.
"A period of orientation and familiarization will be
provided to enable employees to reintegrate into plant operations,"
he stated. When asked to elaborate on what that means, Lichty
said he did not have specifics.
For most employees, the recall to work will take place within
14 days. However, Lichty added it could take up to 30 days in
some areas, such as laboratories and the adipic acid plant.
Local 28-0 President Steve Armstrong said the agreement, which
is the same as the tentative deal rejected by the union membership
six weeks earlier, includes improvements to the related back-to-work
protocol a key stumbling block in the September vote.
However, Armstrong acknowledged there will likely be layoffs
as workers are recalled. "They refused to tell us how many
they would bring back," he said.
Seniority will be used as part of the recall process. A union
representative will be present as the company contacts workers;
the move ensures every effort will be made to reach those workers
within the 72-hour reporting period, according to Armstrong.
"You never know when you go on strike what's going to
happen," he told The Journal Tuesday.
Choosing to reject the tentative agreement put to them six
weeks earlier was also the right choice, they said; the revised
protocol ***
As for the lingering effects of the lengthy strike, some union
members acknowledged there are still hard feelings which are
unlikely to go away quickly. However, they added they have friends
and co-workers on the other side of the dispute with whom they
do not have an issue.
Armstrong said most union members just want to get back into
the routine of working. He added middle management who "made
a lot of extra money" during the strike might want to consider
being very sensitive and responsive to union members' needs in
the days and weeks ahead.
THIS WEEK
Fort Town concert set for Friday night
PRESCOTT The Fort Town Concert Association presents
Trumpet and Organ this Friday, Nov. 4 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's
Presbyterian Church.
The concert will feature Stéphane Beaulac on trumpet
and Vincent Boucher on organ. The young musicians are stopping
in Prescott as part of a tour of communities in Eastern Canada.
Tickets for the concert will be available at the door. There
is a special ticket price for students; children under the age
of 12 are admitted free.
The Nov. 4 concert, the second of the 2005-2006 season, is
sponsored by Geoffrey and Judith Caldwell.
For more information, call 925-5050.
The Fort Town group presents its annual concert series in
association with Jeunesses Musicales of Canada.
Giant commencement to be held Saturday
PRESCOTT South Grenville District High School will conduct
its 2005 commencement in the main gymnasium this Saturday, Nov.
5 at 2 pm.
The high school's annual awards assembly will take place on
Monday, Nov. 7 at noon.
Remembrance service in Maynard on Sunday
MAYNARD The public is invited to attend the Maynard
Remembrance Day Service on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 12:30 pm at the
Cenotaph in Maynard Cemetery.
Get a flu shot this fall
SOUTH GRENVILLE The first local flu shot clinic of the
season to be hosted by the district health unit will take place
this Thursday, Nov. 3 from 1 to 7 pm at South Grenville District
High School.
The health unit will also provide free shots at an influenza
vaccination clinic on Nov. 18 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the
Prescott Health Centre and from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Cardinal
and District Resource Centre. Centennial '67 Public School in
Spencerville will be the site of a clinic on Nov. 21 from 4 to
7 pm.
Community rallies behind Casco in effort to prevent corn
tariff
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL - A standing-room-only crowd of more than 300 was
at the Cardinal Legion Tuesday, Oct. 25 for a meeting held by
Casco to update the public on its situation with the possible
implementation of a corn tariff.
After a short introduction from Cardinal Plant Manager Marc
Harcus, Casco's President of Operations Jim Grey spoke to the
large crowd informing them of the current status of the tariff
and how it could affect the future of the company in Cardinal.
Grey explained he didn't have all the answers, but was there
to get all the information out to the public, so there was no
misinformation.
He explained the September press release from Casco's parent
company Corn Products International talked about duties on corn
coming into Canada and its disappointment. The release also noted
a potential reallignment of factories in Canada and the U.S.A.
"That is absolutely a last resort," said Grey. "It's
unusual to go public to talk about an issue like this, but we
want the same basis of understanding the situation for everybody.
We've been here 150 years and we have been a big part of the
community almost where you can say we are this community."
Grey indicated their corn processing plants operate in a free
trade environment, which has fierce competitors based in the
American midwest where a large amount of corn is produced in
plants 10 times larger than the Cardinal plant.
The Cardinal plant has been in Cardinal for more than 100
years, and employs more than 200 people.
"In August, the Canadian Corn Growers filed a grievance
to the Canadian government alleging the U.S. is illegally subsidizing
the price of corn to dump the product into Canada," said
Grey. "The government is investigating the complaint and
two milestones have to be met during the investigation to prove
this. The Canadian Border Agency Services (CASA) has to find
dumping is taking place and the Canadian International Trade
Tribunal (CITT) has to determine if it is making a dent in Canadian
corn growers and determine the injury."
He explained the CITT would be making a judgement on Nov.
15, which could put a preliminary corn tariff in place. If no
injury is found, then the whole process ends.
He also noted on Dec. 15, the CASA is slated to decide if
dumping is taking place.
Grey talked about how the tariff would increase the price
of corn coming into Canada and also drive up the cost of Canadian
corn, which would be a huge hit for Casco and other corn production
industries such as ethanol to absorb.
"For us, the issue right now is that damage is being
done to us today," explained Grey. "Contracting for
next year is being done today and we have to give a price and
let them know whether we can supply them, but we don't know how
much corn will cost us and how much we will have. The company
loves Canada, but only so much. They're very supportive of us
right now, but are also very nervous. We've been asking our employees
to write letteres and that is helping, but this is a judicial
process and can't be deterred."
He was quick to let the public know the situation at Casco
is a situation, where the farmers and industry are interdependent
of one another.
"It's not industry versus corn farmers," Grey cleared
up. "We have worked with corn producers for years and they
have had a hard go of it. They have legitimate issues. We are
a main customer of theirs and it is a federal issue, but with
huge provincial overtones it's the American, European and Quebec
subsidies which are hurting the situation."
Grey indicated this was the first session held in the three
Canadian communities with a Casco plant, but indicated that fact
had no bearing on the plant's future in Cardinal. He explained
Cardinal has some big positives going for it which could help
it out if tough decisions about closing a Canadian plant were
to come down.
"Cardinal has a broad product base," explained Grey.
"It's probably the broadest of the three plants and almost
all of the corn coming into the plant is from Ontario. Also,
we have Sithe Energies next door which helps."
Grey then noted there are a couple disadvantages for Cardinal
as well, such as the fact a lot of the product produced there
goes into industries which are currently struggling. He also
said, while the employees of the plant are very hard-working
and care about their jobs, this was not the most efficient of
the plants.
After Casco finished answering questions, politicians spoke
to the public about their efforts to address the company's concerns.
Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown indicated he is aware of the
situation and is doing his best to take the issue to government.
"It all comes down to subsidies farmers in the U.S.,
Quebec and Europe are getting," explained Brown. "We
can't let our farmers suffer because of other farmers and potentially
go bankrupt. I'm here and I'm going to continue to push for more
subsidies for corn farmers in Canada."
When asked what people could do to help; Grey indicated the
public could writes members of parliament and other levels of
government about their concerns and not just for the corn industry,
but also for the producer.
Unionized employees at Casco Cardinal are members of the United
Food Processors Union, Canadian Auto Workers Union, Local 483.
Union area director for Eastern Ontario, Harry Ghadban, expressed
the union's support of Casco.
"I was impressed with the presentation," explained
Ghadban. "All the issues were laid out and we are going
to do whatever we can to support Casco."
Casco Cardinal Local 483 Union President Kevin Patrick echoed
the sentiments.
"The union is supportive of the company, but also supportive
of the corn producers," explained Patrick. "We are
hoping the government will look for an alternative to a corn
duty."
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Doug Struthers
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Peggy Taylor indicated this is
a pressing matter which needs to be resolved. The Mayor indicated
her township had already written a letter to a list of federal
and provincial politicians including Prime Minister Paul Martin,
to get them to look into the situation.
"Council is going to do whatever it can," said Taylor.
"We want to make sure Casco stays where it belongs."
Following the meeting, Ward One Councillor Hugh Cameron of
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal told The Journal he was happy to receive
the information, and he backed council's stand.
"It was a good flow of information," said Cameron.
"As far as I'm concerned the solution has to be our corn
producers getting fair value for their product. Any decision
council supports in this case not only looks at both Casco and
the corn producers, but also is supported by all of council."
A small group of corn producers in the crowd spoke up and
indicated the solution to the issue is to eliminate subsidies
and put everyone on a level playing field.
Straight pin found in candy
MAYNARD An incident that took place in Maynard Monday
night serves as a reminder for parents to check their children's
Halloween bag of treats.
On Tuesday afternoon, Grenville County OPP reported a man
was going through his child's bag when he pricked his finger,
drawing a small amount of blood. He emptied the bag and found
a straight pin inside a Smarties box. The pin was bent and had
a red ball on the end.
The man did not require medical attention. All local schools
were told about the incident, police indicated Tuesday. The investigation
continues.
To report a similar occurrence, call 1-888-310-1122.
Police seek four suspects in armed robbery case
PRESCOTT Police continue to investigate an armed robbery
that took place early Monday morning at the Mac's Convenience
store on King Street West.
The incident occurred at about 3:30 am. Four suspects wearing
masks entered the store and demanded the male clerk give them
money. They obtained some cash and cigarettes and left the store.
The suspects fled on foot across King Street and into the
parking area beside Seaway Valley IDA Pharmacy, according to
the OPP.
The clerk was not injured.
As of late Monday, Grenville County OPP had not released descriptions
of the suspects. Security tapes were still being reviewed.
Police could neither confirm nor deny if the suspects had
any weapons with them during the robbery. However, The Journal
has learned more than one gun was used in the crime.
Less than 45 minutes before the robbery in Prescott, a similar
robbery took place at a Mac's store on Stewart Boulevard in Brockville.
No one was injured in that incident.
Detective Constable Nussey of the OPP's Leeds and Grenville
Crime Unit is the lead investigator in the Prescott case.
Anyone who has information about the robbery in Prescott is
asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Although he declined to comment on the circumstances of the
robbery, the clerk at the Prescott store said he appreciates
the support he has received from his employer, customers and
people in the neighbourhood since the crime occurred. The clerk,
who asked not to be named, added the officers who responded to
the call were also supportive.
Exchange program is a learning experience
Students at South Grenville District High School share
many interests with their European peers
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School has had an
international flavour this fall thanks to its student exchange
program.
According to teacher and exchange program co-ordinator Marla
Campeau, the students involved in the exchange are getting an
experience they will not soon forget.
"It's something I really recommend," explained Campeau.
"The students who come back from exchanges are all smiles.
They've made friends for a lifetime they will always stay in
touch with and are just excited to tell all their friends about
the experience."
She indicated the students learn something which is hard to
pick up without experiencing it first hand.
"The kids come away with a sensitivity to other cultures
and a lot of leadership skills," said Campeau. "When
they come back to South Grenville, they play a bit of a leadership
role in the school and add to the school by sharing their experiences.
Also, they gain a great deal of confidence being part of the
program and having to use their language skills and with that
confidence comes a desire to keep speaking it."
As part of the exchange, students from France came to the
area in August and will be here until early November, with their
host students spending February until May in France.
"In France, the school year starts earlier, so we got
students here before school started," said Campeau.
"A lot of the families took them on trips to places like
Niagara Falls and one even went to New York City to give them
the chance to see the sights."
She indicated each year an average of eight students take
part in the exchange, but added the program has had a boom period
as of late.
"We've been lucky with it," said Campeau. "We
were able to get matches for all the students who applied this
year. They try to find students with a similar background and
with similar interests to try and make things as smooth of a
transition as possible. Last year, we had students in Germany,
Switzerland and France, while this year all of our exchanges
are with France. It's a good fit for us with France, since the
kids have been learning French since Grade 1 at the core level;
most are going with a familiarity with the language."
She indicated the students learn quickly from the exchange
and explained if the student is with a family who only speaks
their native language then it's quite easy to come back bilingual,
but some families that speak English slow down the learning process.
"The girl that went to Germany last year came back and
was speaking fluent German," explained Campeau. "A
lot of it also depends on the determination of the student to
learn the language."
Campeau said those going on the exchange meet with their guidance
counsellors and parents to set up a timetable about setting up
a schedule, while also letting the students know to expect to
return for a fifth year to pick up courses they may not have
been able to take during their exchange year
For some of the students on the exchange, the experience has
already been a valuable one in which they have already formed
a tight bond with their exchange partners.
"It's been a good experience for me," explained
Grade 10 student Liz Hooper, who is hosting Mathilde Olivier
of France.
"It's still early in the exchange yet, but I go to France
in February."
Olivier indicated she hasn't experienced a lot of culture
shock so far, but indicated there are differences.
"I have to speak English here," said Olivier. "School
is different as well where we can choose subjects and back home
there are about 10 subjects a day for each week."
They are enjoying the experience while continuing their normal
teenage lives.
"We've formed a friendship like we're family," Hooper
said. "We just do the normal things like listen to music,
play sports and go bowling. It's stuff we both like doing."
Also bringing an international flavour to the school this
year is Mareike Neuwirth of Germany, who has come to Canada to
attend South Grenville through a family connection which has
allowed her to work on her English as well as take in Canadian
culture.
'Tis almost the season for the Spirit of Giving
PRESCOTT Plans are already under way for this year's
Spirit of Giving campaign.
The annual Christmas season program run by the Kinsmen Club
of Prescott distributes boxes of Christmas dinner foods, household
items and toys to about 250 families in the South Grenville area.
With the help of the Spirit of Giving group at South Grenville
District High School and other participating schools and businesses
in the Prescott area, the club collects non-perishable food items.
Cash donations are also needed so turkeys and other Christmas
dinner items can be purchased.
The boxes will be distributed free of charge on Dec. 18 at
the high school. However, recipients are required to register
in advance. See upcoming editions of The Journal for information
on when and where to register.
To find out more about supporting Spirit of Giving, call Art
Hitsman at 925-1315. Donations can be sent to Box 1150, Prescott;
specify that the contribution is for the 2005 Spirit of Giving.
In the past, the annual campaign has also helped the local
ministerial association provide emergency food vouchers to the
needy.
Lane changes now in place at north-end intersection
PRESCOTT By now, motorists in the north end of Prescott
should have noticed changes to road markings at the intersection
of Churchill Road and Edward Street.
In response to concerns about damage trucks have been causing
to the northwest corner of the intersection, town officials decided
earlier this year to eliminate one of the two eastbound lanes
on Churchill Road West. As of last week, vehicles turning left
or right or proceeding eastbound on Churchill must use the same
lane.
The move, which coincides with the resurfacing of Edward Street
north of the overpass, gives trucks more space to manoeuvre the
tight corner.
Another change noted by the new markings on Edward Street
northbound is a third lane for the exclusive use of vehicles
turning left onto Churchill. However, the turn lane remains blocked
temporarily as work on the overpass continues.
There has also been talk of building a short ramp on which
eastbound vehicles on Churchill can merge with southbound traffic
on Edward.
The advance (flashing) green signals at the Edward Street-Churchill
Road intersection were taken out of service earlier this fall
in response to construction on the overpass.
Ad and sales club to meet on Nov. 9
BROCKVILLE This month's meeting of the Greater Brockville
Ad & Sales Club will take place next Wednesday, Nov. 9 at
the Brockville Country Club.
Social hour starts at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30.
The guest speaker will be Paul Fraser.
To confirm a reservation or for more information about the
club, call Sandra Devaney at 342-7961, ext. 36.
CMHC helps owners restore, preserve building
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT An old building in downtown Prescott has a
new lease on life.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) officials were
on hand at town hall to mark the official opening of four renovated
apartment units on the second and third floors of the Kielty
Brothers Building on King Street West.
Co-owners Ana Maria and Dawn Rutenberg purchased the building
in Sept. 2004. Dawn moved to Prescott from Ottawa three years
ago; Ana Maria, her mother-in-law, still lives in Ottawa.
The structure had been neglected and was in poor shape when
it was purchased, according to Ana Maria.
After beginning to work on the first of the four two-bedroom
apartments, Ana Maria saw an ad for CMHC's Residential Rehabilitation
Assistance Program. The Rutenbergs applied and received $96,000
in funding ($24,000 per rental unit) to renovate the apartments
and provide affordable housing. In return for the forgivable
loan, the rent is capped and tenants must have incomes at or
below specified maximums.
One of the four units has been rented and the other three
will be filled in the near future, Ana Maria said. Additional
work on the exterior of the building is expected next year. "We'd
like to give something back" to the community by preserving
the late-19th-century architecture, she added.
Lorella Sahakian, CMHC's Ontario manager of special initiatives,
said the Kielty project is "an important step forward for
Prescott and area." Sahakian said housing is more than just
bricks and mortar; the CMHC program breathes new life into buildings
and provides better futures for the tenants who live in them.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn thanked the Rutenbergs "for
their confidence in the community." He added "people
like you move this very old community forward." In noting
the town's current efforts to improve the downtown area through
a feasibility study and partnerships which are now focused on
streetscaping, façade improvements and plans for a market
building, Lawn said private investment in downtown residential
units is "part of the equation." The fact there will
always be people living downtown will add to the area's vibrant
future, the mayor proclaimed.
Ana Maria agreed, adding Prescott has great potential.
Liberal candidate Eaton continues his 20-stop tour
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
JOHNSTOWN Hearing what the people have to say has been
a real education, according to the federal Liberal candidate
in Leeds-Grenville.
Bob Eaton was in Johnstown last Wednesday night as part of
his 20/20 Tour aimed at seeking input on issues affecting residents
of the united counties area.
The meeting held at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre
was the last local stop of the tour being conducted by the Prescott
resident. Several meetings will be held this month in other communities
in Leeds-Grenville.
Other than the candidate and his wife Wendy, only one person
attended the Johnstown meeting. "We knew this would happen
on occasion," said Eaton, who added most of the meetings
attract "a dozen or so" up to 20 or more as was the
case in Prescott last month. He added low turnout does not discourage
him; he still learns something from those who do attend. Other
local meetings were held in Cardinal, Spencerville and Maitland.
Whether it is at the meetings or through some other contact,
Eaton noted, people are saying they are concerned about things
like jobs and health care. Although there has been some input
on controversial issues such as same-sex marriage and the gun
registry, Eaton indicated one subject that has been "barely
whispered" is the need or desire for a federal election.
The candidate said some of the people with whom he has spoken
disagree with the Liberals and his own views, but they have been
respectful.
Eaton said he has heard from people who believe the current
member Conservative MP Gord Brown criticizes the
government a lot but does not offer any solutions. The Liberal
candidate indicated he will be a vocal advocate for the riding
even if that means taking on his own party. "I am
a resident of Leeds-Grenville first and a Liberal second,"
Eaton stated.
Following the tour, input received at the grassroots meetings
will be included in a report Eaton plans to present to the federal
cabinet. "The report won't be sugar-coated," he commented.
Manning to speak twice at Grenville Christian College Saturday
MAITLAND This Saturday's dinner and auction fundraiser
at Grenville Christian College will follow a presentation by
former Reform Party of Canada leader Preston Manning.
The topic of Manning's talk will be "Preparing our children
for the future: scouting the frontiers of politics and citizenship.
Proceeds from this wine and cheese event which runs from 3:30
to 5 pm will go to the Grenville Education Foundation. Tax receipts
will be issued.
A few tickets to the annual dinner and auction in the evening
are still available. Up for bid at the auction are items with
a total value of more than $125,000. Manning, who has been lecturing
at universities and other functions since retiring from politics,
will also deliver the keynote address at the dinner.
Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 345-5521,
ext. 3355.
Diabetes talk to be held Tuesday
SOUTH GRENVILLE The public is invited to attend a panel
discussion on getting serious about diabetes to be held next
Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Brockville YMCA, 345
Park St.
For more information on the meeting, call the local office
of the Canadian Diabetes Association at 345-0992 or visit www.diabetes.ca/getserious.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Association volunteers
are going door to door in the united counties area this month.
More than two million Canadians have diabetes, a disease that,
if left untreated or managed improperly, can cause complications
such as heart, kidney and eye disease as well as nerve damage.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death by disease in Canada.
People with diabetes, especially when first diagnosed, often
need assistance and support to make the necessary adjustments
to their lives.
Join the chorus
SOUTH GRENVILLE Maitland will be the next stop in the
series of Hymns & Praise events.
The sing-along involving favourite hymns will take place on
Sunday, Nov. 6 at 7 pm at St. James Anglican Church on Church
Street. Refreshments and fellowship follow the singing. All are
welcome to attend.
MERC elects new board of directors
MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton
The Maitland Education and Recreation Corporation has elected
a new board of directors. The new President is Geoff Noyes, Vice
President is Sheldon Fournier, the Secretary is Tina Atchison,
the Treasurer is Dave Tidbury and the Volunteer Co-ordinator
is Sherri Stobo. Anne MacMillan will publish the MERC Newsletter
and Ted Clayton and Lynne Galvin will continue as hall managers.
Peter Kupka will assume the responsibilities for the Maitland
Trails.
The new directors are Moira Taylor, Margo and Larry Judge,
Darlene Letourneau, Kevin Gray, Diane O'Hare, Pat Allport, Kevin
and Bonnie Dillon, Claudette Breault, Penny Duffy, Wayne and
Nancy Brohman.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 14 at
7:30 at the MERC Hall.
Luncheon for seniors
VON Home Support is sponsoring a luncheon for seniors on Nov.
11 at the MERC Hall. Call 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.
Running to victory
Matt Leeder continues to shine in this year's cross-country
events. Leeder won first in the senior boys seven-km race at
EOSSAA in Cobden last week. Teammates Paul DeSchiffert and Geoff
Millard finished fifth and seventh respectively.
Charlotte Larry took away the bronze medal in the junior girls
division.
All four runners will compete at the all-Ontario meet in Odessa
on Saturday.
Air Cadets gain experience in the field as they develop skills
and leadership
By Captain John E. Henry, Commanding Officer
PRESCOTT With a large group of new candidates nearing
the end of their recruit training and the weekend schedule becoming
very busy, members of 661 Lt W.F. Sharpe Squadron challenged
themselves throughout the month of October.
On the weekend of Oct. 22-23, Prescott's Air Cadets were at
Grenville Christian College in Maitland on a field training exercise.
Learning everything from how to build a shelter to useful knots,
food collection and even practical leadership skills, the cadets
braved the cold and wet weather to put their new found skills
to use. Close to 40 of the unit's personnel were in attendance
and most of them were part of the new recruit group who were
sad to have to go home after the long training exercise. Many
of them enjoyed the weekend thoroughly, even the military field
rations they ate!
On Saturday, Oct. 29, senior cadets and staff of 661 gathered
for a developmental workshop where topics such as instructional
techniques, effective leadership and ceremonial parade procedures
were covered. Captain John Henry (unit commanding officer) congratulates
all on their attendance and hard work at this workshop. This
group of dedicated people fill several important jobs and work
hard each and every week to ensure the cadets of the unit have
an enjoyable experience learning new skills and developing as
strong leaders.
Watch for Prescott's cadets in the news throughout November
as we assist the Prescott Legion with poppy sales, take part
in annual church and Remembrance Day parades, have a formal mess
dinner, participate in the Light Up the Night Prescott Santa
Claus Parade and visit the new war museum. All of this is on
top of regularly scheduled training, band practices and sports
team tryouts offered to the many members of our squadron!
Youth and members of the public are always welcome to visit
661 squadron. The cadet program is available to youth from 12
to 19 years of age. Membership, training and uniforms are all
free. Visit us Tuesday nights from 6-9 pm at the high school
in Prescott or call the unit at 498-7661 for more information.
Seaway church hosts motivator
PRESCOTT Motivational speaker Allen Griffin will make
a series of presentations next weekend at Seaway Christian Church.
Griffin, an all-American university basketball player and
dean's list student, has worked with urban and suburban youth
programs in Dallas and Washington. His messages about peer pressure
and making choices have been heard in more than 30 countries;
he tries to help young people thrive and not merely survive.
His appearances are set for Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday,
Nov. 12 at 7 pm and on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm.
All are welcome to attend.
Seaway Christian is located on Churchill Road at Massie Drive.
Next Tuesday is Scrabble night in the House
WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT
Please mark your calendar for Dec. 11 and come and join us
for an open house. We plan to have a "drop in and visit"
afternoon from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome.
We are taking reservations for our pork dinner to be held
Saturday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 pm. Please call 925-5300.
The next Scrabble evening will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8
at 7 pm. Come and accept the challenge for an evening of fun.
We seem to learn new words every session.
Members of the board are reminded their meeting will be held
on Monday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 am.
Card game winners: Monday afternoon bridge 1st, Findlay
Hill; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door, Joan Salmon. Fun bridge
Mona Smith. Tuesday night cribbage 1st, Hilda Hutton; 2nd,
Dora Cook. Wednesday night bridge 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd,
Nancy Coligan. Euchre 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Dora Cook;
3rd, Micheline Cook; door, Mary Reynolds.
Workshop helps groups be sustainable
BROCKVILLE A workshop will be held later this month
for not-for-profit groups in search of funding solutions.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 9 am
to 2 pm in the board room of the United Way of Leeds and Grenville
office at 42 George St., Brockville. The workshop is sponsored
by the United Way and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Participants will be learn about what it means to be sustainable
as an organization and what an organization needs to have in
place in order to meet the requirements of funders.
Seating is limited. There is a registration fee; lunch is
included.
To register or for more information, call 342-8889.
Weekly Alzheimer talks are on Thursday nights
BROCKVILLE A series of weekly presentations on Alzheimer
disease is now under way at the Brockville YMCA on Park Street.
The five-week video series called The Family Guide to Alzheimer
Disease includes guest speakers and question-and-answer periods
and runs each Thursday from 7 to 9 pm.
Upcoming topics include Behaviour Issues (Nov. 3), Daily Life
(Nov. 10), Family Caregiving (Nov. 17) and Transitions (Nov.
24).
The meetings are open to the public. Admission is free. Refreshments
will be served. Transportation is available if needed.
For more information, call the Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville
at 345-7392.
One of the Iroquois teams has the early lead in Seaway Interbranch
Men's Dart League
CARDINAL - Iroquois #5 has taken an early lead in the Seaway
Interbranch Men's Dart League scoring 42 points in October after
a 42-18 record.
Prescott #6 sits one point behind Iroquois #5 in the standings
with a 41-19 record, followed by Cardinal #1 with a 36-24 record,
Iroquois #7 with a 24-36 record, Cardinal #4 with a 21-39 record
and Iroquois #3 with a 16-44 record.
Tim Gonczowski and Tom Coville each joined the 180 club, while
Tom Rae finished first in games won with 23.
Rae was followed by Jeremy Adams and Tony Barkley with 16
wins, Tom Coville with 14 and David Haynes with 13.
Tom Coville was the top highfinisher of the month with 111,
followed by Bernie Montroy with 110, Rick Sayeau with 100 and
Jerry Carr with 95.
Barkley was the top high scorer of the month with 141-140-139x2-135-125x2-123-121-120,
David Haynes was second with 140x11-125-123-121-120x2, Rae was
third with 140x5-125-121. Jeremy Adams with 140x2-135-123-121
and Peter Montroy with 140x2-133 rounded out the top five.
The Tom Beach Memorial Trophy (bull finish) standings were
led by Montroy with 110, followed by Glen Adams in second with
74.
Ecumenical group to meet on Nov. 19
PRESCOTT The next meeting of the Seaway Ecumenical Group
will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 am at St. Paul's United
Church, which is located on George Street between Dibble and
James streets in Prescott.
The breakfast meeting will include a presentation by Reverend
Bev Lindsay.
All are welcome to attend the monthly meeting. Breakfast tickets
can be obtained at the door.
The ecumenical group's mission statement is to provide a forum
for like-minded individuals for fellowship and to express Christian
faith in the community.
Volunteers needed for Ontario senior winter games
BROCKVILLE - The Brockville and Area Senior Games Winterfest
2007 has received the first installment of the provincial government's
contribution towards the competition.
The event is expected to bring in more than 1,200 participants
aged 55 and older from across the province to the three-day competition
Feb. 14-16, 2007 which is being hosted by Brockville, Prescott,
Gananoque and Athens.
Winterfest activities include, alpine and nordic skiing, badminton,
curling, ice hockey, skating, volleyball, ten-pin bowling, duplicate
bridge and table tennis, with snowshoeing and squash as demonstration
events.
The games organizing committee is led by co-chairs Sandra
Lawn and David Dargie and features eight committees, including
hospitality, transportation, volunteers, sport technical, marketing,
administration, ceremonies and fundraising.
For more information on the games, call 342-8772, ext. 2829.
Celebrating 175 years of tradition at St. Paul's
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT It is 175 years and counting for the congregation
of St. Paul's United Church.
From its roots in Methodism, the Prescott church has endured
changing times and the ravages of fire. This Sunday, St. Paul's
will mark this milestone by looking back at the church's rich
heritage.
"The history is really important to them (the parishioners),"
said Reverend Laurie Milito, who has served as minister of St.
Paul's for two years. "I treasure the traditions of the
church as much as they do."
The first wooden chapel for use by local Methodists was constructed
on Dibble Street West in 1830. A brick church built in the mid-1850s
served as the congregation's home until the fire of 1979 which
gutted the historic place of worship.
When the United Church was formed in 1925, St. Paul's was
created. It included the Methodists and some of the Presbyterians
who supported the formation of the unionist church and left the
congregation of St. Andrew's.
Milito is the first woman to serve as minister at St. Paul's.
St. Paul's has about 375 households listed as part of its
pastoral charge. On average, between 80 and 100 people attend
Sunday service.
Although St. Paul's must cope with the same obstacles other
churches are facing as attendance wanes and the cost of maintaining
buildings rises, Milito said the United Church in Prescott is
not at the point at which it needs to amalgamate with other congregations
in the area. "We're going to have to be better stewards
of the building in the future," the reverend said.
At least two of the surviving ministers who have served at
St. Paul's will be on hand for the special anniversary service
on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 10 am. Gary Stokes and Doug Carnegie are
scheduled to attend the gathering. Blair Paterson, Milito's predecessor
who tends to several churches in the South Dundas area, will
have a letter read to the congregation at this Sunday's service.
A letter from Rev. Lloyd Martin will also be read at the service;
Milito noted Martin might be able to attend.
Elizabeth Newton, wife of the late Rev. Charles Newton, will
be a featured soloist at the Sunday service. Music and many stories
will be shared at a luncheon which will follow the service.
As for the future of St. Paul's, Milito noted the congregation
is aware of the need to be responsive to the current needs of
parishioners while respecting the traditions which have helped
define the church.
For example, the Christian Education Centre was opened in
1960. The office and auditorium wing was spared from the devastating
fire of 1979 and a second blaze in 1994. The hall is rented by
the Scouting movement and is used for many community events and
activities.
Although she acknowledged it can be a struggle to balance
tradition and progress, Milito believes St. Paul's will continue
to serve an important role in the community.
"It comes down to the dedication of its members,"
Milito said. "We've always had people who have lit the torch."
Final departure of Coast Guard chopper marks end of an era
at Prescott base
By Geoff Fortier, President, Local 00054, UCTE/PSAC
On Thursday, Oct. 20, the end of an era was sadly witnessed
at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Prescott. The base's one
remaining helicopter, CCG 130, a Bell 206-L1, made its last departure
as a Prescott fixture en route to the Coast Guard Base in Parry
Sound, Ontario. There, it will serve a short period of service
until Parry Sound's two helicopters are returned from other duties
elsewhere in the country. CCG 130 will then be removed from active
service and face the possibility of disposal through government
Crown assets.
Since the mid 1960s, helicopter support had been provided
by air services at the Coast Guard Base at Prescott, reaching
a peak of two choppers with a staff of four, during the '70s,
'80s and early '90s. Prescott's helicopters were reduced by one
unit and two staff reductions during program review in the mid-'90s.
The one remaining chopper was tasked with servicing the St. Lawrence
River from Beauharnois near Valleyfield, Que. to Kingston, the
lower Great Lakes including Lake Ontario, the Welland Canal,
and Lake Erie, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair
River to Sarnia, lower Lake Huron as well as the Ottawa River
from Ottawa to Mattawa.
Its primary function was in support of marine aids to navigation,
but it also carried out ice reconnaissance for the Seaway during
the winter and early spring and supported other government projects
and departments as required. During the '60s, '70s and '80s,
the helicopter program was tasked with supporting crew changes
and supply trips at Coast Guard remote lighthouses in the lower
Great Lakes. All of Prescott's lighthouses were destaffed by
the early 1990s, leaving only maintenance crews to be ferried
to the sites for scheduled work and discrepancy reports.
Now, with the exception of helicopters assigned from other
locations on temporary assignments, the familiar comings and
goings of the rotary-bladed birds will be a thing of the past
in Prescott.
The two remaining helicopter personnel affected in Prescott
are to be either reassigned to other locations in the country
or reduced through attrition. Since the early 1990s, staff at
the Coast Guard base in Prescott has been reduced by approximately
50 per cent. Although reductions have been made primarily through
attrition, the loss of jobs in the community will no doubt be
felt in the local economies.
Managing dangers of silo gases is important
By Terry Meagher
Chopped corn plants stored in a silo make excellent cattle
feed. In sealed silos, the chopped corn produces a lot of carbon
dioxide, which essentially ferments the feed so it does not spoil.
The carbon dioxide also replaces the oxygen in the silo but
since it is odourless and colorless gives little or no warning
to a person about to be overcome by lack of oxygen. Fortunately,
these silos are designed so people don't have to enter them.
The conventional or open-top silo presents a different problem
during ensiling. A highly toxic gas nitrogen dioxide or
silo gas forms and reaches peak concentration about three
days after harvesting and then slowly dissipates over three weeks.
Heavier than air, it often settles on top of the silage before
it flows down the chute. At the base of the silo, it appears
as a red, yellow or reddish mist. Sometimes it becomes trapped
around feeding areas, and kills or injures cattle.
Farmers exposed to silo gas, even momentarily, should see
a doctor. A slight irritation in the nose or throat might go
away only to return like the symptoms of influenza. Some farmers
have died in their sleep hours after breathing in gas and having
fluid form in their lungs.
While the first 60 hours after filling the silo are most crucial,
farmers should be wary of opening the silo for feeding for three
weeks. The Farm Safety Association recommends that a farmer not
enter the silo for three weeks after filling.
Following are some of the association's key recommendations:
* Always ventilate silo well if entry is necessary.
* Do not enter a silo without a self-contained breathing apparatus.
* Post appropriate warning signs during the ensiling period.
* Barricade the enclosed silo area and keep pets and children
a safe distance away.
For more information, go to www.farmsafety.ca
This feature was produced with the assistance of the Agricultural
Adaptation Council and Kemptville College, University of Guelph
SCHOOL SCENE
Algonquin Public School: Students take safety seriously
practising fire drills, reviewing candle safety tips with
local fire marshals and demonstrating safe yard and Halloween
practices. School newsletter articles also help familiarize students
with safe bike, rail and pedestrian practices as well as the
importance of a family meeting place and knowing trusted adults
they can go to in an emergency.
Along with October's emphasis on "responsibility,"
junior level students have written letters of application for
school-wide positions of responsibility (bus monitors, lunch
assistants, PA announcers, computer helpers). Teachers Margot
Snow, Andrea Lavender, Wenda Taylor and David Buckland, as well
as educational assistant Nancy Ripley and office administrator
Sue Loroway, co-ordinate these jobs, including the specialized
training. Students eagerly demonstrate their special skills and
talents along this "journey in discovery."
A staff breakfast was held to raise money for the United Way.
With the help of Nancy Ripley's stepfather, Elroy Fletcher, diners
thoroughly enjoyed the "cooked to order" feast.
Boundary Street Public School: Grade 5-8 students enjoyed
the Halloween Dance held Friday. We appreciate the members of
our student council for organizing the canteen and to staff and
parents who chaperoned. Congratulations to the draw winners,
Mme Lajoie, Amanda Dailey, Taylor Shackles and Josh Noonan.
Officer Sluytman visited the primary classes on Monday to
present information on Halloween safety.
Mr. Lamoureux and the junior soccer team travelled to Athens
last week for their tournament. They won three out of four games.
Alex Stephenson scored a total of five goals, and David Armstrong
scored two.
The health unit will do a dental screening on the 7th and
8th of November for grades JK, K, 2, 4, 6, and 8. If you would
like your child to be seen and they are not in these grades,
please contact the school office.
EQAO individual student results were sent home earlier this
week.
Hot lunch this week is Kraft dinner on Wednesday and hamburgers
on Friday.
Centennial '67 and North Edwardsburgh Public Schools:
Character awards will take place at Centennial '67 on Thursday
afternoon. October's themes were compassion and caring.
Remembrance Day this year marks the Year of the Veteran. Mr.
Woodhead from the Spencerville Legion will be visiting Centennial
to speak to students. Staff and students from centennial will
be attending a community service at the United Church in Spencerville.
Report cards will be going home this month on Nov. 21, and
parent-teacher interviews will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23
and Thursday, Nov. 24 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. If parents wish an
interview but are not available during the posted times, they
can contact the school to make alternate arrangements with their
child's teacher.
Boys volleyball tryouts continue this week. The girls team
has been chosen; well done to all those who tried out.
Central Public School: We have had a number of visitors
at Central this week. Mr. Marshall has been teaching the grade
7/8 class how to play bridge, and primary teachers from Prince
of Wales and Boundary Street visited our primary classrooms to
see our literacy program in action. Bus drivers also came to
show students how to properly evacuate a bus if the need arises.
Grade 4 and Kindergarten are "Reading Buddies,"
and the Grade 4s have been great role models.
In grade 2/3, "Club 60" is up and running. Halloween
activities went off very well for all students. We acknowledge
Miss Wyborn for her great Haunted House in the gym.
Volleyball tryouts have begun, and intramural volleyball begins
this week.
We set a new record in our Operation Christmas Child campaign
by filling 32 boxes.
Maitland and Maynard Public Schools: At Maynard, the
following students were recognized by their teachers today at
two Student of the Month assemblies: Shelby Moore (KG A), for
always using manners with peers and teachers; Laurynn Hoogwerf
(KG B), for always using manners with peers and teachers; Megan
Leroux (Grade 1), for working hard and being a model student;
Jessie McKenna (Grade 2), for being a good citizen and a role
model for other students; Erin Renkema (Grade 3), for being a
hard worker, a good listener and getting along well with her
peers.
Tim Watts (Grade 4), for displaying a strong improvement in
all areas and for independent work; Haylea Holmes (Grade 4),
for her kindness, helpfulness and working hard to achieve excellent
results; Kayne Throop (Grade 5), for being respectful, courteous
and hard-working and for his personal best with reading and mathematics;
Hanna Smith (Grade 5), for always going out of her way to be
helpful to others.
Garrett Carnduff (Grade 6), for maturity, responsibility and
accomplishing all tasks; Rianne Hudson (Grade 6), for leadership
and motivating others to be the best they can be by her positive
example; Aleisha Bates (Grade 6), for outstanding participation
in class; Eric Latimer (Grade 7), for being helpful, coming to
class prepared and enthusiastic and approaching each day with
a sense of humour; Jennifer Petter (Grade 7), for all-round achievement
in academic and athletic endeavours; Megan Graham (Grade 7),
for responsibility and perseverance but particularly the outstanding
quality of her work.
Megan Mills (Grade 8), for excellent work habits and making
an excellent transition to a new school; Jennifer Armstrong (Grade
8), for displaying all the characteristics of character education,
for always being positive and embracing new learning opportunities;
Skylar Fraser (Grade 8), for displaying initiative and leadership,
for being helpful and always getting his work done.
Maitland: Students enjoyed classroom parties Oct. 31 and everyone
wore black and white, including the teachers.
Maitland is working hard to achieve litterless lunches to
reduce garbage at the school.
St. Joseph Catholic School: Last week's bake sale organized
by Grade 5B was a great success, with all proceeds going to the
Humane Society. The organizers and buyers are acknowledged for
supporting this worthy cause.
More than 100 students attended the Halloween dance sponsored
by St. Joseph Catholic School council. We acknowledge the many
parents who offered to chaperone and our student council that
organized contests and prizes.
During November, our school will focus on the value of empathy.
Prayers, songs, actions and celebrations will help students understand
and live this value.
Today (Wednesday, Nov. 2), Intermediate students have an opportunity
to participate in a pancake breakfast which will raise funds
for shipping costs of the Operation Christmas Child boxes. Mrs.
Smith is acknowledged for organizing this activity.
Our boys and girls volleyball teams are beginning their seasons.
Good luck to the boys as they participate in their first tournament
on Nov. 12 at St. Mary.
St. Mark Catholic School: Today is National Take Your
Kids to Work Day, and we welcome our visitors who are job shadowing
their parents in the field of Catholic education.
Our yearbook is holding a fundraiser with Family Photo Night
tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 2) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and Saturday,
Nov. 5 from 9:30 am to 3 pm. There is a sitting fee; appointments
are booked directly with Christine Endicott at 925-1486.
We will continue to focus and reiterate the importance of
peace in our world as we celebrate Remembrance Day and honour
our veterans along with those who gave their lives for us.
Dental screening occurs for students in JK, SK and Grade 2
on Nov. 7 and 8 by dental hygienists from the health unit.
Hot lunch this week is burgers.
Drug workshop seeks to bring concerned parents up to speed
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - A workshop on drug paraphernalia was held for concerned
citizens and guidance counsellors from around Leeds and Grenville
at South Grenville District High School.
The workshop, which was held Friday and was closed to students,
provided information on some of the realities of drugs, signs
of use and other facts which could better help the community
deal with the escalating drug use among young people.
South Grenville District High School guidance counsellor and
Connect Youth board member Norie Spence indicated the emergence
of new drugs such as methamphetamine (also known as crystal meth)
in the area prompted the group to do something to help the community
battle the escalating use.
Spence indicated the idea came from Connect Youth board members
who attended a Town Youth Participation Strategy conference in
Guelph where the presentation was made.
"We wanted to get a focus on more of the recent street
drugs," explained Spence. "We know this is a growing
problem here in a low socio-economic area where youth is very
vulnerable. We're suspecting drugs like methamphetamine are in
the area and people in the community need to be alerted about
what to look for to help out their kids. There is not a lot of
support for kids and parents in trouble, and it's the job of
the community to try and help them."
Arnprior OPP Constable Don Gourgeon and Phoenix Centre for
Children and Families Rethink Program Co-ordinator Susan Lewis
were at the high school outlining some of the newer drugs to
hit the market and some of the signs parents should look for
in their children suspected of using specific drugs.
Throughout the presentation, Lewis outlined how easy it has
become to acquire the drugs, with some drugs such as methamphetamine
and ecstacy even able to be made from regular products such as
drain cleaner, paint thinner and lithium batteries which are
available to anyone.
When speaking of some of the drugs which are in the area,
it was noted methamphetamine has made appearances in high schools
in the area including South Grenville, which has lead to concern
from educators and parents locally.
Lewis indicated the program came from youth at the youth centre
in Pembroke at which she works and the realization they were
not aware of the drug culture right in front of their noses.
"We're just trying to provide the correct information
out there," explained Lewis. "We are seeing new drugs
all the time, and we need to be aware."
United Way craft show is on Saturday
BROCKVILLE The United Way of Leeds and Grenville will
host its annual arts and crafts show this Saturday, Nov. 5 from
9 am to 4 pm at the Brockville Memorial Centre.
The show will start an hour earlier than last year to give
shoppers more time to see the items on display.
There will be more than 50 tables of crafts at the show. Also
on display and up for sale will be homemade candy and other sweet
treats, children's clothing and many Christmas gift ideas.
There is a small admission fee; children under the age of
12 are admitted free if accompanied by an adult.
Proceeds from the show help fund 25 United Way agencies in
the Leeds and Grenville area.
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