Volume 8 No. 4 YOUR UNIVERSE Thursday, January 26th 2012

EYES ON THE PUCK - Everyone was focused on the prize during first-period action at the Canadian Women’s Hockey League game at Uxbridge Arena Saturday. Photo byOctavian Lacatusu.

Winter, Owen Road by Kathy Normandeau Inside This Week’s Cosmos

Coffee with the costume queen... 3 Barris: the importance of social media... 5 The road to suicide prevention... 6 Uxbridger debuts historical novel... 9 Something the whole family can enjoy... 15 The Uxbridge Cosmos 2 Thursday, January 26th 2012

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 WINTER ICE CONDITIONS CALLING ALL BUSKERS, UXBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Schedule for January & February ELGIN POND WANDERING MINSTRELS The Township of Uxbridge will be AND MAGICIANS!! Program Director, Pamela Noble, Monday, January 30 testing the ice conditions at Elgin Pond 905-852-9747,ext. 24 2 p.m. Budget Meeting throughout the winter: The Canada Day Committee is looking for local people willing to showcase their 7 p.m. PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING No Flags - We have not started to test WINTER PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: FULL. Watch talent during the Canada Day Family VicDom Sand and Gravel (Ontario) Ltd. Red Flags - Ice is not safe to be on for details regarding spring sessions, with pre-reg- Yellow Flags - Skate with caution Celebrations this July 1st, 2012. The ZBA 2011-09, OPA 52, SPD 2011-11 istration opening on March 5 at 9:30 am. Monday, February 6th Please keep away from water inlets and out- hours involved are between 5:00 and FRIDAY, JANUARY 27…Lots happening at the COMMITTEE 9:30 a.m. lets as ice thickness is compromised. Please 9:00 p.m.; there may be an honorarium library! Thursday, February 9th note: Flags are located at the North End of for the participants chosen. If you are • AGIFT FROM THE HEART…PA Day,10:00-11:30 am, Council Education Session Elgin Pond. seriously interested in performing on 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Stormwater Management Facilities grds. 1-3 Students welcome for a fun morning of Monday, February 13th Please keep off of all stormwater manage- Canada Day, the Committee would like Valentine games, stories and a craft, to create COUNCIL 9:30 a.m. ment facilities. Water levels fluctuate at to see a short audition. To arrange a something special for mom or dad! Cost: $4.00. 7:00 p.m. Public Planning Meeting - these facilities and these facilities are not time for this audition please phone Sign up now in the children's department. Jaekel ZBA 2011-06 safe for skating or other activities. Debbie Dickie at 905-852-5040. • FAMILY LITERACY DAY… PICK UP your free Monday, February 20th 'Journey to Learning Passport' now, with tips for the Family Day - No Meeting TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE whole family to learn at home, around the town, WINTER REMINDERS ZONING BY-LAW REVIEW and throughout the world! It is surprisingly easy to OVERNIGHT PARKING The Township of Uxbridge is undertaking Stage 1 of practice literacy skills in the things we do every day. a review and update of its current Zoning By-law - By- Please be advised that By-law 89-52 as law No. 81-19. The current By-law has functioned Simply check off at least 5 activities on your pass- amended prohibits overnight parking from effectively since its adoption in 1981. However it port and DROP OFF at the library by January 27 for November 1 until April 1 between the hours does not reflect the current policy framework of the a chance to WIN a prize basket! of 2 am and 7 am on roadways and Province, Region and Township. Certain compo- • 2012…UXBRIDGE LIBRARY CELEBRATES nents should also be revised to better serve the Municipal lots within the Township of needs of the community. 125 YEARS “Cake to Celebrate” Patrons are invit- Uxbridge. Stage 1 will focus on the review of zoning regula- ed for cake and coffee in the adult department, SNOW REMOVAL OBSTRUCTION tions applicable to the Uxbridge Urban Area. from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Watch for 'cupcakes to However, consideration will be given to modifications celebrate' in the Children's Department in Did you know that in accordance with the to general regulations and definitions applicable to Township of Uxbridge Traffic By-law 89-52, areas outside the Urban Area where specific issues February! it is an offence to stop any vehicle on a are identified or which are applicable to more than FAMILY MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY. Start time : highway in such a manner as to interfere the Urban Area. 1:30 pm. Cost: $2.00 Sign up now or come a lit- Stage 2 will involve the preparation of a tle early to pay at the door. Feel free to bring pil- with the movement of traffic or the clearing Development Permit By-law for the rural areas of the of snow from the highway? Township outside the Urban Area which are the sub- lows for children wishing to sit on the floor! Water Please make sure you park off any high- ject of the Provincial Oak Ridges Moraine and popcorn available too for $1.00 each. way or roadway so as to permit snow Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. Sun. Feb. 5 Puss in Boots More information about the Study can be found on Sat. Feb. 25 Happy Feet 2 removal equipment and vehicles to clean the Township's website www.town.uxbridge.on.ca. or the streets during the winter season. by visiting the Township's Development Services Department. Mark the date… SIDEWALK RESPONSIBILITIES Public input is a key component of the study and is and consider attending our celebration gala: Registration Fair Snow Removal By-Law 2008-160 states welcomed throughout the Zoning By-law Review every owner/occupant of any building or process, with public open houses/workshops/meet- Feb 16 at the Arena vacant lot within the Township of Uxbridge ings being held at key points in accordance with the BOOK LOVER'S BALL work program. Set up 6:00, Open 6:30-8:00. All wel- shall clear all snow and ice from any side- Throughout the Zoning By-law Review, there will be AND BENEFIT come to come out and register! All wel- walk(s) adjacent to their property within 24 publication of notices of public sessions on the come to come out & set up.Contact Bev hours after the accumulation of snow Township's website and in the local newspapers as SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 Northeast [email protected] and/or ice. required by the Planning Act, and directed by WOODEN STICKS Council. However, should you wish to receive direct or 905-640-3966. SNOWMOBILE BY-LAW notification by mail, or if you have written comments COCKTAIL HOUR 6-7:00 pm & Please keep the Township Snowmobile By- or concerns, please make your request or submis- 3 COURSE DINNER to follow The Tourism Advisory Committee Law in mind while operating your motorized sion, including your name, return address, telephone LIVE BIG BAND: “HOT AIR” is looking for new “not for profit” snow vehicle this winter season. You are number and email address to: DANCING and SILENT AUCTION events that promote tourism in not permitted to ride your snowmobile on BY MAIL: Uxbridge. any sidewalks, park lands or any other Mr. R. Vandezande, MCIP, RPP Tickets available at the adult desk - $95.00 each. If you have an idea or need help pro- Township property except to cross. Any per- Manager, Development Services Only 150 tickets will be sold. Purchase yours soon moting your event to a larger audi- Township of Uxbridge or better still reserve a table (8) for a wonderful son found in contravention of this By-Law is 51 Toronto Street South ence, we would like to help. Please liable to a fine. P.O. Box 190, Uxbridge, Ontario evening out, to share in the recognition of our 125th submit your idea by January 31st to L9P 1T1 anniversary, and support the continued growth of [email protected]. BY EMAIL: [email protected] the Uxbridge Library. Black tie optional. UXBRIDGE INDOOR WALKING TRAIL BY FAX: 905-852-9674

THE TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE

NOW CONDUCTS Want to stay active during the winter months? Walk the Indoor Trail , in the halls of Uxbridge Secondary School CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONIES. Monday and Wednesday evenings If you would like to use November 2/11 ± April 30/12 these services, Indoor Trail is open from 6:00 ± 8:00 p.m. :DONQ¶7DONIRU7HHQV± 7:00 p.m. please contact the Volunteers Needed! Please call Rebecca at 905-852-7831 Clerk's Department, by visiting Annual fee of $25 - sign up at Uxpool or at the door 51 Toronto Street South, No fee for children under 12 Please use the doors on the east side of the school Uxbridge or by calling Bring comfortable indoor shoes for walking ± cloak room available 905-852-9181. All welcome ± children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult No running, walking poles or strollers

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, January 26th 2012

A Cup of Coffee... with Denise Randall by Roger Varley

Amidst the backstage confusion then we rented two costumes. But life. For the most part, it's been very Is it as much fun using live dolls? another) depending on how much and nervousness that precedes most it's the ladies that had to be coordi- positive. I've met some fabulous Oh it is. Sometimes they get all time you have. But you have to get theatrical performances in nated and they were all made people that I know I never would stubborn about what they have to out of your top layers quickly so it's Uxbridge, there is often one person between Debbie and I. In an ideal have met otherwise. wear, but the more experienced peo- more construction: sleeves with long who is an island of calm, ready to world, I should have started in Had you done any theatre work ple know that what they're told to zippers, Velcros. answer a costume emergency quiet- December, but I was otherwise before you came to Leaskdale? wear is what they wear. Some that When it comes to costuming, what's ly and efficiently. That person is occupied. In the end though, it did Absolutely none. I was always an are new try to say that it's not their the first thing you do? Do you read Denise Randall. Being theatre peo- come together as it usually does. avid theatregoer. I spent most of my style, but as you well know, the script? ple, we at the Cosmos thought it What number show is this for you? life in the big city (Toronto) and I nobody's listening. My criteria is Yes. It's often reading the script, was time to treat Denise to a cup of I had to check before coming down. went to a lot of shows, but was never they have to be comfortable in what knowing the period. But with com- coffee. To the best of my knowledge, I'm involved in community theatre. But they have to wear and they have to munity theatre you have constraints up to 23. Now I wasn't lead cos- I've been sewing most of my adult be able to do the movements that of funds as well, so we look at the HMS Pinafore is currently running tumer on all of them, but I was lead need to be done. But they don't get period and the appearance but we at the Music Hall with a cast of 44 on most of them. to choose style. Occasionally they do not go to the extent of furnishing and you have coordinated the cos- What was your first show? can get to choose a colour within my all the undergarments. Then, of tumes for all the cast, correct? My first show was with Sherry colour range but the final decision is course, you meet with the director. Yes. For approximately the last four Cockburn with the Uxbridge Youth not theirs. Over the years, I've learned which years Debbie Begg and I have Theatre and Gone With the Breeze in Thinking back, there have been a lot directors I work well with. So it's worked quite closely together as co- 2003. of period costumes on Uxbridge discussing with the director what his costumers. Often I'm considered the It seems as though you've been stages in the last few years. Without or her vision is and, having read the lead, but she's a very close partner in around longer than that. naming any names, have their been script, the costumer will have a doing this. Right from the start we No, my husband and I moved to any prima donnas you've had to vision as well There's also the con- realized we worked very well togeth- Leaskdale in November 2001 and dress? sideration of not clashing with the er and as a result we've also become we knew no one when we moved. I've been fortunate that I have not. set. There was one episode where we very good friends. The main reason for moving was The occasional show where there's thought the background would be With more than 40 in the cast, how because my husband's an avid been a prima donna, I've not had to deeper, so the costumes did not long ago did you start working on woodworker and he could have a life. I've always loved sewing. After deal with that side. The director present as well. But the show went this? stand-alone shop. It's thanks to the being involved with the theatre for a dealt with that. So I haven't person- well. Well, in this case, 44 is a little bit theatre people that I've felt I've few years, I thought back and real- ally had a problem. Often they have What was your favourite show to smaller because the sailors' costumes become part of the community, ized that as a child one of my a few choices, but they're limited. costume? were ordered. It was just a matter of because, as you know, there are some favourite activities was playing with But when you have a show with fast Oh my. It seems whichever show coordinating. We didn't make all fabulous people in theatre. How I cutouts. That was cutting out costume changes, that will often dic- I'm working on is my favourite. the costumes. The biggest part was got started in costuming is two short clothes to put on cardboard dolls. I tate how a garment is constructed, Well, let me give you some leeway. the 15 Victorian ladies. They were sentences: "I know how to sew; do realized that as an adult I have real rather than the style. And then Either your favourite show to cos- made. Fortunately, we already had a you need help?' I didn't know what live dolls to dress, so it's almost like there's sometimes double-dressing tume or the most challenging. couple from a previous show and those two sentences would do to my what goes around comes around. or triple-dressing (one costume over continued page 14 The Uxbridge Cosmos 4 Thursday, January 26h 2012 our two cents Authority getting too authoritarian?

It has become apparent in the last few weeks that Uxbridge council is becoming more than a little miffed with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). A couple of weeks ago, Ben Longstaff of the LSRCA made a presentation to council about the Beaver River/Pefferlaw River subwatershed and the Lynde Creek subwatershed and "requirements" for the township to meet ever more stringent reductions in phosphorus levels. Following his presentation, Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor urged that a meeting be held between the township and the LSRCA to dis- cuss the increasing demands being made on the township as a result of the provincial Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. This Monday, Council received a letter from the LSRCA regarding the removal of peat from a prop- erty in the far northwest corner of the township and bringing in fill to the same property. The letter indicated the LSRCA will issue a permit to allow the project to go ahead. Under the Municipal Act, cer- tain lands in the township, such as wetlands, water courses and peat lands, are regulated by the LSRCA and since the property in question is under LSRCA regulation, the Township has no say in the matter. Nor does the Township have any say in the number of truckloads of fill that can be brought in each day, an issue that the LSRCA sidesteps by saying the number of trucks and the routes they take do not fall within its jurisdiction. Mayor O'Connor was angry that the conservation authority's decision came in a letter. "They're making decisions that affect Uxbridge financially and they don't have the decency to pick up the phone," she said. Councillor Pat Molloy, who serves Ward 2 where the property is located, said the LSRCA has had "lit- tle or no discussion" with the Township about the project. The mayor, asked about the proposed meeting with the LSRCA, said the township wants the meeting Letters to the Editor held in February but the LSRCA is holding out for a meeting in March. "That's not acceptable," she said. Many thanks to our Uxbridge Mayor, should help to hopefully remove some, unexpected results most notably the Mayor O'Connor has been vocal in her criticisms recently of both the LSRCA and the Lake Simcoe Town Councillors and Mr. Kester of if not most, of the stop signs in town. ability to be champions for youth by Protection Plan, pointing out that Uxbridge is continually being urged to reduce its phosphorus levels the works department for arranging the There would definitely be no mayhem, involving them in every aspect of our - already about as low as can be attained - while rampant development continues in York Region and very informative public forum on stop as some nay sayers always try to predict. Aviva campaign. signs in our town; it was a real eye Accidents will always happen and we The support we received from our around Barrie on the west side of the lake. opener to many in attendance. all know that, stop sign or no stop sign. community has been truly amazing. Whenever the meeting with the LSRCA is held, it is likely the mayor - a former chair of the Toronto As we all know by now, our town is Pedestrians even get hit on marked From our UPS store printing voting Region Conservation Authority - will have some blunt words for the conservation people. An indica- overflowing with many totally unneed- crosswalks and crossing the street on a cards, Take Root Creative and the Roxy tion of this came from council's approval Monday of two reports from Richard Vandezande, manager ed stop signs and there is talk to finally green light. Only looking around before Theatres of Uxbridge providing a slide of development services, in response to Mr. Longstaff's presentation a week earlier. have some of them removed to cut crossing a street will prevent being a show, our retail stores and restaurants Mr. Vandezande suggests, for example, that the LSRCA should use gentler words like "encourage" down on the incredible amount of victim, nothing else will do. A stop sign such as Canadian Tire and Boston Pizza and "promote" in its draft subwatershed plans instead of the authoritarian words "adopt" and "shall". exhaust pollution that they create when on a corner will not prevent anyone handing out voting cards and printing a cars have to accelerate from a full stop. from getting hit by a car if they step off message on their receipts, to our Aviva He also urges the LSRCA to focus its phosphorus reduction efforts to "areas that provide the best return It was very interesting to also hear a curb without looking around first. broker of support Ron Noble running for the monies spent": in other words, go after York and Barrie. On the question of road salt, he asks from a couple of opponents to the The few speeders, that are mostly locals ads in our newspaper. All of our local the LSRCA to reassess its policies, noting that while municipalities do their best to reduce the amount planned sign removal. As expected, they themselves, could easily be slowed media ran stories and encouraged our used, "it should be recognized that health and safety has priority". His report also urges that the LSRCA had very limited knowledge of stop down by a well placed radar unit once community to vote for our idea. For recognize the efforts already made by the Township in regards to the health of the watershed. signs. Still, they are also taxpayers and in a while, for that we don't need a use- those of you who voted for our idea in It’s obvious the LSRCA operates with a sort of arrogance, safe in the knowledge that it is answerable have to be listened to, which our town less stop sign. every round we thank you so much. only to the province. This arrogance was evident on Monday in another letter to council regarding officials handled very graciously, and The forum gave us a good inside look On Jan 25 the winners will be Uxbridge's request for increased conservation enforcement in the township. The LSRCA offered an most importantly, they now had the at what our town officials are up against announced for the Aviva Competition knowledge to answer all questions. sometimes, and probably almost on a and we congratulate the winning com- assistant to the current enforcement officer who would focus on "minor matters" and in the same We can not blame people for not daily basis. We have to give them credit munities. breath proclaimed that enforcement is a priority with the LSRCA. knowing, since most of us, including for trying hard to make things better for The 2011 Aviva Competition com- We’ve long wondered when someone was going to stand up to the LSRCA, an unelected body unac- our town officials, didn't have all the all of us. Many people will look at a prised 1287 ideas. We are very proud to countable to the local populace over which it holds such large sway. We are glad it is Uxbridge Council facts until recently that stop signs pol- stop sign in a totally different way now. have been one of the 90 ideas found in that has decided to take that stand. One can only hope the Region of Durham stands with them. lute and should only be used for one Finally we know that for the same rea- the semi-finals. Uxbridge was one of purpose, and one purpose only, and son that roundabouts are brilliant, stop the smallest communities included in that is to prevent T-bone crashes. This signs are stupid. this group, and it is a clear demonstra- rule existed from day one. There is no I still remember the opposition the tion of our community spirit that we reason whatever to come to a complete roundabout caused before being built. achieved these results. stop in order to accomplish this impor- Now people love it and want more. While we are disappointed with our tant but easily attained objective. Global warming is for real and the peo- ultimate results in the Aviva competi- Who knew that a stop sign should ple that keep saying that they need stop tion, we are continuing to move for- only be used on an intersection with a signs for the safety of their children or ward in the process of building the high collision history and one having other pedestrians, had better think park. A design-build company will be 8,900 copies of the Cosmos are published each Thursday in the Township of over 350 vehicle movements in one again. Keep on polluting and sadly chosen in February by the Town of hour? I don't think we have one inter- there won't be much of a future for any Uxbridge, our fundraising package is Uxbridge: 8,200 delivered by mail, 700 available in stores and boxes. section in town that meets this criteria. of them to worry about. completed and events are being Still we have a stop sign on every little planned. On Feb 18 Pocket Change Publisher/Editor Conrad Boyce 905.852.1900 corner, traffic or no traffic. Heinz Nitschke Apparel will be hosting a concert with Not many had an idea that stop signs Uxbridge the Uxbridge Skate Park as the benefici- 38 Toronto Street North, Unit One, Uxbridge Ontario L9P 1E6 should never be used for so called ary. Please see our website e-mail: [email protected] pedestrian safety or to slow down traf- The Uxbridge Skate Park Committee www.skateparknow.com for informa- fic. No stop sign would ever keep a would like to take this opportunity to tion about upcoming events, donations web site: www.thecosmos.ca pedestrian safe if that pedestrian refuses thank everyone whose support allowed and how individuals and businesses can to look out for traffic before crossing a us to participate in the Aviva Semi- be a “Friend of the Skate Park” and see Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. street. Finals. their name displayed within the park. EDITORIAL POLICY: Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and in letters to the editor are not nec- Little did we know of the amount of When our group decided to enter the Thank you once again, and we hope to essarily those of the The Cosmos. Letters must be signed and the telephone number provided (number air pollution created when accelerating Aviva competition it was with two goals see you at the Uxbridge Skate Park in will not be published). Requests that a name be withheld will be honoured only if there is a compelling from full stop, and the brake dust that in mind. We wanted to increase aware- 2012! reason. Errors brought to our attention will be corrected. The Cosmos reserves the right to edit or refuse washes in to our creeks. ness of our project within our commu- to publish unsolicited material. ADVERTISING POLICY: The Cosmos reserves the right to refuse any adver- If we had known these facts in the nity while participating in the finals. Leslie Edwards tisement. The Cosmos is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors in advertisements or any past, I'm sure most of these signs would Sadly, we fell short of our goals by not Uxbridge Skate Park other errors or omissions in advertisements. All material herein, including advertising design is copyright- have never gone up. Now we know a being included in the final round of the ed, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission. lot more, and that knowledge alone competition. We did however, achieve The Uxbridge Cosmos 5 Thursday, January 26th 2012 a blonde moment the barris beat column by Lisha Cassibo column by Ted Barris Cat-astrophe When you just gotta know…

Something is happening to me. I don't know how it came on, or how long it's been Earlier this week, in a news-reporting course I teach at Centennial College, some- growing inside of me, but something is happening, and I don't know whether I should try and stop it or not. I'm begin- thing suddenly interrupted the classroom discussion. It was just after 8:30 on Tuesday morning and a number of ning to like cats. my students had their heads down. I recognized the posture. They were texting on their smartphones beneath their I am a dog person. I have always been a dog person. There have been very few times in my life when I have not desks. I was about to call them on it, when I realized the source of the distraction. lived with a dog in some capacity. Growing up, my family always had a pooch. At university, I boarded with a woman “Oscar nominations just out,” one of them admitted to me. who bred pug dogs. When I lived on my own, I had a small Lhasa Apso; she even made it into my wedding photos. I knew there was no point trying to compete with Best Actor, Best Actress or Best Picture nominations. So I joined That same dog travelled the world, living with us for the seven years we were in Switzerland, and going to doggy heav- in, “War Horse get nominated?” I asked. en not long after we moved back to Canada. And as I sit and write this, my chocolate Lab is sighing loudly, cross that “Yup, along with ‘Moneyball,’ ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ and ‘The Help.’” we're not walking while it's freezing rain outside. Ultimately, the interruption didn’t particularly bother me. Frankly, I was just as curious about the nominations. I’m I've never had much use for cats. Aside from the fact that they are (I realize I'm stereotyping here) way too self- also not so arbitrary that I don’t allow cellphones in my classes; some of my students are single parents who need sufficient, standoffish, and nocturnal for my mothering (perhaps read smothering) ways, I am severely allergic to immediate access to their child-care providers, so I try to accommodate them, in case of emergencies. But I later them. I cannot be in a house that owns even one cat without puffing up, breaking out, sneezing my head off and gasp- asked another student why the announcement of the Academy Awards nominations was so important. It didn’t ing for breath. I've always figured, why get attached to them, you can't even touch them! strike me as their kind of priority. She rolled her eyes at the question, as if to say: “Don’t be silly. I just gotta know!” So I need someone to explain to me why twice, yes TWICE in the past year, a feline friend has found its way into my Isn’t it odd that getting the information, even if it isn’t your style, may have become even more important than heart. And devastated me both times. the information itself. Not only that, but getting the information first has also become so vital, even some sort of My first was Wee'un. She wandered across the road and into my life late last summer, as I was saying good night to status symbol. Once upon a time, in newsrooms a teletype machine, a fax or a telephone seemed fast enough. a friend who'd been visiting. She hid under my van in the driveway, and mewed the most plaintive, desperate-sound- Today, however, not only is access vital, but instant access is also mandatory, to the point of embarrassment if one’s ing mew you'd ever want to hear. After some coaxing, I managed to get her close enough to me to see that she was smartphone, service provider or application doesn’t deliver it instantly. dirty and that her flea collar was wrapped unnaturally around her tiny, emaciated little body. I fixed her collar, and I don’t have a problem with that get-it-first emphasis provided there’s some maturity thrown in. I just think that went in the house to ask my husband if it was a bad idea to give this poor little thing some milk. He is a cat person, with speed of access comes a lot of additional baggage that some people – particularly young people – don’t han- and has always harboured a deep resentment over the fact that my health comes before his desire to have something dle very well. In recent weeks, a number of friends and I have talked about increased stress, mental depression purr lovingly at his feet. Since I won't purr lovingly at his feet, he's always held it against me. Anyway, we ended up and even self-doubt among youth in our community. In our search for answers, some of us have talked about the giving this poor little kitten two bowls of milk and a tin of salmon. We made up a small bed for her, and she was out- prevalence of social media and the need for speed among those same young people. For sure, high-speed informa- side the door the next morning, asking for more. By now, my girls had met her, and were as pleased as punch that tion technology and networks make elementary and high school students more competitive when used positively. we had a new pet. She didn't leave, and soon cat food showed up on my grocery list. I named her Wee'un because On the other hand, when Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, Flikr, Kaboodle are used to compete purely for social she was so small, and, when no one was looking, would sit for lengthy periods of time on my back porch, letting her status or to bully others, they become destructive tools. I mean I’ve heard Twitter users say: rub up against me, listening to her purr, and leave her white and orange fur all over me. The copious quantities of “I’ve got hundreds following my tweets.” Of course, the implication is “And you don’t.” Or, “How many friends laundry I had to do and the chapped hands I had from over washing seemed small prices to pay in order to watch this do you have on Facebook?” As if to say, “You’re a real loser.” little creature, who had obviously been abandoned, gradually plump up and begin to grow. The girls begged for her The Fraser Valley gang rape and subsequent video release on Facebook in 2010, not to mention the video self- to come in the house, and my heart ached as I explained for the bazillionth time why we couldn't have a cat in the portraits posted on the web by Vancouver Stanley Cup rioters last spring further illustrate the abuse of cellphones house. Allergies aside, I didn't want to be responsible for what would happen to any furry friend when I discovered in immature hands. That’s when the need for speed hurts. That’s the way smartphones spawn dumb use. And that’s my baby grand piano being used for a scratching post. when “I just gotta know” runs amuck. But if you think our discussion of the harmful impact of these technologies One day, however, Wee'un didn't show up for breakfast. Or dinner. Nor did she the day after that, and so on. We is little more than fear-mongering, read on. have talked ourselves into believing that another family loved her like we did, but were willing to let her inside. I don't The other day, on CBC Radio, I heard several students talking about a unique experiment. They all described aban- want to think about the other possibilities. But when I realized she wasn't coming back, I got a little teary. Upon telling doning their smartphones, ear buds, email accounts and texting screens for a full week. No. It wasn’t punishment our sad tale to a friend of mine who is a huge cat fan, she told me she was glad I had finally come to my senses. We for getting caught in the classroom. In fact, it was just the opposite. About 20 Grade 11 and 12 students at fed the rest of the cat food to the dog, and life moved on. Greenwood College in Toronto volunteered for what their teacher Garth Nichols called “digital detox,” to help put Then, just a couple of weeks ago, I was visiting a farm owned by a friend. As my girls played happily with the mil- their dependence on smartphone technology into perspective. lions of kitties milling about, and I stood with my hands firmly planted in my pockets, three kittens came up to my “Students are invited to choose a meaningful piece of technology and give it up … from Friday to Friday,” he feet. Two played for a minute or so, then moved on. The third looked up at me, and in the instant that our eyes locked, said. “They keep a journal by commenting on their reactions to living without their devices.” I knew I was a goner. I picked her up, and we spent two hours together, while she rode around the farm in my hood- Nichols explained the “technoses check” is part of the school’s Challenge and Change in Society curriculum that ie, purring and watching the world from my shoulders. I very reluctantly put her down when it was time to leave, and happily bore the hives and watery eyes and sneezing that plagued me the rest of the day. I had fallen in love. helps students examine the psychology, sociology and anthropology of their world; in other words, he said, the I found myself trying to think of all the various ways we could try to bring her home, knowing all the time that it forced deprivation of their tech toys helps them understand phenomena that are bigger than they are. He said the was impossible. But I couldn't get her out of my mind. concept comes from a book by Canadian author, Dr. Stephen Bertman, who writes that society’s dependence on tech- A most unfortunate accident occurred but a few days later, leaving me completely bereft. When I discovered that my nology can cause unbridled commercialism, the degradation of the environment and even the disintegration of the new love would not be at the farm the next time I visited (and I was trying to make up excuses to go) because, well, family. The week-long techno-fast wasn’t mandatory; some students admitted they couldn’t last a week and opted kitties shouldn't play near farm equipment, I sobbed. And a photo that was taken when we first met is my screen saver out. on my cell phone. We were soul mates, ripped apart too soon. “I love my technology too,” Nichols admitted. “[But] by raising awareness of our addiction … [students] recog- So now I have a serious problem. I like cats. (I can't believe I just wrote that.) I like cats, and cannot have one. I nize we shape our tools and our tools shape us.” guess, like many things in life, one should not always have what one wants. Maybe that kind of acknowledgment belongs in every smartphone user manual. That's really too bad. I think we'd be purr-fect together. The Uxbridge Cosmos 6 Thursday, January 26th 2012

from Brauch of Uxbridge Secondary Roger McKnight won the Zone 6 Last Rock by Malcolm Thistle Tam School for winning the B-side of the Fairfield Marriott Challenge B-side Gore Schoolboy Zones. Good luck and represented Uxbridge at the in the regionals in Orangeville Feb Ontario regionals. Glen McClymont has broad shoul- points system was from Uxbridge, Heather. 15 – 18. If you’re interested in learning more ders. He is the Uxbridge Curling Ray Brauch (Skip), Paul Roberts On Saturday January 21st the It’s been quite a year for curler Jim about curling at the Uxbridge Club’s Bonspiel Manager and with (Vice), Herb Kelloway (Second) and McClymonts were at it again, this Bell. His Senior Men’s team Curling club, gives us a call at 905- his wife Cheryl organizes most of our Ian Gowans (lead). time setting up the Ladies Coconut advanced to the Ontario regionals to 852-6862. Or visit us at bonspiels. Not a small undertaking. On January 14th and 15th the Spiel. The theme of the Coconut be played at the Dixie Curling Club www.uxbridgecurlingclub.ca On Saturday January 7th, with help Ontario Curling Association came to spiel is a tropical Hawaiian getaway. on January 28th, and his team with from Rob Houston, he produced a town with the Bantam (under 16) The club was decorated with “Aloha” Ian McKnight, Darryl Rodd and blow-out Williamson’s Men’s T-Bone Boys and Girls Zone 6 play downs. banners, grass skirts, and table top Bonspiel. Sixteen teams from Joan O’Leary of the OCA supervised coconut trees. The spiel was well Uxbridge and the Toronto area the proceedings and Randy Grant attended with out-of-town teams played a gruelling three games UCC’s OCA Rep hosted the event. from Oshawa, York, Leaside, Dixie through two draws to compete for Also in the house was Richard Hart and Thornhill. The ladies served up the Williamson Trophy and the top former third of the Glen Howard some great curling and a couple of prizes. Don McGregor, the UCC Ice Canadian Brier and World games went into extra end tie break- Technician told us “the ice was run- Championship teams. Hart retired ers. The winner of the first draw was ning quick and swinging” and the recently to spend more time with his Uxbridge’s Brenda Harper, Lynda men responded with some great young family and to coach. The win- Macham, Deb McGregor, and shots and high calibre curling. The ner of the A - side boys was Conor Brenda Elford. The winner of the kitchen was run by Liz Smith, Anne Joudrey’s team from Tam Heather second draw was Leaside’s May Roberts, Sharon Marsh. The ham- with Kurt Armstrong and Hart’s two Howard, Cheryl Bannier, Sarah burger soup is a tradition at this bon- boys Joseph and David. The B-side Anne Smurlich, and Sara Collins. In spiel and legend has it that Liz Smith boy’s winner was the Andre Lima the end, the overall points winner has received many a marriage propos- rink from Annandale won in an extra was the Leaside team who was pre- al over it. Dinner was, what else, a T- end over Team Hall also from sented with the Coconut trophy, but bone steak grilled by Don McGregor Annandale. The winner of the B- every curler went home with a prize. with baked potato and vegetables, side girls was Kaitlen Jewer’s team Congratulations to Nathan and homemade pie for dessert. Each from Annandale over Courtney Lofgren, Matthew Edwards, Andrew draw produced a three game winner Sittler from Port Perry and the A-side Edwards, Ryan Lofgren, and Reis but the overall winner based on a winner was Cassie Paccanaro’s team TOWN HALL

by Roger Varley Notes from the Jan. 23 Council meeting

Council supports suicide prevention program: Uxbridge Youth Centre director Vanessa Slater made an impassioned plea to Council on Monday to help make Uxbridge a "more suicide-safe community". Ms. Slater asked council to get behind a program called safeTALK, which is designed to help people rec- ognize when someone else is at risk of committing suicide. She said the township has seen "a rash of suicides" in the last couple of years, with both adults and young people taking their own lives. "Some people won't even say the word 'suicide', it's so rife with stig- ma." she said. "It's a really tough topic. Why were we surprised when Dylan French took his life? Nothing changed: we went on with our own lives." Ms. Slater said safeTALK provides 3 1/2-hour workshops that help people recognize the signals of possible suici- dal behaviour. "We're not asking people to become experts, but get the basic tools," she said. The workshops would be limited to groups of 30 and cost $25 per person. Ms. Slater said she would like to see teachers, coaches, Township staff, youth leaders and others take the workshops. She asked Council to take the initiative by providing space for the workshops and encouraging rele- vant staff to attend. continued page 14 The Uxbridge Cosmos 7 Thursday, January 26th 2012 Body Work with Brandi McCarthy Choosing Change

Two years ago this past December, was determined to not share in her of weight training (at any age!) and weight and controlled her blood now says proudly that "the best Rose Marie, at age 59, suffered a father's fate. She decided then and how building a bit of muscle could sugar, even Rose Marie's risk of thing I ever did for myself was to small stroke at the end of the work- there she would make a lifestyle help her lose weight faster and keep stroke is now the exact same as any make the call and enlist the help of day. She recognized the symptoms change. it off. It worked. Rose Marie say's other healthy individual. In other experts." immediately. Rose Marie's 80-year- Things were slow at first, a few she noticed BIG changes when she words, Rose Marie is a happy, When asked what Rose Marie old father had suffered several para- pounds over several months and lit- added weights and had a program healthy individual who has chosen to wants people to take away from her lyzing strokes earlier that year. tle exercise. Then in April, only four customized to her needs. After a few not follow in her father's footsteps experience, she responds: "I want Her husband picked her up at work months after her stroke, Rose months of training she took it a step by taking control of her life. people to know that lifestyle changes and took her immediately to the Marie's father passed away. The real- further and signed up for a "REAL Rose Marie is an inspiration to all ARE possible, and with the right hospital, where she spent three days ization that she really needed to take Food for REAL Results" seminar of us at Body Design, and I hope she help, anyone at any age can achieve a having every test possible run on her. this lifestyle change seriously was offered by Body Design and learned is to you as well. She recognized that healthy lifestyle!” Those three days were filled with solidified. a lot about some common mistakes she can take responsibility for her We couldn't agree more. time to think. Three full days pre- "Here I was, following in his foot- she was making! She had always been health and wellness, no matter what dominantly by herself to think about steps, arthritis, stroke, diabetes...", a pasta lover, but after learning that her age or circumstance. When she Brandi McCarthy is a registered nutri- what had just happened and the path Rose Marie says looking back at her cutting out the starches in her diet wasn't getting the results she wanted tionist and certified personal trainer at she didn't want to travel down. She father's life. Knowing full well that a could help, she made some changes on her own, she learned there was no Body Design, www.bodydesign.ca told herself: "I'm not going into a long and full life could be hers if she and found it made a huge difference shame in asking for help. Rose Marie nursing home at 60. I'm going to just made some serious changes, she with not only the weight loss, but change my life, this is not what I decided to kick things into high gear. also the inflammation she felt in her want." "I couldn't make it happen myself" joints. She says she "now has a clear- This wasn't Rose Marie's first bout she says. She did her best to eat er picture of what sugar does to her with health issues; in fact, she was healthy and exercise, but was never body and why it's the biggest enemy diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 14 100% sure she was on the right path to your health." years ago, suffers from arthritis and and she wasn't getting the results she Rose Marie has implemented what non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was hoping for. After almost a year she learned at Body Design and the (NAFLD) and was told that her liver of effort on her own, she decided to results speak for themselves; so far enzymes were five times the normal seek some professional help. Rose she's lost 29 lbs, 16.5 inches and 9% range. To add to all of this she also Marie says she had driven by the body fat. She has drastically reduced had high cholesterol and high blood "Body Design" sign in Mount Albert the amount of medications she takes pressure and took numerous medica- numerous times, but this day she and her liver enzymes and function tions to manage it all. Rose Marie decided that she would finally make are completely back to normal. In wasn't blind to the parallels between an appointment, and what a differ- fact, her doctor says she no longer herself and her father. They both had ence it would turn out to make. needs to have a biopsy done. diabetes, they both suffered from After an initial assessment, Rose Probably the most shocking "side Durham Regional Chair Roger Anderson holds the red ribbon along with Habitat for Humanity arthritis and now they both shared Marie was on her way to some big effect" of her new lifestyle is that Durham's Vice Chair, Mike Whiston, as Deputy-Mayor Bev Northeast wields the scissors at the unfortunate burden of having changes. She started training with Rose Marie is no longer considered Monday’s grand opening of Habitat’s new ReStore on Reach Street. suffered a stroke. But Rose Marie Kim, who taught her the importance diabetic. Now that she has lost Photo by Octavian Lacatusu. No HST on ALL in store merchandise! Winter Clearance Sale See in store for additional specials and reduced prices.

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Living Room Furniture Bedroom Suites Upholstery and Leather Low's Furniture 76 Brock Street West, Uxbridge 905-852-6941 The Uxbridge Cosmos 8 Thursday, January 26th 2012 The Uxbridge Cosmos 9 Thursday, January 26th 2012 Uxbridge writer publishes first novel

by Jane Alexander Voted Best An Uxbridge writer has pub- General Contractor lished a novel about the war that set the course of North & Best Renovations. American history. Thank You Uxbridge For Your Vote Of Confi dence! The Gauntlet Runner, a novel by S. Thomas Bailey, tells the story of the French and Indian War. The story follows Jacob Murray and his family, who are trying to survive the war in 1754 when it first broke out the US. Going with iUniverse between British and French gave Bailey the chance to learn colonists. The Gauntlet Runner the process of editing and how a LAWSON portrays the cruel times and book comes together. The what Murray’s family has to go Gauntlet Runner is published in )0.&

*.1307&.&/54

*/$ through to stay alive. the US as well as Canada. In his novel, Bailey sets the “The original manuscript was Your Complete Home Renovation Specialists story in a factual historical con- 400 pages; I trimmed it down to text, but creates fictional charac- 200.” Bailey thought that too Visit our Uxbridge Showroom at 17991 Lakeridge Road ters. “I had done my research,” many books and movies have www.lawsonhomeimprovements.com he says. “I had all my notes and information and details in them 905-852-7722 knew I was ready to write.” that are not necessary for the (416) 873-3078 Bailey grew up loving to write book. “My book doesn’t have Kitchen • Bath • Windows • Doors and had a great passion for his- fluff. I wanted the reader to be Since 1988 able to read each page without E-mail: [email protected] tory. His opportunity for writ- ing came when twelve years ago wanting to skip any due to use- Web: www.nataliemoncadarmt.com his wife, Maria and he had their less words.” first child, Madison, who was The Gauntlet Runner is the first born with Down’s syndrome. of seven planned books. Bailey’s This meant one of the parents idea is to cover the full scope of had to stay home full time with the war in his novels. The other Madison. This allowed Bailey to books with involve Murray and Let us start writing on a regular basis. his family, following them “Madison opened that door for throughout the war from 1754 me and I have been writing ever to 1763. since,” Bailey explains. Bailey “It really set the foundation for help you and his wife also have another both Canada and the US,” child, Kennedy. Their family Bailey says in explaining his has lived in Uxbridge for the last interest. “The war was one of five years. “It would have been the main reasons for the difficult to commit the time if I American Revolution and the with your French and English cultural dif- worked full time.” This is Bailey’s first novel ever ferences we still face in Canada published; he has had manu- today.” scripts done and received good Bailey is hoping a book signing New Year’s responses from publishers, he and launch for his novel will be INDEPENDENT just never had the time to pur- arranged and held at Blue RETIREMENT LIVING sue them. Heron Books soon, but nothing This time, he researched the has been scheduled yet. A “Seniors Only” community in the picturesque town of resolutions... Uxbridge, Ontario providing independent and quality Retirement war for ten years and was ready Living in a non-denominational Christian atmosphere. to write about it. Throughout CURRENTLY AVAILABLE: ONE 2 BEDROOM UNIT, 2 BATHS, the day Bailey would write. We3RD Currently FLOOR have FACING a 2 SOUTHbdrm unit. T available.O VIEW FLOOR 2 1/2 baths, PLANS walkout OR FOR to “I would write each chapter large patio, bright rooms. Listed at $329,000.00 To view fl oor plan out, so I knew what I was MOREand INFORMATIONfor more information, VISIT visit OUR our WEBSITEwebsite at AT : www.shobrookgardens.com writing about,” said Bailey. or our Sales Offi ce at 1 Elgin Park Dr. “Of course it would change mon-fri 9-3; sat-sun 2-4. Or call 905-852-4156 many times.” It took him a year to write 1 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge ON L9P 1Y7 and then the publishing Phone: 905-852-4158 Email: [email protected] process took another six to seven months. The Gauntlet Runner is published through iUniverse, which is based in The Uxbridge Cosmos 10 Thursday, January 26th 2012

us for breakfast after the hike. Meet at Arena – 7-10 pm. Admission at the door Handicapable 'Friends' Ministry the trail entrance on the west side of is $7.00 which includes a chance to win returns weekly on Wednesdays from 7 - Coming Up Conc. 6, 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. great prizes! This fundraiser is hosted by 8 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 20 First 21. Joan Taylor 905-477-2161. the Uxbridge Youth Choir. Avenue, Uxbridge. For info call 905- the Al Shaw side Trail. Join us for break- THIS WEEKEND 852-6213. fast after the hike. Meet at the trail Sat., Feb. 4 Yuk Yuks Comedy Sat., Feb. 11, 7:00 a.m. The Oak entrance on the west side of Conc. 6, show sponsored by Uxbridge Bruins. For Ridges Trail Association is hosting a Wellness Thursdays happen every Jan. 26-28 HMS Pinafore Annual 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Russ details, see page 6. 1+ hr., 5 km moderate pace loop hike on Thursday from 4 to 6pm at the winter musical from Onstage Uxbridge. Burton 905-830-2862. the Al Shaw side Trail. Join us for break- Uxbridge Youth Centre. These work- Rollicking Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. Sun., Feb. 5 Music Fest Reachview fast after the hike. Meet at the trail shops are an opportunity for youth to See page 15 for more. Sat., Jan. 28 Winterfest! at Village, Uxbridge from 10 a.m. to 11 entrance on the west side of Conc. 6, gather with their peers and discuss topics Windreach Farm 10:00 am – 3:00 a.m. We are always looking for new tal- 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Russ that are important to them including Jan. 26-29 - Cat/Kitten Adopt a pm Admission $10 per car. Explore our ent! We've been doing this for 19 years Burton 905-830-2862. stress, relationships, anxiety, health and Thon - Pet Valu #4 Banff Plaza accessible trails and pathways, tobog- and it's a lot of fun! For more information friendship just to name a few with Uxbridge contact Nicola # 416 989 ganing, take a wagon ride, feed the farm please contact Jo at 905-852-6487. Sun., Feb. 12, 2:00 p.m. The Oak Wellness Practitioner Heidi Walczak. 7005. animals, crafts for kids and more. Some Ridges Trail Association is hosting a Snacks are provided! Additionally, every adaptive sports equipment for use. Enjoy UPCOMING slow to moderate 5 km, 2+ hr. hike on Thursday at 5pm Dave the Guitar Thurs., Jan. 26 Soup Lunch 11am- all winter has to offer… then warm your- the Secord-Goodwood Tracts. Bring Guy will be at the UYC to provide FREE 1pm Goodwood United Church. $3 for self by the outdoor fire. Food and bever- Fri., Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m. The Oak icers or snowshoes. Meet at the Secord guitar lessons and educate youth on gui- soup, homemade bread, dessert and ages available for purchase. 312 Ridges Trail Association is hosting a parking lot, 2 km south of Goodwood tar repair, care and accessories. All skill beverage. Townline Road, Ashburn. moderate pace 2.5 hr., 9 km loop hike in Rd. in Goodwood on Conc. 3 and E on levels are welcome! Durham Forest. There are some hills. Secord Rd. Brian & Kathy Clark 905- Fri., Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m. The Oak NEXT WEEK Wear boots, icers or snowshoes as con- 841-9757. Hospital Auxiliary “Chances Are” Ridges Trail Association is hosting a ditions dictate. Meet at the first parking Store on Bascom Street accepting good 2+ hr., 10+ km loop hike or snowshoe Fri., Feb. 3 Uxbridge Youth Centre lot east side of 7th Conc., south of ONGOING winter clothing. Proceeds to Cottage on the Brock Tract. There are some hills. Guys' Night 6 to 9pm. A great night Durham Rd. 21. Kevin Lowe 416-655- Hospital. Meet at the parking area on the east side for guys only to enjoy movies, pizza and 2256 (hike day only). North House and Community of Uxbridge Conc. 6, 0.6 km north of new xbox games! Register by calling Churches will be holding a soup If you have a community event you’d like Uxbridge Town Line or 5.5 km south of the Centre at 905-862-3456, drop-ins Fri., Feb. 10 Valentine Dinner 6:30 lunch on Wednesdays from 12 - us to mention, please contact us at cos- Durham Rd. 21. Russ Burton 905-830- also welcome! at Goodwood United Church. $12 for 1:30pm at St. Andrew's-Chalmers [email protected] or 905-852- 2862. SPAGHETTI DINNER including bread, Presbyterian Church. The lunches run 1900. The deadline for our next issue is Sat., Feb. 4, 7:00 a.m. The Oak dessert and beverage. through until March. Come enjoy some 6 p.m. Sunday. Sat., Jan. 28, 7:00 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a healthy, delicious soup! Pay what you Ridges Trail Association is hosting a 1+ hr., 4 km moderate pace hike or Fri., Feb. 10 VALENTINE’S YOUTH can. 1+ hr., 5 km moderate pace loop hike on snowshoe on the Al Shaw side Trail. Join DANCE for Grades 4-8 at the Uxbridge

the volume down low. Having music UXBRIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL Tiger Talk in the background might also take JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH away any stress you are feeling at that moment. right after class. Be exam-ready! If you are having trouble memoriz- ARTIST OF THE MONTH Concentrate on things such as for- ing names, dates or locations, there ASHLEY LEBLANC is an extremely dedicated musician. She mulas or concepts when studying. currently plays flute in the Senior Band, as well as both the are a few helpful tips to consider. by Charlotte Damus Worry about the details after you alto and tenor saxophones in our two Uxbridge Jazz Bands. Memory castles work brilliantly. You Although relatively new to Uxbridge, Ashley consistently works have gotten the general ideas trapped take a list of things you are trying to hard, participates to the highest level possible and strives to Study, study, and more study. Yes, it’s in your brain. Writing out notes remember and think of a building improve both her skill and musicality. Ashley is leaving USS that time of year. With exams this again sometimes helps reinforce the at the end of January to return to Barrie, Ontario. She will be you know super well, for example week, students have their eyes glued information. Reading notes through sorely missed. Congratulations, Ashley! your house. In your mind, walk into to their textbooks. Some are stressing doesn’t always work for everyone. Pay the foyer. In this room pretend you STUDENT OF THE MONTH and some are keeping calm. Either attention to what you are reading or are seeing the first item on your list JORDAN EDWARDS is an outstanding student here at USS. way, no one can avoid them. The writing, don’t let yourself go on auto- He excels in all areas of his education through hard work doing something wacky and contin- most stressful thing about exams is pilot. You need to make sure you and dedication. Each year, Jordan participates in academic ue onto the next room. For each item competitions in a variety of subjects, including the Waterloo you need to know everything from understand what you are reading. If of the list you walk into a new room Mathematics Competition. He brings a positive attitude to all the semester. For some, it’s not that you don’t, ask a teacher, friend or par- and picture it tap dancing, or cook- of his classes and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Last hard to commit information to ent. To confirm that you have mem- year, during his first year of high school, Jordan completed ing purple spaghetti. This technique memory, but others have great diffi- orized a certain concept, have some- Grade 9 Math and went one year ahead, finishing Grade 10 really works and it lasts for a long Mathematics with an astounding 100% average! This year in culty with it. It’s all about the study- one quiz you. This is beneficial ing. time. I’ve been able to memorize a Grade 11 Math, he is looking to do the same. We congratulate because you’ll be able to see exactly Jordan on his well-earned achievements. Great job, Jordan! list of ten random items in about two When you study, you should find a what you still have to review. minutes and remember them for two CITIZEN OF THE MONTH calm, quiet place where there aren’t Take short breaks often when you months. JOEL SPEERS is extremely dedicated to Uxbridge Secondary distractions. Don’t have the TV on or are studying. If you study for too Another method is to link the items School staff and students. He is always offering to assist any- be in a room where a younger sibling long, your brain will begin to drift to on your list together. For example, if one who is working on a school project, event, or even if they is running around. Get comfortable other things like what you will be need help with something personal. Joel jumps at the chance your list was: popcorn, 1897, and grab your notes. Don’t cram all doing later that evening, or to what to lend a helping hand, and everyone who receives his help Charles, you would link the popcorn truly appreciates it. It’s evident that Joel’s help is unselfish; he your studying in the night before the show you might be missing. If you exam. Space it out, doing a few min- and 1897 together in a crazy situa- truly wants to be there to get your job done. Joel was an find your environment too quiet, put immense help during the Adapted Christmas Dance and is tion. Popcorn being popped into the utes every day on each subject. When on some classical or jazz music with an integral member of the USS Tech. Department. The group you learn new material, review it formation of the year 1897, 1897 is members from the Kevin Gozzard Charity Pasta Dinner would the year Charles decided to fly to especially like to thank Joel for his role in helping the event Pluto. These are just two of the many run so smoothly. You can always find Joel’s smiling face serv- ing lunch in the kitchen and we are honoured to call him a GAME NIGHT WITH THE BRUINS methods to memorize a list of dates, USS student! Outstanding job, Joel! Support Uxbridge’s Team! names or locations. Studying doesn’t have to be tortuous ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Hockey Night in Uxbridge or annoying. You can make it fun, JESSIE BOUDREAU It’s easy to recognize and give deserved quick and easy. You just need to credit to an athlete who is loud and exceptional. What is even 7:45 p.m., Uxbridge Arena more impressive is the quiet leader whose exemplary contribu- Sports Entertainment At Its Best! make sure you are taking in what you tions must be acknowledged. Jessie Boudreau is such an indi- are reviewing. Remember to have vidual. Jessie continually improves her own performance while someone test you and take short selflessly adding to the success of the team. Her quiet leader- Fri., Jan. 20 ship takes many forms including a dedication to excellence breaks frequently so you don’t feel through self-motivated performance and a habitually positive BRUINS vs. overwhelmed by information. You attitude. Jessie has been on the USS Girls’ Volleyball teams for the past four years. This LAKEFIELD will have less stress the night before includes being an integral member of the LOSSA championship team in 2010. She has your exam if you take a bit of time also dedicated many hours to the co-ed teams over the past three years and is inar- guably one of the most improved players from each season to the next. Currently, Jessie out of your weeks before to read over Check out all is a dominating offensive force on the Senior Girls’ Volleyball team. She runs quicks and some of your notes. other combination plays from the middle position and defensively puts up big blocks to things Bruin at: Good luck to all the Tigers! deny attacks from opponents. The team’s continual success this season is largely due to Jessie’s talented play and mental focus. Jessie is confident, talented, consistent and reli- www.uxbridgebruins.com able. Congratulations, Jessie! The Uxbridge Cosmos 11 Thursday, January 26th 2012

Stemp’s Stew PATTERSON’S (SINCE 1984) column by Harry Stemp FLOORING Hardwood, Laminate, Engineered Wood, Cork, Leather, Carpet,Vinyl, Ceramic, Porcelain, Slate Raising salaries of councillors right after they According to news have been elected is often a very controver- reports the sial item with taxpayers, and whether or not Netherlands, where six per cent of the pop- the recently announced wage increases will ulation is now Muslim, is scrapping multi- QUALITY LAMINATE FLOORING sit well with residents remains to be seen. culturalism. The Dutch government says it Having said that, I must commend Mayor will abandon the long-standing model of O'Connor for the way she handled this multiculturalism that has encouraged THAT STAYS LOCKED TOGETHER touchy subject. She saw a need for the ward Muslim immigrants to create a parallel soci- 1,000’s Of Square Feet councillors to receive a well-deserved raise ety within the Netherlands. A new integra- without raising the hair of taxpayers by tion bill, which Dutch Interior Minister Piet In Stock reaching into the shallow pot, for she and Hein Donner presented to parliament on Regional Councillor Jack Ballinger are well June 16, reads: "The government shares the looked after with pay cheques from both social dissatisfaction over the multicultural TORLYS Cork Uxbridge and Regional Council. society model and plans to shift priority to NOW $3.94 sq. ft. Having been around municipal councils the values of the Dutch people.” for most of my life, I know the amount of In the new integration system, the values of Regular 4.94 sq. ft. hard work that goes in to serving their com- the Dutch society play a central role. With ...... munities well. While being busy with this change, the government steps away TORLYS Plank Cork municipal business through the day, they from the model of a multicultural society. often don't know what it is like to have an The letter continues: "A more obligatory NOW $4.99 sq. ft. evening or weekend off to spend with fami- integration is justified because the govern- Regular 5.99 sq. ft. ly and friends. Dividing the hours they ment also demands that from its own citi- ...... spend dealing with council work into their zens. It is necessary because otherwise the annual salary, one councillor told me a while society gradually grows apart and eventually Engineered Hand back that he was working on behalf of the no one feels at home anymore in the Scraped Hickory people of Uxbridge for about 35 cents an Netherlands." hour. The new integration policy will place more NOW $5.69 sq. ft. So why do they do it, you ask? Mostly demands on immigrants. For example, Regular 6.24 sq. ft. because they enjoy serving their community immigrants will be required to learn the ...... and trying to make a difference in improv- Dutch language, and the government will ing the quality of life we enjoy in Uxbridge. take a tougher approach to immigrants who MANNINGTON There is never a right way for council to ignore Dutch values or disobey Dutch law. ADURA Tiles raise salaries. I have always advocated that The government will also stop offering spe- council salaries should be adjusted by the cial subsidies for Muslim immigrants NOW $4.29 sq. ft. council that is heading into an election. because, according to Donner, "it is not the sq. ft. They know the work load they have just government's job to integrate immigrants." Regular 4.94 gone through and have a good idea of fair The government will introduce new legis- HAVE THAT STONE LOOK WITH THE compensation for serving. They also don't lation that outlaws forced marriages and will WARMTH OF VINYL! benefit from the increased salary unless they also impose tougher measures against are re-elected. This always seemed fair to me Muslim immigrants who lower their chances as voters could decide whether they deserved of employment by the way they dress. More the increase and to be re-elected. specifically, the government will impose a This didn't happen in this case, but Mayor ban on face-covering Islamic burqas as of INVENTORY O'Connor found a fair and, in my view, January 1, 2013. Holland has done that acceptable way to take care of ward council- whole liberal thing, and realised - maybe too lors and, hopefully, ratepayers will also see it late - that creating a nation of tribes will kill BLOW OUT! as well-deserved. the nation itself. Australia's future may well ------be read here. When the late Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau It was noted that Muslim immigrants leave MANY CARPETS AT SPECIAL PRICES decided that multiculturalism was a great their countries of birth because of civil and thing for Canada, I'm sure he did not envi- political unrest created by the very nature of sion the disaster it would create for our their culture. Countries like Holland have OVER 3000 FLOORING SAMPLES IN OUR country as it has created for countries an established way of life that actually SHOWROOM OF around the world. works, so why embrace the unworkable? If Over the years we have bent over back- Muslims do not wish to accept another cul- HARDWOOD - ENGINEERED - LAMINATE - wards to welcome people from around the ture, the answer according to the Dutch gov- CARPET - CORK - VINYL - CERAMIC - world, with no demand that they develop ernment on January 1, 2013 is simple - stay the Canadian way of life and our value sys- where you are! LEATHER tem. On the contrary they have brought all Hopefully the Canadian government will of their customs and most have not only carefully watch this move by the Dutch gov- refused to integrate into the Canadian way ernment and how it plays out. There is no PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATIONS BY OUR of life which, by the way, is respected around doubt that the same thing needs to be done OWN EMPLOYEES! the world, but they expect us to change. in all of North America - not just Canada. Most Canadians are fed up with what has, The question is whether or not the present- and is, happening with our immigration sys- ly elected government want to go down in 185 Main Street North Unit B Uxbridge tem and want the government to take steps history as the government who saved the Phone 905-862-0001 Fax 905 862-0031 to tighten up our immigration laws. It's also Canadian way of life or the government who 1-888-862-2001 happening in other countries, some of sat back and twiddled their thumbs while which are finally taking steps to make sure the valued and respected Canadian way of [email protected] that newcomers are not welcome unless they life went the way of the dodo bird. are prepared to adapt. MON - FRI 9-6PM SATURDAY 9-4PM The Uxbridge Cosmos 12 Thursday, January 26th 2012 Cosmos Business Bulletin Board STAN - Your Local Tree Service CUSTOM DESIGN L. MARTINS YOUR OWN TABLE !! Handyman 905-852-5313 CHOOSE FROM MORE THAN 20 PAINTING HANDMADE CHAIR STYLES Interior & Exterior

WE’RE 100 % Wallpapering, Early Style Canadian Give me a call - No job too small CANADIAN ISA Certified Arborists drywall & plaster repairs Handcrafted Pine Furniture 905.852.6970 or Crown moulding - 905-852-2275 Established 1981 - Fully Insured 9269 (cell) 416-705-6970 • Bucket Trucks, Professional Climbers Home renovations www.gilldercroft.com 3rd Concession [email protected] • Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding David Watts, B.Sc. (Agr.) 905-852-7129 Garage Doors www.uxbridgetreeservice.com RON BROWN AUTO Lisa Ritchie Brooks DOOR We will not be undersold. Certified General Accountant SERVICE KO PEL’S UPRIGHT We service all • Personal & Corporate CENTURY FURNITURE GARAGE DOORS•ELECTRIC OPERATORS makes and models. Fast dependable service & repairs Tax Returns ~ Restorations We fix it right the first time! Sales & installation of quality doors and operators • Financial Statement Preparation ~ Repairs 905-852-1981 • Bookkeeping and Accounting ~ Refinishing www.uprightdoorservice.com 170 Main Street North We offer a 10 year pro-rated warranty on Pre 1940’s preferred spring & cable repairs 905-852-5981 905.862.3393 Nancy R. Chalut B.A. Cemetery Road, Uxbridge Certified Cabinet Maker [email protected] 1984 Port Perry 905-985-8621 Classified

Free contact Nicola # 416 989 7005. 1/26 141 electric guitar. Hollowbody single pickup, CEDAR RAILS: 905-852-7634. 1/26 jazz style. $200. 905-852-5104. 2/2 FREE PICKUP OF ANY TYPE OF METAL HIRING: Local custom construction company OR ELECTRONICS, GOOD OR NOT: looking for summer help (preferably post sec- Appliances, AC, microwaves, batteries, ondary students), experience a definite asset For Rent propane tanks, any type of wire, BBQs, com- as well as being reasonably fit. Favourable puters, plumbing fixture, pianos, cars, trucks, consideration will be given to any construction UXBRIDGE 2 BEDROOM basement apart- boats, trailers, farm machinery, skidoos, lawn- courses in good standing. Totally professional ment for rent. Parking. On-Site Laundry, sep- mowers, motorcycles, etc, etc. NOTHING TOO and disciplined crew. Please reply by email arate entrance, walk to downtown. No smok- BIG OR SMALL, WE TAKE IT ALL. We also clean to: [email protected] 2/16 ing or pets. $1100/mo. inclusive. Credit out sheds, barns, garages, stores, factories. WORK WANTED: Retired cabinet check, first & last required. Available 905-952-9844 or 905-473-1907. 6/6 maker/carpenter is looking for some jobs. Immediately. 416-805-3972. 2/2 OLD FENCEPOSTS: 905-852-7634. 1/26. Please call Robby at 705-228-8551. 2/2 WOODEN STABLE AND FENCED PAS- Low & Low Limited QIET WOMAN WRITER seeks clean, bright TURE, available spring. Various field sizes. Services room or apartment close to downtown Vanessa 905-852-7634. 1/26 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Uxbridge. Please call 416-999-2843 or e-mail DOWNTOWN UXBRIDGE, Large, Clean 2 130 Years in Business – 5 Generations Honesty • Integrity • Fair Prices TRINITY UNITED CHURCH is available for [email protected] 2/2 bedroom Apt, Main Level, Parking, Appliances, your use on a fee basis. Weddings, recitals, Separate entrance, Feb 1st. $1150/mo. Since 1875 Uxbridge Chapel - 23 Main St. S. 905-852-3073 Port Perry Chapel - 1763 Reach St. 905-985-7331 concerts, birthdays, award banquets, For Sale Inclusive. Call/text 647-220-6093. 1/26 rehearsals. 905-852-6213. 1/26 LOWER LEVEL FLAT in Unique Uxbridge HOME DAYCARE AVAILABLE IN FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Seasoned hard- Home: Large 2 bedroom, laundry, parking & THE ARE YOU CELEBRATING: UXBRIDGE: Our hours are 6 am to 6 pm . wood, delivered. $120 per 16” face cord. separate entrance. Available partially fur- • the birth of a child? WORD OF THE WEEK We offer flexible hours and rates. Pick up and 905-640-5977 or 416-460-4637. 2/2 nished if desired. $1000/month. Prefer quiet • a wedding? drop off at all schools in Uxbridge available. DRY HAY, small bales. 905-852-7634. 1/26 single. No smokers. No pets is best, since I • a landmark anniversary? Please email ([email protected]) or call (905- SEWING MACHINES: One Brother, one have one. Call 905-862-2970. • coming to a new home in Uxbridge? “Everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal 852-9740) Linda for more information. 1/26 Singer, each $50. Fairly new. 905-852-5482. SPRING BREAK GETAWAY: Two weeks Your local businesses/professionals 1/26 available for spring break at newly renovated are offering a beautiful personalized life and never really die.” keepsake gift free of charge. Vehicles for Sale CERTIFIED ORGANIC WHOLE CORN Vistana Resort, just steps from Disney main- - John 3:16 locally grown. $22 per25 kg. bag. Call 905- gate. Luxurious units sleep up to eight with For more details, UXBRIDGE HYUNDAI SANTE FE 2005. 170,000 km. 852-1596. 2/2 two bedrooms, two bathrooms, three flat please call BRANCH Standard, winter tires on rims. $4500. Call BATHTUB BENCH $50, 5 white vinyl chairs screen TVs, fully equipped kitchen and much Agnes Lobbezoo 905-852-3162 905-852-4969 evenings. 2/2 with cushions. $25. 905-852-2078. 1/26 more. Resort features many pools, restau- at 905-852-5067. www.biblesociety.ca CHEVROLET AVEO 2004, standard, 4- SOFA BED Queen size, good condition, rants, plenty of activities for kids. Limited door, no air, 274,000 km, good condition. $125. Subaru 15” rims, $50. Snow tires, availability for Mar. 8, 9 or 10 on first call $1700. Call 905-904-3769. 1/26 70R14, $100. Canon inkjet printer $10. 905- basis. Also have two weeks spacebanked with COSMOS CLASSIFIEDS 852-1596. 1/26 RCI to trade for thousands of resorts around Classifieds are $5 plus HST per week Wanted FILING CABINET: Steel. 4 drawer the world, also first call basis. $1400/week. lateral/legal size. Beige. 50” h x 36” w x 18” Contact Mark at 905-649- for up to 20 words, WANTED TO RENT: Looking for a room d. Possible delivery in my truck. asking $85. $10 plus HST for up to 40 words. close to Uxbridge cottage hospital (no car). 905-852-1233. 1/26 Payable in advance by cash, cheque or credit card. [email protected] Tel:416-897-8223. NEW WHITE VINYL WINDOW: JeldWen Contact: [email protected] or 905-852-1900 1/26 60 3/4H x 41 1/2 W. Single-hung. Paid $450. Deadline: Monday 5:30 p.m. LOOKING FOR GOOD HOMES for loving Never installed. $450. 160 tiles 12x12 rescue cats, also foster homes needed. For info grey/beige blend. $30. New red Jay Turser JT- The Uxbridge Cosmos 13 Thursday, January 26th 2012

This Way by Vince Winder Letters to the Editor

What can we hope for in 2012? Firstly let me be clear that I do ous government dignitaries in so, it would’ve taken a consider- not think payment of $27,185 favour of saving the Altona Inn, able amount of money We have just passed through the gate of the new year 2012. What to our ward councillors (Jan. 19) including The Honourable John ($100,000) just to stabilize the lies in store for us in this year ahead we do not know? is out of line; in fact, I don't Baird, when he was Minister of Inn, not to mention many more There is so much uncertainty in our world today: the world-wide think it's enough. However, in a Transport, Infrastructure and times that to fully restore it. I financial crisis; Arab nations' uprisings; wars and fighting in many time when enormous strain is Communities. contend that our Committee parts of the world; the fear of terrorist attacks; Iran testing nuclear being placed on the family dis- With respect to the exploration did not have the financial means devices; North Korea with an unknown new leader Kim Jong Un posable income, there is no way and preservation of these (and (fundraising issues aside), nor at the helm. Hatred is all around us and people continue to take out I believe that this budget item numerous other) sites, Heritage the proper business acumen their anger on innocent civilians and sometimes on themselves. You should be put forward with a Uxbridge has often called upon required, in the relatively small or I could be the next targets. 14% increase. What I find most the learned and valued expertise timeframe as determined by Andrei Sakharov, the father of the Russian hydrogen bomb, disturbing is that it passed unan- (and almost always voluntary Transport Canada before demo- warned a few years ago that “The unchecked growth of thermo- imously. What would be wrong efforts) of various individuals lition, to adequately prepare a nuclear arsenals and the build-up towards confrontation threatens with simply recognizing that the (including some local communi- proper Business Case and imple- mankind with the death of civilization and physical annihilation.” pay is lower than it should be, ty members, usually experts in ment an intervention. Further, If the super-powers don't do it the terrorists may. allow for a 4% or 5% per their fields with considerable one of our committee members Former president Valery Giscard d' Estaing of France said, “The annum increase until it catches credentials), to better our under- will be writing a ongoing col- world is unhappy. It is unhappy because it doesn't know where it is the level it needs to be at (per- standing and background of the umn (for this very newspaper) going and because it senses that if it knew, it would discover that it haps $30,000) and then increas- sites. With respect to the Inn, on this, and other similar issues, was heading for disaster.” ing it annually at the rate of they have included: the previ- to if nothing else raise awareness Henry Kissinger grieved, “One has to live with a sense of the inflation or the cost of living? ously mentioned Honourable and promote issues important to inevitability of tragedy.” Each one of these councillors John Baird, M.P., other branch- our committee. As such, it’s With these and many other horrible possibilities hanging over our knew exactly what the pay was es of the Federal government, rather obvious that we did what heads, what kind of hope can we hold out for the future? going into the most recent elec- Mr. George Duncan-Senior we were capable of to halt any From a purely human stand-point, there is no hope. The very tion, and to vote themselves a Planner, Heritage and further detrimental action things that we have pinned much of our hope on - money, power, 14% increase on the whim of Conservation for the town of against the Inn. knowledge and science - have become our biggest enemies. They the mayor is a slap in the face to Markham, Mr. Ian Woods, Mr. So though we do not disagree are responsible for taking us beyond the bounds of ethics, poison- everyone. How does this get to Bruce Huntley of Heritage with any of the facts presented, ing our environment, and the products of knowledge and science be approved before the budget Restoration Inc., and Mr. Jamie we want to reiterate what our may well eventually be responsible for our very destruction. was approved? Steele, a locally respected con- position was and has been - that Jesus Christ confirmed our fears when He said that indeed, tractor. All of these people were the Inn was to be preserved in its “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass Glenn Schaeffer consulted with and/or attended entirety, if only on principle away.” (Matthew 24:35). He also gave us hope when He said, “I am Uxbridge in person regarding this proper- alone. At no time did our com- the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved... I am come ty, at their own time and mittee endorse the demolition that they might have life, and that they might have it more abun- I write regarding your recent expense, to provide feedback of this structure, or any other dantly.” (John 10:9-10) editorial (Jan. 12) regarding the and interpretation. similar course of action. For the We can't know what the future holds, but we can know the One demolition of the Altona Inn Your column states, “We sin- record… who holds the future, gives meaning to the universe and meaning and how its demise came to be. cerely doubt if any study went and hope to life. On behalf of the Heritage into a possible future for the Robin Coombs, Chair Step By Step Uxbridge committee, I want to Altona Inn. Certainly no one Heritage Uxbridge He does not lead me year by year set the record straight by clarify- in Uxbridge was consulted, cer- Nor even day by day. ing some issues as indicated. tainly not the good people at Our editorial did not mean to But step by step my path unfolds; Heritage Uxbridge is a com- Heritage Uxbridge, who tried imply any lack of effort on the part My Lord directs my way. mittee commissioned by the for years to figure out a way to of Heritage Uxbridge to save the Tomorrow's plans I do not know, Uxbridge Council to act as an save the Inn. And of course it Inn. When we condemned the lack I only know this minute; advocate for the preservation came down to money.” of study and care, we had only the But He will say, “This is the way, and conservation of heritage To conclude, Heritage federal government in mind - Ed. By faith now walk in it.” properties in the township. The Uxbridge, over the better part of And I am glad that it is so, committee is made up of dedi- a two year period, did extensive cated volunteers who carry out a research into the history, archi- Today's enough to bear; number of ongoing responsibili- tecture, preservation, potential And when tomorrow comes, His grace ties throughout the year, work- moving, and possible uses of the Shall far exceed its care. ing with the community and the Inn (none the least of which What need to worry then, or fret? Township members, assisting included: a display museum, or The God who gave His Son with and advising in matters a headquarters for the Toronto Holds all my moments in His hand related to heritage and culture. Region Conservation Authority, And gives them, one by one. Our mandate has the inclusion as Uxbridge Township is federal- - Barbara C. Ryberg of maintaining a close watch on ly designated by Industry the Pickering Airport lands, and Canada as ‘The Trail Capital of endeavouring to help protect Canada’). Granted, there were any properties of historical value funds available as set aside by UXBRIDGE MEMORIAL COMPANY found within that area. the federal government, but as It should be noted that not your editorial states, and rightly 108 Brock Street West, Uxbridge L9P 1P4 only was the Altona Inn a provincially designated property, Interior Design Services Dave & Lori Tomkinson but that the previous Uxbridge ~Colour Consultation ~Space Planning township council supported that ~Blinds and Shutters ~Custom Draperies ~Furniture and Finishes very designation. Further, ~Kitchen and Washroom Design Tel: 905-852.3472 • 1-888-672-4364 • Fax: 905-852-0085 Heritage Uxbridge received sev- [email protected] eral letters of support from vari- Ashley Armstrong 416.671.3249 [email protected] The Uxbridge Cosmos 14 Thursday, January 26th 2012

Coffee with Denise Christmas, which was a huge costume look a lot better on the body. There are seems while the adrenalin is flowing, Maud". He was awed by the way the show, so we did a back-to-back which drapery materials in HMS Pinafore no bug can reach me. As long as you scenes were set. And then I had a one from page 3 was really tough because there were a and they look fabulous. have to push, you go. You stop, you line and 15-second stage presence in Probably the most challenging was lot of changes in White Christmas. I Well, it worked for Maria in The die. Harvey. I was the maid. I came in one Copacabana with the Youth Theatre, foolishly agreed to do HMS Pinafore Sound of Music. Usually the hard part Has it ever crossed your mind that side, had my line and walked off the because I believe we had a cast of 32 on the basis that basically there's one of costuming is cutting. It's a must you'd like to be on stage in one of your other side. and I believe it was that show where female that changes one costume, so I but I'm always glad when the cutting costumes? But as a costumer, your job isn't fin- there were four shows within the thought it won't be so bad. But when is done because you're standing there Well, I was. I was in Anne of Green ished when the costumes are made, is show. So you had four show numbers you're making period gowns it's a lot for hours. I'm fortunate with my Gables. I was Lucy Maud. (The pro- it? that you had to deal with and the way of work. woodworker husband (Gary) that I duction featured LMM turning the No, I attend every performance the script was written some of the I know you had the cutouts as a kid, have custom-made items, so my cut- pages of a huge book to set the scenes). because in community theatre you changes were extremely fast. It was but when and why did the sewing ting table is for my height. I have a Real actors were not interested in such never know what's going to happen: well written for a movie but some of start? back problem if I stand there for too a role, but I put everyone else in long malfunctions or whatever or some- the changes were extremely fast and Actually I was going off to nursing many hours without a break, but bent dresses and I never get to wear them, thing falls apart and needs a quick fix. there were a lot of changes. I counted school and that summer I decided I over a kitchen table you can't do it. so I asked the director: 'Do you want With the Victorian ladies, I have a up 233 costume changes. Now they wanted to learn how to sew. My You've done costumes for the Youth me to do it?' It seems the non-speak- thing about bows being done proper- weren't all different costumes but mother bought me my first portable Theatre and OnStage Uxbridge, but ing role was well-accepted, even by ly, so it's just keeping an eye open. they had to get in and out of costumes Singer sewing machine and I took if I'm not mistaken you've also done the author Don Harron, who attend- Denise, thank you. 233 times. sewing classes that summer and I've costumes for the Borellians (in Port ed the matinee My book is signed by Thank you. I watched that show, which was mar- been sewing ever since. Over the Perry). Don Harron to Denise "my Lucy vellous, and it didn't really didn't reg- years, sewing forwards and backwards That's right. The Miracle Worker was ister with the audience that there were has never changed. But the acces- mine. and then I was also one of the so many changes. sories, the materials, what's available, costumers for Alice in Wonderland. Let me tell you, behind the scenes was there's so many different aids and dif- I've done two shows in Port Perry and extremely busy. Some of those ferent products that were not available the remaining 21 were at the Music changes were done in the wings with 15 years ago, that the lessons contin- Hall. dressers. They were stripping coming ue. Nevertheless, your name is out there off the stage to jump into the next When you have several seamstresses now. How often do you get calls to do outfit and go back on again. That was working on a show, do you have shows? probably the most challenging. Then sewing bees? Needless to say, I've had to turn some we have this show (HMS Pinafore) No. I'm fortunate in that I do have a down because I do need a break. I've and we just finished doing White very large sewing room. It's the only probably accepted more than I've part of the basement that's turned down. It depends on the finished. My sewing room shows. But I do get calls that I cannot Register NOW! is 660 square feet. But we fulfil. I believe one year I did five do get together to choose shows and that was too many and I patterns, discuss fabrics. believe at that time I did them on my The general public would own. That was above and beyond. It's be amazed at how many got to be fun. It's not fun if you get costumes are made out of sick. But luckily for the directors, I drapery fabric, but they never get sick until the show is over. It

Town Hall from page 6

ALL NEW "You've got to do something, people," she said. "This is something we can do now." Writing Classes Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor said she sees mental illness as a whole as a bigger issue. Fun with Freelancing "We'd be shocked if we knew how many are dealing with mental ill- taught by Dorothea Helms ness," she said. Ms. Slater countered that people who commit suicide have a mental ill- Fun With Freelancing delves into the world of ness, but not all people with mental illness commit suicide. entrepreneurship for writers. If you have thought The mayor prodded councillors to approve providing a facility for the about making a part- or full-time living from writing, learn the business basics in this course workshops and to pay the cost for any township staff attending. - from there, the sky’s the limit! "However," she added, "if we're to do a good job on this, I don't think we should be rushing it. I need to know it's well done and well organ- Mondays starting Feb. 27 - 7 -9:30 ized.” Anyone wanting more information about safeTALK can contact Ms. Slater at the Uxbridge Youth Centre at 905-862-3456. Short Stories Seniors development has mayor excited: The Forrest Group appeared taught by Susan Lynn Reynolds before council again Monday at a special planning meeting to reiterate Short Stories are a perfect for the writer who its plans for a seniors’ complex on the former Williamson's car lot on is short on time and long on ambition to build a Toronto Street South. Spokesman Chris Bobyk told council that if all career in fiction. By the end of the 10 weeks of goes according to plan, the first phase of the two-phase development "Small Worlds: Writing Short Stories" participants could be ready in just over three years. The project calls for a seniors will be ready to send their fledglings out into the literary world for publication! retirement residence with 145 living units, followed by a seniors retire- ment apartment or condominium building with 81 one- and two-bed- Tuesday starting March 6 - 7 -9:30 room units. The residence would feature such amenities as a dining hall, fitness centre, swimming pool, library, dance hall and theatre. Both The Fundamental Novelist buildings - each six storeys high - would feature underground parking. taught by James Dewar Before the project can go ahead, council will have to agree to a zoning The Fundamental Novelist explores the essential bylaw amendment and consider the proponent's request to change the elements of publishable book-length story telling. setback to 20 metres from 30 metres. Given the reaction of councillors If you have a great story idea, The Fundamental to the presentation, the project is likely to go ahead. Novelist will guide you from the opening "I'm really excited about this," said the mayor. "There's a great need for sentence to the irresistible sales pitch. it in Uxbridge." Budget talks continue Monday: Three budget meetings scheduled for Wednesdays starting Feb. 29 - 7 -9:30 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week were cancelled at the last Make this the year to find minute as the Township awaited word from the provincial government out if you have the write stuff! on what it could expect from the Ontario Municipalities Partnership Fund. Chief Administrative Officer Ingrid Svelnis said that it would be All classes 10 weeks. impossible for the talks to continue without first knowing how much Need more info? Check on-line money they would be receiving from Queen's Park. But word came in on Monday that Uxbridge will be receiving approximately $1.1 million from the fund. The next budget meeting is now scheduled for Monday Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. The Uxbridge Cosmos 15 Thursday, January 26th 2012 Bruins headed for worst season in years by Roger Varley game to the Merchants for most of the midway point, assisted by Brendan MoJacks have owned the Bruins with The Bruins host the Chiefs at the first period, but were unable to score. Neville and Nick Kucera, but Little 5-2 and 6-1 records respectively. arena tomorrow at 7:45 p.m. and then Heading for their worst season since The same held true in the second peri- Britain answered with two more, Clarington, the newcomer to the travel down Reach Street on Sunday to 2007/08, the Uxbridge Bruins od, but the Merchants managed to put including yet another power-play goal. league this year, has a 4-3 edge over the face the MoJacks. On Wednesday, they dropped two more games last week- the puck past goalie Kristoff Lyons The second period saw the teams trade Bruins and the Ice have been the only head to Bowmanville to take on the end, both to the Little Britain twice, the first on a scramble in front goals, with Andrew Liboiron scoring team the Bruins have beaten consis- Eagles and then return to the arena Merchants. That made four losses in a of the net and the second on a power on the power play at the 18:10 mark, tently with a 5-2 record. next Friday to play the Ice. row. play. assisted by Matt Allen and Kyle Although they played reasonably well Little Britain managed to add another Northover, and the Merchants scoring midway through the third period in the dying minutes of the frame. at the arena last Friday and kept press- UNIOR TANDINGS - as of Tuesday, Jan. 24 ing to the end, the Bruins were before defenceman Brett Penrose fired In the third, Little Britain made it 7-2 J CS downed 4-1 by the Merchants. The a bullet from the point to score a before Liboiron scored his second of Team Wins Losses OT Losses Points following night, however, on the big power-play marker for the Bruins, the night, assisted by Penrose and ice at the Lindsay sports complex, the assisted by Kurt Batty and Kenzie Scott Van Allen. The Merchants LAKEFIELD CHIEFS 23 9 3 49 Bruins once again were plagued with Smith. With just five minutes remain- capped off the scoring with just a penalties and were dropped 8-3. ing, the Bruins pressed hard, but gave minute left in the game. LITTLE BRITAIN MERCHANTS 19 11 4 42 With just four games remaining in the up an empty net goal with just 17 sec- The results give the Bruins 18 regula- regular season. the Bruins appear des- onds remaining. tion losses so far on the season, com- PORT PERRY MOJACKS 19 14 2 40 It was a different story in Lindsay. The pared with the 17 regulation losses reg- tined to finish in fifth place in the six- CLARINGTON EAGLES 17 15 3 37 team OHA Jr. C Central Division. In Bruins took three completely unneces- istered five years ago. In the next week, the 2007/08 season, when it was a five- sary penalties in the first six minutes of the team faces the Lakefield Chiefs, the UXBRIDGE BRUINS 15 18 3 33 team league, Uxbridge finished fourth. the game and the Merchants capital- Georgina Ice, the Clarington Eagles GEORGINA ICE 13 22 2 28 On Friday night, the Bruins took the ized on each one. Steve Posteraro put and the Port Perry MoJacks once each. Uxbridge on the scoreboard near the Over the season, the Chiefs and GREENGOING Local musical stage a joyful family affair AT 410 AUTO by Shelagh Damus vocal cord in me. And for the first the way theatre does. These groups forward. time we were all privy to the inside are by no means equal on many OnStage Uxbridge has a long tra- Specializing in jokes that stem from inserting well levels and patience is occasionally dition of casting family members Although I am unsure if we can Volkswagen “officially” lay claim, it has been chosen lines from the script into required. But each cast member is together. Programs of the past are Audi suggested that the Damus clan every day conversation. We have a a part of the whole, of equal replete with repeated surnames: Hybrid have broken the record for number common vocabulary “if you importance to the final product. Jess, Jones, Fearnley-Brown, Porsche of immediate family members par- pleeease.”- no need for explana- It takes a village to raise a child. Smith, etc. I suspect they benefited European & Asian ticipating in a single OnStage tion. And this theatre experience has similarly. That being said, when Rick Callaghan Uxbridge production. The six of Our individual personalities and expanded the cohort of villagers asked if we would do it again, the unique skill sets were displayed in participating in our children's answer is yes. But for much sim- UÊ, ÊVœÕÀÌiÃÞÊV>ÀÊ­ÊLÞÊ>««œˆ˜Ì“i˜Ì® us are approximately one seventh UÊ9iÃ]ÊÜiÊ`œÊ œ“iÃ̈Vö of the cast of H.M.S. Pinafore, our preferred method of prepara- lives. Their input, their comments, pler reasons - we have just had too UÊÞLÀˆ`]Ê ˆiÃi presently on stage at the Uxbridge tion. Note reading versus listening, their suggestions, their help, their much fun! ÊÊ>˜`Ê iVÌÀˆVÊ-«iVˆ>ˆÃÌ Music Hall. learning everyone's part versus praise and their ever watchful eyes From auditions in October to only learning your part, early are most welcome now and going opening night and beyond, it has acquisition versus just-in-time been a “singular occurrence.” Past delivery. We embarked on six dif- 138 Sandiford Dr., Unit 5, Stouffville experience on stage meant the ferent paths to the same end point. process was familiar but the jour- The ability to balance school, 905-642-2886 or 1-877-410-2886(AUTO) www.410auto.ca ney was different. It was easier. music and other priorities with the Same place at the same time for a play was varied. One struggled change. There was no finagling more with finding balance, and with schedules. There was a black needed to complete school work VIEWPOINTS and white clarity to social calendar backstage. Unfortunate, but neces- additions dependant on the sary. And entirely worth it. Pinafore timetable. On the home The community theatre experi- ow well do you know the highways and front, our children helped to stock ence offers my children a wealth of byways of Uxbridge Township? The first per- the freezer with dinners to get us benefits: confidence, responsibili- Hson each week to call into our office number, through a hectic January, accepted ty, self-control, and the opportuni- 905-852-1900, and correctly identify the location additional chores with grace and ty to unleash their creative side. They are also exposed to a wonder- of our photo, will receive a prize; this week, it’s two the occasional grumble, and ful cross-section of our society. I tickets for HMS Pinafore at the Music Hall. Last helped their mother learn the tongue twisting lyrics that flowed am hard pressed to think of any week’s viewpoint (lower photo) is on Hwy. 8 west; it effortlessly from their young other activity that places the young was guessed by George Leach of Uxbridge. We’ll mouths but stubbornly refused to and old, and everything in have the answer to the upper photo next week. make the journey from brain to between, in peer type relationships Photos by Renee Leahy. 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