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Managing Editor: Carly Foster Art Director: Kirsty Kernohan
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Phone: 6474763056
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From The Publishers
The holidays for us have always been about traditions and family. We close our eyes and think of crackling fires, opening one present on Christmas Eve, Santa leaving stuffed stockings at the foot of beds, chocolate before breakfast and sour cream coffee cake on Christmas Day. And every night filled with family and laughter. These Christmases are especially exciting for us, as our children are right at the ages where they understand what is happening. It’s so special to see the wonder and magic of the season reflected in their eyes – it’s like Christmas is exciting and new all over again. We hope you enjoy some of our readers’ holiday rituals inside and on our website from the Holiday Traditions Contest last month. We loved reading about famous fruitcake, ethnic meals, and Christmas tree cutting adventures. We’re sure you’ll take pleasure in reading the winner’s 44yearlong Christmas Eve skating tradition with her family. Family comes in many forms, one of which is the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary. In their distinctive royal blue smocks, these hardworking volunteers have raised millions for our hospital the past 50 years, and look out for one another along the way. Read on to get a behindthescenes look at this indispensable organization. Please also do not forget that Uxbridge has many families who need help at Christmas and all through the year. Uxbridge Town Talk has adopted a family of six – please help us make this a special time of year for them. As you start your holiday shopping, remember that Uxbridge’s businesses have big hearts and support your local schools, charities and causes through the year. Many have free events, treats and special sales for you this month. Did you know that spending just $50 at three homegrown stores can keep our town viable? See our Town Talk Tidbits for more details. Shop local this Christmas! We tested out the new Thai restaurant this month, have a great profile of an Uxbridge tree farmer, and our favourite locallysourced products for the holidays. Enjoy! Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.
Copyright Sweet World Media 2009.
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Help us help a family
Uxbridge Town Talk has adopted a local family of six this holiday season, including four children. We have been asked to provide warm clothing such as hats, mitts, undershirts, hoodies and pajamas. We’re also compiling a food hamper for Christmas, including meat, canned veggies, bread and more. We would love any donations from businesses or readers to help make this family’s Christmas special. Contact us at info@uxbridgetowntalk.com or 6474763056. To adopt a family yourself, please contact Bev Northeast at the Salvation Army at 9058520090 or email bnortheast@powergate.ca
Freecycle this holiday season
Uxbridge Christmas Toy Drive
Drop off a new, unwrapped toy that will bring a smile to the face of a child in Uxbridge. Please do not forget gifts for teens! Bins located at Canadian Tire, Bruins games, Zehrs and McDonalds. Toys collected until noon on Christmas Eve.
Join 600 residents on the nonprofit Uxbridge Freecycle Network to keep good stuff out of landfills. Post things you want to get rid of, and watch for neat items to acquire. Perfect for the holiday season’s mantra of one new thing in, one old thing out. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uxbridgefreecycle/
Grocery bills for charity
Want a quick and easy way to help our public library and hospital? Save your Zehrs bills! For every $450, they receive a $1 donation.
What three, independently owned businesses in Uxbridge would you miss if they disappeared? Your purchases are what keeps them around. Pick 3. Spend $50. Save your local economy. www.the350project.net
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By Carly Foster
LR: Auxiliary members Judy Hackett, Betty Chapman and Shirley Vance show off some of the wares at the 'Tis the Season Christmas Store, proceeds of which support our local hospital. The store is located at 20 Bascom St.
On a crisp Tuesday morning in November, the sun is just starting to peek over the top of the back of 20 Bascom St., casting a shadow on the dozens of people anxiously waiting for Chances Are to open. This is the regular scene the second day of the week, the day after the volunteers of the Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary close the beloved “nearly new” store to sort and price donated items. When the doors finally open at 10 a.m., the patient group of shoppers turns into ardent bargain hunters. There is an air of excitement inside as people exclaim over a glass pedestal cake stand ($4), antique mirror ($2) and plastic children’s tea set (25 cents). "It meets the needs of people in town who need affordable clothing and items,” says Shirley Vance, the organization’s vice president. “But also for those who don’t – it’s amazing what you can find.” Last year the store made more than $100,000 selling gently used clothes, toys, giftware, kitchen goods and books. It’s a major source of funds for this dedicated group of more than 250 volunteers who raise money for the 20bed Markham Stouffville Hospital Uxbridge site on Campbell Drive. In their royal blue smocks, the auxiliary is one of the most recognized volunteer groups in town. In 1954, a group of nurses living in Uxbridge formed the organization with the goal of building a community hospital. On January 12, 1959 – after years of fundraising and financial support from other community groups – the doors of the Cottage
Hospital opened. To date, the auxiliary has donated more than $2.2 million to the hospital and Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation, which each year provides the Auxiliary with a wish list. These funds have purchased two mammography machines, six hospital beds at $10,000 each, new computer systems, furniture and more over the past 50 years. This year, the auxiliary is raising funds for a digital bone density machine.
"You have to keep replacing hospital equipment,” Vance says. “It’s like computers – things get outdated quickly.” The hospital foundation is exceptionally grateful for the auxiliary’s hard work. “The time, effort and dedication put forth by its members over the years has been outstanding, not to mention, the consistent financial support provided to the hospital,” says JoAnne Gray, executive director of the foundation. “The Auxiliary are an amazing and talented group of fundraisers who are greatly appreciated.” The group of more than 250 volunteers is like a family. Members watch out for each other, and
volunteer meetings and shifts are social outings for the membership of mostly retirees. “That hospital was built by the town, by the people,” says Vance. “A lot of the older people in town remember and respect that. “There’s a real sense of community pride, of, ‘Hey, we have a hospital in our small town.’ And we want to be able to keep that hospital,” she adds. “That’s what our main goal is. To keep our hospital with the best equipment we can possibly have.” As well as the Chances Are store, volunteers help at the hospital itself with inpatient service such as wheeling people to their cars, giving food in recovery rooms, and taking care of patients’ clothes during procedures. The hospital gift shop is staffed by auxiliary members, and each year a half marathon in town requires many volunteers to organize. Vance is quick to point out the auxiliary is not just made up of women, either. Men “provide strong backs and the mechanical and carpentry skills that some projects require,” the auxiliary brochure says. Vance adds they are always needed, especially at Chances Are where lifting big bags of clothes out of bins and around the store is difficult. “Over a period of a year, volunteers put in approximately 20,000 hours, and nobody in the auxiliary gets paid,” she says. “That does not include the people who do baking, knitting at home, either.” To find out more about the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation, or to volunteer or make a donation, call 9058529771 ext. 5237.
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Bagalicious
These stylish gourmet market totes can be used as a gift, reusable shopping, lunch or book bag, and are sold in a coordinating package of three. The elastic band inside helps keep bottles upright and the interior is three times the size of plastic shopping bags. Who knew ecofriendly could be so beautiful? $42 at Strawberry Threads.
Almost effortless snow removal The lightweight, snow sleigh scoop from Canadian company ERA moves the white stuff quickly and efficiently, especially with its 28” wide edge. It’s not as hard on your back as a traditional snow shovel, although maneuvering up snow banks can be entertaining.
$29.97 at WalMart
Gorgeous greens
Add some fresh pine scent and a touch of drama to your outdoor entrance with greenery. Every taste can be satisfied with designs that are traditional, whimsical and modern. Stop in for a hostess gift or ornament for that hardtobuyfor person on your list. $6.99$119 at Garden Artifacts
Guaranteed to be a crowdpleaser – and help make that family dinner a little more, ahem, tolerable – this fullbodied red has intense plum and wild cherry flavours. Notes of toasted oak provide a lingering finish. $14.95 at the LCBO
Warm and spicy and frothy, oh my! There’s nothing more soothing and relaxing than a cup of steaming, fragrant chai latte. With hints of cardamom and other spices, this frothy drink is comforting and energizing all at once – a great pickmeup for those long shopping excursions on Brock Street. $3.76 at the Tin Cup
Stuff their stockings with sweet memories Remember Pink Elephant Popcorn? Dots? Popeye Candy Sticks? Check out this amazing hidden treasure of vintage candy, Pez dispensers, chocolates, jelly beans and more. What kid or child at heart wouldn’t love some of these goodies from Santa? 5 cents$25 at Sugar FX
Turn a new toy into an old friend
A quirky Blabla doll is sure to become a cherished lovey for a special child. Handcrafted from natural Peruvian fibres, the line is irresistibly soft and cuddly. We love the simple yet contemporary style that still manages to invoke the past. $44.99 at Little Acorn
Welcome to the business of… By Carly Foster
Who: Harold Smalley
What: Smalley’s Christmas Trees. Cut your own, and some precut available Where: 7201 Regional Road 30, at the corner of Vivian Rd & Regional Rd 30
By the numbers: 100 acres, with 35,000 trees total, in various stages of growth, planted on 60 acres. Any size or type is $25, with baling (which condenses tree down to a 2 ft. diameter for transporting) $5. Ten seasonal employees and five tractors/wagons keep the business going Available: Scotch Pine, White Spruce, and a Balsam/Fraser Fir cross called Canaan. Free coffee and hot chocolate, bonfire to warm up, wagon rides and use of saws to cut down tree. Chip truck on site. Open weekends, December 520, from 9 a.m5 p.m. Why trees: The back 60 acres was very hilly and unworkable, and someone gave us the bright idea to plant trees. We put in 55,000 seedlings in 1980, and sold our first tree in 1990. We’ve been open every Christmas season since, and are now growing/selling the second generation of trees What’s your favourite part of the job?: It’s really nice to see the families, who make a trip out of it because of the wagon rides, hot chocolate, fire etc.
Biggest challenge: The weather. When you plant seedlings, if it’s too dry, they die off. We usually plant 4,0005,000 each spring, and they grow 68 inches each year. Unless there’s a bit of snow on the ground, people just don’t get into the spirit, so we pray for snow! Family: Has a son, 8
Business background: In the off season, I am a beef cattle farmer
What’s next?: After several health issues the past few years, Harold has a simple mantra: Just live one day at a time
For more information: Call Harold at 9054739229, or visit www.smalleyschristmastrees.com
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Tuesday, December 1
Page Turners Reading Club 2:153:30 p.m. We will be reading two books this month: Home from the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean and Friends, Lovers and Chocolate by Alexander McCallSmith. Everyone welcome. Refreshments provided. Zephyr Library 9054732375 www.uxlib.com
Entertaining Italian Style 79 p.m. Maria Marotta is back with a brand new recipe. Join her for a hot Italian menu full of flavour that will make your taste buds buzz. Menu includes fennel salad with candied mixed nuts and pears, penne al forno, halibut with lemon capers sauce and espresso crème caramel. $30 Community Room @ Zehrs 9058525009 Wednesday, December 2
Festival of Lights 6:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and a festive fireworks display as we light the hospital Christmas tree. Free. Uxbridge Hospital, Campbell Drive 9058529771 ext. 5286 Thursday, December 3
Uxbridge Parkinson's Support Group 1 3 p.m. Caregivers, friends and family gather to share information and experience. We can help each other! $10/ year; guests are free. www.uxparkinsons.com 9058528894
Santa Photos 68 p.m. Santa will be in his hut on Brock Street beside CIBC to meet wee ones and have photos taken. www.uxbridgebusiness.com
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A Little Princess – the Musical Uxbridge Music Hall. Tickets at Presents, Presents, Presents Friday, December 4
A Little Princess – the Musical Uxbridge Music Hall. Tickets at Presents, Presents, Presents
P.A. Day Programs 10 a.m.noon Who wants to make a Christmas present for someone special? Children in Grades 25 are invited to join us in creating a unique cloth basket. $3 per child. Preregistration necessary in the Children's Department. Limit of 15 children. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com Yuletide Madness 5:30 p.m. Santa and Carollers will be roaming various stores around Uxbridge to kickoff the holiday shopping season.
Past & Presents Local Artisan Holiday Sale 69 p.m. Unique ideas for your gift giving list, including hand painted Christmas décor & gifts, jewellery & accessories, homemade chocolate, wall art, refreshments & more. Proceeds to the Uxbridge Historical Society. $2. Uxbridge Historical Centre schoolhouse 905852 5854
A Merry Little Christmas 7 p.m. Join us at Uxbridge Baptist Church for our second annual A Merry Little Christmas event. This year we have award winning musical artist Jacob Moon, the Welcome Christmas Orchestra and folk ensemble Isobelle Gunn. Gourmet coffees and desserts. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. uxbap@uxbridgebaptist.com or 9058523662
Poems, Carols of Christmas 7:30 p.m. The Monday Morning singers directed by Anne Mizen. Special guest Kenneth Welsh accompanied by Dorothy Jovkovic. Tickets $15; children under 12 free. Available at Blue Heron Books, Presents, Presents, Presents or at the door. St. Paul’s Anglican Church 9058527016 Uxbridge Bruins 7:45 p.m. Bruins v. Mojacks. Uxbridge Arena 9058526761 www.uxbridgebruins.com Saturday, December 5
A Little Princess – the Musical Uxbridge Music Hall. Tickets at Presents, Presents, Presents
Past & Presents Local Artisan Holiday Sale 10 a.m.4 p.m. See December 4 for details
Santa Rides the Rails 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Santa will be visiting each child at their seat with goodies to distribute. Seating is limited and by reservation only. $18 per passenger or $60 for groups of four. 9058523696 tickets@ydhr.on.ca
Zephyr Seniors Christmas Luncheon 12 p.m. Annual Christmas luncheon held at Zephyr community hall free of charge to all seniors. We serve a delicious homecooked turkey dinner and desserts, offer beautiful music entertainment and give away lots of great prizes. Donations welcome. 9054731649
Sunday, December 6
Free Public Skate 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. Zehrs gives back to the community. Donations appreciated to support our local food bank. Uxbridge arena 9058521212 Santa Rides the Rails 11 a.m. 1 p.m. See December 5 for details
Christmas Social Gathering Noon Uxbridge Manor & Spa 9058526686 networkinggroup@uxbridge.com
Victorian Christmas Tea 2 p.m. Dress in your Christmas finery for the Pineridge Chorus’ Victorian Christmas Tea. Tea and sweets, songs and Christmas carols. Admission $10. Uxbridge Seniors Centre 9054732342 Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m. ‘Tis The Season Christmas Concert Featuring the One Voice Choir and gifted local musicians who all know how to usher in the Christmas season. Free Admission. Goodwood United Church 9056401781 Monday, December 7
Knock Out Hunger Night 6 p.m. Join Okami Kai Karate and Aikido as they team up with Body Fit for the annual Knock Out Hunger Night. Kid fit cardio demo class, martial arts demos, get your photo with Santa & more! Admission: nonperishable food for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. www.okamikai.com 9058521521 Beginner knitting class 79 p.m. Mondays. Presented by Friends of the Uxbridge Library. $10 for duration. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com
Tuesday, December 8 9 Simple Steps to a Healthier Family Diet 1011:30 a.m. Join Nicole Scott, a registered holistic nutritionist, as she shares simple steps for your family to achieve great health. Free. Kids welcome. Call 4164275080 for locale
Holiday Cheer Open House 14 p.m. Durham College, Uxbridge Campus hosts an open house to show our appreciation to the community, members and business representatives. All welcome! Free. 9058527848 TTD: 9057213187 Thursday, December 10
Strawberry Threads Christmas Open House 6:309 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with Strawberry Threads! Funfilled evening guaranteed. Featuring Annie Robbins from Silpada jewelry and Kristen Thornton of T Bag & Co. gourmet tote bags. For the guys, spectacular sports memorabilia by PHG Sports. Fabulous live entertainment from Uxbridge’s Lauren Malyon at 7 p.m. www.strawberrythreads.ca 9058523683 Friends of the Uxbridge Library 78 p.m. Enhance and support the extension of the services and resources of the library, and assist in raising community awareness. Membership dues required. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com Friday, December 11
Santa Photos 68 p.m. Santa will be in his hut on Brock Street beside CIBC to meet wee ones and have photos taken.
Sounds of the Season 7:30 p.m. One Voice Uxbridge Singers and the Uxbridge Youth Choir. Tickets $15; children under 10 free. Available at Presents, Presents, St. Paul’s Anglican Church 9058527016
Uxbridge Bruins 7:45 p.m. Bruins v. Merchants. Uxbridge Arena 9058526761 www.uxbridgebruins.com Saturday, December 12
Breakfast with Santa 9 a.mnoon Pancakes, crafts, and a visit with the jolly old elf. Zephyr Community Centre 9054739401 Santa Rides the Rails 11 a.m. 1 p.m. See December 5 for details
Uxbridge Arms Grand Opening Noon1 a.m. Enjoy food and entertainment as we officially open our doors. 9058521003
Santa and Treats 13 p.m. Santa is coming to Pebbles & Posies downtown! Join us for hot chocolate, cookies and photos. Look for Santa's sleigh in front of the store. 9058623490 Holiday Floral Class 24 p.m. Participants will enjoy a relaxing evening out while taking part in a stepbystep, handson experience designing their own holiday centrepieces. $40 Community Room @ Zehrs 9058525009 Sounds of the Season 3:30 p.m. See December 11 for details
Veterans Christmas Party 6 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293 (continued on page 10)
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Sunday, December 13
White Gift and Children’s Pageant Service 9:30 a.m. Goodwood United Church 9056401781 Santa Rides the Rails 11 a.m. 1 p.m. See December 5 for details
A Christmas Carol 3 p.m. Uxbridge Chamber Choir presents CBC's adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Advance tickets $15, $20 at the door. Available at Blue Heron Books and PharmaChoice Drug Store. Trinity United Church 9058524401 www.uxbridgechamberchoir.ca Monday, December 14
Moms on a Mission for Better Nutrition 10 a.m.noon Looking for other moms to get together monthly to discuss how we can impact the health of the children in our community. We will look at school lunch programs, share fundraising ideas, and much more. For locale call 4164275080 Tuesday, December 15
Uxbridge Senior Citizen’s Club General Meeting 1 p.m. Our annual Christmas tea! New Year’s Eve dance tickets available. Uxbridge Senior’s Centre 9058622144
Gingerbread Houses 68 p.m. We'll bring out the architect in your child as we walk thenm through a stepbystep tutorial of building their very own gingerbread house to take home just in time for Christmas.$20 Community Room @ Zehrs 905 8525009 Business Improvement Area Monthly Meeting 6:30 p.m. BIA monthly board meeting. Public welcome. Town Hall Scribes Room www.uxbridgebusiness.com Wednesday, December 16
Durham Farm and Family Resources Outreach 9:3011:30 a.m. Zephyr Hall 9058622750 ext 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org
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Guest Speaker Nancy Cruickshank 911 p.m. Are you ready for Christmas? Special guest speaker Nancy Cruickshank talks about her strategy for enjoying Christmas. All women welcome for coffee, inspiration and good company. Living Water Community Church 9058522059
Living Nativity 7:30 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. See December 17 for details
Uxbridge Library Board Meeting 6:309p.m. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com
Saturday, December 19
Thursday, December 17
Uxbridge Genealogy Group 79 p.m. Founded by local genealogists to share a common interest and to assist those that are trying to trace their roots. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxgen.net Holiday Floral Class 79 p.m. See December 12 for details
Living Nativity 7:30 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. Experience the joy of the first Christmas at an outdoor recreation of the Christmas story, complete with narration, authentic costumes and live animals. Centennial Park (behind the library) 9058523184 Friday, December 18
Blood Donor Clinic 17:30p.m. Uxbridge Seniors Centre 7058721304 Gingerbread Houses 68 p.m. See December 15 for details
Wine, Cheese & Carols 79 p.m. Join us for wine, cheese and Jane Loewen singing Christmas carols in the store. Free wrapping with a donation to Precious Minds. We’ll help you finish your Christmas shopping – a book for everyone! Blue Heron Books 9058524282 Community Yoga Class 7:308:30 p.m. Join Balanced Life Yoga for an alllevels community yoga class. Class is an $8 donation to the Uxbridge/Scugog Animal Shelter. www.balancedlifeyoga.ca 9058522782
Uxbridge Bruins 7:45 p.m. Bruins v. Chiefs. Uxbridge Arena 9058526761 www.uxbridgebruins.com Gingerbread Houses Noon2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. See December 15 for details Living Nativity 7:30 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. See December 17 for details Sunday, December 20
Service of Lessons and Carols 10:30 a.m. St. Paul's Anglican Church 9058527016 Monday, December 21
Beginner knitting class 79 p.m. See December 7 for details
Living Nativity 7:30 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. See December 17 for details
Wednesday, December 23
Yoga with Shasta 67:15 p.m. Join renowned and inspiring teacher Shasta for an alllevels flow yoga class designed to bring balance to your mind, body and spirit. All welcome. $16 www.balancedlifeyoga.ca 9058522782
Jam with Grainne Ryan From Grainne’s website: A tripledecker musical sandwich made with layers of rock, rop and country on wholesome folk/roots bread. Harlow’s Wine Bar and Grille 9058525262 harlowswinebarandgrille.com
Thursday, December 24
Skate with Santa 24 p.m. Join Santa Claus on the ice for a free family event. Uxbridge Arena 9058526761 Family Christmas Eucharist 4:30 p.m. Carols by Candlelight 10:30 p.m. The Mightnight Christmas Eucharist St. Paul's Anglican Church, 59 Toronto Street S. 9058527016 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St. W. 9058523662
Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Uxbridge Free Methodist Church, 81 Reach St. 9058523419 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Goodwood United Church, 3999 Front St. 9056401781
Christmas Eve Family Service with Carols 78 p.m. A simple time of song & reflection. Everyone welcome. Living Water Community Church, 141 Reach St. 9058522059
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:30 p.m. St. Andrew’sChalmers Presbyterian Church, 40B Toronto St. S. 9058526262 Thursday, December 31
Mayor’s Levee New Year’s Eve 5:15–7:15 p.m. Come skate with Mayor Bob Shepherd Uxbridge Arena 9058526761
New Year’s Eve Party Buffet, music. $75/couple. Tickets at the Legion. 8 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
New Years Dance 8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at the at the December 15 Senior’s Club general meeting – they sell out fast! Uxbridge Senior’s Centre 9058622144
Swimming, squash and skating Family swimming @ Uxpool
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:3011:30 a.m. Friday 6:308:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday 12 p.m., 7:308:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday 13 p.m.
New Years Eve with Manky Boggin. This seasoned, diverse group collectively performs a repertoire of rock and R&B flavoured classics from the early 60's to the mid 70's, with a touch of mid 80's Canadian rock thrown in for taste. Harlow’s Wine Bar and Grille 9058525262 harlowswinebarandgrille.com
Regular events
‘Tis the Season Christmas Store This seasonal shop is run by the women in royal blue of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for our community hospital. Holiday decorations, giftware, wreaths, seasonal costume jewellery & more in every price range. 9 a.m.5 p.m. MondaySaturday. 20 Bascom St. above Chances Are 9058529771
Santa Claus is coming to town December 56, 1213, 1920 Noon4 p.m. Santa is coming to town…and he’s bringing money! He’ll be at Uxbridge’s downtown and Hwy. 47 shops the three December weekends leading up to Christmas handing out envelopes to random shoppers. These will contain BIA Bucks – good at participating businesses – or gift certificates from stores. www.uxbridgebusiness.com
Fantasy of Lights December 1724 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. 9058529344 Family Play to Learn Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Thursdays 9:15–10:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Dropin and registered play time and crafts. No fee. 9058622750 ext. 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org Karate 79 p.m. Every Monday and Wednesday. Please call for details. Zephyr Hall 9058525792 Phatcamp Bootcamp Tuesdays 6 a.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday 6 a.m. Thursday 6 a.m., 5 p.m. UxPool Wendy 9058524774 www.committofitness.net
Weekly Ladies Interdenominational Community Bible Study 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Uxbridge Baptist Church. All ages welcome. 9058522846
Indoor Walking Trail 68 p.m. From the Township trails committee comes a weekly indoor walking trail at Uxbridge Secondary School. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No running, walking poles or strollers. $10 onetime fee (no charge if under 18). Tuesdays until February 23, 2010. Sign up at Uxpool 9058527831
Meditation 79 p.m. Bring comfortable cushions. Admission by donation. Runs first and third Thursday each month. Siloam Hall 9058529975 Bingo 7:30 p.m. Great jackpots every Thursday. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
Mom and Baby Yoga Boot Camp 1011 a.m. Fridays. Regain strength and flexibility and bond with your baby in this enjoyable class. Balanced Life Yoga via Kelly 9058522782 Euchre 7:30 p.m. All are welcome for a fun evening of cards and prizes every Friday. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
Santa’s Elves Wrapping Gifts Saturdays and Sundays from December 12 Santa's elves offer gift wrapping in the store in exchange for a donation to Precious Minds. Blue Heron Books 9058524282 STAND 34 p.m. Come explore and respond to social injustice here and around the world. Free every Saturday Uxbridge Youth Centre www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com 9058623456
Public skating
Wednesday 77:50 p.m. Thursday 3:154:35 p.m. Sunday 11:50 p.m.
Parent & tot skating
Monday and Thursday 10:3011:50 a.m. Thursday 12:20 p.m.
Public squash courts
SPECIAL holiday skating
For lane swimming, aqua fit and class times, plus weekend squash courts, call Uxpool 9058527831
Free skate with Santa
MondayFriday 7 a.m.5 p.m.
Udora play group 10 a.m.noon For moms and their kids ages 06. Come out and have some fun with your little one. Repeats each Tuesday and Thursday at same time. Udora Community Centre
December 2123 12:30 p.m.
December 24 24 p.m.
Uxbridge Town Talk reserves the right to edit for space. We are not responsible for errors or omissions. A submission does not guarantee printing in the magazine. We do publish every event in our online calendar at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/eventlistings. Submit yours for FREE!! Email events to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com or mail to: Event listing P.O. Box 1035 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1N3
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Give your loved ones the gift of protection and security this Christmas
Where there is more in insurance than just a policy
The staff of James Campbell wishes you all the best this holiday season
Drop off unwrapped gifts in our office for the Uxbridge Toy Drive
As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, remember who the most important people are in life – your loved ones. There’s no better way to protect them and you than proper life insurance. This guarantees your family can look after any children, pay off household debt, make up for lost income, and cover the funeral costs. Now is a good time to evaluate the needs of you and your family. James~Campell Insurance Brokers works with over 20 financially stable insurance partners to offer all types of coverage, including: ·Auto ·Property ·Business ·Recreational ·Life
·Critical illness & disability ·Employee benefits ·Travel ·Investments
They are not a direct insurer or voice on the phone, but pride themselves on having a personable, knowledgeable and professional team right here in your community. They’ve served residents from their Uxbridge and Mt. Albert locations for more than 30 years, and are actively involved in community activities such as the Fall Fair, sports teams and local charities. Next time you review your insurance needs or have questions or concerns, please call or visit their interactive website to request a quote, find afterhours claims numbers and more.
For more infomation www.jamescampbellinsurance.com, 33 Toronto St. N., 9058529191 or 18883546444.
The reallife power of natural healing Five years ago, Kathy Brunksole was in the midst of chemotherapy for breast cancer. It was not going well. “Someone suggested I do an ion cleanse with reflexology,” she says. “I started to turn around in just six weeks. It took the toxicity out of my body, and Reiki helped me so much.” The powerful natural treatments so impacted and healed Brunksole, the former corporate bookkeeper quit her job to learn the trade herself. She is now the proud owner of Renew Balance Natural Healing. Brunksole is a certified reflexologist – someone who uses the power of massage on the feet to improve health – and a Reiki Master. Usui Reiki is a simple but potent method of channeling energy by the laying on of hands, providing deep relaxation, stress relief and improvement of immune and digestive issues. “I have always loved helping people and animals and I have discovered that the body has an amazing ability to heal itself,” Brunksole says. Renew Balance also offers ion cleanses to detoxify
organs, reduce swollen joints and the pain of arthritis. With an amethyst bio mat treatment you receive far infrared which heals core healing from the amethyst gem stone and negative ions from the heat. “The biggest challenge is spreading the word about natural healing, and how easy it is to help ourselves be healthy,” Brunksole says. “I love helping people feel better, stay healthy so cancer will not attack them as it did me, and bring balance to anyone who wants to feel well.” Gift certificates available as a healthy holiday present. Renew Balance is located at 58 Brock. St. W., suite 203, above Elemi Organics. To book an appointment in the office, or your home, call Kathy at 4165661040, 9058522412 or visit www.renewbalance.ca for more information.
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Sweet, saucy, exotic and delicious: Thai Villa makes a home in Uxbridge by Carly Foster & Kirsty Kernohan
There is a peacefulness here that is in sharp contrast to the flavour explosion on our plate. Hollow Malaysian wind chimes meet crispy ginger beef. Golden Buddha meets Bangkok sweet and sour chicken. Bamboo blinds meet shrimp pad Thai. Thai Villa is a delicious and very welcome, needed addition to the restaurant roster in Uxbridge. After years of serving Uxbridge residents at their Stouffville location, owners Will and Cleo Cheung have brought their signature dishes to town – and we could not be more excited. Let’s get one thing straight about Thai food: It’s not spicy. It’s flavourful. It is packed with sensations our Canadianized meat and potatoes palates have rarely encountered, but it will not “burn your face off” as we overheard one patron inquire of his dining mate. We started our lunch with fresh mango and guava juices, plus Jasmine green tea to calm and cleanse the mouth between courses. Next came Tom Yam soup (lemongrass, tomatoes, mushrooms) and Thai hot and sour soup (tofu, dark broth), and two crispy plump spring rolls (thin mixed veggies, glass noodles) with Thai plum sauce. Soon followed three main dishes: Crispy ginger beef (crunchy, sweet), Bangkok sweet and sour chicken (saucy and sweet with red peppers), and shrimp pad Thai (glass noodles, sweet red sauce). Our entire meal was in front of us in 15 minutes. This is high quality cuisine at fast food prices (lunches are just $7.50$9.99) and quickness. Lunches include soft drink, spring roll and main course with rice. Selections change every two weeks. Our meal ended with homemade coconut syrup drizzled over deep fried banana and vanilla ice cream. This was warm and cold, sweet and a tad salty – both of us may have run our fingers through the melted leftovers
when no one was looking. While the food was delicious, the presentation was just as appetizing. The Cheungs designed everything here themselves, and we most loved the bambooinspired brass cutlery and gorgeous woodrattan chairs. The soft Thai music in the background sets the scene. The full dinner menu has almost 100 items to choose from, under appetizers, Thai salad, soup, curry dishes, house specials, noodles, rice plates and vegetarian. Takeout ordered after our lunch proved to be yummy, too. We do wish the pad Thai to go was the same sauciness as inhouse (perhaps we have to order extra sauce?) and the coconut rice had more creamy coconut flavour. As parents with young children, we appreciate the available highchairs, but have requested the Cheungs consider change tables in their washrooms. On our wish lists to try next: Deep fried wontons (wrapped with cream cheese and served with sweet and sour sauce), Nyonya curry (unique curry resulted from the Chinese
immigrants and local Malays in the Malay Peninsula and islands of Java) and coconut juice sticky rice with mango. “Thai Cuisine is all about sharing with your family,” Will Cheung says. “Never be afraid to try something new.”
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From My Mom's Kitchen
Foster Family Aggression Cookies
I used to love making these with my Mom and getting my hands all messy. It’s now a favourite and easy recipe to make with my 3.5yearold. ~Carly Makes 4+ dozen cookies 1.5 cups brown sugar, lightly packed 1.5 cups margarine/butter 3 cups quick cook oatmeal 1.5 cups white flour 1/2 tbs. baking soda
Traditional Shortbread
Preheat oven to 350 Mix margarine/butter with brown sugar until fluffy Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl Combine: mash, knead, squeeze with hands – get your aggression out! – until well mixed Roll into small balls Gently press with fork and sprinkle with sugar (white or coloured) Bake 1012 minutes
I’m not much of a baker, but I used to love eating these after my sister and my Mom made them growing up! They are a special treat to make for my family. ~Kirsty Makes 2 dozen cookies 1/2 cup corn starch 1/2 cup of icing sugar 1 cup all purpose flour 3/4 cup butter, softened
Preheat oven to 350 Sift together corn starch, icing sugar and flour with wooden spoon Blend in butter until soft, smooth dough forms Shape into 1” balls Place 1 ½” apart on an ungreased cookie sheet Flatten with a lightly floured fork or roll out to ¼” thick and cut with cookie cutters Bake 1520 minutes or until edges are lightly browned Cool, then decorate with coloured sprinkles, cherries or drizzled chocolate
© William Berry | Dreamstime
Family Traditions Contest: Skating Memories My tradition started in 1965 when I was 8yearsold. My aunt and uncle started renting the arena on Christmas Eve., back when it was located where the current Senior’s Centre is on Marietta Street.
We would go and skate for two hours, then go back to my aunt and uncle’s to eat a lot of goodies, sing Christmas songs and get a quick visit from a busy Santa. They did the skating party until 1980. Then my Mom and Dad took it over and kept the tradition going until my brother and sister took the reins.
To this day, we still rent the arena on Christmas Eve. We skate for two hours, and then go back to my nephew’s for the goodies, visit the family and start the Christmas holidays in a nice way. When my children were young, we would let them open up one present on Christmas Eve – usually pajamas. They are grown up, but still want to open that one gift. Donna Kennedy (Adams), 52, of Uxbridge, wins a $50 gift card from Canadian Tire 14
To see all our contest entries , visit www.uxbridgetowntalk.com