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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 / January 2011
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14 4 Town Talk Tidbits 5 The Business of...
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6 Your Community
Brant Vanderveen
Local Products Cool Stuff for the 0-5 Set
Big Brothers and Sisters A Safe Space for Sharing
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uxbridgetowntalk.com
Community Calendar January Events
Managing Editor: Carly Foster Art Director: Kirsty Kernohan Office Manager: Tracey Hutchinson Copy Editor: Jodi Avery MacLean Graphic Designers: Caitlin Christoff Taillon & Matt Filion Staff Photographer: Deborah de Ville Contributors: Randy Loewen Cover: © Deborah de Ville Photography. Shot on location in Quaker Village, Uxbridge, Ont.
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12 Faces of Uxbridge 13
Car Seat Safety in the Winter
With four kids aged 5 and under between Kirsty and I, and Tracey with two teenagers, plus our freelancers with offspring, our team is in the thick of parenting. Not a day goes by in our office that we aren’t exchanging war stories or celebrating our kids’ achievements or recounting a funny thing they said. So we were all excited to do an issue devoted to youth. And here it is! Our first publication of the New Year is all about kids. One of my favourite stories this month was sitting down with Sharon Murdoch of Big Brothers and Sisters of North Durham. This organization holds a special place in my heart as I’m a Big Sister alumni. Before my second daughter was born, I spent a semester with a young boy as part of the in-school mentoring program. We played games, painted, talked. It was a fantastic experience, and I could not believe how rewarding it was for both of us. You underestimate what an impact you can have by giving just one hour of undivided attention to a child. Among the hustle of every day life, how many of us can say we give that to our own children on a weekday? Read on for tips on keeping car seat safe this winter, welcoming a support group for gay and lesbian youth, a recipe for Naan pizza that’s great to make with kids, a packed January community calendar and more. Enjoy!
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From My Mom’s Kitchen Naan Bread Pizza
Contact Us Phone: 905-862-3747 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Mailing Address PO Box 1035 Uxbridge ON L9P 1N3 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. 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- 2011 www.sweetworldmedia.com
town talk tidbits
Spending the whole day messing about on my bike, riding everywhere with no destination in mind! -Pierre Mitham
Blankets for kids
A local laundromat is collecting gently used blankets and sleeping bags for charity. Wash Worx at 11 Main St. N. is the drop-off spot for the Salvation Army Kids for Camp program. Owner Angie Smith will clean all items and donate them on behalf of the community. For more information, call 905 852 9466.
Family under construction
Is your family looking to make a big change in 2011? A local fitness and nutritional trainer is looking for a motivated and committed Uxbridge family to embark on a life-changing, six-week journey to improve health and eating habits at no charge. Submit one paragraph and a few words about why your family should win by January 20, 2011, to sarah@nrg2go. net or visit www.nrg4lifefitness.com for more details.
Get involved!
It never ceases to amaze us how many community groups, sports and clubs there are for kids in Uxbridge. Looking for something to spark your child’s interest, from youth bowling to scouts to choir? Check out the list of recreational programs on the Township’s website at www.town.uxbridge.on.ca/community_groups.
At the Uxbridge Music Hall January 13-15, 20-22 at 7:30pm January 15 and 22 at 3pm
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Tickets Available at 905-904-0895 www.onstageuxbridge.com In person at: La Petite Fleur 43 Brock St. W. Uxbridge
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In honour of our youth issue, we asked the 680 fans on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk) what they missed most about being a kid:
Kiss
me
Kat e
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Sam and Bella Spewack Director & Choreographer: Carey Nicholson Musical Director: Ann Gage Orchestra Director: Steffan Brunette Presented with permission of Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
The feeling that anything and everything was possible, that the world was my oyster. -Greg Long Endless summers. Not having a care in the world. Christmas morning. Halloween night. -Colin Paradine I miss coming home from school to my Mom’s smiling face and smelling dinner cooking in the oven. Oh, and naptime! -Jennifer Crowe I miss how slow time seemed to pass when we were kids, and how the world seemed so incredibly big. -Joanne Stamatopoulos Sunday night family dinners in the dining room. Lots of food, teasing and laughs! -Leslie Watling Nagle I miss building outdoor forts. We’d spend hours finding a spot, designing it, then dragging construction material to the perfect spot. -Colleen O’Toole Goodchild I miss my Felony Flyers (running shoes) and laughing until I fell over, hide n’ seek and recess. I miss street hockey, yelling “Car!” and then having to move the net back and forth. I miss that energy that makes you want to run all day or toboggan until your clothes are soaked through. -David Cromie I miss “Nicky Nicky Nine Door,” my house I grew up in, my record player, my Mom’s cooking, riding my bike up to the store with only little change and buying a brown bag full of treats. -Le’Anne Megaffin
the business of... By Carly Foster Managing Editor
Big Brothers and Sisters
Who: Sharon Murdoch, director of mentoring for ig Brothers and Sisters of North Durham What: With chapters across the country, Big Brothers and Big Sisters matches volunteers over 18 with kids ages 6 to 14 in two programs. The in-school mentoring program is very defined: you meet once a week for one hour on school property. A great fit for busy people who don’t want or have time for a long commitment while still making a big impact in a child’s life. The traditional program is much more flexible and happens in a volunteer’s home or doing an activity in the community. Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds encourages active living, healthy eating and positive self-image for girls 12 to 14, while Mentoring Through Literacy encourages youth risk taking in the classroom via educators such as teachers and students. Where: With a head office in Port Perry, the north Durham chapter serves Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge townships. How: To help make great matches, volunteers and kids are screened for things like why they want to participate, what they hope to achieve, interests and general life info. One myth Murdoch wants to debunk is that the children are troubled. “Kids can utilize our services for anything, whether they are new to the community, or shy, having difficulty fitting in and struggling to talk with family, experiencing personal loss or change in family dynamic,”Murdoch says.
last year via grants, fundraising and donations. 2011 marks the club’s 35th anniversary, while the North American organization was founded in 1909. Biggest challenge: Not enough funding. Securing volunteers, especially men. Little Brothers are waiting for matches in Sandford, Beaverton and Port Perry, while Sharon Murdoch, director facilitators are needed for Go Girls! of mentoring for Big Brothers and Sisters of and the literacy program. North Durham. Photo by Deborah de Ville Biggest reward: Seeing the impact in not only the kids’, but also the volunteers’ lives. The north Durham chapter has several mentors who’ve volunteered for 10 years or more. “You should never underestimate the power of an hour focused on an individual child,” Murdoch says. “When someone that does not have to be there or get paid to be there but is choosing to be there with them? That makes them feel special.” Contact: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/northdurham or call 905 985 3733
By the numbers: In 2009, there were 94 active matches, with 76 in-school mentoring and 18 traditional match-ups. More than $120,000 was raised
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your community By Carly Foster Managing Editor
M
aureen Sheehy struggles to hold back the tears on the phone as her voice begins to break. She is talking of her son, who was bullied so badly in high school that he disappeared for more than a year. Her son is gay. And Sheehy never wants another child, let alone a parent, go through what her family did. As co-chair of the board of directors of PFLAG Durham and in charge of education and support, she is helping to bring Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to Uxbridge. “We provide support for anybody going through a gender identity issue,” she says. “Not just those involved, but friends and family, too.” Sharing circles are held so people can voice their concerns and talk about their experiences through peer-to-peer support, Sheehy explains. They share information and resources, as well as support people who are having a rough time, particularly youth.
J a m i e M y s l i k , p r o g r a m f a c i l i t a t o r a t t h e U x b r i d g e Yo u t h C e n t r e , w i l l help run the second Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays s h a r i n g c i r c l e i n J a n u a r y.
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Photo by Deborah de Ville
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PFLAG comes to Uxbridge This social time helps connect gay youth in hopes they can set up their own networks. “Gay adults have their clubs and bars, but gay youth do not have that,” she adds. “Safe space is at a premium, especially if you haven’t come out at home and aren’t comfortable at school.” As a program facilitator at the Uxbridge Youth Centre, Jamie Myslik hears about homophobic bullying in local schools; even he has been called names while walking down the street in town. The centre works with Uxbridge Secondary School’s Gay-Straight Alliance, and feels school boards take it seriously. But he knows there is only so much they can do. “We know there are a lot of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) youth here,” he says. “We are certain a great many of them do not feel comfortable coming out, or are not ready to.” And that makes meeting others or getting help difficult. “To get support, they’re going to Oshawa, Ajax, Toronto. It’s difficult to get there with no car. It’s difficult to get there if you’re not out,” Myslik says, making the PFLAG sharing circles an important part of community building. He is being trained to run the monthly meetings, starting in January.
Does Uxbridge, with its rural roots, need more help than larger city centres? As with any smaller population centre, gay and lesbian people are not obvious; proportionally, a smaller number of people are out, Myslik replied. And they’re not walking down the street in feather boas and other stereotypes people believe. Since PFLAG organizers saw Uxbridge residents travelling to south Durham for sharing circles, the hope is that an in-town one will help bridge some servicing gaps and bring together kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and more. “Don’t feel you have to be there, or you have to share,” says Jayme Harper, vice-president of PFLAG Canada. “It’s an open and inviting atmosphere. It’s a good chance to come and tell your story. Sometimes, just by hearing other people’s experiences, you can help yourself.” The next PFLAG Uxbridge meeting is Thursday, January 13, 7 p.m. at the Uxbridge Youth Centre, 34 Brock St. W. Contact Jamie Myslik at jamie@ uxbridgeyouthcentre.com or call 905 862 3456 for more information.
Uxbridge Community Midwives When do I contact a midwifery practice? You can contact a midwife as soon as you think you are pregnant.You do not need a referral from a doctor.Your midwife is responsible for providing all the care, support, & advice you need throughout your pregnancy.
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What can I expect from a midwife? A midwife will work with you to support the kind of positive pregnancy & birth experience you want. Midwives are registered health care professionals who are qualified to provide all your primary health care during the pregnancy, labour, & birth. Primary health care includes all the necessary tests, examinations, check-ups, support, & referrals that you may require. Midwives will also remain involved & continue to care for both you & your baby for 6 weeks after your baby is born.
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Is home birth a safe option? Yes! Giving birth at home has been shown to be as safe as in a hospital if you are having a healthy pregnancy, are attended by a registered midwife who has the appropriate equipment, & there is a way of getting to a hospital if required. The College requires every midwife to have the skills, equipment, & experience needed to make home birth a safe option.
Do I still need a doctor? No, not usually. In a normal, healthy pregnancy & birth a midwife can provide all the required care, right from your very first appointment. Your midwife may refer you to a doctor or hospital for additional care if it is needed. At all times, the safety & health of you & your baby are of primary importance to a midwife. Do I have to pay for midwifery care? The short answer is no. Midwifery services are completely funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, so clients do not pay for care.
I like the idea of a midwife, but I want to have my baby in a hospital. Can I do that? Midwives support a woman’s choice of birthplace, be that home or hospital. Midwives have admitting privileges at hospitals, just as physicians do, and can provide complete childbirth care for you and your baby in the hospital setting. Uxbridge Community Midwives has privileges at Markham-Stouffville Hospital.
Call 905-862-3535 or visit www.uxbridgemidwives.com Office located at 2 Campbell Drive, Suite 207, Uxbridge (Testa Building)
Resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Durham-Oshawa www.plagcanada.ca www.facebook.com – search PFLAG Durham-Oshawa Maureen Sheehy, board of directors cochair 905 231 0533 Uxbridge Youth Centre www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com 905 862 3456 Uxbridge Secondary School Gay-Straight Alliance http://uxbridgess.ddsbschools.ca Margot Peck, department dead of guidance and co-op 905 852 3391 Club 717: Oshawa’s Gay and Lesbian Social Club www.club717.ca 905 434 4297 Egale Canada’s Safe Schools Campaign www.egale.ca
3 Important Principles of Midwifery CONTINUITY OF CARE You will be seen by the same small group of midwives in a midwifery practice. These midwives will be available to provide your primary care 24 hours a day, throughout your entire pregnancy & birthing process. Midwives can stay involved in your care even if you need to see a doctor during your pregnancy or labour. Midwives spend time developing a relationship with you & provide safe, personalized care during your pregnancy, labour, birth, & for 6 weeks afterwards. INFORMED CHOICE Midwives see pregnancy & birth as healthy processes & profound, natural events in a woman’s life. Midwives provide you with information about all your options & support you in making decisions that are right for you. CHOICE OF BIRTHPLACE Midwives are primary caregivers who provide care that respects your needs, values, & dignity. A midwife will offer you the choice of where to have your baby & will be able to provide the care you need whether you choose to give birth at home or in the hospital. In any setting, midwives consult with other Advertising Feature
january community events Thursday January 6
Parkinson’s Support Group Caregivers, friends and family gather to share information and experience. We can help each other! $10/ year; guests free. Time: 1 - 3 p.m. Where: Bridgewater Building, 22 James Hill Crt. Contact: 905 852 8894 www.uxparkinsons. com Healthy Holistic Lifestyles The first Thursday of every month this year, join local health practitioners as they share their knowledge and expertise. Topics include physical fitness, nutrition and stress-busting strategies. Guest speakers for January are Sarah Terrion of NRG 4 Life, Nicole Scott of Passion for Nutrition, and Susan Ward of Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing. $10. Time: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., Suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 Lose Fat Not Muscle During Weight Loss Nutritionist Sherri Cragg teaches you how to optimize muscle mass and decrease fat mass while reducing your risk for chronic degenerative diseases. $10 includes a coupon for 10% off first consultation. Time: 8 p.m Where: 62 Brock St. E. Contact: 905 852 7704
Saturday January 8
Oak Ridges Trail Association Hike This is a 1.5 hr, 4.5 km moderate pace hike or snowshoe. Join us for breakfast after. Time: 7 - 8:30 a.m. Where: Al Shaw Side Trail, Conc. 6 south of Durham Rd. 21 Contact: 905 477 2161 www.oakridgestrail.org
Sunday January 9
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Free Ice Skating Hosted by the Uxbridge Skating Club and brought to you by Take TIME Uxbridge. Bring your skates, helmet and family to the arena and get tips to help glide around the rink! Free.
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Time: 1 - 2 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 416 813 7654 ext. 1431 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca
Thursday January 13
Kiss Me Kate Take one of Shakespeare’s funniest comedies, add a Broadway musical, top with feuding actors, wayward lovebirds, and a couple of gangster thugs and you have the ingredients for Kiss Me Kate, an energetic show full of song, dance, laughs and romance. January 13-22. Time: Evening and matinees Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 905 904 0895 www.onstageuxbridge.com Friends of the Library Help the library by raising funds, obtaining materials needed by the library, and volunteering your expertise. New members always welcome. Time: 7 - 9 p.m. Where: Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com Spring Bulb Planter Need a pick me up? Wipe those winter blues away with a little taste of spring! Create your own assorted bulb garden to brighten up your table for a few weeks. $35. Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: La Petite Fleur, 43 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays Meeting The Uxbridge Youth Centre and Durham PFLAG host its second Uxbridge sharing circle. All LGBTQ youth, parents, friends, families and allies are invited. Time: 7 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Youth Centre, 34 Brock St W. Contact: 905 862 3456 jamie@uxbridgeyouthcentre.com
Saturday January 15
Greenbank Folk Music Society Concert by the Marigolds. 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
Sunday January 16
Goal Achievement Seminar Many people create a list of resolutions in January that are forgotten weeks later. The missing link for success is a practical goal-achievement plan. Come to this hands-on workshop and leave with the tools to successfully implement and achieve your resolutions. $35. Time: 1 -3 p.m. Where: Creekside Wellness, 53 Toronto St. N., upper level Tin Mill Contact: 905 852 2598 tracey@opendoorsolutions.ca
Monday January 17
Oak Ridges Trail Association Hike This is a slow-moderate paced, 2.5 hr hike. You will need boots/icers/snowshoes depending on the weather. Well-mannered dogs welcome. Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon Where: Walker Woods, 7th Conc. south of Goodwood Rd. Contact: 905 853 2407 www.oakridgestrail.org
Thursday January 20
Herb Garden Learn how to create a gourmet herb garden suited to your culinary taste. Class includes care and handling instructions and a variety of herbs to choose from. $30. Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: La Petite Fleur, 43 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca Uxbridge Genealogy Group Guest speaker Allan McGillivray speaking about the United Empire Loyalists. New members always welcome. $2 donation. Time: 7 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 6973 www.ungen.net
Friday January 21
Winter Wonderland Experience our winter wonderland through crafts, games, music and stories. This fun Friday event is a fundraiser for the Durham Farm and Rural Family Resource Centre. Children $5, families $10. Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Where: 141 Reach St., Unit 8 Contact: www.durhamfamilyresources.org
Saturday January 22
Snow Sculptures Presented by Uxbridge Arts Association and brought to you by Take TIME Uxbridge. If you can imagine it, artists will help you to make it! Big or small, real life or imaginary, come and see what will rise from the snow. Free. Time: 1 p.m. Where: Siloam Hall, 7040 Concession 2 Contact: 416 813 7654 ext. 1431 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca
Tuesday January 25
Chamber of Commerce Breakfast The Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at our monthly breakfast meetings. Come hear what’s happening in your business community. Members $10. Guests $15. Time: 7:15 - 9 a.m. Where: Wooden Sticks, 40 Elgin Park Dr. Contact: www.uxcc.ca
Thursday January 27
Pussy Willow Wreath Join us to learn how to create a magnificent pussy willow wreath in a spiral shape to adorn your front door. Add embellishments to make it your own or keep it simple. $48. Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: La Petite Fleur 43 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca
Friday January 28
Free Kids Curling Brought to you by Take TIME Uxbridge, this is a great way to spend a PD day! Little rocks make it easy for you and your child to learn to curl. Register in advance. Time: 2 - 4 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Curling Club, 70 Franklin St. Contact: 416 813 7654 ext. 1431 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca
Saturday January 29
A Community of Character Everyone in Uxbridge is invited to join together for incredible night of music, friendships, food and a challenge to become a community of character. Topic: respect. Free. Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Secondary School, 127 Planks Lane Contact: www.acommunityofcharacter.ca (continued on page 10)
Monday January 31
Facebook and Twitter for Business Back by popular demand! During this hands-on seminar, Sweet World Media will help you open a Facebook fan page and Twitter account. Using real-life examples, we’ll show you how to build followers and interact with people to generate business. $55. Pre-registration required. Time: 12:30-2:30 and 7-9 p.m. Where: 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 1 Contact: 905 862 3747 www.sweetworldmedia.com
Regular Events
Donations for Kids for Camps Drop off your blankets and sleeping bags for collecting and cleaning on behalf of the community to the Salvation Army. Time: Ongoing through January Where: WashWorxLaundromat,11MainSt.N.UnitC. Contact: 905 852 9466 Indoor Farmer’s Market Honey, baking, fruits and vegetables and more. Runs every Sunday until March 13. Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena Community Hall, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 416 689 8980 Artists of Uxbridge The group meets weekly to draw and paint, share demonstrations, and to participate in various workshops. Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Time: 7 - 9 p.m. and 9 - Noon Where: Zehrs Community Room, 323 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 6357 www.artistsofuxbridge.ca
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Yoga with Jill Enjoy a peaceful end to your day. Beginner or experienced, you can practice at your own pace. Connect your mind, body and spirit while improving balance and posture, strengthening muscles and stabilizing joints. Time: 8 – 9 p.m. Where: St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 40 B Toronto St. S Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca
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Bingo Great jackpots every Thursday. Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: 905 852 5293 www.uxbridgelegion.ca Euchre All welcome. Fun and prizes. Open to non-Legion members. Time: 7:30 p.m Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: 905 852 5293 uxbridgelegion.ca Udora Play Group For moms and their kids ages 0-6 years. Come out and have some fun with your little one. Tuesday and Thursday. Time: 10 a.m. - Noon Where: Udora Community Centre, 24 Victoria St. Contact: 705 228 8716 Public Skating Ongoing Wednesdays 7 - 8 p.m., Thursdays 3:15 - 4:15 p.m., Sundays 1 - 2 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3081 GURR Community Run A casual run with the Greater Uxbridge Road Runners, every Thursday, with a variety of distances. Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena Parking Lot, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 7224 www.gurrclub.org Insanity Combat Cardio, strength training at high-intensity intervals. Great for those who like a tough workout. Monday–Fridays at 6 and 7 a.m., 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Saturdays also available. Time: Various Where: Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave. Contact: 905 852 4774 wendy1234@sympatico.ca Gentle Yoga A practice designed to decompress the body, improve balance, flexibility and muscle tone, while calming the mind can really help to reduce stress. All are welcome. Jill Watson teaching, beginning January 5. Time: 1:15 p.m. Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave, Contact: 905 852 1099 jillwatson3@gmail.com
Evening Piloga A relaxing blend of yoga and pilates. Stretch out sore muscles, strengthen the core, and rejuvenate the spirit. A peaceful way to end your day. Beginners welcome! Jill Watson teaching, beginning January 6. Time: 7 p.m. Where: Goodwood Community Centre, Hwys. 47 & 21 Contact: 905 852 1099 jillwatson3@gmail.com Piloga Reap the combined benefits of improved flexibility and balance from yoga, with increased core strength from pilates while connecting mind and body in this multilevel class. All welcome. Jill Watson teaching, beginning January 7. Time: 9:30 a.m. Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 1099 jillwatson3@gmail.com Power Pilates A unique exercise method that strengthens the core,increases flexibility and body awareness. Various tools are used to add variety and challenge. Brenda Ostermaa teaching. Tuesdays. Time: 9:15 - 10:15am Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 705 437 2196 fitnessnrg@hotmail.com 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!! Brenda Ostermaa teaching. Thursdays. Time: 9:15 - 10:15am Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 705 437 2196 fitnessnrg@hotmail.com Cardio Sculpt and Flow Yoga Two popular formats combined into one fantastic class. Recharge your batteries for the week ahead. Check the website for updates or any lastminute schedule changes. Mondays. Time: 5:30 p.m. Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com
Cool Stuff for the 0-5 Set Tu-tu cute!
These decedent, double-layered pettiskirts are made with 35 yards of luscious chiffon, perfect for a princess. Crafted by local mom-of-five Nicole Vos, they’re a treat for dress up, or pair it with some tights or knee-high socks to be a burgeoning fashionista. An adjustable waistband means it grows with the child. $49.99 at Petite Chic (formerly Wild About Beads), www.petitechic.ca.
Happy kids, happy parents
The utilitarian forms, simple designs and bright colours of Plan Toys will appeal to kids of all ages, while the durability, vintage feel and eco-friendly Rubberwood construction will satisfy any parent. Gotta love the recyclable cardboard packaging, too! $279 at Little Acorn, 77 Brock St. W.
local products Metal play
Useful all year round—go lift snow!— there’s something about iconic metal tractors, diggers and loaders that just scream childhood. Whether it’s digging in the sandbox, barrelling over dinky cars or saving farm animals in a pile of mud, there’s imaginative play to be had. $17.99 at TSC Stores, 286 Toronto St. S.
Rite of cookie passage
You can’t grow up in Uxbridge and not have a Bredin’s Bakery sugar bear cookie. It is simply not allowed, we tell you. Our kids adore these sweet, nononsense cookies, with blue or pink icing that taste super when dipped in tea if grown-ups get a hold of them. A great addition to a baby shower, too. 55¢ at Bredin’s Bakery, 12 Brock St. W.
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faces of uxbridge To Be Young Again By Randy Loewen Special to Uxbridge Town Talk Aaah, to be young again! How many times have we found ourselves uttering those words? Of course it is impossible to go back to our youth, but perhaps viewing the world through the eyes of 13 year-old Brant Vanderveen might give us some insight into what it may be like to be young again. Life has been busy right from the day Brant drew his first breath. “I was born in the middle of a snow storm and Uxbridge was not prepared to deliver babies at that time, because they did not have a maternity ward. But my parents weren’t going to be able to make it to another hospital on time,” he smiles. “There was a boy in the emergency ward who had broken his arm, and he even saw the delivery.” Life still moves at a fast pace for this grade eight student at Quaker Village Public School in Uxbridge. As a member of the school band, he enjoys playing the baritone saxophone. His love of reading has led him to participate in the “Battle of the Books” where teams from elementary “When we do something against the schools throughout Durham Region demonstrate their knowledge of suggestions of our parents, it’s because various books that they have read. He is also a member of the Roxy Kids we want to demonstrate we can do it ourin Action, a local volunteer group, and plays house league hockey in Uxs e l v e s ! ” s a y s B r a n t Va n d e r v e e n , 1 3 . bridge. Despite being in the hotbed of Maple Leaf territory, Brant is a strong Picture by Randy Loewen Studio 4 Photography supporter of the Montreal Canadiens “just to go against my dad,” he exEveryone in the Uxbridge Community is invited
to join together to become a
www.acommunityofcharacter.ca
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NEXT EVENT: JANUARY 29TH
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When:
Saturday night at 6:30 pm
Where:
Uxbridge Secondary School
Who:
Anyone, of any age, who cares about our Community
What:
Music, recognition, friendships, refreshments and a captivating speaker
Join thecommon.org – a new way for our community to care – where abilities meet needs and needs meet abilities!
Leadership Caring Respect World View Healthy Families Forgiving Strong Identity October 30th, 2010 November 27th, 2010 January 29th, 2011 February 26th, 2011 March 26th, 2011 April 30th, 2011 May 28th, 2011 Arranged by your friends at Uxbridge Baptist Church
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plains. And he was quick to point out that he does not think he will ever see the day when the Leafs will win another Stanley Cup. Brant is the middle child of three. “In some respects, middle children have it worse,” he explains. Older kids usually get all the new stuff. I usually get my stuff second-hand from my brother,” he says. Life for this middle child is further complicated by a sister who seeks pleasure in getting him in trouble, and by a brother who fails to share the computer. Sounds like a typical family scenario. So, what of the future? A career is something to which Brant has not yet given much thought, although being adept at math and having an interest in technology may help him to choose a field of interest. He clearly enjoys situations where his problem-solving skills are put to the test. Issues such as the conflict in the Middle East do not concern him too much at the moment; however, he does offer an opinion. “World peace is not possible in my lifetime. There are always people who want to hurt others…but peace can only be achieved through other means - not through violence.” It comes as no surprise that there can be a lack of understanding between parents and children. Indeed, the generation gap is as strong as ever. “Sometimes parents don’t understand what’s going on,” Brant laments. “What was mainstream for my parents in their day doesn’t work now. They don’t realize that things are so different today. Playing outside is a bigger deal now than what it was for my parents.” On the topic of why many children refuse to follow the suggestions of their parents, Brant cites the need to develop a sense of independence: “When we do something against the suggestions of our parents, it’s because we want to demonstrate we can do it ourselves!” And with this one statement, this insightful young man suddenly provided a moment of clarity for this particular parent, and at the same time provided him with a glimpse of what it was like to be young again.
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Faces of Uxbridge is a regular series profiling interesting people of Uxbridge Township. Email your suggestions to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com.
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Car seat safety in the winter The cold weather means some extra safety diligence when strapping young children into a 5-point harness car or infant seat. Bulky snowsuits and scarves can create unsafe gaps between kids and the straps, says Nicole Goodfellow, a public health nurse with the Region of Durham. Straps and buckles that are too loose can cause a child to be ejected from a seat during an accident. A good test is to put your child into the car seat fully clothed, and pull the harness as tight as you can. Then dress your child in winter gear in the car seat and see what the gap is. Other tips from Transport Canada include: • make sure the chest buckle is at armpit level; any lower or higher can cause a child to be ejected. • aftermarket strap covers—especially those with hard toys attached—can prevent the proper use of the harness. Same with trays and head support covers not included with the car seat. • additional padding behind a child—such as padded car seat bags in winter or blankets—can induce both slack in the harness and additional compressibility. Check with the car seat manufacturer before using and ensure that the product does not compromise functions.
from my mom’s kitchen
Naan Bread Pizza We make this pizza a few times a month at home, and it’s a huge hit with my 2- and 4-year-old. Using the naan bread gives it a unique texture, and the spiced varieties packs it with flavour. My girls love getting involved with adding toppings. I find that kids are much more likely to eat their food if they have a vested interest it,such as helping put it together! This simple recipe is great for weeknights when you’re short on time, and easily reheats for leftovers or lunch the next day. Serve it with salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. ~ Carly
Ingredients 1 package Indian Naan flatbread (we like PC or Patak’s brand, both available at Zehrs. They come in unique flavours such as garlic, garam masala and coriander) Tomato sauce (jar, canned or homemade) Grated cheese, such as extra old cheddar, mozzarella or monterey jack Favourite pizza toppings ,such as chopped onion, mushrooms, peppers, pineapple, pepperoni, ham, sausage, chicken etc.
Managing Editor Carly Foster crafting Naan Bread Pizza with her daughters, ages 4 and 2. This recipe is great for kids!
Directions Set oven to the low broil setting. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lay out naan. Using a soup spoon, spread bread with tomato sauce to edges. Add toppings. Our favourite combinations include pepperoni, mushroom and ham, and pineapple, feta cheese and onion. My kids both love ham and pineapple. Sprinkle with cheese. Place under broiler for 10 minutes, or until desire crispiness is achieved.
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Meet the Managers Lisa Williamson Deli Manager Lisa loves cheese. She loves to learn about the new types and make up the fancy store trays and displays. It’s a good fit for a deli manager. Lisa attends regular training to learn about new products, their flavours, how they are made and what cheeses and meats pair well with wine and more. This is especially helpful around the holidays, when she and her staff are always asked to recommend items. The department’s most popular items are PC kielbasa – easy to cut and great for trays – and fancy cheese ready right out of package for entertaining. Lisa also likes adding fresh fruit to deli trays to balance flavours. Be sure to pick up your brochures at the deli counter, and give at least 24 hours notice for an order. Ready-made trays are always available, she adds. Why does Lisa love her job so much? “I’m a people person,” she laughs. “I can’t sit on a computer all day. And I love cheese!”
Heather Campbell Bakery Manager This month marks Heather’s 11 year anniversary with Zehrs’ bakery, and her passion is clear in her voice. Whether it’s talking about the delicious cakes, buns or doughnuts the store makes, or her long-term staff, Heather loves her job. And what’s not to love when you’re surrounded by baking all day? The department is known for their custom cakes, frequently doing birthday and anniversary creations by the bakery’s “really good cake decorators.” Heather also raves about Zehrs’ custom sweet trays: cookies, bagels, muffins, fancy cream puffs. There is a ton to choose from. But nothing is more exciting than the return of store-cooked doughnuts. Recently brought back, the smell of apple fritters, jelly-filled and the signature croissant doughnuts fill the air twice daily when they’re made. Keep your eye out for chocolate dipped, sprinkled and maple dip in the future. “It’s like a big family here,” says Heather when asked why she loves her job. “My Mom has been shopping here since I was five years old. If you have an issue, it’s nice to have someone to talk to.”