If I Had a Million Dollars

Volume 7 No. 50 YOUR UNIVERSE Thursday, December 22nd 2011

LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM - Visitors to David’s city during the nationwide census prepare to sleep around outdoor fires - because there’s no room in any of the inns - in this scene from Uxbridge Baptist Church’s Living Nativity, which played to huge crowds last weekend in Centennial Park. For more pictures, see page 15. Photo by Renee Leahy.

Young Spruce, Ewen Trail by Renee Leahy If I Had A Million SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR... Dollars... Our staff and contributors are What gifts would I taking a short break for the give for Christmas? Christmas holidays, so there Our writers grapple will be no Cosmos next week. Our offices will be closed from with that thorny Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 inclusive. question on pages We’ll be back in your mailbox 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, on January 5. Have a happy 12, 15, 16 and 19... and safe holiday season, and best wishes for 2012! The Uxbridge Cosmos 2 Thursday, December 22nd 2011

51 Toronto Street South The Corporation of P.O. Box 190, Uxbridge L9P 1T1 Tel: 905-852-9181 The Township of Uxbridge Fax: 905-852-9674 www.town.uxbridge.on.ca

Council and Committee Meeting PURCHASE A COPY OF THE TOWN HALL OFFICE UXBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Schedule for January TORONTO STREET MURAL HOURS FOR THE 2011 Program Director, Pamela Noble, 905-852-9747,ext. 24 Monday, January 9th You can now purchase an 8”x10” copy of CHRISTMAS SEASON COUNCIL 9:30 a.m. the original photograph of the Toronto Street mural for $10 (incl. tax) from the The Township Office at 51 Toronto WINTER PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: Monday, January 16th Uxbridge Public Library or Uxbridge Street South will be closing on Pre-registration has opened for the following 9:30 a.m. COMMITTEE Township Office. This is a fundraiser for Friday, December 23rd at 4:30 p.m. and some spaces are still available. Payment, in Tuesday, January 17th Uxbridge Historical Centre, and all pro- and will not reopen until Monday, person, by cash or cheque. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ceeds from the sale of the mural will help January 2nd, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. WIGGLES 'N' GIGGLES'. Ages 2 1/2 - 3 1/2, Public Open House re Stop Signs support future programming and exhibits. 10-10:45 am. Cost: $20.00/child with adult Uxbridge Arena Hall Stories, games and craft activities with staffer Tuesday, January 17th NOTICE FROM THE UXBRIDGE Cathy Reesor. Lots of fun and a great way to Committee of Adjustment 7 p.m. FIRE DEPARTMENT make new friends! Four classes to run alternate Monday, January 23rd Mondays & Tuesdays, starting January 9&10 COUNCIL 7:00 p.m. Commencing December 1st, 2011, resi- (miss Feb. 20 & 21) Choose the day to best fit dents may purchase their 2012 Burning your schedule. 2012 BUDGET DEBATE WINTER REMINDERS Permits. 'MUSICAL MOMENTS'. Ages 6-18mos., 10:15- Fees are: 10:45 am; Ages 19-36+ mos., 11-11:30 am. OVERNIGHT PARKING $25.00 for a Regular Permit Cost: $50.00/child with adult. MONDAY JAN 16 Please be advised that By-law 89-52 as Finance Committee approval $75.00 for an Oversize Permit Kathy Reid-Naiman will conduct toe tapping, amended prohibits overnight parking from MONDAY JAN 23 N/C for a Recreational Permit interactive activities to include fingerplays and November 1 until April 1 between the hours Council adoption of budget ALL NEW OVERSIZE SITES MUST BE songs, along with various musical instruments. of 2 am and 7 am on roadways and INSPECTED BY THE FIRE DEPART- 8 Thursdays, January 12-March 1. Municipal lots within the Township of 2010 MUNICIPAL PERFORMANCE MENT PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF AN 'IT'S MY TURN' Ages 1-2, 10-10:45 am. This Uxbridge. MEASUREMENT PROGRAM OVERSIZE PERMIT. program is offered free of charge through SNOW REMOVAL OBSTRUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE Permits may be obtained at the Municipal Ontario Early Years, Durham Region. Enjoy Did you know that in accordance with the Office at 51 Toronto Street, South or the songs and various action games and stories, to Township of Uxbridge Traffic By-law 89-52, enhance development skills for toddlers. Four The Ontario Government has mandated Fire Station at 17 Bascom Street during it is an offence to stop any vehicle on a Wednesdays, February 15-March 7. normal business hours, Monday to Friday, a Municipal Performance Measurement highway in such a manner as to interfere 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Program (MPMP) which requires with the movement of traffic or the clearing HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS NOTE: All existing permits expire municipalities to submit financial and of snow from the highway? (spaces limited) December 31, 2011. related performance data to the Please make sure you park off any high- Family Movie Night, Thur. Dec. 29, Any questions please contact the Fire Province and the Public on a range of way or roadway so as to permit snow 'Dolphin Tale' 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $2.00. Department at 905-852-3393. services. The Township of Uxbridge's removal equipment and vehicles to clean Water and snacks sold during the show. Tickets MPMP data for 2010 are available on the streets during the winter season. ahead of time or at the door if some left. the Township's website at SIDEWALK RESPONSIBILITIES UXBRIDGE ARENA 'Celebrate Winter' with crafts, activi- www.town.uxbridge.on.ca. Snow Removal By-Law 2008-160 states ties and lots of fun. Thur. Jan. 5, Grds. every owner/occupant of any building or CONTRACT POSITION Jk-Sk, 10:00-11:00 am, Cost: $3.00. PUBLIC TENDER vacant lot within the Township of Uxbridge Thurs. Jan. 5, Grds. 1-3, 1:30-3:00 pm, Cost: shall clear all snow and ice from any side- $3.50. QUOTE NO. Q11-30 The Township of Uxbridge Arena is look- walk(s) adjacent to their property within 24 'The Price is Right' PowerPoint format REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ing for an energetic, reliable individual to hours after the accumulation of snow of the game show! Fri. Jan. 6, Grds. 4- FOR DESIGN/BUILD SKATE- fill a two month Contract Position at the and/or ice. 7, 1:30-3:30 pm, Cost: $4.00 (Scene It or BOARD PARK AND AMENITIES Arena. The position will start February 1st Sing It on Xbox if time!) SNOWMOBILE BY-LAW and end March 31st. The position will be 'CHRISTMAS COOKIES' OPEN HOUSE Please keep the Township Snowmobile By- SCOPE: The Township of Uxbridge guaranteed 80 hours every two weeks, Everyone welcome Dec. 19-23 from 11:00 am- Law in mind while operating your motorized requires the services of a company to working a variety of day shifts, night shifts closing time. Relax, enjoy a warm drink and a snow vehicle this winter season. You are design/build a new skateboard park in and weekends. Preference will be given tasty treat. Take a break, meet a friend or simply not permitted to ride your snowmobile on the Township of Uxbridge. SEALED to individuals that possess skills and edu- spend a little time to browse and check out any sidewalks, park lands or any other PROPOSALS, using the envelope tem- cation in the following: materials from our seasonal selection! Township property except to cross. Any per- plate provided will be received by the • Olympia Operations son found in contravention of this By-Law is undersigned until: 3:00 PM (local • Ice Maintenance COMING IN 2012…. liable to a fine. time), Friday Jan. 13th, 2012. • Janitorial Duties UXBRIDGE LIBRARY Debbie Leroux, Clerk • Customer Service CELEBRATES 125 YEARS UXBRIDGE INDOOR WALKING TRAIL • Basic Refrigeration Certificate IN UXBRIDGE! Quote specifications may be picked up • Grade 12 Diploma Various projects are being planned for commu- from the Clerk’s Department during nor- • Valid full 'G' Drivers Licence nity involvement. mal office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Post Secondary School diploma or The lowest or any proposal will not necessarily degree would be an asset. CAMP JOBS!

be accepted. Want to stay active during the winter months? The Township of Uxbridge Summer Day

Walk the Indoor Trail , in the halls of Uxbridge Secondary School Interested individuals can send resumes Camps is looking to hire students for Summer 2012! Any questions please call the Join us for our annual Monday and Wednesday evenings to the Township Office at 51 Toronto St. November 2/11 ± April 30/12 Uxpool @ (905) 852-7831 or email Camp Indoor Trail is open from 6:00 8:00 p.m. S., P.O. Box 190 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1T1 ± Coordinator Rebecca Harman: NEW YEAR’S LEVEE :DONQ¶7DONIRU7HHQV± 7:00 p.m. Attention: Director of Public Works and [email protected] Volunteers Needed! Please call Rebecca at 905-852-7831 Saturday, Dec. 31 Operations. Driver's abstract must be Camp Supervisors: Due December 30th and Annual fee of $25 - sign up at Uxpool or at the door submitted with resume or application will Councilors and Assistant Councilors are Due 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. No fee for children under 12 Please use the doors on the east side of the school not be considered. Resumes will be March 31st. A full description of required

Uxbridge Arena Bring comfortable indoor shoes for walking ± cloak room available accepted up until January 10th, 2012 at skills and responsibilities is available on the All welcome ± children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult Free skating for all! No running, walking poles or strollers 4:30 pm. town website. http://www.town.uxbridge.on.ca/about_uxbridge

Uxpool ...... 905-852-7831 Uxbridge Public Library 905-852-9747 Zephyr Library Mon.,Wed., Fri., Sat. 9:30 am - 5 pm 905-473-2375 Arena ...... 905-852-3081 Tues., Thurs. 9:30 am - 9pm Sundays after Thanksgiving to May 24 weekend 1 pm - 5 pm HOURS Tues., Thurs., 2 pm - 8 pm Historical Centre ...... 905-852-5854 Sat 10 am - 3 pm Animal Shelter ...... 905-985-9547 Uxbridge Arts Association: . . .www.uxbridgearts.com Chamber of Commerce . .905-852-7683 Township Library: ...... www.uxlib.com The Uxbridge Cosmos 3 Thursday, December 22nd 2011

Am I Wrong? column by Roger Varley

The people pay... the services that other depart- by reducing staff at the museum Moraine legislation, but should ing lot at and the people pay ments provide are, apparently, next year. Whose job is on the the good folks in the hamlet of the less essential in the eyes of coun- line there? Siloam have to give up their park entrance cil. To get back to the public works just so the township can get to the Why is it that come budget time For example, do not be sur- department for a moment, at the some extra property taxes? - at whatever level of govern- prised if the library reduces the same meeting Mr. Kester offered Should the folks in Barton Countryside Preserve could ment - in order to "save" the tax- number of hours it is open after that his department has received Farms have more housing receive a $13,000 pave over (in payers it's always the taxpayers the budget is brought in. After a quote of $55,000 for inspect- crowded in behind them - and the 2014 budget). But Uxbridge and the workers who are Monday's lengthy budget ses- ing all storm water management lose the soccer fields - for the taxpayers could be facing dumped on? sion, the library was asked to ponds in the township. Initially, same reason? And allowing resi- reduced services and loss of The current round of budget come back in January with yet councillors balked, with Mayor dential development on the recreation lands while paying talks in Uxbridge - now on hold another proposed budget with Gerri-Lynn O'Connor asking museum grounds would obliter- more in taxes - and a couple of until the new year - is taking the provision that the library what would happen if the study ate one of the finest vistas in the poor sods could find their jobs swipes at the township's taxpay- board cut a further $25,000 wasn't done. Councillors whole township and, presum- in jeopardy. ers, all in the name of keeping from what was last proposed. appeared mollified by Mr. ably, take away parking for such I know it is not an easy job the property tax increase as low Also don't be surprised if some Kester's explanation that the museums events as Heritage coming up with a budget and as possible. If the talks continue library employee finds their job study would "allow for long- Days. At least the mayor was keeping taxes down. But it seems as they have been going, gone. term management, the way we unequivocal in her opposition to to me there's always some lowly Uxbridge taxpayers will be pay- Same thing over at Uxpool and do on roads". Oh, okay then. that particular suggestion. civil servant who has to pay the ing more and receiving reduced the museum. Amanda Ferraro, And, as reported elsewhere in So Concession 6 will get its ultimate price - and the taxpayer services at the same time. That's manager of recreation and cul- this edition, responding to a unnecessary $500,000 repaving - still gets dinged. double dinging. ture, told councillors she could request from council, Richard (Heinz Nitschke's recent letter Tell me, am I wrong? All township departments have save $5,000 in wages by closing Vandezande, manager of devel- notwithstanding) - and the park- been under the gun to reduce the pool on Friday evenings. opment services, provided a pre- their budgets as much as possi- After all, it would only affect liminary analysis on the possibil- ble. That is understandable. But COME between 10 and 30 people. But ity of residential development on it is a rare thing to see the public aren't they taxpayers? And does Herrema Fields, the museum HOME works department budget someone either lose their job or grounds south of the actual CHRISTMAS EVE trimmed much below what face reduced hours because of museum buildings and Siloam FOR director Ben Kester presents. Dec. 24th Services the move? That remains to be Park. Admittedly, it's not the Same for the fire department. 4:30 pm - CHRISTMAS seen. township's fault that develop- Obviously, both departments Informal Family Service Ms. Ferraro said another ment is severely restricted by the provide essential services. But followed by a $5,000 in wages could be saved Green Belt and Oak Ridges Trinity United Church Pot Luck Supper 20 First Ave., Uxbridge 7:00 pm - TOWN HALL Councillor because council learned recently Formal Service, Jacob Mantle, that starting wages at the library Singing & Candle Lighting who suggested are higher than at other township 10:00 pm - by Roger Varley shortening the facilities. museum's sea- Later, Richard Vandezande, man- Holy Communion, Notes from the Dec. 19 son, she said it ager of development services, gave Singing & Candle Lighting would be diffi- council a requested report on the CHRISTMAS DAY Council meeting cult to hire qual- possibility of allowing residential ity staff for just development on the land stretch- 10 a.m. Worship Service In a five-hour budget session on four months. ing south from the museum to ALL ARE WELCOME! Monday, councillors discussed When Councillor Gordon Brock Street, on Herrema Fields various ways of saving or making Highet asked how much work and on Siloam park. In all cases, money, from cutting library, there could be at the museum, he said, to allow development Uxpool and museum hours, to Councillor Bev Northeast council would need to declare making savings on wages, to responded that none of the coun- each property surplus to the needs allowing a restaurant on the muse- cillors knows what a curator does. of the municipality and change um grounds. "We need a professional at the the zoning. In addition as a way to bring in museum," she said. Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor more property taxes, they talked At one point, Mr. Highet raised strongly opposed the idea of devel- about allowing residential devel- the possibility of allowing a restau- oping the museum grounds, say- opment at the museum grounds, rant to operate on the museum ing the "wonderful vista" needs to Herrema Fields and Siloam park. grounds but that suggestion had be protected. She also noted she Recreation and culture manager little traction. had negotiated with a developer Amanda Ferraro offered a report In a second report on Uxpool, years ago to have the land donated in which she said revenue could be Ms. Ferraro said the facility has to the museum and if a decision generated at the museum grounds lower operating costs than any was made to sell the land, that by renting pat of the Kydd House other swimming pool in Durham. developer would have to be given to an artist, offering the Lodge She said, however, she could real- the right of first refusal. Quality Antique Country Pine Furniture and Accessories at Hall as a rotating art gallery and ize $5,000 savings in casual wages Mr. Mantle requested that staff Significantly Reduced Prices from a Very Large Inventory renting the schoolhouse to an arts if the Friday evening program was prepare a separate report on the and theatre group. She said such closed. development potential for each of ENDS JANUARY 3RD! moves could increase museum rev- Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor the three sites. enue by $8,500, while cutting said she didn't want to see the It was then that council again Located on Hwy.12 • 2 kms north of 7A • Manchester $5,000 by reducing staff hours. $5,000 come out of wages until all turned their attention to the Directly west of Port Perry "We have to change the way we township facilities are brought library. Chief librarian Alex 905.985.7179 do business," she told council. into line in regards to wages and Hartmann was back in front of However, in response to benefits. That remark came them, ... continued page 17 The Uxbridge Cosmos 4 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 our two cents The million-dollar question

Taking our cue from the Barenaked Ladies, we posed an interesting question to our con- tributing writers this week. If they had a windfall of a million dollars for gifts this Christmas season, how would they spend it? The only limitation we placed was that they couldn’t lavish the wee fortune (and admittedly, a million bucks isn’t what it used to be) on themselves, their spouses or kids (or in the cases of several, their parents). Their proposals are, predictably, of a bewildering variety. Some, like Nancy Melcher or Jennifer Carroll, didn’t stray too far from their inner cir- cles, dedicating large parts of the money to siblings or close friends. Some, like Amy Hurlburt or Sean Wetselaar, went international. Some, like Harry Stemp or Fly Freeman, would create ongoing funds with the money. Lisha Cassibo wants to divvy the million into 365 equal amounts, indulging in a random act of kindness each and every day for a year. We sympathize mostly with those, like Shelagh Damus or Bev Northeast, who suggest using the money as an incentive for local business. And considering the recent focus on tourism in this space, we don’t imagine that you’ll be surprised to find that of all the generous suggestions in this issue, the one we most enthusiastically endorse is that of Stan Taylor, our science writer, on page 19. Stan proposes that the million be equally divided among four cornerstone insitutions in our community: the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society, the Historical Society (which is the fundraising support for the museum), the Music Hall and the Cottage Hospital. We loud- column by Harry Stemp ly agree with the first two, but we think the Music Hall and the Hospital have plenty of Stemp’s Stew other regular funding sources; they don’t need our money. We would replace them with Investing in the future come up with. So I mentioned at it. They the Foster Memorial Committee and the York-Durham Heritage Railway, partly to care for the thought to some friends who would their buildings or other assets, but mostly to develop and carry out marketing plans, If you had a million dollars to do not live in Uxbridge and was need to which can be very expensive indeed. spend any way you could, how pleased when a dear and participate However you would spend your million, we hope you enjoy our writers’ creative ideas would you spend it? Didn't thoughtful friend, Diane Crook in a regular on the subject. Have a wonderful holiday, and we look forward to bringing you more of sound like a problem until I read of Ottawa, sent me an idea I feel volunteer their fascinating writing in 2012. further down the instructions is well worth passing on. We all opportunity. Work at a shelter or sent out by Cosmos editor know our future lies with the serve soup at a soup kitchen. CORRECTION: In an ad last week celebrating the students of the month Conrad Boyce: you can't spend children. They will be taking They have to learn the notion of at Uxbridge Secondary School, a layout error resulted in one of the stu- it on yourself or immediate fam- over the world we leave behind. “paying it forward.” Part of the dent biographies being missed. We print it below in full. Sorry, Jackie! ily. That certainly took the When I see the mess our genera- contract would be to take anoth- starch out of my thoughts of tion has made, I feel we need to er child under his/her wing to STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER exotic trips, international sport- put some solid building blocks mentor in the future.” JACKIE YAFFA is an exceptional student among the many over-achiev- ing events or helping my chil- in place to help, and encourage Get some success stories under ers in the Grade 12 Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society (HHS dren. Conrad dressed as the them, to make things right. our belt, and then fund-raise to 4M) class. She is currently earning 99%, always does more than is Grinch Who Stole Christmas Diane wrote: “Wow! I guess my keep this idea alive and well. required and always encourages others to be suc- quickest answer would have to With additional funds, more cessful. She even made a presentation to the class of came to mind. do with the future-our children children can be helped and work she didn't have to present for marks that was But I still had a wonderful outstanding (Individual Development PowerPoint opportunity. I could source out and the importance of a great added to the program. using The Simpsons as examples of different theo- the person who irritates me the education. With $1 million, I Eventually, with success, the ini- ries)! Congratulations Jackie! most (there are a few to choose would wish to select some key tial program could be expanded from) and send them on a one- low socio-economic areas in to include vast travel for the stu- way trip to the moon. There are Canada. Identify children with dents who continue to show trips taking off on a regular great potential for learning, but promise. basis. It would be worth spend- whose likelihood of pursuing After reading Diane's remarks, ing the million dollars and it education beyond high school is it was me saying “Wow”. What a would let me file the Stew on very low. Use the money to great way to spend a million dol- time and get on with holiday establish an institute of higher lars. Invest in the children and partying. A pastime I thorough- learning. Not sure if it would be you invest in the future. Hope virtual, or actual bricks and you agree. 8,900 copies of the Cosmos are published each Thursday in the Township of ly enjoy. However, it is customary that mortar. And I hope you will all agree to Uxbridge: 8,200 delivered by mail, 700 available in stores and boxes. Christmas issues are full of good The children would have to have a safe and happy Christmas Publisher/Editor Conrad Boyce 905.852.1900 will and best wishes to all and understand that they have been holiday with family and friends. sundry, so there is no way that chosen for a reason and that It is a magical time of year, not 38 Toronto Street North, Unit One, Uxbridge Ontario L9P 1E6 Stew would survive the notori- nothing is being handed to them for the gifts we receive, but for e-mail: [email protected] ous red pen used by all editors. on a silver platter. In order to the gifts we can give to those in stay “in the program”, they have our community who are alone, web site: www.thecosmos.ca So what to do with the million dollars? Many things come to to sign a contract. Their part of many in need. Helping others is Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. mind right here in Uxbridge. the contract is to demonstrate what makes Christmas such a consistently good grades, but magical time. EDITORIAL POLICY: Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and in letters to the editor are not nec- The Cottage Hospital, Food essarily those of the The Cosmos. Letters must be signed and the telephone number provided (number Bank, Community Care. much more than that. They have See you in 2012. will not be published). Requests that a name be withheld will be honoured only if there is a compelling Worthy causes and always in to further demonstrate a well- reason. Errors brought to our attention will be corrected. The Cosmos reserves the right to edit or refuse rounded life by agreeing to learn to publish unsolicited material. ADVERTISING POLICY: The Cosmos reserves the right to refuse any adver- need of help. I am sure you can tisement. The Cosmos is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors in advertisements or any think of others. about the arts -practice/perfect a other errors or omissions in advertisements. All material herein, including advertising design is copyright- But these are simple ideas to musical instrument; choose a ed, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission. sport and commit to be excellent The Uxbridge Cosmos 5 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars... by Shelagh Damus merchant stays in the communi- cool ideas that keep them up at artisan coffee shop, and you have munity would be enormous. ty (in wages, jobs, local spend- night. a monthly credit of $25 for four A study of a ten percent shift in Locavesting a mill ing, taxes and charitable giving,) So what to do with the million? years. Invest in a restaurant that Grand Rapids, Michigan showed than the same amount spent in a The subtitle of the Cortese wants to start a microbrewery a “$137 million jolt to the local A sweet million. A cool seven national chain store in the same book, The Revolution in Local and have one on the house every economy and 1600 jobs” creat- digits. Six zeros with which to community. Property values Investing and How to Profit week for three years. Invest in a ed. Adjusted for population and make some seriously happy plummet in communities where From It, is a little problematic bookstore and your book club all other things being equal, a faces. I make a list. I put my the downtown shops have been since I am not allowed to profit book is covered for four years. similar switch would provide imaginary pen to some imagi- decimated by Big Box stores. directly from my expenditure. The key is these businesses are Uxbridge with in influx of $3.5 nary cheques -- and stop. With A shopping local movement is That takes several options off the then flush with cash to expand, million dollars and 40 full time apologies to my imaginary bene- afoot but time is of the essence - table. So this is my plan. I will to create, to explore the dream jobs. Wouldn't that be a great ficiaries, I realize I want more for they have for their business. gift to the community? my million dollars than a chari- It is Christmas, so in my imag- When Shelley Macbeth, owner table donation tax receipt. I inary world of giving - the stores of Blue Heron Books, heard how want my million to make a dif- don't have to pay back in kind. I was planning on spending my ference, here in this community. However, such schemes would million dollars and the book I Selfish perhaps, but it is my mil- create a solid customer base; the was sourcing, she put on her lit- lion. microbrewery supporter would- tle Santa hat and tucked one It seems fortuitous that Amy n't necessarily drink alone, nor aside to be gift wrapped and Cortese's Locavesting sits atop a would he always stop at one donated to the library. Jenga block-like tower of books beer, and the coffee shop afi- As for me, my immediate fam- on my nightstand. I have cionado will still need her daily ily would not directly profit watched with interest how the cup of Joe after the four years are from this expenditure, but the Locavore approach has changed up. indirect benefits would be too the way we eat and think about The scenarios are endless and numerous to cite. Think of the food: locally sourced food in the benefits noteworthy. And magic that would be released if restaurants, the return of farm- more importantly, you don't the creative genie in the bottle, ers' markets and community need a million dollars to partici- unfettered by financial restraints, supported agriculture. Could a pate. If ten percent of our spend- were released into our communi- similar phenomenon occur in ing were diverted from large big ty. the field of investing, and to box retailers to small independ- what end? I agree with Cortese's ent stores the upside to our com- contention that a “robust inde- small independent stores have divide my imaginary million pendent business presence bene- been hit hard on numerous into 1000 thousand dollar shares Good News! fits communities.” She cites fronts in recent years. Yet, these and distribute them to commu- studies that show these commu- small dens of capitalism are the nity members and stakeholders. "The Committee for a Community Christmas” nities “have a higher quality of heart of the community. They Each recipient will then furnish invites Uxbridge and area residents to the life, civic engagement and offer unique items and a place to the local independent merchant income equality” than those mingle with neighbours and of their choice with $1000. In “Christmas Day Dinner” with all their employment eggs friends. They are the innovators, return the merchant /restaura- in a couple of large multination- the start-ups, the entrepreneurs. teur /service provider will pro- They are creative people who oft vide his benefactor with a recip- The dinner will be held at al business baskets. Uxbridge Seniors Centre, Substantially more of the times lack the financial resources rocal agreement of repayment in money spent at an independent to put into place the wickedly service or product. Invest in an Marietta Street, Uxbridge beginning at 12 noon. There is NO charge. by Charlotte Damus family, or families that could use morning, I'd donate a variety of a little help in making their toys, clothing, and books. I am very lucky to have a won- Christmas a great one. If they Everyone deserves a happy Whether you are new to the community, away from your derful feast, many gifts and were short on food, I would help Christmas. family, home alone or would just like to have a healthy, warm shelter during this special them to eat a magnificent meal Any of the leftover money festive Christmas dinner with friends, please join us. holiday but not everyone is so for the occasion, and if their would go to a charity for hospi- If you would like to be our guest this Christmas, please fortunate. With a section of my children were to be disappointed tals or shelters, and to a bank to call and reserve your place (905) 852-7016. million dollars, I would find a by the lack of gifts on Christmas save for another year. Transportation is available for those who require it.

From the staff at your Canadian Tire Uxbridge.... Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season. The Uxbridge Cosmos 6 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars...

Helping extended not have a manse. I'd pay out the Mark, Graeme and me, we'd fill worthy causes in my life today, but whole life. It's not much fun, and mortgage on my brother's house, that role. one stands above all the others. there are health risks with every and royal families making him secure in his home Mum's all-time favourite place is Without hesitation, I would send infusion. and taking away some the worry the family summer retreat, a rustic the remainder of my good fortune With the groundbreaking news by Nancy Melcher of managing on his parson's salary. cabin on a rocky island in to fund research into a cure for this week about landmark research My sister lives a vagabond's exis- Haliburton. Built in 1942, it's a Hemophilia. trials into gene therapy, I would If I had a million dollars to spend tence in California, keeping a roof “real cottage”: one big room, a Many who remember their direct the rest of my windfall on Christmas gifts this year, I over her head by selling do-it- wood stove for heat and cooking, European history will recall that towards additional research into would want to indulge my imme- yourself legal books and software bunk beds, and an unfinished this debilitating bleeding disorder finding a cure. Gene therapy is an diate family: pay Graeme's univer- for Nolo. Her passion, however, is interior with everything either plagued many Royal Families at experimental technique to fix sity bills and create a fund for environmental causes, and she has hanging from a nail or tossed on a the turn of the last century, so faulty genes. Researchers use a future degrees; a trip or four for advocated on behalf of the planet shelf between the studs. It's had much so that it was called “The virus to deliver the new genes to Mark and me; pay bills, top-up on various Indy-media radio sta- very little done to it over the years, Royal Disease”. The most famous the hemophilia patient's liver cells RRSPs and replace automobiles; tions in The Bay Area for more so I'd renovate the cabin, keeping of all the affected boys was - the cells in the body that pro- build a workshop for tools and than two decades, taking local and all the great features, but incorpo- Tsarevich Alexei, heir to Tsar duce the necessary clotting pro- toys; and finally complete our world leaders, financiers and rating modern technology. Solar Nicholas II of Russia. Fun as it is teins. Replacing the defective gene home renovations. However, my industrialists to task. I'd make the panels would be mandatory: effi- to claim a royal link, my connec- that causes the bleeding disorder esteemed editor has forbidden any down payment on a house for her cient lights would replace the cur- tion to this disease is just a co- with a correct version could cure such thoughts. Therefore, looking in Berkeley. rent propane- and battery-pow- incidence - I'm not related to that the patient. away from my husband and son, My father invested wisely, ensur- ered fixtures. I don't know if it branch of the Royal Family. This is cutting-edge medicine it's easy to find several other purs- ing that my mother would be exists, but a fridge that could be Hemophiliacs lack certain pro- that has spin-offs in several differ- es for my imaginary loot. comfortable in her declining powered by the solar array would teins necessary for blood to clot. ent areas of health care, most I'd first help my extended family. years. He died at 86, the same age be the ultimate indulgence. Severe hemophiliacs are treated importantly for diabetes and can- My brother is a church minister Mum is this year. She loves her Incorporating accessibility fea- with “replacement protein thera- cer. Imagine, one single shot to on Vancouver Island, with a lovely house in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the tures will ensure that Mum will py”: they get a shot of the missing cure a deadly disease. What an wife, three kids and three grand- “banana belt” of Canada. She still enjoy many more summers there. blood protein, and are “cured” for amazing, cherished Christmas gift kids. His parish in Nanoose Bay has a Bucket List, and making it An estimate of expenditures to about 48 hours. They have a good that would be! has some lovely real estate on the complete would be my next prior- this point gets me about half-way chance to live a long life, unlike Straight of Georgia - wide beach- ity. A travel companion would be through my million. Since my those royals in the 1900's, but es, bald eagles, golf courses, and needed, and if one of her friends family is secure, I would give away must endure injections of blood mild weather. However, it does wasn't available then, between what remains. There are many products every-other-day for their

Skates, lights his shoe size. In the face of such adults in the way of entertainment, coming from speakers hidden some- resources would be to hire the Vinyl yuletide dangers, it's easy to dream it sorely lacks plentiful opportuni- where in the nighttime. Café's host, Stuart McLean, to and laughter big, and wonder, what exactly ties for teenagers. The pool hall is My lights display would be truly come around to the house of each would I do with a million dollars? gone, and the plethora of local punk an object of wonder, sparkling and Uxbridge resident and tell them the by Graeme Melcher At first, my thoughts turn to the shows seem to have dried up, leav- shining through the trees like a bea- story of when Dave cooked that extravagant and tasteful gifts I could ing little in the way of distraction con of hope, yuletide love, and the turkey. Christmas is fast approaching, and buy for my friends. For Dave, who for the kids. I realize there is a power of a large account at That story has become such an with it, a sense of mild panic over appreciates the finer things in life, I dearth of concerns on both sides of Canadian Tire. People would come essential part of my family's who will get what gift in what could buy a watch covered in dia- the issue, and that this is a serious from miles and miles around to Christmas ritual that it is impossible colour of wrapping paper. Truth be monds covered in gold covered in topic that must be accorded ration- marvel at my lights, and as they to think of one without the other. told, between the unarmed combat the finest Swiss chocolate available. al and reasoned debate. came like so many adoring moths to My last gift to the residents of that constitutes trying to work your Or for my buddy Austin, who has However, such issues do not trou- my Christmasy display, they would Uxbridge would be to share with all way through a mall in the month tolerated my insanity and eccentric- ble me, for I am a renegade philan- be moved to tears by the sheer beau- of them the incredible sense of joy I leading up to Christmas and load- ity for far too long, I could buy a thropist with an imaginary bank ty of it all, and their donations to get whenever I listen to that story. ing up on caffeine to minimize the fancy dirigible that is powered sole- account to drain and few concerns the Optimists would flow like Because ultimately, and this may effects of my inevitable turkey- ly by dancing. Ultimately, however, for due conduct and bureaucracy. eggnog from a carton. just be the product of countless induced coma, it's a wonder I have I would be forced to admit that, After securing a place for the youth My final gift would be one moti- after-school Christmas specials, but any time or energy left to worry well intentioned though my gifts of Uxbridge to socialize, fraternize vated somewhat by my own self- Christmas shouldn't be about fancy about my rapidly-increasing credit would be, the money would be bet- and any other type of “-ize” their interest. Thanks to the efforts of my watches, dirigibles or the opportu- card debt. ter spent on something for all of hearts desire, I would next turn my parents, as well as my seventh-grade nity for teenagers to risk their lives How my bill came to be worth Uxbridge. wanton gift-giving towards the rest teacher, there is one item, one in new and exciting ways. It's about approximately the same as the GDP My first purchase is one I hope to of the citizens of Uxbridge. Have action, one essential 'thing' without traditions, about looking back on of many countries, I will never see repeated throughout this series you had a chance to visit Elgin Park which Christmas cannot take place. the good times you've had, and know; all I know now is that there is of articles: invest a portion of my and the beautiful Fantasy of Lights Anyone familiar with the CBC's making new and even happier only so long I can refuse to pay my moolah in helping build a skate display that's been set up there? I “Vinyl Café” will know the story of memories with the people you love. bill before a large man named Butch park in town. I grew up here, and tell you, it just isn't Christmastime Dave, and his attempt to cook a arrives on my doorstep wielding a believe you me, though this town for me anymore until I walk the turkey for Christmas dinner. My baseball bat and an IQ smaller than offers plenty to young children and trail in the park, Christmas music last purchase with my dwindling

Scenes from the Fantasy of Lights Photos by Renee Leahy The Uxbridge Cosmos 7 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 ravenshoe ramblings the barris beat column by Roger Pires column by Ted Barris Merry Christmas! With my million...

It always starts with the lights. Once the calendar page flips to December, it’s About 25 years ago, I travelled to the town of Windsor, in the Annapolis Valley the official start of the Christmas season. At least in the Pires household it is. And putting up the Christmas region of Nova Scotia. I’d read about a local personality, a 19th century judge and member of the provincial leg- lights is the curtain raiser for this festive time. Most of my neighbours have had theirs up since November. islature, Thomas Chandler Haliburton. Among other things, I’d learned that Haliburton had studied and grown up They have foresight. They don’t wait until the weather hits bone-chilling depths to construct their monuments there, written local history and published under the nom de plume “Sam Slick.” But Haliburton had also kept a to the season. factual diary, which around 1803 had solved the great Canadian riddle: Where was the game of hockey first played in Canada? But I am a sucker for tradition, no matter how questionable its validity. On many occasions, my wife has “And boys let out racin’, yelpin’ hollerin’ and whoopin’ like mad with pleasure (on) the playground,” Haliburton tried to convince me that it’s not sacrilege to replace the icicle lights. The set over the garage was already up had written as a student at King’s College, Windsor, “and (played) the game of hurley … on the ice.” when we moved into the house. They looked like they’d been there since the Trudeau era. But you dance My world of writing depends largely on the hunt for facts. It’s based on the principles of research, discovery and with the girl you brung, so I insisted on keeping them. When I plugged them in this year, only the odd string verification. Had there not been a source for Judge Haliburton’s revelation, I would never have learned about the came on. My garage leered at me with a hockey players’ smile. It was time for some friendly spousal inter- birthplace of hockey, nor included that story in my book Playing Overtime. My discovery very much depended vention. The next day, my wife brought home a whole new set of Christmas lights. I spent the weekend cling- on the facts as gathered by a local museum and a local neuro-surgeon and recreational hockey enthusiast named ing like a mountain goat to an ice-slicked rooftop. A set of white knuckles later, my garage glowed like the Garth Vaughan. The good doctor’s Windsor Hockey Heritage Society and the museum he founded had delivered Northern Lights in the crisp, winter night. to me the details of hockey played on Long Pond, in Nova Scotia, 200 years ago. Once the lights are up, I start thinking about the shopping. In a previous life, Christmas shopping was to be If suddenly I came into some great wealth (the theme of the Christmas Cosmos issue) – say $1 million – I would endured rather than enjoyed. Getting an early start meant hitting the stores before noon on Christmas Eve. probably bestow much of it upon museums such as this. Why? Principally because local museums and their arti- By that time there was nothing left on the shelves. I’d have a better selection at the local convenience store facts represent the unofficial, but crucial foundation of Canada’s story. When fledgling communities took root in just before closing time. But beef jerky and the latest issue of Maxim wouldn’t get me invited to too many Nova Scotia and elsewhere in this country, there were no official recorders of events, no provincial archives, few Christmas parties. In my advancing years, I try to avoid stress wherever and whenever possible. But newspapers or journalists. The documenting of Canada’s history depended on handed down stories, folklore, Christmas shopping still means I’ll probably end up at the mall. diaries and local museums. They receive little or no official funding. They survive purely on volunteer contribu- As long as I can remember, I’ve had this phobia of malls. It usually flares up at this time of year. Whenever tions of dollars and hours. They survive on the goodwill of communities. That gift, I suggest, ought to be reward- I get within sniffing distance of one, I have this recurring nightmare where I’m swallowed up by the concrete ed. monster and end up spending eternity trapped in the housewares section of a department store. Another chunk of my $1 million bequest might be to a small repository of local history in Saskatchewan. About Still, year after year, I screw up my courage and point the car in the direction of the sprawling nightmare. a dozen kilometres outside the City of Moose Jaw sits a 10-acre piece of prairie land that houses a pioneer muse- Without fail, everyone in North America seems to have picked the same day to go Christmas shopping at the um. The land, and many of the pioneer implements, buildings and artifacts, were donated by long-time farmer same mall. The only available parking spots are in another area code and I’ll need a dog team to haul all and local historian Erald Jones. I met him in the early 1970s while researching a book about prairie steamboats. the bling back to my car. Steamboats on the prairies? That’s right. Between 1859 and the mid-1950s, there were as many as 125 different steam-powered vessels plying the lakes and rivers of Saskatchewan. Among the boats’ human builders was After saying a prayer or two, I plunge headlong through the revolving doors to engage in guerilla warfare a Finnish immigrant named Tom Sukanen, whose story I learned from Jones and his museum pals. Briefly, dur- with thousands of frenzied suburbanites. Years of last-minute cramming have taught me certain survival ing the Depression, pioneer Sukanen lost nearly everything – his family, his crops, his desire to stay on the skills: like take a wide berth around signs with the words, “Clearance Sale” or “50% Off” written on them. prairies. He concocted a plan to build a steamship in pieces, transport it via the Saskatchewan River to Hudson Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bar-goon as much as the next guy; but I’m not willing to risk life and limb Bay and sail home to Finland. Sukanen’s bizarre story became a chapter in my 1977 book Fire Canoe, thanks to over a six-pack of marked down sweat socks. the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village Museum. The completed Sukanen ship stands today like a sentinel just outside My fellow shoppers display a wide range of emotional involvement in their task. They run the gamut from Moose Jaw. apathy to mania with all points in between. Many are guys like me: lost souls wandering the aisles, mesmer- Perhaps another portion of any sudden $1 million bank account might go to the modest Elgin Military Museum ized by the bright, flashing lights and praying for some sign as to what constitutes a meaningful gift for our in St. Thomas, Ont. Named after the fabled Elgin (Armoured) Regiment, whose honours in the Second World War spouse. Others – and you can tell who they are because they’re smiling – know what they want, know where include battlefields in Sicily, Italy and North-West Europe, the museum began in 1975. Not surprisingly it has to get it, and are reasonably sure they’ll be home by Letterman. The most menacing are the prowlers who assembled representative weaponry and souvenirs of those campaigns. But its members have consistently pur- stalk around like angry wolves. May God have mercy on whoever stands between them and the last iPhone sued history outside the box. Currently, museum volunteers have plans to salvage Royal Canadian Navy subma- on the shelf. I’m sure most of these people are mild-mannered, model citizens – white picket fence, Dodge rine, HMCS Ojibwa, and bring it to landlocked St. Thomas. in the driveway. Come the Christmas rush they transform big box stores into war zones, winging around the My research and writing changed when collector friend Blair Ferguson and the Elgin Military Museum gave me floor like stock traders on speed. access to its human collection. In 2005, as I assembled my book Victory at Vimy, I learned the museum had I prefer the relative DMZ of the lesser-known boutiques. I roam their aisles like Rain Man, clutching my list recently acquired the letters home of Victoria Cross winner Ellis Sifton. With the museum’s permission, I was able and focusing intently on the task at hand. And I live in fear of the word, “backorder”. When I hear it I get to flesh out an otherwise clinical history of the man. In his final letter home to his sisters in Wallacetown, Ont., the look like Indiana Jones running from the big ball. “You mean I have to come back?! for example, Sifton wrote about the greatest challenge of the coming Vimy battle. Of course these rituals - the lights, the malls, the frenzy – are just details. What really matters is it’s “(I wonder whether) courage will be mine at the right moment if I am called upon to stare death in the face,” Christmas. When we forget our differences and bury our grudges. When we spend time in the company of Sifton wrote just before April 9, 1917. His VC proved it was. But only the local museum in St. Thomas had known friends and family. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas. his human condition at the time. So if I won that elusive $1 million, I’d almost certainly help the greatest friends a non-fiction writer has, the keepers of a community’s heart and history. The Uxbridge Cosmos 8 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars...

Random acts of kindness on myself or the ones I love most with each idea I had, I realized country, or giving it all to a char- faces be brilliant? dearly. That sucks. And I realize that it was attached, somehow, ity, or putting it in trust for an I may do the same at the gas by Lisha Cassibo I suck because I think that sucks. to my family. And that would be underprivileged child? I'm afraid station on the corner. Mind you, My editor was certain that ideas missing “the point.” to read about all the wonderful I may only see 10 cars through Well, here I've been presented for spending our imaginary Then I got stuck on what I ideas my colleagues have come on that day... two thousand dol- with one million dollars, and I money unselfishly would come could spend my money on. up with - I'm sure my donations lars won't go far there! can't spend a single penny of it forward freely, seething with Should I go with lofty ideas, like would pale by comparison. But Christmas time - I'd go to the goodwill and benevolence. But building a school in a developing to me, they all seem so cliché. city and find Salvation Army bell And I'm not sure how much ringers, and jam hundred dollar good some of this giving would bills into their clear plastic con- do in the long run. tainers. Administrative costs often eat up In the summer, I'd go to a so much of the money given to crowded beach, and when the charities. Building a school tinkling sound of the ice cream seems noble, but is only a band truck sounds and people scam- aid to the larger problem of first per toward its chimes, I'll foot world countries raping third the bill for the whole beach. world nations of their resources, On a day when I read about a leaving them with nothing to family whose house has burned live on. We feel better, I suppose, to the ground and left them with when first we take, then “give only the clothes on their backs, back” to these poor nations. It they'll get the whole day's allot- somehow seems so wrong. And ment. Heck, they'll probably get very un-Christmas like. the whole week's. So here I sit with my million I may hear of a single mum dollars. I don't know what to do whose youngster is in Sick Kid's with it. One moment - I'll ask Hospital, and she's having a my 11-year old. tough time just paying for the She has decided to give, and I petrol to get her back and forth quote, “every single penny” to to see her baby. I'll pay for her food banks around the region. petrol, and her parking too. Sunderland, Uxbridge, the col- Every time I overhear a parent lections at her school. That's say to a child “Not today, sweet- where her money would go. ie, we don't have the money for Oh, there goes my six-year old. that right now” I'll open my wal- I'll ask her. let and say “Yes you do,” and She wants to give her money to hand them some cash. her cousins. (Fair enough, that's Every time I get a plea in the within the rules. I can only hope mail from an organization that they take us along on the trip asks for a donation, I will write a they go on!) cheque, rather than disregarding My nine-year old walks into the the request because I need my room. I ask her. money as badly as they do. “Well, I really hate it when peo- I would prefer to do all these ple call homeless people hobos, things anonymously. I can't list so I would make sure that I all the things I would do, found some homeless people because the mood would just and gave them a place to sleep,” have to strike me then and there. she replies. The need would have to appear, I like these answers. They're a and I'd be able to fill it. Every little closer to home, which is, day for a year. I'm sure it would- after all, where charity begins. n't be that difficult. It certainly I pour a glass of wine to ponder would make the Christmas spirit my enviable position, and I find last. myself thinking of indulging in a I sigh. I realize that I could year of random acts of kindness. spend the money after all, and These sorts of acts are often that I don't have to think “big” small scale, however, so I think I to make it count. Perhaps I don't will take my one million dollars, suck after all. and divide it up so that I have Merry Christmas, and may you some to give away each day for a all experience peace in a million year. That works out to different ways. $2739.72 a day, for 365 days. I think one day I will stand in the grocery story and hand out money to people coming in, to put toward their grocery order. Wouldn't the looks on their The Uxbridge Cosmos 9 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars...

A million places to see fed it with her own. We were she encountered; the drive to live, And then she would come home pelling person she met. I am exhil- young, foolish know-it-alls, and we to learn, find love and purpose, to and make art. She would share sto- arated even with the idea of it, by Jennifer Carroll loved it. matter and be remembered. She ries and experiences. She would sit because if there is anyone who Cecelia has an enduring drive to would gather stories from the most us on the sloping sands where she deserves to know the world, it's see the world. Her passion to expe- interesting people. She would live watched the sun set, she would Cecelia. It might possibly be the I am lucky to have numerous peo- rience life to the most excruciating in every moment as she greeted the scale us up the sheer rock face, she best million dollars I could ever ple in my life who challenge and degree - the deepest wonder, the world at its very edges. would introduce us to every com- spend. inspire me. Many of these people greatest love, the most aching dis- run softly in and out of my daily appointment, the most bitter life, sometimes missing for months heartbreak, the most joyous delight or years, but picking up effortlessly in discovery - serves her greatly as where they left off when we return an actor and a human being. She to each other. Many of these wants to see and encounter every- beloved people I met at theatre thing, because it will make her a school. Though we splintered into better artist. And so I thought it the real world after graduation, the was wonderful, when tasked with scorching bond of those two pre- the challenge to gift a million dol- cious years of our lives will hold us lars to one person in my life, that together forever. she would come screeching to One woman in particular, my mind. dear friend Cecelia, will forever I know exactly what I would give possess my respect and admiration. her. How much does a private jet Our spirits are mired, no matter cost?… Maybe I couldn't buy her our physical distance. Cecelia and I one, but I could rent one for a good forged our friendship through a… long while. I would walk her across unique mutual interest. We the asphalt to the plane, hand her a climbed things. Tall things. backpack with a change of clothes Moving things. Late at night, in and a journal, and tell her to look warm, misty summer air. Our at the map on the inside of the hearts would beat in exhilarated cabin and pick a destination. Any unison as we ran towards moving destination. And I would let her fly trains or steepled churches. There around the world for as long as a was a silence up above the public million dollars would last. I imag- eye, because humans don't look up ine she would look towards Japan, to the stars nearly as often as they Cambodia, St. Petersburg, Paris, should. So we had the heights and Buenos Aires, Tunisia, New Dehli, the stars to ourselves, away from and probably a dozen places I could prying eyes. never even think of. She would seek We debated everything. We out sunsets in the most peaceful argued passionately about politics, places, mountains on the end of the theatre, love, mortality and the earth, rock faces of the most stag- mark each of us would leave on gering heights, forests with eternity. While everyone else in my unimaginable plants and creatures. life told me to be more realistic, She would look for the constants of Cecelia nurtured my idealism, and the human soul in every individual by Bev Northeast their product). And each business person must agree to donat- What would I do with a million ing 5% of their profits every year dollars? I would like to think I to charities that have been cho- would invest it so I could spend sen through a board of directors the interest for years and help and these charities would be those less fortunate for years to divided with a 1/4 of them in come, but the rules are I must the local community, 1/4 of spend this million and I can't them within Ontario, 1/4 of spend it on myself or my chil- them in Canada and 1/4 of them dren. in another country. So I would take the million dol- This way I have put people to lars and assist those in the com- work within their own commu- munity who want to own their nity, decreased the number of own businesses. I would give cars on the road commuting to each person $100,000 to start up the city so I have decreased the a business that has a business amount of greenhouse gas being plan approved by a team of pro- produced, increased the eco- fessionals. The businesses sup- nomic viability of the communi- ported would be environmental- ty and beyond. And achieved my ly friendly and not add to the goal of assisting those less fortu- greenhouse gases. And all prod- nate and this plan could contin- ucts sold at these businesses ue to assist those in need for would be “fair Trade” (paid fair- years to come. ly for all work done to produce The Uxbridge Cosmos 10 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 The Uxbridge Cosmos 11 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 Your one-stop shop for unique gift ideas! SANTA’S SLEIGH

GREAT BOXING DAY DISCOUNTS CHRISTMAS GIFT ITEMS 50% OFF! SELECTED WEBKINS 30% OFF. The Uxbridge Cosmos 12 Thursday, December 22nd 2011

Woods. No dogs please. Meet at UPCOMING Windreach Farms, Precious Minds, Coming Up the parking area on the east side of Community Living and many more. Uxbridge Conc. 6, 2 km south of Proposals outlining your organiza- Durham Rd. 21 at Albright Rd. Fri., Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. The Oak tion and how the funds would be THIS WEEKEND know approximately how many places to set). Last minute guests Joan Taylor 905-477-2161. Ridges Trail Association is used should be mailed to Ann are warmly welcomed. THERE IS hosting a 2 hr., 8 km moderate to Sauder(Proceeds Chair) at 14 Dec. 22-31 Fantasy of Lights NO CHARGE. Sat., Dec. 31, 7:00 a.m. The fast pace hike or snowshoe in Gamron Ave. Uxbridge, ON L9P Annual festival of lights in Elgin Oak Ridges Trail Association Walker Woods. There are hills. 1R4. The deadline for applica- Park. 6-9:30 p.m. NEXT WEEK is hosting a hike on the Al Shaw Meet at parking area on the east tions has been extended to side Trail. This is a 1.5 hr. 4.5 km side of Conc. 6, 2 km south of November 30, 2011. Thurs., Dec. 22 Juice at King Tues., Dec. 27 Uxbridge moderate pace hike. Join us for Durham Rd. 21 at Albright Rd. Henry’s Arms One of Christmas Bird Count Join breakfast after the hike. Meet at Joan Taylor 905-477-2161 North House and Community Uxbridge’s top bands. Bring an birders at their feeders and in the the trail entrance on the west side Churches will be holding a item for the Food Bank to get in. field all across the Americas for the of Conc. 6, 1.5 km south of Sat., Jan. 7, 7:00 a.m. The soup lunch on Wednesdays from annual count. Listen for owls at Durham Rd. 21. Joan Taylor 905- Oak Ridges Trail Association 12 - 1:30pm at St. Andrew's- Sat., Dec. 24, 7:00 a.m. The night too! Register dconn50@pow- 477-2161. is hosting a 1+ hr., 4 km moderate Chalmers Presbyterian Church. The Oak Ridges Trail Association ergate.ca or call Derek Connelly pace hike or snowshoe on the Al lunches run through until March. is hosting a hike on the Al Shaw 905-852-5432; or Kim Adams Sat., Dec. 31 New Year’s Shaw side Trail. Join us for break- Come enjoy some healthy, deli- side Trail. This is a 1+ hr., 4.5 km 905-862-0395. Levee Annual family skating fast after the hike. Meet at the trail cious soup! Pay what you can. moderate pace hike. No dogs party at Uxbridge Arena. 5:15- entrance on the west side of Conc. please. Meet at the trail entrance Wed., Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m. The 7:15 p.m. 6, 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Hospital Auxiliary “Chances on the west side of Conc. 6, 1.5 Oak Ridges Trail Association Joan Taylor 905-477-2161. Are” Store on Bascom Street km south of Durham Rd. 21. Russ is hosting a 14+ km, 4+ hr. moder- Sat., Dec. 31 LOL New accepting good winter clothing. ONGOING Burton 905-830-2862. ate to fast pace hilly, loop hike at Year’s Dance Annual dance in Proceeds to Cottage Hospital. Walker/Glen Major. Icers or benefit of Land Over Landings, the Sun., Dec. 25 No need to eat snowshoes may be needed. Meet organization in opposition to the Uxperience looks for benefi- If you have a community event alone on Christmas Day. Join at the parking area on the east side Pickering Airport. Brougham Hall. ciaries: If you are involved in a you’d like us to mention, please many residents of all ages in of Uxbridge Conc. 6, 2 km south of Tickets $25 per person, reserve by local non-profit group, why not contact us at cosmosboyce@power- Uxbridge Town and Township for Durham Rd. 21 at Albright Rd. calling 905-649-2433. make your case for funding from gate.ca or 905-852-1900. The the annual Christmas Dinner at Bob Comfort 905-473-2669. uxperience, the Uxbridge variety deadline for our next issue is 6 the Seniors Centre on Marietta Sun., Jan. 1 Music Fest show? Uxperience has provided p.m. Sunday. Street at 12:00 noon. A call to Fri., Dec. 30, 9.30 a.m. The Reachview Village, Uxbridge from funding to various local non-profit 905-852-7016 or 905-862-2298 Oak Ridges Trail Association 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We are groups to the tune of $95000.00 will arrange a ride should you is hosting a 10+ km, 2+ hr. moder- always looking for new talent! For over the past 20 years. Groups need one (and let the committee ate to fast pace hilly hike in Walker more information please contact Jo that have benefited in the past at 905-852-6487. include the Cottage Hospital, If I had a million dollars...

Twelve ways of them, being overwhelmed with dear old country in Europe, so swimming. If we bought those provide the tunes. We'd get spending a million their abundance. So we decided we would buy those hens three swans, we wouldn't want to run local piper Deborah Clements to to take this on as the deserving plane tickets on a Boeing French the risk of having them drown in give them some piping tips first, 'charity' for our million bucks, Farm 711. those horrible oil spills, so we though. by Gareth & to help the true love take care of 4) The four calling birds are would spend $300,000 to get all 12) Twelve drummers drum- Maggie Anderson each of her 12 presents: next. We would pay our mafia gas boats and oil rigs out of the ming? We'd hitch up with those 1) Let's start at the top: we friends to sneak in to their hous- water. noisy folks and form a whole It must have seemed like the have that partridge in the pear es and steal their cell phones, 8) The eight maids-a-milking band, hit the road on tour, ultimate gift for that lucky tree. We would get some fire- because we all hate those people should not be working in such become famous, and rake in spouse in 'The Twelve Days of fighter to get that little guy out at the Christmas Eve service on servitude in this day and age. We even more dough to spend on Christmas': to receive a different from being cruelly stuck up their phones, and calling birds would send them to university! other Christmas Carol chari- and unique present every day there. are the worst. 9) Now the nine ladies dancing. ties.... For example, Good King from her true love. But 2) Then we have the unfortu- 5) Five golden rings? Easy: we We would definitely buy them Wenceslas' servant sounds like Conrad's challenge to us -- to nate case of the two turtle doves. would buy them from the true dancing lessons to expand their he could use a pick-me-up.... think about what we'd do if we Whatever mad scientist bred love for $500 each, then sell repertoire. We'd also use our newly earned had a million dollars to spend on those two beasts, a turtle and a them on eBay for $10,000! 10) Ten lords a-leaping: See 9) riches so the kids from Uxbridge gifts -- got us thinking more seri- dove, we would spend $50,000 6) Let's get those six geese-a- above. Plus we'd make sure they (including USS Tigers) can have ously about the real fate of all and get him removed from prac- laying out of their misery and have appropriate disability insur- a new skate park! those gifts (most of them living tice. buy them a room in a hospital ance. Happy holidays to all from and breathing). 3) Oh yes, the three French where they can have their young 11) Every one needs music Gareth and Maggie! We became truly worried that hens. If we were one of them, we in peace. while dancing, so we'd actually their new owner might neglect would want to get home to our 7) Ah yes, the seven swans-a- pay the eleven pipers piping to

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - Yuletide traditions take many forms. The Pineridge Chorus carols for grateful shoppers at WalMart (left), while Braden Lamoureux works diligent- ly on a gingerbread house at the Youth Centre. Braden got a great prize for his second-place house. Photos by Conrad Boyce The Uxbridge Cosmos 13 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 Bruins knock Merchants from top Bruin of by Roger Varley scored his first goal as a Bruin with a blast with three call-ups in the lineup, answered from the blue line that bulged the back of with two in the second period. The first the net. Neville and Heydon assisted. came from Defenceman Phil Wood, assisted the Week Okay, so the Little Britain Merchants are The Merchants made their way onto the by Basler and call-up Justin Goodchild, and suffering from a rash of injuries. It doesn't by Jane Alexander scoreboard with a power-play goal midway the second off the stick of Heydon, assisted alter the fact that the Uxbridge Bruins through the second while Andrew Liboiron by Kenzie Smith and Liboiron. defeated them twice on the weekend, taking was serving four minutes for butt-ending, The Merchants tied up the game with the a 6-2 win at the arena on Friday and a 3-2 but not before the Bruins had two one-man only goal of the third period, which was but tied with team-mate Steve shoot-out victory the following night in breaks during the penalty kill. Neville devoid of penalties. A scoreless overtime KYLE Posteraro, out of the Bruins. He is Little Britain. replied with his second goal of the night, period, despite Posteraro’s cross-checking In the process, the Bruins knocked the seventh in the league right now assisted by Kyle Northover, and Heydon penalty, sent the game to a shoot out. NORTHOVER Merchants out of first place in the six-team with his 34 points. made it 5-1 on the power play, assisted by Northover missed on his shot, but so did OHA Jr. C Central Division and moved to Matt Allen and Steve Douitsis. That goal Little Britain. Then Mike Ramsey scored on Kyle’s best season as a Bruin was two points behind third place Port Perry A leader and someone to follow is sent Pittock to the bench. his turn, as did the next Merchant player. his second year playing for them, MoJacks. something a hockey team always The Merchants managed another power- Allen failed to score on the third shot, as did With Little Britain having only 10 men on the 2008/2009 season. He had 75 play goal, courtesy of Matt Daly taking a the Merchants. But Posteraro's goal was not needs. A captain needs to have a the bench Friday, the Bruins took command points, 21 goals and 54 assists, lead- four-minute penalty for spearing, but Blake matched by Little Britain, giving the voice, be respected, and lead the of the game after a shaky first five minutes ing the Bruins in points and second Ertel capped the night for the Bruins with Uxbridge squad the 3-2 win. and never looked back. Scott Van Allen way. Kyle Northover has the knowl- yet another power play tally, assisted by After Friday's game, coach and general in the league that year. opened the scoring midway through the edge and skills forthe Uxbridge Neville and Lynch. manager Matt Muir said he was happy with Kyle will be one game short of a first period, assisted by Brendan Neville and Bruins, which is why this year he Goalie Kristoff Lyons was impressive the win, but noted "everything comes at a Jayson Heydon. Just over a minute later, full season if he plays every game throughout the game, but spectacularly so cost". He said although he started with a was named captain. This season is Nick Kucera scored on the power play when left in the year. It is possible for him in the dying seconds when Little Britain's full bench for the first time in a long time, Kyle’s fifth year with the Bruins, Steve Posteraro threw a pass across the front to reach his career high if he con- Greg O'Neil raced towards him on a break- a couple of players were banged up during of the net, leaving Neil Pittock, the league's being the longest-serving player on away. Lyons came well out of his net to chal- the play. tinues scoring and what he does best goalie this season, well out of position. the current team. lenge him and knock the puck away. On the plus side, he said Lyons has played best, getting the puck in front of Callum Lynch registered the other assist. In Little Britain on Saturday, the his best in the last three games for the "It's cool to be the Captain of a The Bruins left the period with a three-goal the net for someone to tap it in. Merchants opened the scoring with a short- Bruins "and he's coming into his own". team from your hometown," said lead after defenceman Brandon Basler Kyle has future plans outside of handed goal in the first period. The Bruins, In talking about the team's recent string of Kyle. "I've always lived here in hockey. He has done one year of injuries, including concussions, Muir said Uxbridge." Kyle has watched the civil engineering at college and will - as of Tuesday, Dec. 20 he is glad to see more penalties being called captains before him lead the Bruins JUNIOR CSTANDINGS for head checks. But he didn't think the be going back next September for a to success. This is his year to show Team Wins Losses OT Losses Points penalties given should be more severe. second year. "I think 12 minutes in penalties (two the team he can he a leader and a "I put school off to play hockey," minute minor, 10 minute misconduct) is great hockey player for the Bruins. explained Kyle." I’ll go back next LAKEFIELD CHIEFS 17 6 2 36 pretty severe," he said. "If it's identified as Kyle is 21 years old, he plays for- September to finish." intentional, it should be more severe. But to ward and wears number 22. LITTLE BRITAIN MERCHANTS 16 6 3 35 give a kid 12 minutes, it only hurts the team Kyle will continue leading the for two minutes, but the kid gets the oppor- Looking at the numbers over the Uxbridge Bruins this season and PORT PERRY MOJACKS 14 11 1 29 tunity to think about it for 12 minutes and last four years of Kyle’s Bruins hopefully register some wins to rise UXBRIDGE BRUINS 12 11 3 27 hopefully deter him from doing it again." career, assists seem to make up most in the standings. He has many suc- The Bruins were scheduled to meet the Ice of his points. At this stage into the cessful seasons with the Bruins, CLARINGTON EAGLES 10 14 2 22 in Georgina last night. They host the 2011/2012 season Kyle is at 15 Lakefield Chiefs - the new league leaders - at hopefully this will be another great GEORGINA ICE 8171 17 the arena tomorrow at 7:45 p.m. and then goals and 19 assists. This gives him year for Kyle.. 34 points and making him second BOXINGBOXINGtravel to PortDAYDAY Perry next Wednesday. SALESALE UPUP TO TO 70% 70% OFF OFF DON’T MISS FLATSCREEN TV’S, PLASMA, LED’S, HOME THEATRE, SPEAKERS, CAR AUDIO, AV IT!! STANDS, TV STANDS, PROJECTORS, CAMERAS, PHONES, WALL MOUNTS & MORE...

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5 BROCK SSTT..,,WW.. UUXXBBRRIIDDGGEE •• 990055--885522--33885555 The Uxbridge Cosmos 14 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 Cosmos Business Bulletin Board STAN - Your Local Tree Service ONE OF A L. MARTINS Handyman 905-852-5313 KIND GIFTS PAINTING FOR THAT SPECIAL Interior & Exterior SOMEONE!! Wallpapering, Early Style Canadian Give me a call - No job too small ISA Certified Arborists drywall & plaster repairs Handcrafted Pine Furniture 9269 905.852.6970 or Crown moulding - 905-852-2275 3rd Concession Established 1981 - Fully Insured (cell) 416-705-6970 • Bucket Trucks, Professional Climbers Home renovations www.gilldercroft.com [email protected] • Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding David Watts, B.Sc. (Agr.) www.uxbridgetreeservice.com 905-852-7129 Garage Doors RON BROWN AUTO DOOR ONE STOP We will not be undersold. RIGHT HAND SERVICE OPTICAL KO PEL’S UPRIGHT We service all CENTURY FURNITURE MAN GARAGE DOORS•ELECTRIC OPERATORS makes and models. ~ Eye Examinations ~ Uxbridge - Cell Fast dependable service & repairs ~ Restorations Sales & installation of quality doors and operators We fix it right the first time! ~Eye Glasses ~ ~ Repairs 647-333-7746 905-852-1981 ~ Contact Lenses ~ ~ Refinishing SNOW CLEARING www.uprightdoorservice.com 170 Main Street North We offer a 10 year pro-rated warranty on ~ Repairs ~ Pre 1940’s preferred spring & cable repairs Your Best Man 905-852-5981 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Nancy R. Chalut B.A. Certified Cabinet Maker 4 BANFF ROAD (Beside Dollarama) 1984 for the Job! 905-852-2280 Port Perry 905-985-8621 www.myrighthandman.ca Classified

FREE FOR SALE: 1999 Olds Intrigue, 4dr, Sound of Music Feb 2012, Uxbridge V6,loaded, air, leather, new fuel Music Hall. Call Mike 905-852-1836. FREE PICKUP OF ANY TYPE OF pump, new front & rear brakes, new 12/22 METAL, GOOD OR NOT: rrotors, new muffler and tailpipe, FOR SALE: 4 snow tires on rims off Appliances, AC, microwaves, batter- new gas line filter. good clean run- Subaru. Hankook Ice Bear 195 65 R ies, propane tanks, any type of wire, ning car. $1250. Call Russ 647-273- 15 95T - $ 200.00 Used kitchen & BBQs, computers, plumbing fixture, 7193 12/22 bathroom cabinets - bo. 905-852- pianos, cars, trucks, boats, trailers, FOR SALE: HYUNDAI SANTE FE 3517. 1/5 farm machinery, skidoos, lawnmow- 2005. 170,000 km. Standard, win- ers, motorcycles, etc, etc. NOTHING ter tires on rims. $4500. Call 905- FOR RENT Low & Low Limited TOO BIG OR SMALL, WE TAKE IT ALL. 852-4969 evenings. 12/22 FUNERAL DIRECTORS We also clean out sheds, barns, FOR SALE: 1981 Ford LTD sedan, FOR RENT: Downtown Uxbridge, 130 Years in Business – 5 Generations garages, stores, factories. 905-952- 94,000 km., $1000. 1994 Ford large, clean 2 bedroom apt, main Honesty • Integrity • Fair Prices 9844 or 905-473-1907. 12/22 F250, lifted 14 inches, 174,000 km., level, parking, appliances, separate Since 1875 Uxbridge Chapel - 23 Main St. S. 905-852-3073 Port Perry Chapel - 1763 Reach St. 905-985-7331 $1700. 1988 F350, Dually, Diesel, entrance, $1300/mo. Inclusive. SERVICES 399,000 km., $2500. 647-6536. Call/text 647-220-6093 12/22 ARE YOU CELEBRATING: THE 12/22 FOR RENT: Uxbridge One • the birth of a child? WORD OF THE WEEK FRESH START - LOCAL MATURE Bedroom, Heat, Hydro, Fridge • a wedding? WANTED ,Stove incl. $875/month,1st & last, • a landmark anniversary? DUTCH CLEANING LADY with • coming to a new home in Uxbridge? “Jerusalem, stand up! Shine! reliable car seeking client in the area. avail. January 1, no smoke/pets Your new day is dawning. Your local businesses/professionals Over 30 years experience, excellent A MAN LOOKING FOR A ROOM 416-791-3451. 12/22 are offering a beautiful personalized The glory of the Lord shines close to Uxbridge cottage hospital FOR RENT: Large 1-bdrm base- keepsake gift free of charge. brightly on you.” - Isaiah 60:1 references, weekly or bi-weekly. No job too tedious. Reasonable, reliable, (no car). [email protected] Tel: ment apartment. 5 minutes north of For more details, UXBRIDGE 416-897-8223. 1/5 Uxbridge, Wagner’s Lake, very clean, please call BRANCH and references available. $20.00 per Agnes Lobbezoo 905-852-3162 hour. Ann Newman 905-852-5403 WANTED: Hay, round or square separate entrance, laundry, utilities at 905-852-5067. www.biblesociety.ca 12/22 large bales. All qualities considered. included. Parking, no pets, avail. HOME DAY CARE AVAILABLE: Please contact 647-333-6834. 1/5 Jan. 15. references required. 905- Full or part time, early arrival, late 862-0073. 1/5 COSMOS CLASSIFIEDS pickup, hot lunches and snacks pro- FOR SALE Classifieds are $5 plus HST per week vided, lots of room to play. refer- for up to 20 words, ences available. Lorrie 905-852- FOR SALE: Cedar posts and railings $10 plus HST for up to 40 words. 2349. 1/12 for fencing. $10 each. Doug at 905- Payable in advance by cash, cheque or credit card. 640-6006. 12/22 Contact: [email protected] or 905-852-1900 GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT: Deadline: Monday 5:30 p.m. VEHICLES FOR SALE Ryleepuss Productions Presents The The Uxbridge Cosmos 15 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars...

Starting with a cow spring; creating at least the begin- remarkable and innovative, and ably confident that this would be it doesn't matter where or how ning of a sustainable develop- for those of you looking for inspi- an excellent exercise in budgeting much is needed, but the legitima- by Amy Hurlburt ment. ration, I strongly recommend and grocery shopping for all. cy of the cause shall be taken into Another one of my favourites, looking them up. GRID is the Wouldn't it be amazing to have so account and decided upon. After and an easy way to honour my North American side of the organ- much stuff that the church base- all, the opportunity to give is A million dollars goes a long way, mom would be to give a $100 ization, partnering with NEA in ment actually couldn't fit it all? sometimes the greatest gift there you know. donation that can vaccinate an Ghana (the Northern On second thought, since even is. Many people have causes they My first stop with my million- entire community of people who Empowerment Association). They non-perishables have a date at are personally very attached to, dollar Christmas bonanza would can't afford basic shots from dis- have invested much time, money, which they do, in fact, perish… and for the final 700,000 I would be the World Vision Gift Catalog. eases such as measles or polio, so and passion into making truly perhaps I'd simply spend 2,000 want to just engage in a discussion Not only does it offer the oppor- let's vaccinate 100 communities. self-sustaining opportunities. this year for Christmas, and leave with anyone and everyone who tunity to donate in honour of Or, rather, how about 1000 com- Since I'm already rather familiar 6,000 to be spent over the next would, to decide what would be someone else, but it can be done munities. With both the cows and with their mandate and fully sup- three years whenever there is a the wisest manner of sharing the online, which is incredibly con- the community vaccinations, port it, I would give them need to be filled. wealth. After all, for my brief venient during the Christmas sea- we're weighing in at 112,000 dol- $180,000 to utilize at their discre- Now, I must be honest. I could moment of wealth, I can't imagine son when seemingly EVERYONE lars, and we haven't even tion, with full faith in their abili- probably come up with a million a time I would feel more blessed is out and about, purchasing ran- scratched the surface of this magi- ties to use the money correctly. ways to spend a million dollars - than I would be with the opportu- dom trinkets and toys for their cal $1,000,000. With all of this focus on the more, even - the ability to spend nity to give back. loved ones and obligations. The Another area I would want to more exotic areas of the world, it money has never been a challenge I wish for all of you, that in this beauty of giving a donation to this spend this million is by helping can be easy to forget that there are for me. However, seeing as I have Christmas season, or holiday, or cause is in the fact that the money out an organization called GRID, people who are starving right only budgeted for $300,000 of my whatever it is you celebrate - don't actually goes to the people who or Ghana Rural Integrated under our noses. Of course, giving imaginary million so far, and my be so distracted by gifts that you really need it. I find it to be aston- Development. I must confess that is also important on a local level, dear editor doesn't want to read a can't be blessed by just seeing the ishing, as well as rather sobering, this one ties in closely with my so let's take 8,000 dollars and go novel, this will call for some strat- people around you, or by taking to realize how little money it takes family, as my mother's been a part crazy at Zehrs buying non-perish- egy. I think the most appropriate the opportunity to be a blessing to save someone else's life. For of the medical expedition to ables for the food bank. Believe course of action would be to dis- yourself. Have a most fabulous instance, if I purchased 60 cows at Ghana that has taken place annu- me when I say students know how cuss an action plan with friends, Christmas and a refreshing new 200 dollars each with the World ally over the past few years, and to stretch a food budget to make family, and opinionated persons year, Uxbridge Cosmos readers. I Vision gift catalogue with my my father and one of my brothers every dollar count, and - if I may who have an idea of where the hope you feel the wonder this sea- magical million, that would only took part in a building project as add - my added expertise as a gro- money should be spent, and make son. cost me 12,000 dollars. Those well. Their efforts for creating sus- cery store employee and coupon it a community event! The pur- cows provide milk, meat, and off- tainable development are truly aficionado, makes me feel reason- pose of the money shall be to give:

The marvel of shoe boxes everything for the boxes. It has many little toys and knick-knacks that would be perfect. Not only by Jane Alexander would it be good for having many things, but also with having a million dollars so many toys could be bought just for a dollar or a bit more. With the If I had a million dollars I would make Christmas great prices numerous toys could be purchased, shoe boxes for girls and boys who are not as fortu- which means that many more boxes could be made nate as I am, and do not get any presents at for lots of deserving girls and boys. Christmas. Not only would the boxes be for boys and girls, Waking up on Christmas morning to a stocking but they would also be for different ages. Littler stuffed with little goodies is a great feeling. It makes girls would have coloring books and crayons, while me sad to think that many children in the world older girls would receive pads of paper and pencils don’t wake up to stockings or Christmas presents. to write and draw. Any age of girl could get hair- Everyone deserves a present at Christmas, so with brushes and hair clips. They also could have socks, my million dollars I would make that happen - for puzzles, games, hard candy, sunglasses, little dolls, some at least. bracelets, necklaces and so much more in their In Public School I remember making a shoebox shoebox. Anything that any little girl would want up every Christmas. I always made one for a girl (it that could fit in the box would be in there. Boys was easier than a boy) and I would pack it full of would have toy cars, books, crayons, games, and things that I know any little girl would want. It marbles. I would pack those boxes so full that the would be full of little toy ponies, hair clips, bub- lid would hardly be able to stay closed. bles, maybe a little book, and so much more. I When my shoebox was sent away, I would think could never get all the toys and goodies I bought to about where it was going and how that girl open- fit in the box because I had so many things to give. ing it would react. So instead of just sending those I wanted that little girl who was getting my box to boxes off to a country I would go with the boxes remember that Christmas more than any other one and hand them out to every child. Then I would and for her to experience the joy that I feel on really get to see their faces light up when they Christmas day. opened them. That would be the greatest gift right Everyone at school would have it all packed into there alone, seeing them all so happy. The amazing a shoebox and then they would be sent away. You feeling I would get after doing that and giving never knew where your box would actually end up, those children a happy Christmas would be phe- but I always hoped the little girl who received my nomenal. box, enjoyed it lots. Having the chance to make someone’s day some- A million dollars would buy a lot of goodies for thing they will never forget would be an amazing many boxes, but with a few helping hands I’m sure experience. A million dollars would make that pos- I could get them all done before Christmas. I sible. would then have to decide where I would send all of them, which could be hard because I wouldn’t Photos of the Living nativity by Renee Leahy want any child to be left out. The dollar store would be a good place to buy (right) and Steohen Wright (top two). The Uxbridge Cosmos 16 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 If I had a million dollars...

Just imagine... by Major League teams. It’ll cost mattress until I retire. But will I would be the equivalent of every ties. Or it could buy precious prospective suitors - of whom really need a million bucks when man, woman, and child in eyeglasses for 30,000 children in by Roger Pires our very own Toronto Blue Jays I’m ninety? Uxbridge. those communities; or 6600 are one - $50 million just for his With a million clams, my wife With a million dollars I could wheelchairs; 14,000 goats to It’s Christmastime. You’ve got a negotiating rights. To tip the and I could hit every garage sale treat 200,000 homeless people supply families with milk; pay million dollars burning a hole in scales in favour of the home side from here to New Mexico and to a slice of pizza, provide the salaries of 1600 community your pocket. What do you do I could toss in my million to still come back with enough to 50,000 families with a turkey at workers for a year; or provide with it? Like many of you I help pay for lunch. clean up at the local auction. Christmas, or feed 300 families complete training for 67 cataract could think of, well, a million Or I could hand it over to How about we spend it close to for a year. surgeons. things. I could try writing a song Donald Trump so he can finally home and surprise each student In Africa, crippling disease I could donate the million to about it (OK, that’s been done). get a decent comb-over. I could at Uxbridge High with an iPad leaves thousands of children cancer research and hope that Here’s a short list of other possi- always donate it to the govern- in their stocking? I’d throw in with deformed limbs. Many are one of those loonies is the one bilities. ment to help them reduce… oh, free Wi-Fi as well. unable to walk and those that that puts us over the top in find- I could rent – o heck, buy! – an never mind. I’m sure the many charities and can, do so in great pain. Surgery ing a cure. So no family would 18-wheeler, back it up to Bass How about 40 Cessna 150s so service clubs in this great town to correct this affliction costs ever have to bear the human and Pro Shop and stuff it with all you and the gang from the office could put that sizeable donation $200, an impossible luxury. A financial costs of battling this manner of fishing gear, camping could fly to Vegas for the week- to good use. million bucks would allow 5,000 disease. supplies, thermal wear, canoes, end? With that much cake, I A million bucks would pay to of these kids to walk without And last but not least, a million kayaks, souvenir key chains, and could always swing by the local spay or neuter 10,000 cats and pain. It would give them a wishes to you and yours for a whatever else you can conjure up Maserati dealer and come home dogs. chance at a life they could only blessed Christmas and that you in the holy grail of outdoor with eight of his prized speed- It would be enough to hire 20 dream about. And that million enjoy plenty of the things money stores. sters. new nurses to tend to an ageing dollars could build 120 schools simply can’t buy. For the baseball fan on my list: Or I could get myself a basement population. in third world countries which U Darvish is the latest Japanese apartment in Rosedale. Or sponsor 20,000 children in in turn would build more pros- pitching phenom being wooed I could always shove it under my the developing world; that perous, sustainable communi-

The million dollar meal and get them to this village. Then, with my saving the world isn’t even really the right by Helen Harrison crack team of chefs and as much food as term – maybe all we could do is brighten the Sean Wetselaar money can buy, I would cook up enough day of a little village somewhere in the devel- food to feed this village for as long as I could, oping world. IF I HAD A MILLION DOL- LARS- I have given this a If I had a million dollars… Besides being a as well as I could. I think that would be pretty special. Don’t song popularized by the Bare Naked Ladies, Now, you’re all probably thinking the same you? great deal of thought over it’s also a sentiment that has been shared by thing I did when I first considered this. the past few days. It has people across the world for most of history: What if these people don’t celebrate occured to me that it is pos- “If only I had more.” The poor, the rich, it Christmas, or any sort of holiday around this sible to spend a lot of time of year? The thing about this gift is that seems as though everyone wants something, money on 'things'. Things it doesn’t matter. If you could help feed a and whatever that something is, they can’t that do not retain their have enough. For a lot of people, that some- thousand starving people even one really value, or remain in fashion thing is money. good meal – wouldn’t you do it? And But although for some the pursuit of wealth wouldn’t even just that little bit of kindness for long. might exist solely for personal gain, if you’ve really warm the hearts of those people? I cer- For that reason, I think I looked at a calendar lately you probably tainly think so. would spend some time In a way, that’s sort of exactly what the hol- know what time of year it is. ‘Tis the season, examining charitable and all that. So, to put a spin on a very old iday season is all about. Not feeding a thousand hungry people, exactly, but doing groups who offer assis- idea, let’s consider what would happen if you tance to families, and in did something for others with that proverbial something good for other people, maybe particular to young people. million. something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. In I think if I had a million dollars, and I Western culture, Christmas tends to be high- Those who give a helping wanted to spend it all around this time of ly commercialized, and we think of our good hand to the homeless or year, my goals would be pretty modest. I deed as buying gifts for people close to us those who have lost their (and there’s nothing wrong with buying wouldn’t try to end world hunger, I wouldn’t way. I am very much in gifts!), but let’s think about this. What if try to save the world. The fact of the matter favour of a hand up, not a is (sadly enough) a million dollars just isn’t peace and goodwill to all men wasn’t a hand out. enough to do that. But I could give a lot of metaphor? What if people took it literally? people a Christmas they’d never forget, and I In fact, let’s imagine that some of the rich- Usually the very best think that’s something that’s completely est people in the world got together and things in life do not come worthwhile. decided to do something akin to this. They with a price tag. Usually What I think I’d do with my million, is act decided to help out a group of impoverished just an unexpected 'phone people. Or even if the middle class decided as a sort of Santa Claus. I’d find a very small call, a visit, or the sharing to pool its resources and help out those less village somewhere which is incredibly poor. of a meal, perhaps help It doesn’t really matter for the purpose of this fortunate. I think that we could accomplish with a task can make a big exercise where it is… just that wherever that some pretty incredible things. place is, none of the people there have the Sure, maybe a million dollars couldn’t save difference. Knowing that money to do anything to celebrate the holi- the world. Maybe when someone saved, or someone cares is very com- days. invested that kind of money, it couldn’t solve forting and often healing as all the problems the world has. And maybe Next, I’d hire a group of professional cooks, well. The Uxbridge Cosmos 17 Thursday, December 22nd 2011

TOWN HALL they are not specific, then the library Mr. Mantle suggested all the board decides where the funds go. reserve funds go towards building Goodwood News from page 3 "Alex needs to have some direc- the new fire hall and Councillor Pat with Bev Northeast ...this time with her answers to a tion," she said. "She needs to know Mikuse agreed. long list of questions councillors had what she's going to get. One "I'd rather see money that comes Merry Christmas from Goodwood, and it is certainly looking a lot like given her following her last appear- amount could mean closing on from all the township go to a project ance with two proposed budgets. Christmas here in town with the beautiful light display at the four cor- Mondays, another amount could that benefits all the township," Mr. Several councillors questioned the ners at Annina's Bakery as well as the creative ice sculptures... mean closing Monday and Tuesday." Mantle said. amount of money spent of library I attended the Primary Grade Christmas concert at the Goodwood Eventually, Ms. Hartmann was But Mr. Molloy countered by say- wages and salaries, and the discrep- Public school and the singing was exceptional, and the children put on asked to return Jan. 23 with another ing council had made a commit- ancies with other township facilities. an excellent show... proposed budget, with the admoni- ment to residents who live on lime- One noted part-time staff at Uxpool The Baptist Church holds their Sunday service at 11:00 am and on tion that she must find a way to cut stone roads "to clean up the mess". receives $12.50 an hour, while another $25,000. Councillors Jack Ballinger and Sunday Dec 25, there will be a favourite Carol singing, January 01 music library part-timers receive $17. by Jean Liew, Jan. 08 music by Steve Vincent & Mike Czerwinski, Jan.15 At the end of the session, in Northeast agreed that the limestone Chief Administrative Officer Ingrid response to a question from the roads should be fixed. music by Bruce McDowell... Svelnis pointed out, however, that The Baptist Church raised $650 for the African Children's Fund dur- Cosmos about whether job losses "The limestone roads are a horren- rates were set for various positions were in the offing, Mayor dous mess," Ms. Northeast said. In ing their Children's Christmas Concert and the children put on a fantas- back in the 1980s and whether a O'Connor said that will be depen- answer to Mr. Mantle's position that tic show with music, singing and acting... worker is full-time or part-time dant on the final budget. Councillor all residents would benefit from a Sunday service at the Gospel Hall is 11:00 am with Sunday School & doesn't affect the rate. Pat Molloy, chair of the finance new fire hall, she pointed out parts 7:00 pm Bible Study and Gospel Service. Also on Thursday there is a The mayor said she would like to committee, said it would likely see of the township are serviced by fire 7:00 pm Prayer & Bible Study with everyone welcome to attend... see the library reduced to operating lost part-time hours. departments in Stouffville and Upcoming programs at the Community Centre are the regular pro- five days a week, noting money Debate on reserves becomes heated: Mount Albert, grams of Yoga 9:30 am Saturday mornings, Zumba 7:00 pm Tues could be saved on hydro and by During the budget discussion, "The fire hall will be good for Mr. evenings, cooking classes on Mondays; to register call 642-5689, and turning the heat down. But Ms. Treasurer Al Shultz entered a report Mantle's ward," she said. International Women's day will be held in March, the Talent show is Hartmann said it takes the library on township reserves. When it came time to vote on Mr. May 16th and remember all forms of talent are accepted so put on your building a full 24 hours to readjust Noting there is currently no formal Shultz's recommendation, Mr. dancing shoes, pick a song for the piano or sing your favourite number. after the heat has been turned down. process for allocating surplus funds, Mantle requested the four points And remember this is an entertainment evening not a competition. Call Councillor Pat Mikuse opined that he recommended the $3.2 million made in the recommendation be me if you are interested in registering for the Talent show or the people would not like to see the surplus accumulated to Dec. 31, handled separately. On the question International Women's day at 905-640-3966. library closing, and suggested the 2010, be split seven ways, with of the allocating reserves as Mr. Don't forget to feed the birds now that the temperatures have dropped. same savings could be realized by reserves for snow clearing, fire calls, Shultz had laid out, Mr. Mantle And please remember to slow down in the village and on the winter shortening each day of operations by budgets, Kennedy House rehabilita- entered a motion which would have roads. And thank you to those who respect the residents and obey the one hour. tion, major maintenance, future removed the limestone road alloca- speed limit. Ms. Svelnis then told councillors capital and limestone road upgrades. tion, It was defeated. Council then they have the ability to allocate It was the last category - with $1 passed all of the treasurer's recom- funds to the library and determine million allocated - that caused the mendations. what the funds are to be used for. If heat.

Kinsmen make major donations to Salvation Army, food bank

Members of the Uxbridge Kinsmen served a large helping of Christmas cheer on Monday when they made financial contributions to two local- charitable organizations. Councillor Bev Northeast, representing the Salvation Army, was given a $3,000 cheque by Jim and Bill Campbell and John Low. Wanda Huggins of the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank received a similar cheque. The money represented the proceeds from the Kinsmen;s Christmas dinner and auction. Congratuations to GEORGE AND UDELLE WOOD Letters to the Editor

of Uxbridge on your 50th Wedding Anniversary Angry about the use of some of my favourite Christmas music to sell things, I December 23, 2011, with love from your family. turned to Cosmos for small town success stories and news. There are however three provocative topics in this Dec. 15th issue. The column by Vince Winder, the response by editor Conrad Boyce, and Stan Taylor started my very average thought process. The passion of Winder, was somewhat neutralized by the edi- No matter where you are in life’s journey, tor, when he cautiously said “not all Christians would agree.” And I would add you are always welcome. neither would Moslems, Hindus, Jews, or a plethora of other faiths agree with him. Then along comes Taylor with his report on the science workshop at the Please join us for: USS. My Biblical knowledge can’t compare with theology students, but I’ll wager CHRISTMAS EVE CAROLS 7 PM that few encountered the language of these physics students. What I got out of these separate views, is that knowledge is CHRISTMAS MORNING 10:30 AM a mountain of a long climb, whereas with Faith, whatever you believe gets you Interior Design Services St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church there quicker, with less “particle theory, ~Colour Consultation ~Space Planning 40B Toronto Street South, Uxbridge and quantum mechanics” to interrupt ~Blinds and Shutters ~Custom Draperies your journey. ~Furniture and Finishes 905-852-6262 ~Kitchen and Washroom Design K.F Winterstein Goodwood Ashley Armstrong 416.671.3249 [email protected] UXBRIDGE MEMORIAL COMPANY 108 Brock Street West, Uxbridge L9P 1P4 Dave & Lori Tomkinson

Tel: 905-852.3472 • 1-888-672-4364 • Fax: 905-852-0085 [email protected] The Uxbridge Cosmos 18 Thursday, December 22nd 2011 Horses and riders raise funds for smaller beasts by Nancy Melcher user groups, and raise money for Animal Shelter for Uxbridge- Keep your eyes on the Cosmos the Animal Shelter. Posters in Scugog, at the Animal Shelter in the New Year for information Dog-walkers, horse- the parking lot at the Durham facility on Reach Road last week. about a great new project to raise back-riders and moun- Forest invited other riders to the Margaret presented Ginger a funds for the new Shelter. If you tain-bikers share the event, the “Bikes and Beasts cheque from the UHA for $600, are still looking for a Christmas trails in the Durham Poker Run”. representing the proceeds from gift, be sure to pick up the 2012 Forest, often encounter- Participants paid an entry fee the “Bike and Beast” event. Pet Calendar. Every year, calen- ing each other deep in and each horseback rider was The present shelter was built in dar sales (about $10,000) fund the woods. Each has a paired with a mountain biker. the late 1990's and is shared by spaying and neutering programs, very different pace of They rode through the forest, Uxbridge and Scugog as well as emergency surgeries by travel through the for- hunting for strips hanging from Townships. There are cats and local Uxbridge and Scugog vets. est, occasionally with trees on the trails. As soon as dogs ready for adoption at the When you visit the shelter, you minor conflicts. It was they had found three strips, they shelter. Marg and Ginger were will be greeted by the excellent with the hope of work- exchanged them for playing welcomed enthusiastically by staff working there. Do say hello ing together that a cards. Teams put together their “Duke”, a friendly, older Lab- to the dogs and cats - your atten- group of riders and bik- best poker hand. Those with cross found on Conc. 5 near tions will be returned by a wag, a ers joined forces in duds could buy additional cards Sandford Road. The shelter is lick or playful snuggles by one of September to support to improve their chances for a working at maximum capacity, the dogs or cats there. the Uxbridge-Scugog winning hand. There were many and fund-raising is underway for Animal Shelter. prizes donated by sponsors. a new shelter. GOING The Uxbridge Horseman's Everyone involved enjoyed a Association (UHA) invited local delicious lunch and a fun time GREEN mountain bike groups, including out on the trails of the Durham Forest. AT 410 AUTO the Durham Mountain Bike Association and Chico Racing, Margaret Langlands, President Specializing in to spend a fun day on the trails, of the UHA, joined Ginger Volkswagen build bridges between the two Jackson, Vice Chair of the New Audi

Hybrid JACK & HEATHER Porsche WESSELO European & Asian Rick Callaghan joyfully announce the arrival of UÊ, ÊVÕÀÌiÃÞÊV>ÀÊÊLÞÊ>««ÌiÌ® UÊ9iÃ]ÊÜiÊ`Ê iÃÌVÃ¶ their first child DANDIES BECOMING STARS - Animal Planet has produced a documentary, “Breeder of the UÊÞLÀ`]Ê iÃi Monday, December 19 Pack” which features the attempt of Uxbridge breeder Mike Macbeth to save the Dandie Dinmont ÊÊ>`Ê iVÌÀVÊ-«iV>ÃÌ at Kingston General Hospital terrier from extinction. It will air this coming Friday, December 23rd, at 7 p.m. on Animal Planet. The episode contains several Uxbridge and area members of the Ontario Dandie Dinmont club. Grandparents Also, the record for the most wins ever for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Britain (its homeland) ADELAIDE LORAINA WESSELO Lisa and Conrad Boyce was just achieved by a little Champion female called Drizzle (above), whose father lives in 138 Sandiford Dr., 8 lbs. 13 oz. are very excited! Unit 5, Stouffville Aurora, and whose mother is sired by one of Mike’s dogs. 905-642-2886 or 1-877-410-2886(AUTO) www.410auto.ca GAME NIGHT WITH THE BRUINS Support Uxbridge’s Team! Hockey Night in Uxbridge VIEWPOINTS 7:45 p.m., Uxbridge Arena Sports Entertainment At Its Best! ow well do you know the highways and byways of Uxbridge Township? The first per- Fri., Dec. 23 Hson each week to call into our office number, BRUINS vs. 905-852-1900, and correctly identify the location LAKEFIELD of our photo, will receive a prize; this week, it’s two tickets for an Uxbridge Bruins game. Last week’s Check out all viewpoint was not guessed. Hint: Look downtown, things Bruin at: but not on Brock Street. We’ll have the answer next week. Photo by Renee Leahy. www.uxbridgebruins.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS... WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!

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Funding the Fun Fund feel fully Canadian; but I do feel money are smiled on. nameless, dreams of a gleaming can't always find the cash. fully part of the Uxbridge com- 3. The applicants must have a lifesize copper angel fountain in Ongoing regular fun stuff would by Fly Freeman munity, and it pains me to see the solid link to Uxbridge. Elgin pond - we could indulge be recognised - the skate park is an tax bind our township is in, which her; I foresee one of our theatre obvious applicant, even with the means that there is really only That's about it apart from ruling groups sending a production to amazing gift from the Rotary That nice editor of ours gives us money for essentials. We need out nepotism, for we are a small the Edinburgh International Club they will always be needing each a million dollars to spend, access to a different kind of fund. town. Theatre Festival - heck! We could new ramps and slides; we could with very few conditions - and Hence my million dollars is going Now consider the possibilities… even start a festival right here…. fund some really lovely plantings what is my first thought? “That's to be invested right here. We are As a member of the Arts commu- Artists can always use the dollars. around the town instead of relying not so much money these days,” - going to call this investment fund nity, I can of course think of a But then there are the Sportsmen on the kindness of the various of all the ingratitude. But if we are something staid and pompous gazillion projects: the Youth - what if one of Uxbridge's school local nurseries; I'm sure the Trails living in Uxbridge, we are proba- such as The Uxbridge Fun Stuff Centre might apply for sound teams got to an important cham- committee could think of some bly living in a house worth at least Fund. I reckon, even at these recording equipment; perhaps a pionship? - travel funds could be fun, exciting or even weird stuff to a quarter of a million, if not way record low interest rates we should local band would like help with doled out; and what of our amaz- do. more, and if the editor's point is be able to get 3% interest per year, the costs of recording a first ing equestrian women who are Okay, calm down - it's just a fan- you have the chance to do some- and that should give us $30,000 album; Celebration of the Arts getting on the National teams and tasy - but it's a darn good one. thing fun and wildly extravagant - dollars a year to play with. And we might want to hold another fine then have to fund the transport of Anybody want to start the a million dollars just isn't going to are going to play. Street Party; we could commission their horses to distant lands? I'm Uxbridge Fun Stuff Fund with cover some of my crazier ideas. So Our criteria for applications to some artworks to beautify our also pretty sure that there is room me? I am going to be sensible folks, the U.F.S.Fund, are fairly strict: town - a colleague of mine who in the fund for some equipment and invest the whole lot. 1. All projects that apply for would probably prefer to be for keen sporty kids whose parents As an immigrant who hasn't money must be fun, exciting, completed my How To Be Part of beautiful or weirdly interesting. the World's Nicest Country 2. Grants are available up to course or quite managed to apply $10,000 per application, but cre- Giving back and the other when I was in college. The cama- for my citizenship yet, I do not ative use of smaller amounts of raderie shared by the actors in putting together a by Stan Taylor fine production is analogous to any profession that strives toward excellence. I have enjoyed Merry Christmas, If I had a million dollars, I would give 1/4 of it to many plays over the years. Musicals are my the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of favourite. The work and dedication of the actors Uxbridge, Leaskdale, 1/4 of it to the Uxbridge Historical is more than worth the price of a ticket. I find from your Society, 1/4 of it to the Uxbridge Music Hall and myself involved in the play as it unveils its plot- 1/4of it to the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. line. It is a joy that words cannot adequately Salvation Army... Our heritage is vitally important to the develop- describe. Thank you for ment of future generations. With a firm base in Our Cottage Hospital plays such an important our roots, our youth can grow stronger and hope- role within our community. From the Emergency your generous fully give back to the society that raised, educat- Department that I have frequented far too many support! ed and nurtured them. times for myself or a family member, to the doc- Our theatre is important because of the produc- tors, nurses, orderlies, housekeeping and custodi- tions it offers for al staff: All play a vital role in the excellent care we the entertain- receive. ment of its citi- And so, I've come full circle from heritage based zens. I have only upon family values to entertainment of the fami- been in two ly to medical care of the family. The family is cen- plays: one when tre-stage and must always be, if we value anything I was in Grade 8 at all. Township of Uxbridge JOHANNA 2012 Spring/Summer PURDY (Uxbridge) Community Guide and DAVID OTTEN (Toronto) happily tied the knot at Wooden Sticks Golf Club For advertising options, sizes and prices on Saturday, October 8th, call 905-852-1900 or e-mail [email protected] 2011 The guide will be distributed in late February Congratulations! The Uxbridge Cosmos 20 Thursday, December 22nd 2011