Issue 2 Vol 12 - Uxbridge Town Talk

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323 Toronto St S Uxbridge, ON L9P 1Z7 (905) 852-1212

content

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12 / DECEMBER 2010

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4 Town Talk Tidbits 5 The Business of...

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8

December Events

The Nutcracker

Your Community

Facebook

Your Christmas Traditions

14 Community Calendar

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Unsung Hero

The Singing Referee Maggie’s Got Wheels!

Managing Editor: Carly Foster Art Director: Kirsty Kernohan Office Manager: Tracey Hutchinson Copy Editor: Jodi Avery MacLean Graphic Designer: Caitlin Christoff Taillon Staff Photographer: Deborah de Ville Contributors: Scott Campsall Matt Filion Randy Loewen Susan Salisbury Sarah Terrion The Tin Mill Bakery Cover: © Rcaucino | Dreamstime.com

Our Favourite Hostess Gifts for Under $20

28 Your Neighbourhood Christmas Light How-To

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Seasonal Safety Faces of Uxbridge Strength and Confidence for Teens Maddy Eddy Uxbridge Aglow

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26 Local Products

Kids

Homemade Bath Bomb Photo Bookmark Real Mom Tips Colouring Page

29 Guest Column Healthy Holidays

30 From My Mom’s Kitchen Holiday Chunky Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce The Foster Family Cheeseball

Contact Us Phone: 905-862-3747 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Office Address 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 1 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1E6 facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk twitter.com/uxtowntalk Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township office, Uxbridge & Zephyr libraries, Elemi Organics, The UPS store, the Tin Cup and more.

(Correction: In November’s Unsung Hero story, it was St. Joseph Catholic School who brought donations to the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. We apologize for the error.)

Editorial Message: Unless otherwise stated, all product reviews, articles and other features are chosen by us and are unpaid. If you would like to be featured, please contact us.

Uxbridge Town Talk is a monthly publication by Sweet World Media. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the claims, views, opinions, comments or advertisements herein.

The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Uxbridge Town Talk does not endorse any advertised product, service or event. The Publisher is not responsible for any typographical errors. Advertisers are responsible for any copyright issues. No part of this publication, including advertisements, may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Copyright © Sweet World Media 2009- 2010 www.sweetworldmedia.com

uxbridgetowntalk.com

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We have stories on keeping safe while shopping, Elgin Park’s December transformation and profiles of Uxbridge’s top hockey referee and a budding teenage singing sensation. Readers share their holiday traditions via Facebook and our two page kids section is sure to be a hit while parents make a list from our under $20 local hostess gifts.

Welcome to our holiday issue.

What better gift could we give than to share the best story of all: Maggie’s got wheels! Read on for the update of our October Unsung Hero, and how our community has once again come through for one of its own.

More than anything, the holidays are a time of giving. Woven through these pages are several ways you can help those in need in our town.

We are collecting items for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, and would love for you to bring a donation to our office at 24 Toronto St. N. until December 22. See page 4 for details.

Each month we’re tweaking section design or adding new pages or brainstorming stories. But we’d really love our readers’ help! Please send story ideas, feedback and suggestions to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Enjoy!

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town talk tidbits Santa’s in the house

The jolly man himself zips away from the North Pole to greet Uxbridge girls and boys big and small— even pets!—starting Saturday, November 27 after the Santa Claus parade until Christmas. You can find him in his hut in the municipal parking lot beside the CIBC near Brock and Toronto streets. Don’t forget your camera and wish list. See his hours posted on the building, or visit www.uxbridgebia.ca.

Christmas choirs

The air will fill with the sound of music this holiday season with three magical choir performances.

December 3 brings the baroque, classical and folk sound of the Monday Morning Singers at St. Paul’s Anglican Church with director Anne Mizen (www.mmsingers.org); December 10-11 the One Voice Uxbridge Singers also grace the St. Paul’s Anglican Church with director Charles White (www.onevoicesingers.org); and December 21-21 the Uxbridge Messiah Singers are at Trinity United Church with director Thomas Baker (www.uxbridgemessiahsingers.com). See our calendar for more details.

Local trees

Wondering where to get a real tree with that can’t-be-beat real pine scent? Look no further than the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario website at www.christmastrees.on.ca. Here you can find a local farm, along with tips on how to care for your tree, real tree facts and holiday tips. Alternatively, the Optimist Club of Uxbridge starts selling their famous firs starting December 3 at Canadian Tire.

Toys for tots

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Join Canadian Tire in raising a mountain of toys for Uxbridge kids in their 12th annual drive. All donations stay in town, and are distributed through local organizations. Drop off unwrapped donations at Canadian Tire, McDonald’s, Zehrs, Walmart and Uxbridge Bruins hockey games at the arena.

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Help us help

Last year Uxbridge Town Talk adopted a family for the holidays (and you can, too, by calling the Salvation Army at 905 852 0090). This year, with the addition of our new office, we are hosting a food drive for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. We encourage you to stop by before December 22 with a nonperishable food item from their most wanted list: pasta, canned salmon, tomato sauce, tuna, ketchup, mayonnaise, canned fruit and veggies, cold cereal, pork and beans or toiletries such as toothpaste, hand soap and laundry detergent. We are located at 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 1, open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thank you for helping us help!

the business of...

B y Car ly Fo s te r M anaging Ed i to r

Who: Nancy Einsmann, director

The Nutcracker

Where: The Academy’s regular rehearsals and classes are held at the Music Hall and the Senior’s Centre; to keep costs down, the Academy does not have its own studio. The set— designed by Roxy Theatre owner Cathy Christoff—is stored in Einsmann’s mother-in-law’s garage. One piece of it has been in Einsmann’s living room for the past six weeks

What: The Uxbridge Dance Academy bi-anual performance of the Nutcracker Why: This cherished, whimsical holiday ballet is brought to life every other year by Einsmann at the Music Hall. It tells the story of a little girl who goes into a dream state and has a fantasy about a nutcracker doll becoming a prince. “It’s a very moving, emotional story,” she says. “It’s about young love, growing up, and Christmas.” Einsmann does the show bi-annually because of how much work the show is to bring together; she also likes students to learn not just the choreography of a performance, but also technique.

By the numbers: 100 ballet students, volunteers create the show, including several parents during the party scene; Einsmann says the dads just love working with their daughters. Students are ages 3.5-25 (the Nutcracker is a fourth-year dance student from Ryerson University). The performance runs 1.5 hours, including intermission, with 250 available seats each night, from December 15-19.

This is the 3rd Nutcracker performance in 6 years.

Einsmann herself has been teaching for 15 years

Biggest reward: “A month ago, I was working with a 12-year-old girl, and it was the first time she heard the music for snow flakes. Her face just lit up; the music is just magical.

A lot of these kids will not hear classical music unless taking dance or music. But it’s so important to them at this time.

You forget...that the imagination of a little kid is a magical thing. It’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Biggest challenge: Balancing the organizational and administration end with the creative stuff. “Tickets, seating plans...this is not my forte,” she laughs. “I constantly feel like I’ve a different hat on all day. Once I start teaching and being creative, I don’t want to get out of it.”

Nancy Einsmann, the Nutcracker, and sugar plum fairy Olivia Croxall are part of the whimsical ballet at the Music Hall this holiday season. Submitted photo.

Neat: When kids come back to see you, especially the kids you wouldn’t necessarily expect. “But they make a point of coming back and telling you how important you were,” Einsmann says.

Contact: 905 852 4621 www.uxbridgedanceacademy.ca

Uxbridge Squash Club member Jonathan Gladstone tests out the new f loor at the Uxpool court.

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Caroline and Steve wish Joy and Peace to all our wonderful friends and neighbours during this beautiful Christmas Season

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your community

Teen program promotes strength, confidence

Seasonal Safety

B y Car ly Foster M anaging Editor

By Scott Campsall Special to Uxbridge Town Talk

Teens looking to build self confidence, strength and respect can learn from a special © Kirsty Pargeter | Dreamstime.com program just for them.

Rob Sparkes started Uxbridge Full Circle JuDuring the holidays, more people are out and about from a distance. Keys are much less of a deterrent jitsu after moving here from Pickering to help give older teens something to do in town. because you have to get really close to the atwhile carrying larger sums of money than usual.

“Jujitsu gives better confidence going into tacker to use them as a weapon. The main idea is Sadly, this is common knowledge to individuals high school,” Sparkes says, who has two boys, who prey upon unsuspecting shoppers, and means to convince attackers that you are not worth it.

13 and 17. “We see kids hanging out, the vanthe danger of being assaulted or robbed is higher. dalism. Martial arts is all about respect and Consider these safety tips based on prisoner interdiscipline.”

If someone is following behind you, views as to what they look for in a potential victim.

His club is for teens 14+, and teaches the art look them in the face and ask them a quesof jujitsu: a combination of Akido, Karate and tion, such as the time. You lose appeal as a Judo that is 2,000 years old. It’s a great sport to Attackers are most likely to go after a target when you have seen their face. learn for self defence, especially for those on woman with a ponytail, bun, braid, long the smaller size and women, he adds. hair or other easily grabbed hairstyle.

“It’s not just about kicking and punchAs a rule, it is generally safer to take the elevaing, it’s also about throws and locks,” says tor instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible Sparkes, who has been in the martial arts for People on cell phones, searching through places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.

15 years, and seven years prior in kick boxing. purses, or other activities while walking “It promotes taking the attacker’s weight and are off-guard and easily overpowered. strength and using it against them.”

If you must get physical to defend yourself, Classes at Uxpool run Monday and Wednesuse your strong points (teeth/biting, elbows, knees) The most common places women are against their weak points (eyes, ears, nose, throat, day at 8:15, with a $60/month fee.

“This is my passion” he says. “But Jujitsu is groin). Scratching is also good to mark the attacker abducted or attacked are grocery stores, ofalso about becoming a better person.” and get skin/blood/DNA under your fingernails. fice parking lots/garages and public restrooms.

For more information, call 905 862 3407.

These types of men are usually looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they do not have to worry about getting If a robber asks for your wallet and/or caught. Do not let this happen! Do everything purse, toss it far away from you. Chances are, If your driving or traveling with you can to stay in the place where your attack he is more interested in it than you. Then run someone you do not know well or are started; putting up a fight also dissuades them. as fast as you can in the other direction. concerned about, take a picture of them, their car with license plate, and their home Although unconventional, one way to deter If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, with address and surrounding area with an attacker is to act abnormal. By spitting, blowkick out the back tail lights, stick your arm out the your cell phone and email it to yourself and ing your nose or snorting, pulling your hair, talking hole and start waving like crazy. The driver will not a few other people. This creates a record.

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1) 2) 3)

7) 8)

9)

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nonsense and generally acting bizarre, you often repulse or scare the attacker into thinking you may have something contagious, or at the very least, you are unpredictable. This means that they are not as much in control as they originally thought and/or you are more trouble than you are worth.

see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

5)

uxbridgetowntalk.com

These men said they would be less likely to pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used as a weapon

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Women have a tendency to get into their cars and just sit (texting, making a list). Don’t do this! Attackers will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for one to get in on the passenger side and/or attack you. As soon as you get in your car, lock the doors and leave.

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________ Renshi Scott Campsall is a 4th degree black belt and chief instructor at Okami Kai Karate and Aikido in Uxbridge. He is also an advanced instructor with On Guard International, where he has been trained and certified in control and defensive tactics and non-physical crisis intervention. www.okamikai.com.

Uxbridge Aglow: Fantasy of Lights Celebrates Its Third Season

B y Car l y Fo s te r M anagi n g Ed i to r

Th e e nt ra n ce to the displays. B elow : L i g ht s h ows f rom churches, b u s i n e s s e s a nd communit y o rg a n i z at i o n s.

Submitted photo s.

uxbridgetowntalk.com

The normally pitch blackness of Elgin Park at night is aglow with twinkling hues of of the holiday. Trees light the night sky, covered in warm red, green, blue and white LED lights, while carols fill the air.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 16 when the 3rd annual Fantasy of Lights begins at Elgin Park.

Put on by the Optimist Club of Uxbridge, it features light displays from dozens of local businesses, community groups, schools and churches. Past participants include Zehrs, the Bonner Boys, the Uxbridge Legion, Joseph Gould Public School and Uxbridge Town Talk.

Bring the family through by car, or dress warmly and meander through by foot. The club asks for a donation at the entrance, with all funds raised going to youth initiatives in Uxbridge.

The show runs until December 25, from 6-9:30 p.m. For more details or to sign up to create your own display, visit www.uxbridgeoptimist.com/fantasy-of-lights.

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unsung hero

By Susan Salisbury Special to Uxbridge Town Talk

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: The Sin

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Uxbridge is a hockey town, and like every area with a strong hockey culture, there are puck heroes to be found. Chris Murray, Uxbridge’s referee-in-chief and volunteer scheduler extraordinaire, is one of these heroes.

Those who know him say he is the real deal: an old-school, fun-loving, charismatic, no-nonsense ref who is respected by coaches, players, parents and Uxbridge hockey fans alike. He’s known as the singing referee for belting out his favourite country songs between plays.

An Uxbridge Township resident for almost 40 years, Murray started off in hockey as a coach. Surprisingly, he has not played a game of hockey himself in four decades, preferring coaching and refereeing instead. His responsibilities include boy’s and girl’s rep, house league, and men’s and women’s leagues (although he does not schedule the latter). Murray coached at all levels of minor hockey for 20 years, and has been refereeing for the past 18.

As head ref, his responsibilities don’t end when he leaves the ice. All scheduling and booking of game officials is done through him, and

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The charismatic Chris Murray, referee-in-chief for Uxbridge.

Ph o tgra p hy by D e b o ra h d e Vi l l e

he also helps to train and mentor new referees. The Sandford resident has recently started a new career working full-time for a property services company Murray’s dedication to the game that he loves is evident as soon as he skates onto the ice. When Murray is in charge of a game, fun and safety are of the utmost importance. And make no mistake, he is in charge on the ice!

Parents are pleased when they see Murray before the puck is dropped, because they know that when he officiates, their kids will have fun. Murray is often called

by Ontario Minor Hockey Association officials and requested to skate a difficult game if it is felt that there could be confrontation between players. He is known for his ability to handle difficult on-ice situations and to effectively control unruly, unsportsmanlike players and coaches. He is also often requested to skate out-oftown games, as he is respected throughout the region for his game.

Throughout each game, Murray is always positive. He truly enjoys working with these kids and this is evident from the smile on his face—and his jovial singing—during each game.

nging Referee

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Often he can be heard giving a word of advice to a player, or encouraging a goalie that lets one get past by giving the dejected player a pat on the helmet and a word of support. He understands that hockey is a contact sport and that there will be a certain element of physicality in each game, but his philosophy of fun and safety remains foremost. He also believes in fairness, so he sometimes gives a player a warning before he sends them to the penalty box.

He is highly respected by players, young and old alike. When they see him in the hallway before a game, the good news is passed throughout the dressing room: “Hey guys, Chris is reffing our game!” The players know that they will have a good, fun match and be treated fairly.

When he is asked why he spends over 20 hours each week on the ice his response is, “I love the game of hockey and I want to give something back to this community.” Yes, he is paid for part of his work, but his level of involvement and commitment far exceeds the remuneration that he receives.

If you haven’t seen Murray in action, stop by the arena to witness something special: a community leader who consistently models fairness, respect, tolerance, understanding and positivity on a level rarely seen.

The hockey community--players, parents, coaches and spectators--in Uxbridge is thankful to Murray for his years of dedication and ability to keep the game fun and fair. ___________ Susan Salisbury lives in Uxbridge with her two sons and is a full-time teacher at Dr. George Hall Public School in Little Britain. Her son Colin has played hockey at various levels since 2002, an she is a long-time Uxbridge hockey fan.

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unsung hero: an update

By Carly Foster Managing Editor

uxbridgetowntalk.com

When I left Maggie McCreath’s house on a windy September day, I fought back tears all the way to the office. We chose to profile McCreath for her contribution to the community—specifically her annual coat drive, Operation Warm Hearts—but her story was so much more than that.

McCreath is a fixture of several local charities; she lives on a limited income and is disabled, yet volunteering is her life. After suffering a stroke while seven-months pregnant with her son in 1985, she was left paralyzed on her right side, leaving her with mobility and reading challenges. Her son Nico was born with cerebral palsy and requires ongoing support for Asperger syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

During our chat, McCreath’s friend Mary told me this incomprehensibly generous woman was without a mode of transportation. Her retrofitted van needed around $1,000 to get it back on the road. We decided it was the least we—and Uxbridge—could do for someone who has so little yet gives so much.

It didn’t take us long to raise the money after we ran the story in our October issue. But then we discovered McCreath’s van was actually not worth fixing. Suddenly we had thousands and thousands more to raise.

But almost two months later, and guess what? You helped raise more than $17,000.

That number still boggles my mind. I’ve never before been part of a fundraising initiative such as this, and I’m not kidding it has changed my life. We talk so much about how different the world is nowadays, how it’s not as homey or caring or generous as it used to be.

We proved that’s a bunch of crap.

Miracles do happen.

And if you could have been there a few days ago to see McCreath’s absolutely beaming face as she posed, releasing her trademark hoot of a laugh, beside her shiny navy van? Oh, how it made my heart sing.

There’s no way we could have done this without the Maggie Van Team of my business partner and Uxbridge Town Talk Art Director Kirsty Kernohan, Cathy and Mark Christoff of the Roxy Theatres, Wynn Walters, George Pratt, the Uxbridge Lions Club, and the uber generous Wayne Feasby with Williamson Uxbridge. And of course the dozens of service clubs, businesses and individuals who so open-heartedly gave to our Unsung Hero.

We are thrilled to say: Maggie’s got wheels!

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Christmas T r a d i t i o n s

facebook

We asked the 670 fans on our Uxbridge Town Talk Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk) about their favourite holiday traditions. Here is what they said:

Sarah Terrion I love to lace up my running shoes Christmas morning and be the first footprints in a light soft snow (or sand if my husband and I are down south). Playing carols in my fitness classes and laughing with my family at gatherings are other favourites!

Julie Andreassen My husband and I do last-minute shopping in Yorkville Christmas Eve day, with lunch at Holt Renfrew. Music playing in the streets; snow falling; windows all done up. It is so beautiful.

Deborah de Ville The family all get together for a game of hockey on the lake followed by spiced rum and eggnog--and, of course, a turkey dinner!

Randy Loewen Christmas morning wouldn’t be the same without my freshout-of-the-oven cranberry muffins, hot mini croissants and cheddar cheese.

It’s been a tradition in our household for more than 20 years.

Glen Buchanan “I read How the Grinch Stole Christmas to my son.

I started reading it to him while my wife was still pregnant with him; this year I’ll be reading it to Rowan and Corrie’s belly again!”

Laura Fockler Christmas Eve we have a family dinner with my aunt, uncle and grandparents. We all head to church after dinner for the evening Christmas service. Every year, my sister and I open one gift on Christmas Eve and it is always a pair of pyjamas. We put on our pj’s and play board games together as a family. Christmas Day we open our stockings first. After stockings we have brunch that my Dad makes (usually bacon and eggs). In the afternoon, we have my Mom’s whole family over for dinner. She has four sisters and they all have kids so it’s a full house (27 to 30 people)! It has been this way for as long as I can remember and spending time with family is what really makes my Christmas special.

Katie Blenkhorn-Assinck My parents have done this tradition for 38 years with the same couple (with add-ins along the way): We head out the first Sunday of December to go Christmas tree cutting. Afterward we head back to my parents house for some yummy food and great company. A wonderful tradition that my children now get to enjoy!

Bonnie Penfold Making a Christmas Eve chocolate fondue!

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Tonia Wilson Ferguson Generations of homemade ornaments (by children of course) on the tree.

For Christmas dinner, party crackers popping and everyone wearing their coloured paper crowns during dinner.

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december community calendar Wednesday December 1

Festival of Lights Presented by Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation. Enjoy complimentary cookies, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, pipes and drums, fireworks and of course, Santa! Free.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Hospital Front Lawn, 4 Campbell Dr. Contact: 905 852 9771 ext. 5286 Christmas continues at the Uxbridge Hospital Gift Shop You will find many of the same lovely seasonal gift items you previously purchased at our “Tis the Season Christmas Store.” Open Monday-Saturday until December 11. Free 1/2-hour parking and we are HST exempt!

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Hospital Gift Shop, 4 Campbell Dr. Contact: 905 852 9771

Friday December 3

Christmas in Song & Story Presented by the Monday Morning Singers, with special guest Kenneth Welsh reading Dylan Thomas’ “A Children’s Christmas in Wales.” Children under 12 free. Tickets available at Presents, Blue Heron Books and the door. $15.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St. S Contact: www.mmsingers.org Socks Socks Socks! Wonderful handknit socks!

The most popular class available. Choose from a wide variety of varigated sock yarn (and there are solids available too!) $89. Needles extra.

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: On the Lamb, 53 Toronto St. N. Contact: 905 852 1944 www.onthelamb.ca Optimist Trees The Uxbridge Optimist Club once again sells the best trees in town. Ongoing through December.

Time: Daily Where: Canadian Tire, 327 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9344 www.uxbridgeoptimist.com

uxbridgetowntalk.com

A Merry Little Christmas With Jacob Moon. A delightful evening of carols and holiday songs.

Join us for gourmet coffees and decadent desserts. Tickets in advance are $10 or $15 at the door.

Time: 7 p.m.

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Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St.W Contact: 905 852 3662 www.uxbridgebaptist. com

Saturday December 4

2nd Annual Past & Presents Gift Show & Sale Come support local artisans with one-of-a-kind ideas for your holiday gift giving and decor needs. Hand-painted decor and gifts, jewellery, accessories, organic product line, refreshments and more. Free, but donation appreciated to the Uxbridge Historical Society.

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 Con. 6, Contact: 905 852 5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Infant Massage Day Our Registered Massage Therapists will teach your family how to massage your little one. Relieves discomfort from gas, colic and constipation, deepens bonding, increases alertness, improves immune function and much more. 45-minute private instruction $45. Availability is limited.

Time: 9 a.m.

Where: Creekside Wellness, 53 Toronto St. N. at Tin Mill - Upper Level Contact: 905 862 3777 www.creeksidewellness.ca Santa on Board the Heritage Train Santa Claus seems to be everywhere during December, but he’s making a stop at the Uxbridge station on Saturdays, December 4 and 11, and Sundays, December 5 and 12. Seating is limited and by reservation only. Santa will be visiting each child at their seat with goodies. $18.

Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway St. Contact: 905 852 3696 www.ydhr.on.ca.

Christmas Bazaar 2nd annual Christmas bazaar. Craft room for children, and Santa will visit with candy canes! Donations welcomed to the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital.

Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

Where: Butternut Manor, 3 Norm Goodspeed Dr. Contact: 905 852 6777 www.butternutmanor.com

Open Mike Night! Presented by Martini Events. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Bar tickets available.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: 69 Brock St, 2nd floor Contact: 416 566 5521 martinievents@gmx.com Greenbank Folk Music Society Concert by Juno nominees The Sultans of Swing. Tickets at Blue Heron Books. $25.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Greenbank Centennial Hall, Hwy 12 north of Hwy 47 Contact: 905 985 8351 www.globalserve.net/~ynot/grnbnk.htm

Monday December 6

Knock Out Hunger Night 12 An open house event with martial arts demonstrations, meet Santa to get a photo and more. Admission with a non-perishable food item for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. Everyone is encouraged to attend and spread the word to knock out hunger with us!

Time: 6 p.m.

Where Body Fit, 141 Reach St. Contact: 905 852 1521 www.okamikai.com

Tuesday December 7

Elegant Holiday Entertaining Time to entertain, but what to make? An elegant menu friends and family will love: spinach, pear and leek soup with Stilton; rack of lamb with a black olive port sauce; Roquefort potato gratin; and green beans with tomatoes and bacon.

Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Passionate Cook’s home, 62 Brock St. E Contact: 905 862 3359 www.thepassionatecook.ca

Wednesday December 8

Wicked Wrist Warmers Just the thing for gripping the steering wheel or your shopping bag while you trip down Brock or Bloor street. $44.99 with needles and taxes extra.

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: On the Lamb, 53 Toronto St. N Contact: 905 852 1944 www.onthelamb.com (continued on page 19)

wish

CHRISTMAS 2010

list

STaR

light, star bright, first star I see tonight.

I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight.

Bench Jacket $179; Odd Molly Knit $275; Scotch & Soda Top $115; Odd Molly Tunic $189; Fidelity Denim $210 Manitobah Muluks $279

(Him) Scotch & Soda Check $115 (Her) Michael Kors One Shoulder Dress $225

(Below) Michael Kors Sweater $250; Michael Kors Silk Tank $175; Michael Kors Riding Pant$165; Pick Up Sticks; Ball Chain $12; Silver Plate Necklace $76; Chunky Sparkle Necklace $60;White Pearl Charm $20

(Her) Desigual Overcoat $189.99; Free People Coat $349.99; (Him) Scotch & Soda Top $115

Michael Kors Dress $225; D-E-P-T Jacket $195; Michael Kors Leather Gloves $125

Michael Kors Dress $295.00

Michael Kors Blouse $145; Bench Scarf $49

Free People Beanie $46; Free People Socks $40; Manitobah mid-Mukluk $179; Michael Kors T-neck $125; Free People Top $118; Free People Short $34.50

(Left) Bench Hoodie $109; Maison Scotch Pullover $115; D-E-P-T Legging $69; (Right) Michael Kors Vest $175 Maison Scotch Pullover $115; Brave Belt $98; Paige Boyfriend Skinny $242

Michael Kors Sweater $250

Michael Kors T-neck $125;Free People Duffler Coat $349.99; Paige Skinny Jean $265

Free People Top $105; Free People Cardi $177; Free People Cargo $118; Hunter Boots $150

Strawberry Threads Clothing Inc. 86 Brock Street West, Uxbridge 905 852 3683 www.strawberrythreads.ca

Hunter Boots $150; Bench Sweat Pants $89; Lauren Moshi Sweatshirt $216; Manitobah Fur Trim Mitt $69

Models:Todd, Lissa,Asia, June Hair & Make Up: Asia Krol Location: The Tin Mill Restaurant, Uxbridge Photography: Randy Loewen of www.studio4photography.ca Designed by: Sweet World Media

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for the Uxbridge Skating Club. A fun morning with face painting and more. Tickets at the door. Children $5, adults $7.

Time: 7a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 1232

Friday December 10

Singles Masquerade presented by Martini Events Bar tickets available. Prizes, free hors d’oeuvres, DJ entertainment and more! $10 cover charge.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: 69 Brock St, 2nd floor Contact: 416 566 5521 martinievents@gmx.com

Joy to the World Christmas Concert The One Voice Uxbridge Singers present Joy to the World Christmas Concert. Also runs December 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets available at Presents $15; children under 10 free.

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: St.Paul’s Anglican Church, 65 Toronto St. S Contact: 905 852 6686 www.onevoicesingers.org The First Christmas Show Hosted by Neil Crone. Proceeds to benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation. Please bring a new toy to donate to the Uxbridge Toy Drive. Tickets available at Woods & Woods $13.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 905 852 1810

Saturday December 11

Breakfast with Santa Pancakes, crafts and a visit with the jolly old elf.

Time: 9 a.m. - Noon Where: Zephyr Community Centre, 310 Zephyr Rd. Contact: 905 473 9401 Gingerbread House Workshops Zehrs Uxbridge is holding eight gingerbread house workshops for kids. Classes are one hour December 11, 12, 14 and 17 at various times. Please see in store for details or register by phone.

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Upstairs at Zehrs, 323 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 5009 Take TIME Swim at UxPool It may be snowy outside, but bathing suits and water play make it feel like summer. Hosted by Uxpool staff.

Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Swimming Pool, 1 Parkside Dr, Uxbridge Contact: 905 852 7831 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca

Tuesday December 14

The Holiday Dinner Buffet This dinner is great for smaller groups looking to celebrate the season.$29.95.

Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: Wooden Sticks 40 Elgin Park Dr. Contact: 905 852 4379 www.woodensticks.com

Wednesday December 15

The Nutcracker The Uxbridge Dance Academy presents its bi-annual performance of the Christmas classic, the Nutcracker. Tickets $15 students/ seniors, $20 adults. Ongoing through December 19.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 905 852 4621 www.uxbridgedanceacademy.ca

Thursday December 16

Fantasy of Lights See Elgin Park like never before! Light displays sparkle in the night sky, as dozens of displays come to life from local organizations. Brought to you by the Uxbridge Optimist Club. Donations welcome to support youth initiatives. Daily through until December 25.

Time: 6 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Elgin Park, 180 Main St.S Contact: www.uxbridgeoptimist.com

Friday December 17

The Holiday Luncheon Buffet Enjoy a festive buffet lunch with family, friends and colleagues.$19.95 Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Wooden Sticks 40 Elgin Park Dr.

Contact: 905 852 4379 www.woodensticks.com Blood Donor Clinic It’s in you to give. Every unit of blood donated can impact up to three lives.

Time: 1 – 7 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Contact: 1 888 2 DONATE www.blood.ca

Saturday December 18

Christmas Mistletoe Gala Celebration presented

by Martini Events Bar tickets available. Prizes, free hors d’oeuvres, DJ entertainment and more! $10 cover charge.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: 69 Brock St, 2nd floor Contact: 416 566 5521 martinievents@gmx.com

Monday December 20

Horse lover’s Holiday Camp Designed for Horse Crazy kids ages 4 to 13, our holiday camp program is a great way for kids to stay active over the school break! Each day will combine fun indoor activities in our heated lounge with lots of hot chocolate and time in the saddle in our large indoor arena and hopefully some time out in the snow. Both half and full days are available as well as the option of registering for one, two or all three days. Call or visit online for details.

Where: Sanford Stables, 521 Sandford Rd. Contact: 905 852 7553 www.sandfordstables.net Free Public Skating Sponsored by Tim Hortons.

Come out and have some fun with family and friends.

Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081 Handel’s Messiah Uxbridge Messiah Singers directed by Tom Baker. Runs also Tuesday December 21. Tickets available at Presents, UPS and Blue Heron Books. Goodwill suggested offering of $20.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave. Contact: www.uxbridgemessiahsingers.com (continued on page 20)

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Horticultural Society Pot Luck Dinner Prize presentation for flower show results and photo contest. Installation of 2011 executive.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St Contact: 905 852 7318 www.uxbridgehorticulturalsociety.com

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Wednesday December 22

The Holiday Luncheon Buffet Enjoy a festive buffet lunch with family, friends and colleagues.$19.95.

Time: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Where: Wooden Sticks 40 Elgin Park Dr. Contact: 905 852 4379 www.woodensticks.com

Friday December 24

Skate with Santa Join Santa Claus on the ice for a free family event Time: 2:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St.W Contact: 905 852 3662 www.uxbridgebaptist. com Christmas Services at St.Paul’s Family Christmas Eucharist at 4:30 p.m.

Carols by Candlelight at 10:30 p.m. Midnight Christmas Eucharist starting at 11 p.m.

Time: Varies Where: St.Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St S. Contact: 905 852 7016 www.stpauls-uxbridge.ca Candlelight Christmas Eve Family Service Everyone is welcome to join us for a simple time of song and reflection on the wonder of God’s gift.

Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

Where: Living Water Community Church, 141 Reach St. Contact: 905 852 2059 www.lwcconline.ca Saturday December 25 Christmas Day service at St.Pauls Time: 10:30 a.m.

Where: St.Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St S. Contact: 905 852 7016 www.stpauls-uxbridge.ca

Friday December 31

uxbridgetowntalk.com

New Year’s Eve Party All-night buffet, music.

Tickets at the Legion. $75 per couple.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Royal Canadian Legion, 109 Franklin St Contact: 905 852 5293 uxbridgelegion.ca

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New Year’s Eve Bash presented by Martini Events Live Band and DJ. Bar tickets available.

Catered event. Free bottle of champagne for each table. Prizes, prizes, prizes! Tickets available in advance. Limited seating. $50.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: 69 Brock St, 2nd floor Contact: 416 566 5521 martinievents@gmx.com Senior’s Club New Years Eve Dance New members always welcome for $5/year. New Year’s Dance $10.

Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Contact: 905 852 9477 Mayor’s Levee New Year’s Eve Come skate with Mayor Gerri Lynn O’Connor Time: 5:15 - 7:15 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081

Regular Events Shop the Trails of Uxbridge A good, old fashioned, small-town Christmas ongoing until December 25. The BIA invites you to bring your Shop the Trails guide as you visit local shops and services, then relax at one of the many distinctive and delicious eateries for a latte or meal.

Contact: www.shopthetrails.ca Uxbridge Bruins Home games are every Friday night except Christmas and New Years eve.

Time: 7:45 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081 www.uxbridgebruins.com Indoor Farmer’s Market Honey, baking, fruits and vegetables and more. Runs every Sunday until March 13, except November 21 and December 26.

Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena Community Hall, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 416 689 8980 Artists of Uxbridge Local art group bringing artists together. The group meets weekly to draw and paint, share demonstrations, and to participate in various workshops. Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.

Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

Where: Zehrs Community Room, 323 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 6357 jcbutler@powergate.ca Mat Bowling Join us every Thursday starting November 4 at the Seniors Centre through the winter months. Bowls provided.

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Where: Senior’s Centre 75 Marietta St. Contact: 905 852 9477 Weekly Ladies Interdenominational Community Bible Study Ongoing Tuesdays. All ages welcome.

Time: 1 - 2 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St. W Contact: 905 862 2846 Children’s Play Group Ongoing Tuesdays. All ages welcome.

Time: 9:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church 231, Brock St. W Contact: 905 862 2846 Line Dancing every Wednesday. Please call for details.

Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Siloam Hall Contact: 905 640 6927 Bingo Great jackpots every Thursday.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: 905 852 5293 www.uxbridgelegion.ca Euchre Anyone who likes to play is invited. Fun and prizes. Open to non-Legion members.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Legion 109 Franklin St. Contact: 905 852 5293 www.uxbridgelegion.ca Udora Play Group For moms and their kids ages 0-6 years. Come out and have some fun with your little one. Repeats each Tuesday and Thursday.

Time: 10 a.m. - Noon Where: Udora Community Centre, 24 Victoria St. Contact: 705 228 8716 GURR Community Run A casual run with the Greater Uxbridge Road Runners, every Thursday, with a variety of distances. All runners welcome.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena Parking Lot, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 7224 www.gurrclub.org

Baby Boot Camp Join a group of parents who are exercising and getting fit by playing with their babies. 1.5-18 months. Please register ahead of time. Weekly on Thursdays.

Time: 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 4192 www.sunriseuxbridge. com Yoga with Jill Enjoy a peaceful end to your day.

Whether a beginner or experienced in yoga, you can practice at your own pace.

Time: 8 - 9 p.m.

Where: St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 40 B Toronto St. S Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca

5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays also available.

Time: Various Where: Athlete’s Club, 69 Brock St. Contact: 905 852 4774 wendy1234@sympatico.ca

and their stroller-age children. Tuesdays.

Time: 9 a.m.

Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com

Phatcamp Bootcamp This class for men and women is designed to be more intense as the weeks progress, but is for all fitness levels. Effective training focusing on lower and upper body, agility training, circuit training, interval exercises, running and more.

Time: Please call Where: 69 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 4774 wendy1234@sympatico.ca

Power Pilates A unique exercise method that strengthens the core, increases flexibility and body awareness. Various tools are used to add variety and challenge. Instructor: Brenda Ostermaa.

Ongoing Tuesdays.

Time: 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness 85 Second Ave. Contact: 705-437-2196 www.nrg4lifefitness.com

Running Group Hosted by Wendy Lee. Starts on November 24 Call or email for particulars.

Learn to Run 10km Clinic If introductory run- Time: Various ning has become a comfortable routine, the next Where: 69 Brock St, W. step in the journey is to master 10 kms. Clinic Contact: 905 852 4774 wendy1234@sympatico.ca classes will consist of interval training, long distance runs, varied strength and muscle building Flow Yoga This class is a combination of Vinyasaand more. flow style Yoga fused with more dynamic Hatha Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Yoga poses. Wednesdays.

Where: Elgin Park, 181 Main St. S. Time: 9:30 a.m.

Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Urban Pole Walking By using custom poles (provided), reduce stress and weight on your hips, Cardio Sculpt and Flow Yoga Two popular forknees and other joints, improve your posture, mats combined into one fantastic class. Recharge increase your cardiovascular workout by over 25 your batteries for the week ahead. Check the per cent and burn up to 400 more calories com- website for updates or any last-minute schedule pared to your regular walking. Mondays. changes. Mondays.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Various locations Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Insanity Combat These classes are high intensity with a lot of sweat. Cardio, strength training at high-intensity intervals. Great for those who like a tough workout. Monday-Fridays at 6 a.m., 7 a.m.,

Muscle Fusion An upbeat class that will strengthen every muscle in your body using free weights, stability ball, bosu, tubing and gliders!

Great overall workout!! Instructor: Brenda Ostermaa. Ongoing Thursdays.

Time: 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 705-437-2196 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Public Skating Onoing Wednesdays 7 - 8 p.m.

Thursdays 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Sundays 1 - 2 p.m.

Special Holiday Skating December 20 - 23 daily Noon - 1 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081

Reach thousands of readers in Uxbridge Town Talk’s monthly events calendar!

Our print events calendar is FREE for non-profit organizations and current month’s advertisers. Listings are $25/ each, or three/$60. Our online calendar is always FREE, and updated regularly at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/eventlistings. Email events by the 15th of the month for incluStroller Bootcamp Powered by moms on a mis- sion in the print calendar to info@uxbridgetowntalk. sion. Enjoy the outdoors in an interval program com. We are not responsible for errors or omissions. using bands and your own body’s resistance, this class is designed for the unique needs of moms

With the holidays and new year apAchieving a healthy body composition while losproaching, many of us start to think ing, maintaining or in some cases, gaining weight, is personal change: I’d like to eat better. I’d like to lose weight. I don’t know how to fit fundamental to improving health. exercise into my life.

“I monitor my clients and adjust their programs as they Sherri Cragg and Nutritional Wellness progress to help them lose fat and maintain or build muscle,” Clinic can help.

Cragg says. “When a person achieves a healthy body compo“I teach people how to achieve their sition, their risk for conditions such as type II diabetes and health goals through nutrition, healthy cardiovascular disease decrease significantly and frequently eating and supplementation, as well as ex- they experience an increase in energy.” ercise, and stress reduction,” she says. “Basically I coach people Cragg has recently moved her main office to Uxbridge, and as they make therapeutic lifestyle changes that will benefit is pleased to be working with Dr. Jeff Kinnersly of the Uxbridge their health.”

Chiropractic Centre at 26 Brock St. E. House calls are availHer goal since starting her practice in 2006 is simple: help able in addition to in-clinic appointments. people live healthier, happier and longer lives.

“It is difficult for all of us to change our habits,” says Nutritional Wellness Clinic Cragg. “Usually our habits develop because they make Sherri Cragg, Registered Nutritional Conus happy. Unfortunately some of our habits are counsulting Practitioner and Registered Orthoterproductive to good health and we need to change molecular Health Practitioner, BASc, MASc or adjust them. I help people understand what hab26 Brock St. E. its they need to change and why, making the transi647 339 4566 tion as simple, manageable and enjoyable as we can.” sherri3lee@gmail.com advertising feature

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The holidays bring personal change

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Te d B a r r i s i s a co m m u n i t y p h i l a nt h ro p i s t, j o u r n a l i s t a n d o n e o f Ca n a d a’s m o s t e m i n e nt h i s to r i a n s. ( p o r t ra i t by St u d i o 4 Ph o to gra p hy )

Rise On the G hjdcbm

faces of uxbridge

By Randy Loewen Special to Uxbridge Town Talk

Presently, Eddy is taking voice lessons with a voice coach to strengthen her vocal for the all-girls choir, Bella Nove. The fruits of her labour will be presented in a Christmas concert at year-end.

Her proudest moment to date came this past August as a member of the Ontario Youth Choir, where she auditioned for one of 40 spots.

“It was difficult to get into.” she says, adding the audition took place in the presence of internationally acclaimed director Iwan Edwards. “I was poor at sight reading and I totally butchered the song!”

Thankfully, the director recognized her singing ability and gave her a chance to continue, providing she practiced her sight reading. “I had seven days to practice for three days of performing in London, Orillia and Toronto.”

So, what’s next for Eddy? She just recently completed a demo tape with a few songs to send to various record labels in Toronto, with hopes to launch a professional singing career. She is also rehearsing for Ryleepuss Productions’ Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, scheduled to hit the stage at the Uxbridge Music Hall February 13 to 27, 2011.

But her next planned performance will be less prestigious.

“I’ve been asked to sing at our company Christmas party,” she says with a big smile.

If you’ve ever heard Eddy sing, you know her sparkling voice will be music to the ears of her co-workers. And if you keep your ears open, you might even get a chance to hear her beautiful voice in the aisles of a grocery store near you! __________________________________ Faces of Uxbridge is a regular series profiling interesting people of Uxbridge Township. Email your suggestions to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com.

Portrait by Randy Loewen of Studio 4 Photography www.studio4photography.ca

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Most people go to the grocery store to buy food; Maddy Eddy goes there to be discovered.

Eddy, an 18-year-old native of Glasgow (Uxbridge Township, not Scotland), is a budding singing talent who has made numerous performances over the past several years, including church concerts, stage productions and, most recently, the 50th anniversary of Goodwood Public School where she had attended elementary school.

Recognized for her singing talent at an early age, Eddy’s start as a songstress happened in a most peculiar way.

“There’s not a time when I can’t remember Eddy singing,” says her mother, Kim. “We were grocery shopping, and Eddy was singing in the aisles. A lady approached me and told me what a beautiful voice she had.”

Thus launched the start of what is sure to be a long singing career for this young chanteuse.

After having been “discovered” at the age of 8, the number of public appearances has steadily increased along with Eddy’s popularity. One recent not-soon-to-be-forgotten appearance was in the December 2008 Uxbridge Secondary School reprise of The Laramie Project, in which Eddy played several roles, one that featured her performing a solo. Directed by drama teacher Amy Blizzard, the controversial play focuses on the kidnapping and beating death of 21-year-old gay university student Matthew Shepard just over a decade ago in Laramie, Wyoming.

Surprisingly, the USS play came to the attention of outspoken pastor, Fred Phelps, of Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, who threatened to amass his followers and come to Uxbridge to protest the performances.

Despite the wide press coverage, the protest did not occur; however, the performers were kept on edge throughout the ordeal.

Looking back at the experience, Eddy says that despite the controversy at that time, her biggest challenge was relating to the characters she portrayed.

“One of the characters was Muslim….and it was difficult to connect, so I really needed to fall back on personal experiences in order to get the point across,” she says.

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uxbridgetowntalk.com

kids

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Kids are really what make Christmas such a magical time of year. Here are some great ways to get them involved in the holiday spirit of giving, love and family plus a fun colouring page.

Homemade Bath Bomb A great gift for teachers, mom or any special lady in life.

1 cup baking soda ½ cup citric acid ½ tsp. essential oil ½ tsp. witch hazel 1. Add liquid ingredients first and mix together.

2. Add baking soda and mix together.

3. Add citric acid and mix together.

4. Pack into desired mold (tin or hard plastic works best) then flip the mold upside down to release the bath bomb.

5. Package in cellophane with ribbon or raffia.

SOURCE: Elemi Organics (www.elemi.ca)

RealByMom Tips Carly Foster Managing Editor

• To keep toys from taking over your house, adopt this mantra: one toy in, one toy out. Consider doing this in preparation of Christmas and make a toy donation to Chances Are or a local charity.

• Each year my friend purchases each of her three kids a Christmas ornament. While they hang on the tree now, these unique baubles will leave the nest when her children do, creating a set of decorations for their own individual trees filled with memories.

• Consider going au naturel for parts of your tree this year. Kids love stringing popcorn and cranberries for an old fashioned look; these are great hung on outdoor trees for the birds and squirrels, too! Letting orange slices and clove dry hanging from tree branches will leave a lovely smell; and gingerbread and shortcake cookies are fun to decorate and hang.

• There are many volunteer opportunities in Uxbridge for kids of all ages, from assembling gift boxes via school to serving Christmas • Kids thrive on routine, which is why dinner to the less fortunate. Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved. the traditions surrounding ChristAnyone who reads a lot will give this gift great reviews. Cut a mas become so meaningful.

My piece of 2”-wide grosgrain ribbon or card stock 3” longer than Mom has always made a sour cream • Each year, more than one milthe height of a standard book; snip a point at each end to prevent fraying, if using ribbon. Attach a photograph of the child to coffee cake on Christmas morning, lion kids send Letters to Santa so via Canada Post, and receive along with a fruit cocktail served the bookmark using a glue stick for paper or hot glue for ribone back from the jolly old cold from the fridge just as I like bon. A perfect accompaniment slipped between the pages of a elf himself. Address yours c/o it.

And we always get to open one new book, or peeking out of a stocking on Christmas morning. gift on Christmas Eve. I have carried The North Pole, H0H 0H0. these over to my own family now.

SOURCE: Adapted from Martha Stewart Crafts

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Come check out our MANY Fitness Classes for FREE!

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local products Country charm Cheers for cheap The price point of the popular Fuzion wine is what makes it so perfect as a bring-along gift for any event this season. But its pale ruby colour, dry and medium bodied flavour with hints of candied berries and black pepper also make it a perfect pairing for holiday meals. $7.75 at the LCBO, 2B Wellwood Dr.

Homey and handcrafted in Port Perry, the smell of this Orange Pomander Prim-Pourri is filled with essence of orange, cranberry and spice. Aside from the heavenly smell, we’re tickled with the super cute mini pumpkins, dried orange slices and cranberries it’s made from. $10 at Not Just Country, 12999 Regional Rd., Zephyr

Our favourite hostess gifts for under $20

Festiveness for the foodie Turkey Spice Rub, Ice Wine Jelly and Larry’s B.B.Q. Sauce can be enjoyed all holiday long. Handmade on site, making these a shop-local special. $5.49-$8.49 at the Meat Merchant, 3 Brock St. W.

Sweet treat for two

Make note taking fun

Cold nights necessitate hot drinks, and we loved this fun cone of hot chocolate. Layered with drink powder, chocolate chips and marshmallows, it’ll keep your hostess (and a friend) toasty from the inside out. $5.95 at Presents, Presents, Presents, 60 Brock St. W.

uxbridgetowntalk.com

The funky designs of these Peter Pauper Press notebooks will bring a smile of delight to anyone’s face. $10.99 at Coles, 2B Wellwood Dr.

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Christmas keepsake Create a memory with a friend with this delicate porcelain keepsake ornament. $19.99 at Hallmark, 2B Wellwood Dr.

Spicy gourmet The gift of aroma We thought this chic reed diffuser would look fabulous on a hallway entrance table, greeting guests with the available scents of bayberry, Christmas memories and holiday. Give all three and spread cheer around the house. $6.59-$14.99 at PharmaChoice, 2 Brock St. W.

These tasty all-natural shortbread coins have no preservatives, hydrogenated oils, yeast or trans fats, and are handmade in Canada. And seriously, how can you resist the take-out carton to swing from your pinky as you arrive at a party? $8.95 at La Petite Fleur, 43 Brock St. W

Name pleasure Someone in our office loves small utensils, and just may have bought these bejewelled beauties for herself. A useful gift for spreads, pickles and more during party season. Plus all proceeds go to the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary. $2.49-$5.49 at the Hospital Gift Shop, 4 Campbell Dr.

Add some whimsy to finding your place at the table with these adorable bell shaped name holders. Their brass look gives vintage charm that will class up any meal. $1 each at Shabby Lane Interiors, 80 Brock St. W.

uxbridgetowntalk.com

A small token

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your neighbourhood

Christmas Light How-To

Determine the style of your home. Is it ranch? Tudor? Victorian? Basic tract box? Multi-story? Use lights and/or other ornamentation that will complement your home’s facade. Just like accessorizing yourself for a party, you want to select the right jewellery for the outfit, the occasion, and your body size and style.

Use fasteners. Long before these fancy plastic clips there was the staple gun, a la Clark Griswald. No need for rusting pieces of metal and holes in your siding/eavestroughs! Space your fasteners uniformly with the distance of area between the bulbs on your light strings for an even look.

Get inspired. Google is your best friend, as are home decor magazines this time of year. www.tackylighttour.com has some great (and not-so-great!) ideas.

Stand back. Once your lights are up, there’s no better way to admire your decorating skills then stepping back and taking a look.

Test before you climb. Make certain all your lights work and that there are no frayed areas in the cords before you take them up the ladder. Ditto on locating power sources and having an exterior cord compatible with your lights and the weather it will endure.

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Get help. Either another body to help feed lights and tools from the ground, or attach an S hook to your ladder to hold a bucket or tote with your tools.

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Make ‘em dance. Want to be the cool kid on the block and make your lights flash to music? There’s a great tutorial at www.wikihow. com/Make-Your-Christmas-Lights-Flash-to-Music.

SOURCE: www.wikihow.com, www.buzzle.com

guest column Healthy Holidays

By Sarah Terrion Special to Uxbridge Town Talk

‘Tis season to be jolly, but unfortunately, the Christmas turkey is not usually the only thing that gets stuffed over the holidays. These tips will help you enjoy your Christmas festivities without putting on extra pounds.

Know the facts. The average turkey dinner contains more calories than the average adult needs in an entire day (for many, it’s almost double the amount they need in a day). The turkey and the vegetables are not the culprits: it’s all the fixings, trimmings, desserts and drinks that go along with this festive meal. In fact, Christmas dinner can contain the amount of fat grams required for an entire week. CNN reported that the average North American adult gains 7 to 10 pounds over the holiday season. Don’t be a statistic!

Focus on the reason for the season. Focus more on faith, family and thankfulness rather than feasting. Think of food as a periphery item, a fringe benefit.

Don’t fast before big events. To prepare your body for the big feast later in the day, you may be tempted to save calories by skipping breakfast or other meals. While eating every few hours is always important, it’s essential before a holiday gathering. It keeps your metabolism high, allowing your body to continue burning calories, instead of sending you into starvation mode, in which your body hangs on to them. Eating something beforehand also prevents you from becoming so famished that you devour fatty foods at the event.

Practice your refusal skills. What will you say to turn down Aunt Edna’s gravy soaked butter biscuits? What will you say when you are subjected to peer pressure to eat? Practice your responses. If you don’t feel comfortable telling people that you are trying to trim up, perhaps a health-related excuse will be more comfortable. Who’s going to argue with “I want to reduce my cholesterol”?

Eat slowly. Remember, it takes the stomach about 15 to 20 minutes to signal the brain that it’s full. By then, we’ve usually overeaten, especially during the holidays. Eat slowly, savouring every bite.

Small portions. Just because you want to enjoy all of the foods served during dinner doesn’t mean you need a full serving of each dish. Take enough to allow yourself one or two bites of each item, with larger portions of low-fat items and turkey. If you deprive yourself of dessert (or a glass of your favourite wine), you may be setting yourself up for greater temptation.

Move! Instead of gatherings focused on food, plan an activity. Hike our local trails with your family and fido. The one hour of daily activity recommended

by Health Canada does not have to be done at one time. While shopping our

local stores, move briskly, or park farther away and do 10 minutes of strength training before you shop ‘till you drop.

Don’t hang out by the food.

If you park yourself in front of the hors d’oeuvres, you just may graze yourself an extra 300-1,000 calories before you even sit down to dinner. If you must eat before the meal, pick a few low-cal items, put them on your plate, and move far, far away from the food.

Drink water and limit your alcohol consumption.

Make sure you always have a glass of water in your hand.

Your hands and mouth will be occupied and it will help to fill up your stomach a bit so you don’t overeat.

Manage stress. Take time to relax! Give yourself permission for some down time by pencilling it in just as you do all your commitments. Don’t feel obligated to attend every social event you are invited to.

It’s peace of mind knowing that you are taking time for you over the holidays too. This is one of the best gifts you can give yourself!

Sarah Terrion is owner NRG 4 Life Fitness in Uxbridge, and a CFP certified nutrition and wellness specialist, personal trainer, fitness instructor yoga certified. www.nrg4lifefitness.com.

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from my mom’s kitchen The Foster Family Cheeseball Most every holiday event with my family—especially around Christmas!—features my Mom’s famous cheeseball. It’s tangy and cheesy and sweet and one of my most favourite food items on the planet. A huge crowd pleaser and heirloom recipe. ~Carly Ingredients 1 250 gram package of brick cream cheese at room temperature or softened a little (light works great) 2 c grated old cheddar cheese 2 tbsp mayonnaise 3 good shakes Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder 1/4 c finely chopped red onion 1/3 c finely chopped sweet mixed pickles 1/2 c very finely crushed nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds work best)

Combine all ingredients except nuts. Mix very well; if very soft, refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Using wax paper form into log or ball, then roll into crushed nuts. Add a few chopped red/green cherries on top if desired. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Tastes the best when made ahead one day. Lasts for five days in fridge.

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Holiday Chunky Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

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A winter classic courtesy of the Tin Mill Bakery www.tinmill.ca + Ingredients 1 ½ c canola Oil 1 c white sugar 1 c brown sugar 3 large eggs 3 tsp vanilla 3 c all purpose flour 2 ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 4 c apples diced, peeled ¾ c walnuts, chopped ¾ c pecans, chopped

For bundt pan: 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter and flour a 12” bundt pan. Beat together the oil and two sugars, either by hand or with an electric mixer.

Then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt into a separate bowl, then stir into the batter.

Fold in the nuts and the apples, pour into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Note: the batter will be quite dense and heavy.Bake in preheated oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until a skewer or knife comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Caramel Sauce 1 c of sugar 6 tbsp butter 1/2 c heavy whipping (35%) cream Melt sugar in a heavy bottomed pan stirring continuously with a wooden spoon over medium heat until it is all melted and begins to boil. Be careful not to burn the sugar or have it on too high a temperature. Add in the butter and whisk until smooth. Take off the stove and slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Let it cool before serving with cake.

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