July 2013 by Uxbridge Town Talk

Volume 5 | Issue 5 | July 2013

uxbridge town talk

trails | the art of gelato | reiki therapy | cedar-plank salmon

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contents

volume 5 | issue 5 | july 2013

a k.

Town Talk Tidbits Oh Canada!

11 10

Peacefully Productive Top 5 Tips for Creating in the Middle of it all

Spotlight On You Diane Ratnik Cooper

Guest Column The Art of Gelato

Your Community Local Living

In Uxbridge Trails Faces of Uxbridge Bryan Watts Historically Speaking Shorty Community Calendar July

Community Calendar Con’t...

12 13 14

UTT Kitchen Cedar-Plank Salmon, Corn on the Cob and Grilled Asparagus

Feeling Fine Reiki Therapy

STAFF Managing Editor: Elaine Leigh Graphic Designer: Holly Myers Sales Manager: Sandi Leigh

COnTRiBUTORS Elizabeth Brooke Acton Darrin Davis Sahar Younes Bob Moore

MAilinG ADDRESS PO Box 1035, Uxbridge ON L9P 1N3 OFFiCE ADDRESS 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 4 Uxbridge, ON LNP 1E6

COVER PHOTO Ivonne Wierink | www.123rf.com facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk

twitter.com/uxtowntalk

Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township Office, Uxbridge and Zephyr libraries, NRG4Life 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 advertisement 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. Uxbridge Town Talk will not be held responsible for errors, print or otherwise, in submitted ads. no part of this publication, including advertisements, may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

www.sweetworldmedia.com

the font used in “uxbridge town talk” is the gibson family font designed by rod mcdonald to honor my father in law John gibson. it is available for sale at www.canadatype.net/fonts/ gibson. all proceeds are donated by canada type to various programs to help improve creative arts and to elevate design programs in canada.

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This month’s editorial is devoted to Uxbridge’s many volunteers. I have spent the last few weeks meeting and talking with many groups in Uxbridge. I have learned Uxbridge is full of dedicated volunteers and I will confess I was surprised by the amount of events that are mostly organized, run, set up and promoted by volunteers. For me it has been an eye opener. When we enjoy the fishing derby, take a trip on the York Durham Heritage Railway, visit the new skateboard park or take your kids to the Santa Claus parade etc. etc., we have no idea how many of these people work tirelessly, for the pleasure of seeing our faces enjoying an event. It’s amazing the hours the volunteers work for one of the many causes in Uxbridge. The Cottage Hospital and the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal shelter to name a few, the list is endless. These volunteers raise thousands of dollars to assist these many wonderful causes. Many of which we have or will need at some point in our lives. Please, next time you are at an event, or participating in one, remember to thank our volunteers. They are everywhere, and they are always smiling. We at Uxbridge Town Talk thank you all!

town talk tidbits

| oh canada! |

www.canada-day.ca

Canada Day, July 1st, is the anniversary of Canada’s confederation. Canadians commemorate the day with parades, fireworks, cookouts, and concerts. The popularity of the holiday has been on the incline since the late 1960’s and has since become a nationwide celebration. Formerly known as “Dominion Day,” Canada Day marks the anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, joining Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country. The Constitution Act granted Canada a substantial amount of independence from England, although complete independence was not given until 1982. Prior to 1900, there was little Canadian nationalism as many Canadians regarded themselves as British citizens. The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor

Canada’s 50th birthday. It was not until 1946 that Phileas Cote, a member of the Quebec House of Commons, sent a private member’s bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. The Senate responded by recommending the holiday be named the “National Holiday of Canada.” Since no one could agree on the name, the bill was defeated. The government first recognized Canada Day in 1958 by holding a trooping of the color on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Canada’s centennial marked the first widespread celebration in 1967. The event promoted nationalism and Canadian pride. The holiday continued to grow in the late 1960’s and many Canada Day events were televised and broadcasted throughout the country. In the 1980’s, the government began funding Canada Day activities in smaller communities. The holiday was finally made oﬃcial by a unanimous vote on October 27, 1982; the same year that the Canada Act was passed, removing any remaining dependence of Canada on the United Kingdom. While the public had recognized the holiday for decades, this marked a significant change in the magnitude of the celebrations.

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| great canadian inventions |

Insulin, Treatment for Diabetes (1921) Telephone (1876) Light Bulb (1874) Five Pin Bowling (1908) Wonderbra (1964) Pacemaker (1950) Robertson Screw (1908) Zipper (1913) Electric Wheelchair (1952)

Fun Canadian Facts! The name Canada derives from an Iroquoian word for “village,” kanata, that French explorers heard used to refer to the area near present-day Quebec City. Canadians consume more macaroni and cheese than any other nation on earth. Inside Toronto’s Rogers Centre (formerly known as the SkyDome) you will find the largest Sony big screen, measuring 33 ft. x 110 ft. Banff National Park, located in the Province of Alberta, is the oldest national park in Canada, established in 1885. Newfoundland was the first part of Canada to be explored by Europeans. Ironically, it was the last area to become a province Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 151,600 miles

Sourced from www.wondercafe.ca

Poutine (1957) Cobalt-60 “Bomb” Cancer Treatment (1951) Java Programming Language (1994) Canadarm (1975) Standard Time (1878) Electron Microscope (1939) Ski-Doo (1922) BlackBerry (1999) Radio Voice Transmission (1900) Birchbark Canoe (First Peoples) Basketball (1892) Retractable Beer Carton Handle (1957) Instant Replay (1955) Goalie Mask (1959) Pablum (1930) Lacrosse (First Peoples) Electric Oven (1892)

Steam Fog Horn (1853) Walkie-Talkie (1942) Alkaline Long-Lasting Battery (1959) Paint roller (1940) Electronic Music Synthesizer (1945) Green Garbage Bag (1950) Snowblower (1925) Instant Mashed Potatoes (1962) Explosives Vapour Detector (1985) Marine Screw Propeller (1833) Plexiglas (1931) G-Suit (1941) Ardox Spiral Nail (1954) Automatic Lubricating Cup (1872) Crash-Position Indicator-CPI (1957) Caulking Gun (1894) Separable Baggage Check (1882)

id e n tif y a n g el s th at a re g u i d i n g an d s u p p o r ti n g yo u Now in Uxbridge at Elemi Organics, 58 Brock St. W. 905 852 5574 Also in Port Perry at 102 Alva St. 905 982 2741 w w w. s p i r i t - c o u n s e l o r. c o m

Sourced from the uxbridge township

The Historic Trail Winds through the oldest part of Uxbridge. The feature of this trail is the series of six historical information plaques that describe Uxbridge life in “the old days” and illustrates what the town looked like, using old photographs and maps. The Historic Trail intersects with the Ewen and Wooden Sticks Trails in Elgin Park, where there are washrooms and parking.

Uxbridge has been officially designated as The Trail Capital of Canada, in recognition of the extensive and growing network of trails throughout the township. Nine Town Trails in and around the town of Uxbridge link into a growing network of Countryside Trails linking the smaller communities, and tying into two major trails that intersect in the township – the TransCanada Trail and the Oak Ridges Trail. There are trails for all abilities, ages and interests – walkers, serious hikers, cyclists, equestrians, runners, skiers and limited trails for snowmobilers. The trails take you through a wide variety of natural habitats – rolling meadows, wetlands, dense woodlands and ponds, as well as some housing developments and historic streets. The aim of the Town Trails is to help residents appreciate the beauty of the town of Uxbridge, to link communities together, to encourage healthy outdoor exercise, and to foster an appreciation of the natural environment. Whether you want a comfortable stroll on paved paths or a hike through the forest, find a trail that suites your needs and have fun exploring Uxbridge at it’s best! The Ewen Trail A 3.4km loop covering a wide variety of countryside and urban scenery, including three ponds, a section through Uxbridge’s beautiful Elgin Park, a route through some thickly wooded areas and a walk along streets containing some of Uxbridge’s most historic homes. In Elgin Park, there are washrooms and parking, and connections to the Trans Canada, Historic and Wooden Sticks Trails. Barton Trail A 2km loop circling around the Barton Farms Development, and passing through some older neighbouring streets. The paths are all paved, with the exception of the section around the pond. There is a connection to the Trans-Canada Trail, which runs along a former railway line. The trail goes around the outside of the housing development, and also winds through older streets with some picturesque homes. Herrem Fields provides parking, a play structure for kids, a covered picnic area as well as open fields for running.

The Wooden Sticks Trail Provides a varied walking, running or cycling experience. It includes a section cut through a dense wooded area, a section through Elgin park, with nearby play areas, washrooms, parking and a section that cuts through and around the Estates of Wooden Sticks housing development and it’s large pond. The well known Wooden Sticks Golf Club is across the road, and there is an access path from the Shobrook Gardens residence for seniors. Crossing Elgin Park Drive, you can connect with the link trail to the Countryside Preserve.

in uxbridge

trails in uxbridge |

The Quaker Trail Winds it’s way around the Quaker Village residential area in northwest Uxbridge, passing through some of the most historic areas of the town’s past, with access to the Uxbridge-Scott Museum and information centre. The trail may be entered from a number of access points and is centred around the Quaker Commons parkland with a playground, large pond and field areas. Parking and washrooms can be found at the arena just to the east. This trail connects with the South Balsam Trail at Brock Street and from Bolton Drive to the Maple Bridge Trail. The South Balsam Trail A real gem, with about half of the trail winding it’s way through some thick forest and open, newly-reforested fields, and the other half returning along town streets. The trail provides benches for peaceful relaxation and observation of wildlife. Key features include the boardwalk footpath crossing a marshy area, pond, old-growth cedar woods, and playground. Connects to the Butternut and Quaker Trail. MapleBridge Trail Follows the course of a stream that flows from west to east into the Uxbridge Brook. It has been designed into the overall plan for the neighbouring Maple Bridge housing development, with access at either end or in the middle of the trail where there is a playground and benches. The trail is on land that has been natural habitat for centuries, in the past surrounded by farm lands, but now crossing Centre Street and along Main Street to the Barton Trail. The Butternut Trail The paths on this trail are all paved making this one of our most accessible trails. There is a secondary route around the pond that is a natural trail with benches for viewing the wildlife that enjoy the water and woods beyond. For a longer route, there are connections to the South Balsam Trail, and to the north to the Quaker Trail. The route takes you through the residential areas, including the original farm homestead, which is now integrated into the development, and the magnificent Butternut tree that gives the development its name. Countryside Preserve This jewel of our town network is a 140 acre natural area with rolling meadowlands, woods, wetlands and ponds, all criss-crossed with 6km of marked trails. Situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, this area is just south-west of Uxbridge urban town, with the main entrance and parking behind the RONA and Wal-mart stores. Inside the preserve, you will also find art pedestals depicting scenes of nature, and Trail destinations, this beautiful area is not to be missed.

For more information on the wonderful trails of Uxbridge, please visit www.town.uxbridge.on.ca/trail_maps

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by elaine leigh

faces of uxbridge

| bryan watts |

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i recently sat down to chat with Bryan Watts – what a fascinating man, I hope you enjoy this article as much as I enjoyed the interview. Bryan Watts has been an Uxbridge resident for 10 years, and is a major supporter of this town and Uxbridge’s success. Although Bryan has lived here for the past 10 years, I also found out that he spent a great deal of his childhood here in Uxbridge; he has ties to this town through a long time friend Elaine Lee, whose family farm was located in Uxbridge. Growing up in Markham, Bryan also spent his spare time playing hockey and softball here which helped to nurture his passion for Uxbridge. Bryan trained to be a Geologist, in a time when Geology was the career of choice. His career direction quickly changed and

Save the date! August 30th Join us for our

25th

Anniversary Celebration

Bryan found himself in a 25 year career in the security business most recently as the Director of New Business Development for a well known alarm manufacturer. He continued in new directions by partnering with his long time Uxbridge friend Robert Lee, after Robert purchased a Canadian brake manufacturing company. Although they have since sold this company, it was the beginning of his racing journey. With the guidance of local NASCAR star Jason Hathaway, Bryan built an ACT (American/Canadian Touring) series car and raced for the first time in 2010. At age 49 he won “Rookie of the Year” at Kawartha Speedway. He explains that circle track racing is a surprisingly demanding and exhausting sport, as he consistently finds himself up against younger racers, many who have been racing most of their lives. He regularly races at local tracks, with help from his pit crew, including wife Ronann. Bryan is quick to point out that his sponsors and crew are an integral part of his success. He has trained in the US, obtained his licensed to drive in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and I suspect that sometime in the near future we will see him racing in a local NASCAR event. In the meantime you can see Bryan racing at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Kawartha Speedway, and Peterborough Raceway. Recently Bryan once again teamed up with his best friend after Robert purchased an award winning craft brewery and cidery forming Provincial Beverages of Canada (you may be more familiar with King Brewery and Thornbury Apple Cider). As he speaks of their plans for the company, the commitment to Uxbridge becomes apparent. In fact Provincial Beverages employs a dozen or more of Uxbridge residents and are present at many important charitable events. Provincial Beverages were one of the sponsors at the Uxbridge Half Marathon, which benefited “Uxbridge Cottage Hospital”, Bonner Boys Splash Pad, Canadian Tire Jump Start Program, and The Rotary Club to name a few. Occasionally you will find one of Bryan’s stock cars at local events. Go say hello and ask him about racing, he always has a story to tell. as a new resident of uxbridge elaine has taken the helm of Sweet world media, publisher of uxbridge town talk. elaine has three passions, family, photography and her golden retriever Jake. with a new business, three grandchildren and plenty of photo opportunities in uxbridge, life’s been busy but fun!

by eliZabeth brooKe acton

winnie acton poses with son h. brooke acton outside Shorty’s barbershop.

If you look closely on the sidewalk out front of Getaway Travel you can see where Shorty left a memento, gone but never forgotten. In 1966 Shorty moved his shop to the North side of Brock Street, beside Evelyn’s Hotel where he worked for 8 years. At this time Shorty began working with Art Forsyth and Lloyd Capstick part-time until he retired at the age of 82. While she was still in school, my grandmother Winnie (Acton) worked in her Dad’s barbershop on Saturday’s. Shorty’s clients would tease her, saying: “Did you know Shorty isn’t cutting hair any longer?” When Winnie would respond, the comedians would continue: “He’s cutting it shorter!” A profession that Shorty never intended to pursue turned into a career that spanned over 80 years. Shorty passed away in 1997, at the old age of 97. In memory of Shorty my great-aunt compiled a book of poems that he had written. As it turns out he had a way with words, writing many poems for family, friends and Uxbridge residents upon request. I leave with you a poem written by Shorty himself, entitled

historically speaking

| shorty |

“The 65 cents you spend for a Haircut will improve your appearance more and quicker, and last longer then in any other way you spend it “ – Shorty. John Wilfred Forsyth was born on October 29, 1900 to parents Benjamin and Violet Forsyth. Lovingly dubbed Shorty (many people never knew his real name), John attended Bethesda Public School and the Uxbridge High School. However, after three long years of high school he “tossed his books away”, working as a lumberjack and farming in both the East and in Western Canada. In October of 1922, he started barbering with Jack Beaver, anticipating that he would not barber for very long; he worked at the South West corner of Brock and Bascom Street for almost 40 years.

Mason House Gardens

Summer Hours (July & August)

Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

(September & October)

10am - 5pm daily. Please Note: We will be closed the Week of July 29th and reopening August 6th 2013.

masonhouse gardens.com

Jw forsyth, stamped in concrete at the corner of brock and bascom St.

Haircut Sir? In every magazine you purchase or paper you may read, The things you use from day to day are advertised – agreed? Your dishwasher, the soap you use – the razor for your face, Even almost all religions known to the human race. Just one thing is neglected – this causes me despair, Nobody has suggested that you have us cut your hair. If my work doesn’t please you, perhaps Art Forsythe’s will, If not then try Lloyd Capstick, his shop is up the hill. Give us the opportunity your appearance to enhance, Don’t try to do the job yourself, you haven’t got a chance. Our prices here are reasonable – our living we must earn, We spend it all eventually – patronize you in return. Come yourself and bring the kids – we’ll try to use your right, So Cheerio! Good Morning! Good Afternoon and Good Night! A copy of Shorty’s Poems, compiled by daughter Doris Taylor, can be found in the Genealogy Department of the Uxbridge Library. born and raised in uxbridge, ontario, elizabeth is a busy mom of 2 trying to carve out a life-work balance. She is self-proclaimed social-media enthusiast, gourmand, voracious reader and wanna-be writer.

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Fully stocked with perennials all season long! Display gardens to stroll through and see mature plants and how to use them.

community calendar

| july community calendar | MOnDAY, JUlY 1

contact: www.uxlib.com

Canada Day at Elgin Park Come celebrate Canada Day in Elgin Park Uxbridge. Free family activities include live entertainment, Zoo to You, horse-drawn wagon rides, and kids crafts and games. Lots of great food vendors too. Fireworks at dusk. Gates open at 5:00pm. Admission by donation - suggested donation $20.00 per family.

SATURDAY, JUlY 6

time: 5 - 11 p.m. where: 2 elgin park dr. contact: 905 852 9249

TUESDAY, JUlY 9 Preschool Adventures - Travel the Seas Ahoy Matey! Come aboard for a water themed adventure. Bring your preschooler to the library for themed days and be prepared to have fun! Ages 2 and a half to Pre-K Cost $3. time: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St. contact: www.uxlib.com

WEDnESDAY, JUlY 3 Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Course This course is designed to increase confidence for babysitters and for kids staying home alone. Includes basic first aid and some CPR training. Includes snack, handbook and wallet sized certification. Cost $75. Runs Wednesday, July 3 & Thursday, July 4. Attendees must at end both dates.

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time: 9:30 a .m. - 12:30 p.m. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St. contact: www.uxlib.com

TD Canada Summer Reading Club Kick-Oﬀ Pick up your summer reading passport to chart your journey. Events run every Wednesday afternoon for grades 2-7 all summer long!. Free posters, booklets, and a summer treat! Unable to attend? Pick up club kits until July 23rd! time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St.

support programs and services at Community Care Durham.

Great inventions-The Printing Press! The printing press was one of the most important inventions in human history! Learn in the museum’s operating print shop how printing was done in Uxbridge in the past, and how newspapers were produced. Kids will also get to make their own newspaper column and picture stamp. Bring a picnic lunch. Preregister. $10, ages 8-12 time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. where: uxbridge historical centre, 7239 conc. rd. 6 contact: 905 852 5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com

SUnDAY, JUlY 7 Teddy Bear Day on the York-Durham Heritage Railway Children 12 and under ride free when carrying their Teddy Bear (all children with Teddy Bears must be accompanied by an adult with a maximum of 2 children per adult). Dr. Bear will be checking out Teddys (and other loved plush animals) during our trips between Uxbridge and Stouffville. The good doctor will be checking to see that your Teddy can give lots more hugs and cuddles. time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. where: york-durham heritage railway, 19 railway St. contact: www.ydhr.ca

SATURDAY, JUlY 13 Community Care Durham’s 17th Annual Gardens of Uxbridge Garden Tour This self-guided tour offers a variety of gardens. Tickets are $25.00, which includes a box lunch to take on the road or enjoy at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. Purchase tickets by July 10 to be entered in our Early Bird Draw - dinner for two at the Tin Mill Restaurant. Tickets are available by phone 905-852-7445 and at Blue Heron Books, Garden Artifacts and the Tin Mill Restaurant. On the day activities include a raﬄe – winning prize an original watercolour. All proceeds from the tour go to

time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. where: in and around uxbridge contact: 905 852 7445 www.ccdgardensofuxbridge.org

FRiDAY, JUlY 19 Uxbridge Ribfest A three day mouth watering extravaganza! Uxbridge Ribfest offers great food and fun times for the whole family. Feel the hot summer breeze while enjoying some of the tastiest ribs and chicken your taste buds have ever encountered! Music, food, fun and activities for everyone to enjoy. Award-winning BBQ pit bosses from around the province gather to showcase their talents and serve up award-winning barbeque to mouth watering Uxbridge residents. This festival is unique to the town in that barbeque is the focal point of the event – offering the public a chance to sample a variety of barbeque recipes from across the nation. time: friday 6 - 9p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a .m. - 7 p.m. where: elgin park, 2 elgin park dr. contact: www.uxbridgeribfest.com

SATURDAY, JUlY 20 Beads and Buttons craft workshop Kids will use colourful beads and buttons to create fantastic decorative items, including a button flower bouquet, jewelry box, door monogram, bookmark, and jewellery. Bring a picnic lunch. Pre-register. $15, ages 8 -12 time: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. where: uxbridge historical centre, 7239 conc. rd. 6 contact: 905 852 5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com

SUnDAY, JUlY 21 Pizza Day on the York-Durham Heritage Railway York-Durham Heritage Railway is partnering with Boston Pizza (Uxbridge) and is offering free pizza and refreshments to all

Fitness

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FREE WHITENING with a complete exam and cleaning

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Uxbridge and Stouffville passengers. Pizza will be served at Uxbridge Train Station from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

free activity or a Seniors discount.

time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. where: york-durham heritage railway, 19 railway St. contact: www.ydhr.ca

Freemasonry: A History Hidden in Plain Sight On display June 8 to September 29. Wed to Sunday and Holidays. 10am-4pm. Come and tour this exciting new travelling exhibit which relates the history of Freemasonry and its influence on society today. Learn about Freemasonry and its history in Uxbrige.

time: 6:30 - 8 p.m. where: durham forest, 3789 conc. rd. 7 contact: www.durhammountainbiking.ca

where: uxbridge historical centre, 7239 conc. rd. 6 contact: 905-852-5854

time: 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. where: uxbridge arena, 291 brock St. w.

Preschool Adventures - let’s go to the Drive-in Vroom Vroom! Come and create your own car and join us at the drive-in! Ages 2 and a half to Pre-K Cost $3. time: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St. contact: www.uxlib.com

FRiDAY, JUlY 26 The Highlands of Durham Games Offering a number of great events based on traditional Highland Games in Scotland and held for decades across Ontario and Canada. Adult day passes $15. Seniors and children under 16 free. July 26, 27 & 28. time: friday 5:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. Sunday 9 a.m. where: elgin park, 2 elgin park dr. contact: www.highlandsofdurhamgames.com

REGUlAR EVEnTS Uxbridge lawn Bowling Starting July 15th, Uxbridge Lawn Bowling Club’s second session. Beginners welcome. Join us for House Leagues, socials etc. Come on out and learn a fun new skill. contact: Jim barton 852-5854 or margery cowley 852-4780

Uxbridge BiA Seniors Day Seniors are encouraged to come shop, dine & explore Uxbridge each Tuesday. On Tuesday, participating businesses will display an orange ‘Keep Calm Seniors Day Here’ sign. Stop by to discover special Seniors promotions, sale items, in-store guests, a demonstration, a

Uxbridge Farmers Market Providing farm fresh produce & meats, homemade preserves & baking, honey & maple syrup, as well as handmade crafts & artwork. Open every Sunday 9am - 1pm. where: uxbridge arena, 291 brock St. w. contact: www.uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca

Summer Open Doors St. Paul’s Anglican Church will provide free guided tours of this beautiful local Church built by local craftsmen in the 1880’s. Free cold drinks. Weekly on Wednesday and Saturday until September 1. where: St. paul’s anglican church, 59 toronto St. S. contact: 905 852 7016

Fridays at the Foster A different concert each Friday until October 26, 2013. Admission is donation at the door. A free draw at the end of the month. time: 6:45 - 9 p.m. where: the thomas foster memorial, 7239 conc. rd. 6

ladies Monday night Ride Durham Mountain Biking Association weekly ride for women of all abilities. Continues till midSeptember (except on long weekends). All welcome. time: 6:30 - 8 p.m. where: durham forest, 3789 conc. rd. 7 contact: www.durhammountainbiking.ca

Wednesday night Ride Durham Mountain

Happy Canada Day!

from Uxbridge Community Midwives

905.862.3535 www.uxbridgemidwives.com

Biking Association weekly ride for all levels of riders. Continues till mid- September. All welcome.

Cruise in Classic Auto Show Held weekly on Thursday evenings. Come out and see the great autos on display and enjoy the entertainment.

Summer Day Camps July 15 - 19 & August 19 - 23. Camp includes creative activities, crafts, teamwork skills, laptop time/training, games and activities galore! Camp includes a Friday afternoon swim at the Uxpool. Register at the Uxbridge Public Library in the Children’s Department. Early Drop off/ pickup available. Spaces are limited, register quickly. $100/week grades 1 - 4. time: 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St. contact: www.uxlib.com

Senior Elementary at the library Join us at the library for events Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. All summer long! Cost $2. July 4 - Scene it. How much trivia do you know? July 11 - Movie Night. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightening Theif July 18 - Murder Mystery Night. Come play the role of a suspect or the murderer *Register for this program. July 25 - Braided T-shirt. Come and transform a plain t-shirt into a work of art. where: uxbridge public library, 9 toronto St. contact: www.uxlib.com Submit your events online at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Uxbridge Town Talk Advertisers receive highlighted ads in our calendar. Listings for the print calendar are due in advance of the beginning of the month. We are not responsible for errors and omissions, and reserve the right to edit for space.

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TUESDAY, JUlY 23

contact: 905 852-9181 x 406

peacefully productive

| top 5 tips for creating in the middle of it all | “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle Let me guess... You’re a very busy person. I’d even offer a wager that I can predict how most of your conversations with friends, relatives and co-workers begin. Does this sound vaguely familiar? “How’s it going?” “Good thanks. You know, crazy busy. How about you?” “Pretty good. Yeah, crazy busy...” There’s a viral contagion sweeping the nation, it’s Latin name being “bizeeitis.” Symptoms include, but are not limited to: having children (especially ones prone to soccer and jazz dance,) a day job, being a volunteer, joining an association or sitting on a board, liking movies and HBO Series, excessive intake of drive-thru purchased fast food, plus general exhaustion and malaise. And these symptoms often rise to the surface right around the time you’re contemplating doing something meaningful and creative. But take heart, there are ways to inoculate yourself from this time-vacuuming scourge, and actually make some meaningful projects, while juggling all the other important aspects of your life. What follows are my Five Tips for Creating in the Middle of it All.

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1. Develop Creative Rituals We’ve been brought up with the image of the wildly disorganized creative person, a slave to inspiration, who only creates when ‘the moment strikes.’ In reality, most successful artists, writers etc. are very habitual in their work. Check out famed choreographer Twyla Tharp’s excellent book ‘The Creative Habit’ for dozens of examples of this. If you wait for that perfect moment, when all signs point to ‘create’, you’ll never sit down to your pen, paintbrush, or piano. The cure for sporadic creative moments followed by long dry spells is to make time everyday for what your passionate about. 20 minutes a day, five days a week will give you much better results than one big 2 hour marathon every once in a while. But where will you find that 20 minutes each day?

2. Get up earlier The is probably the simplest advice you will hear along your creative journey, and also the advice has the potential to produce the biggest results. Check out Leo Babauta’s awesome blog zenhabits.net for some great ‘early riser’ tips. Personal note: I have always been a nighthawk, often staying up to 2 or 3am each night. After much reading about the power of meeting the sun each morning, I slowly (in

by darrin daviS

15 minute increments) adjusted my waking time from 7:30 am to my current hour of waking: 5:30 am. It’s been a huge boon to my creativity. Most mornings, I’ve already been creating for a couple of hours before the old me had even brushed his teeth. Try it! 3. Extinguish your Excuses Spare time does not enhance creativity. Commitment enhances creativity. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve told myself in the past that I’ll set aside some creative time ‘at the cottage’ or ‘when the weekend comes.’ Then I get to the cottage, and my wife’s dad decides its time to build another massive rock wall around the garden, in case the Vikings land ashore, hungry for geraniums. The rock wall gets built, the Vikings are deterred, and my new album languishes, shaking its lonely head. Which leads to the next tip: 4. Have ‘The Talk’ Is there someone in your life that perhaps doesn’t quite grasp how important your creative work is to you? Is that their fault, or have you perhaps neglected to TELL them that you have some artistic aspirations? Results will vary based on who is on the other side of this little information session, but the majority of my clients have found ‘the talk’ to be a very positive event. Some have even found that this person who was ‘holding them back’ became a champion of their work, once they were told how important it is to the once-timid creator. 5. Prioritize, then Sacriﬁce Something We’re not talking about your first-born, here. Probably not even your second-born. Spend a little time looking at the many things that make up an average day for you. Can you trim some of the fat to give you more time for what matters? Could your shelved manuscript benefit from that one hour timeslot in the evening you normally devote to Pawnstars? Would your life improve if you funneled the 30 minutes you spent every few days snooping on your Ex’s public Facebook page, and fed that into your creative ritual time? :) There you have it. Keep on creating, and let me know how these tips have helped you, by emailing me at peacefullyproductive@yahoo. com. And please feel free to check in on how I’ve been spending my creative time, by visiting my new website at: www.peacefullyproductive.com darrin davis is a professional Singer/Songwriter, painter, photographer and creativity coach. the ceo of peacefully productive inc, darrin lives in the wildwood splendor of uxbridge, ontario with his lovely wife amy and his incorrigible puppy dublin. (all 3 are relentless blue Jays fans.) www.reverbnation.com/thedarrindavisband www.etsy.com/shop/crazyuncleart

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Diane Ratnik Cooper is a floral decorative artist who didn’t pick up a paint brush till about 12 years ago. Her passion for pink roses was the inspiration to put flowers on all types of items. She calls her work “functional art” as you can take it with you. Whether it be on your phone case or enjoying a cup of coffee or sipping wine while sitting in your garden. Diane is an active participant in the Uxbridge Arts community. Contact josiesjoys@gmail.com for more information.

spotlight on you

| diane ratnik cooper |

by bob moore

guest column

| the art of gelato |

What is gelato? This is one of the most common questions we receive at the Perfect Scoop. Maybe a better question would be… if it looks this good, does it matter? What exactly is this Italian answer to ice cream? Where did it come from? What makes it so different and so delicious? Frozen treats aren’t new…even in Ancient Rome, Italians ate confections made with ice or snow. Anything closer to what we know as modern gelato, though, seems to have been developed during the Renaissance. In the late 17th century, gelato seems to have taken off. A recipe book printed in Naples offers a variety of delicious sorbet ideas, from gelato thickened with candied pumpkin to gelato flavored with lemon blossom water. By the 19th century, we all screamed for ice cream — and in Italy, gelato, which means something frozen, became the accepted word for the frozen treat.

If gelato just means “frozen,” than what is different about gelato today? Why does it taste so different from ice cream? Traditional gelato has much less butterfat; about 4-8 percent of gelato is butterfat, compared to the 10-14 percent butterfat content found in North American ice cream. This means that gelato freezes less solidly than ice cream and is served around 10-12 degrees warmer than ice cream, so it melts in your mouth faster. Gelato has a much higher density than ice cream. To make ice cream, producers mix cream, milk, and sugar before adding air. This air increases the volume of ice cream by 85 to 100%. All that air makes for a much less-flavorful sweet. In Europe, regulations limit that kind of process, called “overrun.” Gelato also has air introduced to the mix during the freeze-churn process, but because the churning rate is much slower than processed ice cream, only about 30-35% air is incorporated in the final product. This makes gelato much heavier than an equal size of American-style ice cream. When you think about it, up to 1/2 of every bite of ice cream is air! Most commercially produced ice cream is made for long-term storage. That is why they are more fully frozen and have a higher fat content. Gelato on the other hand, is frozen quickly in small 5 Liter batches, which means it’s much fresher and of a higher quality. True artisanal gelato has to be eaten within a couple of days of production. Bob Moore has been a practicing pharmacist for 25 years with a keen interest in food and compounding chemistry. He is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. Graduated from the University of British Columbia, he has lived in Uxbridge for 10 years.

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The Highland of Durham Games - Time for Family Fun! The Highland of Durham Games offers a number of great events based on traditional Highland Games in Scotland and held for decades across Ontario and Canada: Massed Bands – twice daily performances by some of Canada’s most renowned Pipe Bands Avenue of the Clans – register your clan and share your Scots & Celtic heritage! Highland Dance Competitions - with over a hundred competitors and prizes for winners Youth Pavilion - with great Family Activities Dogs and Livestock Shows - featuring traditional Scottish breeds from Border Collies to cattle, horses and sheep The Heavy Games - which are a highlight of any Highland Games. We feature amateur and professional competitions for men and women. History of The Highland Games Origins of present day Highland Games go so far back into the mists of time that no one knows when the men of the Highlands first began to gather to compete in various tests of strength, playing of Highland Music and in Highland Dancing. Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, 11th century, organized Games at Braemar, and today the Braemar Gathering is the leading Highland Games spectacle in the world. King Malcolm decreed that the young men should gather to hold contests of speed and endurance, in order that he could choose the best amongst them for his service. There was also stern competition amongst the musicians and dancers who foregathered, however their presence also lent a festive air to the proceedings. In 2013 the games will run July 26, 27, & 28. Events include plenty of great musical entertainment, Celtic

livestock demonstrations and displays, and highland and folk dancing competitions. Guests will be able to explore Celtic traditions through games, music and story telling in the Young People’s Celtic Pavilion and visit the Avenue of the Clans. And of course, the Highland Games wouldn’t be complete without good food and good drink and the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Scotland. The “Burning of the Viking Ship” at the closing ceremonies will bring a sense of kinship with all that is Celtic. Ceilidh The Ceilidh is a variety show that features samples of traditional music and dance. Typically, it features folk music, pipe music, fiddling, country dancing and highland dancing. Some are structures to feature professional entertainers. The Massed Band The Massed Band ceremony is when all participating pipe bands parade together playing a common medley of popular bagpipe tunes. Traditionally, the massed band will perform simple maneuvers on the parade field. Dry Stone Walling The technique of Dry Stone building has been around for over 4000 years. The Brochs of Scotland, the settlement of Skara Brae and Machu Picchu all utilized these techniques and stand silent vigil to the technique. No mortar is used with any of theses features and built using the proper techniques, they will outlast us. Anyone telling you they will not stand need only look at the above mentioned places. The Dry Stone Walling Association within the UK is the primary base for the craft. Their certification schemes ensure quality workmanship and progress. Although labor intensive, a good waller can complete roughly ten feet of wall a day. Obviously special features such as bridges and arches will require stone shaping and more preparation time. (This history of Dry Stone Walling was borrowed from the site of “Heritage Walls”). Come and see Mike Patten of Heritage Walls, as he and other participants work together to build a beautiful stone wall.

Uxbridge Ribfest - A three day mouth watering extravaganza! The Uxbridge Ribfest will be held on July 19th, 20th, and 21st in picturesque Elgin Park. Friday night entertainment begins at 6pm to 9pm. A mini Midway from Ardo amusements- a hop skip and a jump from go old TO. Take in the country atmosphere at it’s finest while enjoying great food and fun times for the whole family. Uxbridge Ribfest has a fantastic line up of live bands, daily kids’ activities and fun for adults and kids alike! We have live music from the Rotary band shell set beneath 60 + 80 year old trees.

Feel the hot summer breeze while enjoying some of the tastiest ribs and chicken your taste buds have ever encountered! Award-winning BBQ pit bosses from around the province gather to showcase their talents and serve up award-winning barbeque to mouth watering Uxbridge residents. This festival is unique to the town in that barbeque is the focal point of the event - offering the public a chance to sample a variety of barbeque recipes from across the nation and even Australia. Ribfest is open Friday - 6pm to 9pm, Saturday - 11am to 11pm and Sunday - 11am to 7pm. Visit www.uxbridgeribfest.com for more information or www.uxbridgeribfest.com/here-are-the-2013-rib bers to see the 2013 ribbers!

Calling all artists/musicians! If you would like to be part of Uxbridge’s ART Happening Street pARTy Saturday September 21st 2013 contact Sari at businessfacilitator@uxbridgebia.ca

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Uxbridge Celebrates Canada Day! Come celebrate Canada Day in Elgin Park. There will be lots of activities going on including mid- life crisis, kids activities, zoo-to-you, superman, bossy bingo, wagon rides, expanded food vendors, citizen of the year award and the ever popular fireworks at dusk. Please join us in the celebrations on July 1, 2013. Gates open at 5:00pm. “Donate to Celebrate!” Admission by donation. Wheel chair accessibility - for parking enter Water St. The Township of Uxbridge would like to thank all the supporters for their generous donations.

your community

| local living |

utt kitchen

| cedar-plank salmon |

sourced from www.chatelaine.com

Ingredients 2 untreated cedar planks (about 12in long) 2 750g centre-cut, skin-on salmon fillets 3 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp olive oil 2 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 very small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup dill fronds (optional)

Directions

Plank Grilling Tips In choosing a plank, pick only untreated cedar, alder, hickory, or maple. Prepare the plank by soaking it at least one hour in a bucket or cooler filled with water. This adds moisture to the wood and prevents it from burning on the grill. Add 1 tablespoon of salt or 1 cup of white wine, apple juice, citrus, or berry juice to the soaking water to accent wood aromas.

Soak planks in cold water for 1 to 2 hours. Preheat barbecue to medium. Slice each salmon fillet into 6 thin portions, cutting through flesh but not through the skin. Place each fillet on a plank, skin-side down. Stir together Dijon, oil and salt in a small bowl. Brush over salmon and into the cuts. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Scatter onion overtop. Grill, covered, until fillet is barely firm to the touch and white juices appear all over the sides, 20 to 25 min. Turn barbecue off and keep lid closed for 5 min. Fish should now feel firm to the touch and a knife inserted into the thickest part and held for 10 seconds should be warm. If not, close lid and let rest another 5 min. Watch plank carefully; if it catches fire, spray with water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Use a wide spatula to remove fillets to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

| corn on the cob with lime and spices | Ingredients 12 ears of corn 1/3 cup lime juice, about 6 limes 1 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper

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| grilled asparagus |

If a plank is being used for the first time, season it by placing it on a preheated grill for 2 minutes, turning once. Lightly toasting the plank on both sides will intensify its smoky flavor and prevent warping. When the plank starts crackling, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for cooking. Place marinated or ready-to-cook foods directly on the plank. Keep the grillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lid closed as much as possible to maintain temperatures and maximize smoking. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy so flames can be extinguished if the plank starts to burn. Planked food does not have to be turned during grilling.

sourced from www.chatelaine.com

Directions Preheat barbecue to medium-high. Peel back corn husks. Remove silk from cobs. Soak cobs in water at least 5 min before grilling. Stir lime juice with chili powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Place cobs on grill, using tongs to turn every 2 min until charred, about 10 min in total. After each turn, brush the length of hot cob with lime-juice mixture. Transfer to a platter. Serve when cool enough to handle.

sourced from www.chatelaine.com

Ingredients 2 bunches asparagus 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/8 tsp salt

Directions Preheat barbecue to medium-high. Snap tough ends from asparagus. In a large bowl, toss asparagus with oil and salt. Place asparagus on the grill perpendicular to grill grates or in a vegetable basket. Barbecue, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 5 min.

tip: feel free to add other veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes for a simple and tasty side.

Most people i speak to tell me that they have heard of Reiki, but aren’t really sure what it is. This is understandable since Reiki is one of those things that is really hard to explain, yet becomes so clear when experienced! Simply put, Reiki therapy is a subtle and gentle hands-on healing modality that moves the body towards balance. Our bodies are bombarded on a daily basis with everyday stresses, which causes our nervous system to enter into a coping mode (fight or flight, also known as sympathetic dominance). In this mode, our bodies can’t heal or achieve balance because they are too busy coping and putting out fires - work stress, bills, kids, juggling schedules, etc. The result of this constant coping mode can vary from a general feeling of low energy and stress, to chronic or acute illness. Our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves, but they have to be given the chance. Reiki therapy does just that. The deep relaxation of a Reiki treatment gently moves the body’s nervous system into the healing mode - rest-digest, also known as parasympathetic dominance. In this state, the wisdom of our bodies takes over and focuses on healing and regenerating rather than simply coping. Reiki therapy is not a healing in itself, nor am I your therapist a ‘healer’. Reiki therapy simply facilitates your own body’s healing ability. It puts us in a state that allows our bodies to truly rest and rejuvenate - to energize and refuel, which is all we really need to heal, balance and recover. Reiki treatments are performed while you are fully clothed, lying on your back on a treatment table. The practitioner will lay his or her hands gently in several positions over your body, resting for two to five minutes in each position (some practitioners hover rather than touch). You

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Sahar younes is a level two practitioner registered with the canadian reiki association, practicing reiki for 15 years. her practice, reiki flow, has found its home at creekside wellness - 53 toronto St. n. www.creeksidewellness.ca. visit www.reikiﬂow.ca for more information about reiki.

Sourced from bananaboat.com

Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. If you can do it an hour ahead of time, that’s even better. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection, which means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to wear protection on cloudy days as well as sunny ones. UVB rays may be partially blocked by the grayness, but UVA rays are not. Know that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Protect yourself appropriately. Also know that you should use sunscreen no matter what time you go out to enjoy the day. Protect your child’s skin with sunscreens designed specifically for the sensitive skin of babies and kids. Wear sunscreen even if you are only planning to drive from one

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indoor location to another. UVA rays can penetrate glass. Commonly forgotten exposures include the left arm that sits on the car door ledge when driving, and the rays that warm your face through the sunroof. 7. Sunscreen isn’t the only form of protection from the sun. Wearing a hat, sun protective clothing or even using an umbrella can help prevent harmful damage to your skin and help avoid a sunburn. 8. Winter, spring, summer or fall—sunscreen is needed all year round. 9. One ounce of sunscreen should cover you from head to toe if you’re wearing a swimsuit. That dollop’s about the size of a golf ball. 10. Don’t forget those often-missed spots like ears, lips, and nose.

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| sun safety tips |

may feel either a hot or a cold sensation, or even a vibration or tingling in specific areas and throughout your body. You will also feel a deep sense of relaxation! Your heart rate will go down and you will begin to breathe more deeply. You may feel your mind start to clear and generally you will feel a great sense of, well - wellness! Many people sit up from a session and tell me it feels like they have just had a very restful sleep and that they feel rejuvenated. How often do you wake up in the morning feeling that great? With regular Reiki treatments, many people feel that the daily stresses no longer have the same affect on them; they find that they are more calm and that their minds are more clear. I can vouch for these results as I perform self-treatments on a daily basis which has made, and continues to make, a tremendous difference in my life. Choosing the right Reiki therapist is an important decision. Much like choosing your doctor, mechanic, massage therapist or accountant, there has to be a comfort level and a good fit. There are several Reiki practitioners in this lovely community - try an online search, ask friends, or visit the community boards around town to find the therapist that is right for you. Make sure you talk to the practitioner before deciding if they are the best fit for you. I truly feel that everyone should give this wonderful therapy a try. Reiki is a great complement to any other alternative or traditional therapy you may currently be utilizing.

feeling fine

by Sahar youneS

Main St.

| reiki therapy |