Volume 13 No. 13 YOUR UNIVERSE Thursday, March 30, 2017 www.comflex.ca Ward boundaries under review by Roger Varley

For the first time since Uxbridge and Scott Townships amalgamated in 1974 into what is now the Township of Uxbridge, the boundaries of the five wards are under review. At a public meeting last Wednesday, Dr. Robert Williams unveiled some of the options he deems possible for redrawing the boundary lines. He said his review of the five ward boundaries had to take into account several guiding principles, including representation by population, communities of interest, natural boundary lines, effective representation and composition of council. The three possible options he put forward all call for three urban wards and two rural wards, in contrast to the current three rural and two urban wards. He said that although that would lessen rural representation on council, that community currently is over- represented. "Under the current system, two (urban) councillors speak for 60 per cent of the population and three speak for 40 per cent," he said. "Is this fair? Addressing this imbalance is a good starting point." GROW FOR US - The Urchins (also known as, from left, Sam Smilovic, Kyffen Gaudet, and Susie Murray, get to know little Audrey II, being dubiously held by Sey - He admitted, however, that it would be mour Krelborn (played by Jay da Costa) during a scene from OnStage Uxbridge’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors . The popular musical is a little different difficult to arrive at three urban wards with from the film many are familiar with; not everything has a “happy” ending! Little Shop opens tonight and runs until April 7. See page 8 for details. Photo by John Cavers equal populations, adding: "You'll never get a perfect system." Using 2016 census figures, Dr. Williams said Ward 1 has a population of 3,483, Ward Gravel truck drivers propose old fire hall as new overnight stop 2 has 2,769 and Ward 3 has 2,879. In the by Lisha Van Nieuwenhove think this old fire hall fits the bill perfectly.” “I see probably six or eight nice-sized bed - urban area, Ward 4 has a population of 6,295 Bilt says that the fire hall can easily be reno - rooms up there, someplace we can lay our and Ward 5 has 5,750. He said the optimal A group of transport truck drivers is interested vated to accomodate at least ten drivers at any heads down and really be cozy, rather than ward population would be 4,235. But in all in purchasing the old Uxbridge Fire Hall on time, more if drivers travel with their spouse. sleep in a parking lot in the back of our trucks. three possible options, at least one of the Bascom Street so they can turn it into a high- He also says that the kitchen in the hall is a per - I’m talkin’ to the other guys to think about put - three urban wards proposed would have too end overnight truck stop. fect size for functionality, but needs a little up - ting a small gym up there too - we spend a lot large a population. Peter Bilt, a representative of the group of 14 dating. of time on our butts, it’d be foolish not to work Dr. Williams said each of the three options drivers, has announced that he and his fellow “ere’s a few of us who really like finer dining out every now and again.” he proposed are "preliminary" options and drivers are interested in buying the hall so that - we’re not all greasy spoon fans,” says Bilt. “We ey also plan on having laundry facilities added that Uxbridge can choose to keep the they can transform it into a place where they really like that there is an organic grocery shop available, as well as a small office space with a wards as they are at present, if council so can stop for a rest, perhaps stay overnight, and or two right here in town that we can walk to couple of computers and Internet access. chooses. cook a decent meal for themselves and fellow to get what we need. e cooking store up the e group’s “members” come from various In coming up with his three options, truckers. street has some fine vittles too, condiments and places throughout the province. Some only “We spend a lot of time on the road,” explains such, that we like to use, not just ketchup.” drive locally, others do inter-provincial runs ...continued on page 2 Bilt, “and we get a little tired of sleeping in the Fellow trucker Ken Worth is also part of the that often keep them away from home for days back of our trucks and eating fast food all the group looking to take on the fire hall. He at a time. ose who have come up with this time. We’d really love a space that feels a little would like to see small, finely appointed rooms idea are currently planning on splitting the cost Inside Your Cosmos more like home, with a decent bed in it, and a created in the large hall that sits above where Soap to save Syrians ...... page 2 kitchen where we can make our own food. We the fire trucks used to park. ...continued on page 4 Feds drop big bucks in Uxbridge . . . . .page 3

Gerald Lawrrence Sales Repressentaativetive ® ® SM Marie Persaud REALTORT , SRES , SRSS Sales Representative ker R.M.R.. Coldwell Banker R.M.R. tet BrokeraB ge JUST SOLD! 3 Beds 2 Baths TToownhouse. I Need YYourour help! I took another listing that SOLLD OVER ASKING. Do you know Real Estate Brokerage Awesome views, 3000+ sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 4 washrooms, dLawrencce.com anyone thinking of selling? Innventory needed: Lots of buyers, Direct: 416-970-8979 multiple walkouts to private deck overlooking countryside, Lawrence.ccom but no houses. If yyou or someeone you know has thought about Office: 905-852-4338 2 kitchens, formal dining room, full basement. 6-556-0238 selling, please let me know. Perfect time - Call, text or email www.mariepersaud.ca See MLS E3732756. Offered for sale at $959,900. me...Get a FREE Home Evaluaation: QuickHomeValues.ca Less than 10 minutes to Uxbridge. The Uxbridge Cosmos 2 Thursday, March 30, 2017 Locally-made soap helps lives of Syrian refugees by Nancy Melcher porting the local refugee family, as Lives,” is the brainchild of Tova on the national news of the destruc - well as the Red Cross Syrian Fund, Langhans. Six years ago, Tova started tion and devastation in Syria haunted e friendship of two Uxbridge the authentic castile soaps are made her company T•LANGHANS, mak - Tova, and she wanted to do some - classmates, one a Syrian refugee, the with olive and laurel oils. (It’s ru - ing eco-luxury body care products thing to help. rough online re - other a local girl, has led to the recent moured that Cleopatra used this “simply, purely, natural.” Right from search, she discovered that Aleppo creation of a line of rich, locally same type of soap bar in Egypt over the start, she decided to make only soap, like the castile soap she already handmade soaps. Inspired by an an - 2,000 years ago!) authentic castile soap, a soap made produced, was made using only olive cient recipe and dedicated to sup - e initiative, called “Aleppo for with virgin olive oil and scented oil. When she learned that the patri - with essential oils. arch of the Salman family, Lakman, “At T•LANGHANS we like things actually came from a district of that smell good. We like things that Aleppo, and his family made olive are beautiful. We like things that are oil, she knew exactly what she had to good for you … and the environ - do. us came about a whole new ment,” explains Tova. line of body care products. Fast forward to the present day. Her “ ‘Aleppo For Lives’ is our way to daughter, Else, was teamed up with help our new Syrian friends here and refugee Sedika Salman at school, and abroad. We have created a new soap Sedika Salman, a Syrian refugee, and Else their friendship blossomed. Images inspired by the ancient Syrian recipe Langhans, daughter of T-LANGHANS using laurel leaf oil as one of the in - founder Tova Langhans, have become fast gredients. Half the proceeds from the friends. Their friendship led to the creation sale of this soap will be donated to a of a luxe line of beauty products that aims family in our hometown of Uxbridge, and the Red Cross Syrian to help refugee families, including Fund,” says Tova. Sedika’s. Submitted photo e Salman family will receive 50 per cent of the proceeds, with the shipping charges. Tova can be other 50 per cent going to the Syrian reached at [email protected] or by Red Cross partner called the Syrian phone at 905-862-2111. Rows of freshly cut bars of “Aleppo For Lives” Arab Red Crescent, or SARC. More information about her body soap await packaging and delivery. Sales of Orders for “Aleppo For Lives” soap care products (and a video of the the luxury soap raise funds for Syrian and other products can be placed di - Salman family, Else, and Tova mak - refugees, both here in Uxbridge and overseas. rectly with Tova. Direct pick up in ing Aleppo soap) can be found at Submitted photo Uxbridge can be arranged to avoid www.tlanghans.com.

Jo-Anne Gray, executive director of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation, happily accepts a cheque for $1,500 from Max Bulmer of the Pefferlaw Lions Club. Photo by John Cavers

Ward boundaries, from page 1 didn't match rural residents' wishes. On the population issues, Ward 4 councillor Dr. Williams said he made sure no hamlets Fred Bryan said his work load is driven by were divided - "communities of interest" - and issues, not by population, and he finds the he used roads as identifiable boundaries - work load manageable. "natural boundary lines". He also worked on Deputy clerk Michael de Rond, noting that the assumption that the township would not it is the first boundary review since 1973, said go to a system of eliminating wards and it is generally good to have a review every two electing councillors-at-large. or three elections. He said council likely will Regional Councillor Jack Ballinger asked Dr. make its final decision on the boundaries in Williams if he had considered going with the fall, but a decision would need to be made three rural wards and three urban wards. by Dec. 31 in order for any boundary changes Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor opined that to be implemented before the next municipal such a move would mean the regional election in November 2018. councillor would have to b responsible for the Anyone wishing to comment on the review extra ward. can find Dr. Williams' report and a comment Ward 3 Councillor Dave Barton offered that sheet on the township web page at it was possible a more urban council would be town.uxbridge.on.ca/ward_boundary_review making decisions affecting the rural areas that _public_input_wanted. The Uxbridge Cosmos 3 Thursday, March 30, 2017 In the report, Ms. Svelnis said the but said it would involve "150 of TAX SEASON has brought back the Canada Revenue Agency telephone scam. Durham Re - plan "would establish the commu - something". TOWN HALL gional Police report receiving numerous calls from people reporting that they have received nity vision for the future need for Council passed a resolution allow - calls from a person claiming to be an officer from the CRA. For more information or to report by Roger Varley and use of existing and future parks." ing for the posting of "No Fishing" Notes from the March 27 Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor said signs for several days ahead of the a scam attempt, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: www.antifraudcentre-centrean - council wants to look at the possibil - event and to forbid smoking within tifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501. Anyone wishing to report a suspected fraud in Durham Council Meeting ity of selling some of the green 20 metres of the edge of the pond. Region is asked to contact Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520. spaces, with a view to putting the Feds fund FU facility proceeds towards development of the Fields of Uxbridge. She said there is MP Jennifer O'Connell announced "a good possibility" some of the Monday evening that the federal township's parkettes could be sold government will provide $366,000 off. towards the construction of a wash - room facility at the Fields of Huck Finn Day coming: One park Uxbridge. area that will see plenty of activity on Appearing before Uxbridge council, April 22 will be Veteran's Park on 905-487-8363 the Pickering-Uxbridge MP said the Elgin Pond, when the annual Huck funds are part of $626,000 the fed - Finn fishing derby will be held. Toll-free eral government is investing in e free event sees thousands of 888-982-8343 Uxbridge. e funds for the wash - children show up to try their hand at room facility are part of the govern - catching some of the trout that the budgetblinds.com ment's Canada 150 community pond will be stocked with a few days infrastructure program. before the event. Regional Council - She said another $70,000 will be lor Jack Ballinger said there will be granted towards the completion and one special fish in the pond this year: installation of the Col. Sam Sharpe a brook trout that will have a special statue to be erected at the intersec - red-and-white tag attached. He said tion of Toronto and Brock Streets whoever catches the fish anytime next year. at will leave another during 2017 will be eligible for a spe - $70,000 to be raised for the project, cial prize. created by Uxbridge artist Wynn Mr. Ballinger would not elaborate Walters. on what the prize will be - "I don't In addition, Ms. O'Connell said want to let the cat out of the bag" - the government has awarded $190,000 to Hela Spice Company, located on Franklin Street, for inno - WE’RE NO APRIL FOOLS - WE’VE GOT GREAT vation in the agri-food industry. DEALS ON OUR WEBSITE JUST FOR YOU! Ms. O'Connell also noted more an - nouncements are coming at the end of this week regarding investment in CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR Durham Region transit as part of the THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS! federal government's recent budget. She said Uxbridge could also realize www.themeatmerchant.ca more funds as part of the govern - 3 Brock Street West Across 2 Time of arrival, for short ment's commitment in the budget 1 Hardened 3 Little guy to allot $30 million towards comple - 905-852-9892 OPEN SUNDAYS 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4 ____ humbug! 4 Career descriptions tion of the Trans Canada Trail, part 7 Cry of a crow 5 Sights of which runs through Uxbridge. 10 Jot 6 Flower She said some of the funding she announced was due in part to 12 Led Zeppelin album 7 Eccentric wheel Uxbridge's "fantastic job" of putting 13 Hawaiian tuber 8 Usher's offering forward well-written proposals for 14 Labyrinth 9 Seek the affection of grants. 16 Bullets and such 11 Twin crystal 17 Clay first name 13 High-voltage gun Facility to cost $1 million: Follow - 19 Coldly 15 Islet ing Ms. O'Connell's appearance, the 22 Building details 18 Once ___a time.... Uxbridge Soccer Club offered coun - 25 Boxer's attire 19 Retirement nest egg, cil their proposal for the Fields of 26 Good form hopefully Uxbridge washroom facility, which 28 ___ bandage 20 Spherical bacteria would include a concession booth 29 Replay of a TV show 21 Steel joist or girder and storage space for the club's equipment and tractor. 30 Legal thing 23 Piece of bric-a-brac Council heard from Facilities Man - 32 Decanters 24 Refine ager Bob Ferguson that the whole 34 Scarf material 26 Distorted project, including providing hydro 35 Adult insect 27 Before, to Byron and water services to the site, could 36 Hindu loincloth 29 Indian music cost about $1 million. 37 Shaken, not stirred 31 Water ___ e soccer club said it could pro - 40 Japanese rice wine 33 China grass vide about $50,000 toward the proj - 43 Country governed by a 34 Bake, as eggs ect. king 36 Some trial evidence 47 Reed instrument 38 Soybean extract Parks under review: e Fields of 48 Newt 39 Gung-ho about Uxbridge could also benefit from a review of the township's parks and 49 Flightless bird 40 Lush green spaces. 50 Skater Babilonia 41 Legal group, briefly Council accepted a recommenda - 51 Batman is part of one 42 Colorful carp tion made by Chief Administrative 52 Urchin 44 Mid west city, for short Officer Ingrid Svelnis to hire a con - 45 Skirt line sultant to develop a Parks Master Down 46 Talk loudly Plan, in essence an inventory of 1 Military acronym parks and parkettes in the township. The Uxbridge Cosmos 4 Thursday, March 30, 2017 Our two cents Learning from history “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Santayana, 1905 Council may be embarking on a perilous journey with its decision to hire a consultant for close to $45,000 to come up with a master plan for the town - ship's parks and parkettes. A report by Chief Administrative Officer Ingrid Svelnis on Monday said the consultant will study Uxbridge's green spaces over the course of the sum - mer (see story on page 3). The consultant would, the report says, "engage the community in the development of a Parks Master Plan." If recent history provides any lessons, engaging the community should prove to be interest - ing. Back in 2014, council decided it wanted to sell off a small park on Maple Street. At the time, the park was described as "low use" facility that was "va - cant and abandoned." Local residents disagreed. A large contingent showed up at a planning meeting in January of that year to tell council that the park was used by their children and grandchildren despite the fact the township had neglected it for years, claiming it was an integral part of their community. Eventually, the township capitulated and the Maple Street park was retained. More recently, decisions on what to do with a small park on Campbell Drive saw residents in the area split into two camps. It was proposed that "natural" playground equipment be installed in the park. Some residents were in favour of the move but others adamantly wanted it to remain as a "passive" park. The final result was council deciding to do nothing. These incidents show that people are passionate when it comes to their local parks. Almost everyone feels a certain ownership and, indeed, as taxpayers Letters to the Editor they do own them. How can a consultant can decide whether a park should I am so sorry that I missed adding Thank you for running the survey Editor’s note: The Cosmos did run be kept or sold off? One would assume that a key component of any decision my input into (the Downtown and posting the results in the paper. would be the usage that any particular park sees. But what would the criterion the Downtown survey online from be for determining usage? Would a park need to have scores of children clam - Uxbridge Business) survey. I would I must say that, much to my November 30, 2016, until February bering over playground equipment on a daily basis in order not to be sold love to have commented on what I dismay, I never spotted the survey 28, 2017, but only ran the same off? If that is the case, what about parks like that on Campbell Drive, quiet would like to see change/improve. or I would have definitely have survey in the newspaper on December oases in the middle of town? Many of the participant’s echoed participated. 1, 2016, and January 26, 2017. There are two sets of playground equipment in Elgin Park and one at Her - what I would have said and I was My husband said that he had seen This, understandably, wasn’t rema Fields. If a decision was made to remove any of that equipment there very pleased to see people asking the survey and agreed that it was a satisfactory to our readers (and also would likely be an uproar in the community. And it will be interesting to see for big box stores like Winners, a hard one to spot in the paper. So I proves that not everything is done what the consultant thinks of Centennial Park. It has little more to offer than café to go to, amenities for all ages, wonder if this is the case with online. Community newspapers are a couple of benches. But other than expanding the municipal parking lot at I really could go on. others, for I must say that the important!), so we are going to run its north end, it is difficult to imagine any kind of development there. So, I am hoping there will be another amount of participants in a town the survey for the entire month of presumably, that green wasteland will not be offered for sale. survey in the near future, as I feel the size of ours was extremely low. April in the newspaper only . We will The rationale for the proposed study seems to be that selling off some park - many people missed it and would And the one store that handed out publish the results of these surveys in land could help pay for future developments at the Fields of Uxbridge. How - love the opportunity to provide a hard copy, which was a good idea, ever, the Fields will be used mainly for sports activities such as soccer, baseball, mid to late May. tennis, skate-boarding and pump track cycling. There has been little, if any, more input. Let’s get this little old must have only given it out to the Response to the results, published in talk about any park-type infrastructure such as playground equipment or town cleaned up and better suited paying customers and not to the last week’s edition of the newspaper, quiet, reflective areas that are provided by the small parks scattered through - to have people shop, play and eat browsing ones like myself. was huge, and seemed to much out the township's neighbourhoods. here! Not just a dull commuter So, I am sorry I missed out on appreciated by a range of people, from The consultant is scheduled to deliver a final report to council in the fall. It town with very little amenities. being a participant, as I do read the merchants in the downtown core to will take a brave person to recommend selling off any of the township's green Thank you for getting the ball Cosmos . But again, I agree with all residents to business owners who are spaces. It will take an even braver - or foolhardy - council to act on any such rolling! that has been expressed. considering Uxbridge as a place to recommendation. Mariolina Bruno Agnes Lobbezoo open or start a business. Uxbridge Uxbridge Fire hall, from page 1 from-home. ey’ve already come up rently located. with a name for the hall, should they When asked about the concerns of the hall (which is currently listing manage to procur it - Fran’s, paying that many Uxbridge residents have for $1.2 million), as well as the costs hommage to a diner called Fran’s regarding truck traffic through the associated with renovating and Diner, that used to sit where downtown core, Mack Ovlov, an - 9,500 copies of The Cosmos are published each Thursday in the Township of equipping their new home-away- Uxbridge Medi & Day Spa is cur - other interested purchaser, explains Uxbridge: 8,700 delivered by mail, 800 available in stores and boxes. that the cargo portion of their trucks would be parked out of town, Publisher/Editor Lisha Van Nieuwenhove 905.852.1900 WANTED “maybe at the arena parking lot, or at Advertising/Sales 905.852.1900 LOCAL CORRESPONDENTS the Petro Canada station on High - for way 47,” and only the cabs would be 38 Toronto Street North, Unit One, Uxbridge Ontario L9P 1E6 parked at Bascom Street. e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.thecosmos.ca Zephyr, Leaskdale, Sandford, “If we park ‘em right, and not every - Claremont, & Udora one has a huge rig, then we can prob - Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Uxbridge Cosmos needs one resident from each ably fit six rigs in there, not a EDITORIAL POLICY: Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and in letters to the editor are not necessarily problem,” says Ovlov. “We do that, those of The Cosmos. Letters must be signed and the telephone number provided (number will not be pub - of these hamlets to submit news and information bi- and we’re not makin’ the good people lished). Requests that a name be withheld will be honoured only if there is a compelling reason. Errors brought weekly to appear in the newspaper and online. of Uxbridge all cross with us.” to our attention will be corrected. The Cosmos reserves the right to edit and/or refuse to publish unsolicited If interested, please submit your name, email address Cat Pillar, a female driver in the material. ADVERTISING POLICY: Ad deadline is 12 noon Tuesday the week of publication. The Cosmos reserves group, said the drivers plan to meet the right to refuse any advertisement. The Cosmos is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors in and phone number, along with a sample article of no advertisements or any other errors or omissions in advertisements. All material herein, including advertising on Saturday, April 1, to discuss design, is copyrighted, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission. more than 300 words in length, to the attnetion of the whether or not their plans for the hall Editor at [email protected] by April 15. were indeed understood to be an April Fool’s joke written by the editor We look forward to hearing from you! of e Uxbridge Cosmos ! Got ya! The Uxbridge Cosmos 5 Thursday, March 30, 2017 A Blonde Moment The Barris Beat column by Lisha Van Nieuwenhove column by Ted Barris At what price chores? Workplace and symbol

“You know what makes me sick to my stomach? agony of watching a toddler take two hours to It was about 1 p.m. One of the clerks outside time, I arrived for a meeting with Her Honour When I hear grown people say that kids have put one basket of laundry away. If we managed the chamber went over the rules I was to keep Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. changed. Kids haven’t changed. Kids don’t know to have a family meal, the girls saw both their in mind when I went inside: Enter quietly. No She had invited me to join a ceremony honour - anything about anything. We’ve changed as adults. father and myself clean up the kitchen, but briefcases or parcels. No applauding or talking ing young Albertans who had created person - We demand less of kids. We expect less of kids. We they never participated - and I couldn’t tell you out loud. Rise to your feet when the Speaker alized tributes to commemorate the 100th make their lives easier instead of preparing for why we didn’t make them. They stuck around enters, when you’re introduced and when you anniversary of Vimy Ridge. The L/G’s “Spirit what life is truly about. We’re the ones that have the kitchen while I cleaned up after our many leave. It made me think I was entering the Vat - of Vimy Awards” went to five deserving changed.” meals of just the four of us, and we had a lot of ican. But it was actually the Speaker’s Gallery teenagers, who had gathered photos from sol - Frank Martin fun, but they rarely helped. And I couldn’t tell at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton last diers’ personal albums, composed lyrics and S.C. Head Basketball Coach you why I didn’t make them. It would have Thursday afternoon. Eventually, the MLA original music, generated digital artwork and been nothing to say “Stop doing the Macarena (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Sher - then voiced their own videos in honour of I could not have come across this quote at a for a second and help put away these dishes.” wood Park, just outside Edmonton, rose to ad - Canadians who’d served in the Great War a more perfect time than Monday, around lunch Why? Why did I not? dress the government and opposition members hundred years ago. present. “What these young people have accomplished time. I was in the middle of a mental crisis. My How did I fall prey to what makes Mr. Martin “Speaker, I rise to introduce distinguished vis - is dazzling and unique,” she told a luncheon of eldest daughter had come home from spending sick? Why do I let my kids get away with it? itors,” MLA Annie McKitrick said. Then, she dignitaries that day. “Like the men and women the night at her father’s house, and proudly an - Even now, we have a meal, and at the end of it, went on to point out a couple of entrepreneurs in the service of Canada a century ago, these nounced that her step-mother had given her my daughters drift off to the sofa, or stay at the in the gallery, the mayor of Sherwood Park, and young Albertans have taken up the spirit of a $40 to clean the house for her. When I jokingly table and chat, while Grant washes and I dry. me, whom she referred to as an “accomplished nation.” said that I was surprised she knew how to clean We throw dish towels at them occasionally, and author, who will be speaking later today about The L/G’s staff actually scheduled me into a house, and why did she never express those the youngest is a somewhat willing participant. the 100th anniversary of the famous Battle of what they referred to as “an audience” with Her talents at home, she saucily replied, “You don’t “In my day” (and I hate that phrase), my family Vimy Ridge.” Honour before the awards ceremony. And I pay me.” I shot back with, “You live here and buggered off to do whatever and I cleaned up The last time I had actually sat in the Alberta came to understand another aspect of legislative contribute to the mess. Why should I pay the kitchen by myself! Mom had made it, I Legislature, it was in the early 1980s in the activity, from the perspective of a civilian, not you?” She shrugged her shoulders, took her cleaned up. It just was. press gallery, where I took notes and reported a reporter. Her Honour described the hectic na - $40 and stalked off. Our conversations were And now it isn’t. I don’t know if it’s too late on issues facing a very different provincial as - ture of her schedule in recent days as the frosty after that. She was likely oblivious to my to start insisting that they do more and Grant sembly. Back then, Conservative MLAs domi - Queen’s representative in Alberta. She had fury, while I stewed over the interaction inces - and I do less. Or did I miss that golden win - nated, with but a few MLAs on the opposite joined the campaign to promote women’s in - santly. What had (have) I done to raise a child dow when they’re like sponges and just soak it side of the House, including Grant Notley, the ternational hockey (she told me she was secretly that sees every household task asked of her as a all up, no questions asked? Some argue that we leader of the Opposition NDP from Spirit proud of those American women demanding monumental invasion of her personal time and don’t have children to be our servants, and so River, Alberta. Now, nearly 40 years later, equality with men in financial dealings with the space? Why do I feel wary every time I put a they should be exempt from chores. I couldn’t Rachel Notley, Grant’s daughter, sat as Premier international hockey federation and Olympic list of things to do on the chalkboard in the disagree more. They aren’t servants, but they amid an NDP majority. (I was actually on the organizers). And she described a gathering ear - kitchen, knowing that some of those things will are members of a household, and as such, they air on CBC Radio, Oct. 19, 1984, the morning lier in the week at which she had helped secure never get done - until I do them? should pull their weight, whatever that weight Grant Notley died in a plane crash in northern millions of dollars in donations for a regional I wasn’t raised like that. I had my “jobs” and and capability should be. Right now, I’m not Alberta; we chose not to go to air with the agricultural school. I did them, and not with remuneration. I got sure my eldest is ready to head off to post-sec - news, since we knew his wife was travelling to “Typical day in the life,” she quipped. an allowance when I was young, but it didn’t ondary school in a year and a half - she appar - the airport and did not know his flight had Finally, as I dashed from the dying moments correspond to my weekly duties - keep my ently doesn’t know how to put her morning gone down short of the airport.) of the L/G’s awards ceremony, last Saturday, on room tidy (which I sucked at until I was a cereal bowl in the dishwasher, how is she going My visit to the Speaker’s Gallery last week al - my way to catch a flight home, I passed the teenager), vacuum the house every Saturday, to live on her own? lowed me to absorb Question Period, not as a front steps of the Alberta Legislature one last dust the living room, clean the downstairs I must confess, there are some tasks that I ac - reporter, but as a spectator, a casual observer. time. A number of motorcycle clubs were just bathroom, put away laundry - everyone’s laun - tually enjoy doing - cooking, or tidying and And it’s odd what a former reporter notices wrapping up a demonstration in front of the among politicians when not there on assign - building, attempting to draw attention to their dry - and make school lunches. In the summer, dusting so that everything looks as it a maga - ment. Some MLAs scanned their cell phones pet cause – cyclists’ rights. Asked earlier in the cut the grass (I enjoyed doing that, my brother zine could come in and do a photo shoot. But for messages. Others communicated by passing day whether she wanted a police escort around and I actually fought for that job) and vacuum for the most part, Cinderella I ain’t. written notes carried by young pages back and the demonstrators, the L/G said, “No. We’re re - the pool (I’m a very good vacuumer). All these I will readily admit that I have done my chil - forth in the chamber. Still others rehearsed membering the sacrifices at Vimy,” she said, jobs, chores, whatever you may call them, were dren a disservice by letting them get away with their lines, preparing for their moments in the “and among other things, those sacrifices were part of my routine, it went without saying or all they have. And I imagine that I would need spotlight putting a question to the government. intended to protect freedom of speech.” paying. And I didn’t go out, socialize, watch tv some sort of therapy or self-help book to ex - Nothing is spontaneous in politics anymore. I hopped in my car, took one last look at a or use the phone (the era of no cell phones, re - plain to me how and why I let this behaviour It turned out that I was back in the Legislative Legislative building that had been an occasional member) until all these things were done. It develop. I don’t like it, I never liked it. And yet building just two days later for another cere - workplace for me 40 years ago. But during this just was. I let it happen. Does knowing how or why even mony. Once past the front door security – re - visit, I had allowed myself the luxury of recog - And now it isn’t. Funny thing is, I have no matter? viewing my personal documents and passing nizing the Canadian principles of “peace, order one to blame but myself. When the girls were It’s time I started playing the heavy, throwing through metal-detection devices (something I and good government” for which it stood. small, I fell prey to the adage that it was easier around more dish towels, even a vacuum. And never encountered 40 years ago) – I stood out - For more Barris Beat columns, to do something myself, rather than suffer the I refuse to pay anyone. side the office of the Speaker yet again. This go to www.tedbarris.com The Uxbridge Cosmos 6 Thursday, March 30, 2017 UPCOMING Sat., April 15: Uxbridge Run for serve your seat. the Diamond. Includes 1/2 Marathon, Thurs., April 20: Ham & Maple Sat., April 8: Waterfowl at 5km & 10km walk/run. 10 year Anniver - Syrup Dinner. Goodwood Community COMING UP Durham’s Lake Ontario Marshes . sary, put on by the Cottage Hospital Aux - Centre, starts at 4: 30 p.m. Ham, scal - Join North Durham Nature's Geoff Car - iliary. Uxbridgehalfmarathon.ca. loped potatoes, bread, dessert. Tickets at pentier to see what has arrived at Lake late/vanilla combined, $5/box. Sales Sat., April 15: Easter Family Fun the door, $20. Take away available. THIS WEEKEND Scugog, Cranberry Marsh, Duffin’s will help support the unit’s volunteer ven - Day. Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt, Loot Hosted by Goodwood United Church. Creek Marsh or Oshawa Second Marsh. Thurs., March 30: Soup Lunch at ture to Ecuador. Bags. 9 - 11 a.m., Goodwood Commu - For more information call June Harper at 8:30 a.m., SE corner of the Port Perry Goodwood United Church . 11 a.m. Sun., April 2: Uxbridge Legion cel - nity Hall. $5/child 12 years and under. 905 640 3347. Arena parking lot (1655 Reach St.). Pre - – 1 p.m. Soup, homemade bread, ebrates One Year of Open Mic Af - Info and pre-register by April 8, contact Sat., May 6: Uxbridge Lawn registrater by e-mail to Geoff.Carpen - dessert and beverage - $5. For more in - ternoons. From 2 - 5 p.m. Bring your Pam Beach at 647-467-3105, Bowling Club Open House , 1 - 3 [email protected] is required since the trip formation, call June Harper at 905 640 instruments, your voices and your friends [email protected] or visit p.m. Open Bowling May 8-11 at 7 p.m. may be cancelled if ice conditions are 3347. and enjoy some great music. Contact Goodwood Esso. Located behind the Uxbridge Arena. not suitable. For more information, visit Fri., March 31: Udora-Leaskdale Paul at 647-428-7760. Mon., April 17: Uxbridge Seniors Marion 416-678-1584. Lions Club monthly spaghetti din - www.northdurhamnature.com. Citizen’s Club Meeting. 1 p.m. Tea & ONGOING ner. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. All you can eat NEXT WEEK Sat., April 8: S.P.A. Day - Singing, dessert potluck. Wear a funky hat in ho - spaghetti with garlic bread, salad, desert Tues., April 4: Uxbridge Writers' Performing, and Acquiring New nour of April Fool’s Day. Bring a photo of Uxbridge Legion : Bingo every Thurs - with beverage. Adults $12, children 5 Circle. New members welcome. Skills! Join Pineridge Chorus from 10 you as a baby or child. Special speakers. day, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30. Eu - and under, free. Uxbridge Arena, Boardroom 1, 1 p.m. a.m. - 3 p.m. Free lunch included - Trivia. chre every Friday, 7 p.m. Meat Rolls Canadian Tire. We are dedicated to encouraging and Women of all ages Welcome! Call 905- Mon., April 17: How to plan a every Saturday, 4 p.m. Sat., April 1: Girl Guide Cookies promoting the art & skill of writing in a 473-2342 or go to pineridgecho - spectacular Fall garden., Clare - Community Soup Lunch at St. An - for sale. The 1st Uxbridge Ecuador In - supportive environment. Membership rusuxbridge.ca to register. mont Garden Club. Guest Marjorie drew's Chalmers Presbyterian Church dependent Trip Unit will be selling the free, open to all genres. Contact vick - Sun., April 9: Cantorei Sine Nomine Mason, a plant expert, author and radio Hall. Every Wednesday, 12 - 1 p.m. Pay popular cookies outside of Canadian Tire [email protected] chamber choir , directed by Stu Beau - show host. 7:30 p.m., Claremont United what you can to support Loaves and Uxbridge from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Choco - doin, presents Renaissance music by Church. Follow us on Facebook or visit Fishes Food Bank. Delicious soups & Josquin. Greenbank United Church, 7:30 www.claremontgardenclub.ca for further desserts supplied by various churches & p.m. No ticket required. Adult donation details. Free for members, $5 for guests. service groups. For information contact of $10. recommended. Contact 705- No need to be a Claremont resident. 905-852-4753. 357-3299 for more info. Thurs., April 20: Lunch ‘n’ Learn: Tues., April 11: Bethesda-Reach "Downsizing Diva" Shirley COMING UP is a FREE community bul - Thank You Women’s Institute Spring Lunch - Couglin. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 12 letin board. If you have a community eon & Fashion Show . Trinity United noon - 2 p.m. Moving? Purging? Spring event for a charity or non-profit organiza - Church, 12 noon. Featuring fashions Cleaning? Find out what to keep, what to tion that you’d like us to mention (AS from Brocks, Port Perry. Tickets $20. Re - sell, and what to toss. Programme starts SPACE PERMITS), please contact us at serve now, 905-852-3925; 905-852- with a pay-what-you-can lunch catered by [email protected] or 905-852- 4024; or 905-985-3976 to order. North House. Call 905-852-7016 to re - 1900. The deadline for our next issue is Proceeds donated to charity. 12 noon Tuesday.

)e family of the late Helen Harrison would like to thank everyone for their sympathy and caring at this very di*cult time. )anks to those who called, messaged, came to support us in some Alexandra way. It does have a huge impact and we will never forget the Mitchell support. DD Denturist )ank you to the EMS, Uxbridge Fire Department and Durham Regional Police; special thanks to PCs Michelle and Derek from the Port Perry Detachment – so kind and caring – we cannot say enough about them. Helen was an amazing lady and is sadly missed by us and the huge community she was so proud to be a part of. George Harrison and Family Uxbridge Denture Clinic 2 Campbell Drive Suite 307A Uxbridge

905-852-5859 [email protected]

Twins Looking for full time Experienced Seasonal NAILS & SPA Labourers AND DZ Drivers to join our professional Blower 905-852-9009 truck and Hydroseeding operations team. •NAIL CARE •WAXING Successful candidates must be a team Free player, have a positive can do, get the job •MASSAGES Mani+Pedi ($35*) done attitude and superior work ethic. Must •SKIN CARE be capable of working in a fast paced, with Eyelash Extension labour intensive environment and must be •REGISTERED MASSAGE able to lift 50lbs without strain. Punctuality THERAPIST AVAILABLE *$35 covers one of the following services and willingness to work long hours and Pedicure & Manicure Saturdays are an asset. Driver’s License G recommended for labourer position. Mon. - Sat. 10:00am - 6:00pm • Foot Reflexology Massage Sunday Closed • Wages – Labourers: $18.00 - $20.00 per Basic facial (45min) hour, DZ Drivers wages based on 307 Toronto St. S. Unit 12 • experience and drivers abstract. Uxbridge (across from Zehrs) Bio Gel Refill • French Polish Gel Manicure Please forward resume to www.twinsnails.ca [email protected] or fax 905-478-4263 • Queensville, ON The Uxbridge Cosmos 7 Thursday, March 30, 2017 COSMOS BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD

905-852-5313 HOME MARTINS OFFICE PAINTING COTTAGE Interior & Exterior Wallpapering, drywall ISA Certified Arborists ISN ’T IT TIME YOU & plaster repairs, Established 1981 - Fully Insured OWNED A • Bucket Truck & Crane, Early Style Canadian Crown moulding, Professional Climbers GILLDERCROFT ? Handcrafted Pine Furniture Home renovations • Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding 905-852-2275 9269 David Watts, B.Sc. (Agr.) www.gilldercroft.com 3rd Concession 416-347-6469 www.uxbridgetreeservice.com

RON BROWN AUTO Katie Clark MSW, RSW INCOME TAX Counselling Services 278 Main Street N., Unit 5a DOOR SERVICE INC. We will not be undersold. Finding Solutions Together Uxbridge Pickup & Delivery Garage Doors We service all Individual, marital and 905-852-9779 in the makes and models. family therapy Uxbridge Area & Openers We fix it right the first time! Elgin Centre 304 Toronto St. S., Unit 214 Over 25 years experience 170 Main Street North Uxbridge 905-852-1981 905-862-4100 Call Eric 905-852-9110 uprightdoorservice.com 905-852-5981 [email protected] katieclarkcounselling.ca [email protected] Windcrest CLASSIFIED

electrical contracting ltd Classifieds are $10/week up to 25 words; $0.10 per additional word (plus HST). Payable in advance by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. Contact [email protected] or 905-852-1900 Deadline: Tuesday, 12 noon. Ask about online link possibilities, too. Paul Fraser For all your Cell 416.527.0878 home projects SERVICES PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL: Electrolysis FOR SALE by Karen. Call for a free consultation 905-985- SPRING IS IN THE AIR! It’s time for spring : $1,500. Summer [email protected] 9085 9/1 2006 SATURN VUE AWD cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home. alloy rims and tires, Winter steel rims and tires, esa #7007893 ALEXANDER COMPUTER SERVICES: Quality Let me help you! Including interior decorating new battery, complete new brakes. Runs well, repair and sales from a local, experienced services. Let’s get started! 647-882-1920 3/30 roof racks, AC, sun roof, fog lights, etc., regular IGHT FOR OUR ATH professional. Call 416-629-6626 (ask for Kevin) L Y P oil changes, body showing it's age. Contact Barb: DECKS & FENCING : Does your deck or fence or visit www.alexandercs.com 3/30 “I will take pleasure in 905-649-0407. 3/30 need repair? We are a company that specializes TUTOR: I provide private tutoring in my home; your laws and remember in decks & fencing. No deck is too small or big. elementary, high school, college and university. I CAMERA COLLECTION: 15 unique cameras your words.” Very competitive prices, 20 years’ experience, 2- also work within the business community. 905- and accessories from Sweden, Germany, Psalms 119:16 year written warranty, free estimates. For all your 852-1145. 6/1 Switzerland, Japan, Russia, etc. Must be outside upgrades & projects, contact RBC Decks. WANTED purchaased aas a complete package. Asking Ron, 416-705-9993. 4/6 $1,200, or best offer. Please call 705-228-8108 RENTAL ACCOMMODATION for 60-year old UxBRIDGE BRANCH SPRING CLEAN-UPS , aerating, fertilizing, for details. 3/30 male. Parking for one. Immediate occupancy. More Bible help at: grass cutting and more. Seniors’ discount. Jason’s Reference available. Call Brian, 905-852-6790. FOR RENT www.biblesociety.ca/the_word_and_you Property Maintenance. 905-862-2644. 4/6 4/6 PADDOCKS: Approximately 1 acre w/ predator INCOME TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICES : SEWING INSTRUCTOR: New fabric store in wiring, shelter. 2 acres w/ partial predator wiring, New clients welcome. Self-employed to corporate Uxbridge seeking someone to teach sewing shelter. 7 acres w/ full predator wiring, corral, clients, over 25 years in the field. Lynn Eldridge, lessons for adults and children. Possibly Tues. & shelter plus stalls - fields split into 2, shelter can 905-852-7281, [email protected] 5/18 UXBRIDGE MEMORIAL COMPANY Thurs., early evenings, & Saturday mornings for be added. Organic farming opportunity. Hay REGISTERED NURSE to provide foot care in children ages (7-14). If interested please call orders now being taken. 905-852-7634. 3/31 108 Brock Street West, Uxbridge L9P 1P4 your home. Diabetic, ingrown toe nails, callus, 905-852-9779 or email corns. Veterans welcome. Total Comfort Care. 2-BEDROOM BASEMENT APARTMENT , [email protected]. 3/31 Dave & Lori Tomkinson 416-287-0673. 4/20 Uxbridge. Parking. On-Site laundry, separate COR-BLIMEY! MOBILE COMPUTER NATIVE CEREMONY in need of standing entrance, walk to downtown. Large kitchen, SERVICES: PC & Mac friendly - local & award deadwood. Will remove safely (& free of charge), spacious living area. No smoking/pets. Tel: 905-852.3472 • 1-888-672-4364 • Fax: 905-852-0085 winning - we get to you quickly and fix your call Frank, 416-705-8427. 3/31 $1250/mo. inclusive. First & last required. Avail. [email protected] immediately. 416-805-3972. 3/30 problems fast. Call Mick @ 905-715-3080 or MUSICIANS (MATURE): Drums, guitar and checkout www.corblimey.ca 3/30 female vocalist to join piano, sax and bass. Light EVENTS EXPERIENCE THE COMFORT OF A GREAT jazz/pop at Shobrook Gardens, Uxbridge. Call MOVING AWAY ART SALE. Big barn at 6100 BRA. The Girls Bra Boutique, 6316 Main St., 905-862-3709. 4/6 Main St. S., Uxbridge. Sunday, April 9, 11 a.m. - Stouffville. 905-642-3339. An uplifting FARMLAND TO RENT: Competitive rates! Call 4 p.m. 416-801-8120. 4/4 experience! 3/30 416-571-1081. 4/6 FORAGING WILD FOODS FOR A FABULOUS FEAST. Free seminar at Richters Herbs, Goodwood. Join Karen Stephenson Sunday, April 2, 2 - 3 p.m. Everyone welcome. Enjoy the warmth of Go to www.richters.com/events for more Pine Furniture information or call 905-640-6677. 3/31 Custom designed and built by Ross Colby FREE • In Uxbridge Since 1973 • 22” MONITOR, 32” JENSEN TELEVISION (silver colour). Perfect for cottage use. Call 705- 4 Sandy Hook Road 228-8108. 3/23 905-852-3617 rosscolbyfurniture.com The Uxbridge Cosmos 8 Thursday, March 30, 2017

Onstage Uxbridge Presents

Uxbridge Music Hall March 30th to April 8th Thursday, Friday, Saturday Evenings at 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday Matinées at 2:00pm

Producers: Tanner Ferris and Cheryl Atwood Director: Michael Winn Johnson

Vocal Director & Choreographer: Michelle Charrette

Tickets available: Book and Lyrics: Howard Ashman Online at www.onstageuxbridge.com Music: Alan Menken In person at Sugar Fx Rights: Music Theatre International