Uxbridge Town Talk - May 2016 by Uxbridge Town Talk

Volume 8 | Issue 4 | May 2016

agricultural farm facts | raising chicks | have fun. seriously | the pond

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uxbridge town talk

Celebrating Our 7th Birthday! June 4th, 2016

Come Celebrate with us and get 20% to 50% off selected items! Fill out a ballot for a chance to win tickets to... A Day Out With Thomas!

77 Brock Street West. Uxbridge | 905.862.3524 | www.littleacorn.ca

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OPENING DAY 22 SUNDAY, MAY 2016

Join us every Sunday Rain or shine! 9am to 1pm in Uxbridge Arena Parking lot. Many vendors including fruit, vegetables, maple syrup, honey, bread, frozen meat, plants, baked goods, preserves and much more.

UXBRIDGE FARMERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MARKET

Uxbridge Arena 291 Brock St. N. Uxbridge | info@uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca

contents

volume 8 | issue 4 | may 2016

“Be like a f lower and turn your face to the sun.” - Kahlil Gibran

Town Talk Tidbits Agricultural Fun Facts

Faces of Uxbridge Uxbridge Ladies’ Auxiliary

Crafty Corner Recycled Puzzle Bubble Frame

6 Art in Uxbridge You may Want to Check out These Events in May.

7 Agricultural News Raising Chicks

8 Community Calendar May 2016

Historically Speaking Hobby Horse

12 Peacefully Productive Have Fun. Seriously!

13 UTT Kitchen Stuffed Meatloaf

14 Guest Column In The Quest of The Midnight sun

Community Calendar Cont’d May 2016

My Environment The Pond

STAFF Managing Editor: Elaine Leigh Graphic Designer: Sandi Leigh Sales Manager: Sandi Leigh CONTRIBUTORS Dorothea Helms Samantha Smith Gloria Eng Conrad Boyce Darrin Davis

-town talk

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 3 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1E6

COVER PHOTO John Cavers | Local Photographer | facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk

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Available online at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com or www.issuu. com/uxbridgetowntalk. Can be downloaded as well! EDITORIAL MESSAGE Unless otherwise stated, all product reviews, articles and other features are chosen by us at our discretion. 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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Yes, spring is in the air! Winter has left us to plan and dream about our summer plans. The Huck Finn fishing derby always seems to open the season to the many spring and summer events that happen around our town. Be sure to check out our calendar for the season’s happenings and find the event that suits you best. Remember that many of them are free like the healthy kids programs in Uxbridge. Of course May is the time when we celebrate our moms with our families. Luckily our family is close and I have the privilege of seeing them often but not everyone is so fortunate. I know I say it often, but if you can’t be with your mom on the day then call, skype or face time. Or why not send a hand written note to say what they mean to you? As a mom, just hearing from our children matters immensely to us. Others sadly can only pay respect to their mothers in their heart. We know as parents that our children are deep in our hearts and in spirit we are no different. Now again I may be repeating myself but indulge me; our family has a celebration with kids, grandchildren, spouses and all those we have adopted as family over the years. This includes special people in our lives that deserve to be honoured, just because they are special to us. So if you have a neighbor, or friend who either has no kids or can’t be with them, remember them on Mother’s Day. They too are special in your life. We at Uxbridge Town Talk wish all mothers, grandmothers and special/adopted family members a very special day and hopefully a wonderful spring. Turn your face and hearts to the sun and smell the roses.

town talk tidbits

| agricultural fun facts |

SOURCED FROM: WEGROWFORTHEWORLD.COM | WWW.AGR.GC.CA | WWW.NUFARM.CA

There are over 50 million hectares of agricultural land classified as suitable for long-term cultivation in Canada.

No wonder a

Tomato

Wears a Crown!

Agriculture Facts Agri-Food industry employs 2.2 million Canadians Canada produces 80% of world’s maple syrup Canada is the 5th largest agricultural exporter There are approx. 4 million beef cattle in Canada

Approx. 26 mill. pigs raised in Canada yearly

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Canada is the world’s largest exporter of canola 27.5% of Canadian farmers are female

Fruits and Vegetables in Canada Over 125 different fruits and vegetable crops are grown in Canada from coast to coast. Farmers in Ontario and Quebec account for more than 80% of vegetable sales, and the vast majority of fruit sales come from British Columbia (38%), Ontario (27%), and Quebec (23%). Canada is also the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world.

In 1900, 50 cents of every dollar earned was spent on food. Today, Canadians spend just over 10 cents of every dollar we earn on food.

Honey Bees Honey bees play a critical role in the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. The bees pollinate blossoms on the plants to turn them into fruits (like apples) or vegetables (like pumpkins). It is estimated that every third bite of food we eat relates back to honeybees and pollination.

Worldwide, we lose a soccer field of farm land every second, while adding two more people to the world’s population.

SOURCED FROM: WWW.FREEKIDSCRAFTS.COM

Directions

Supplies

Prep 1. Using craft glue, adhere the photograph to the piece of cardboard. Use craft glue to attach the ice cream sticks around the photograph Trim cardboard so that it is just larger than the photograph. Set aside to dry.

Photograph for framing

2. Lay newspaper down on table and place puzzle pieces face up. Have the children paint the puzzle pieces white. You may need 2-3 coats for some depending on the darkness of the pattern on the puzzle pieces. Allow to dry. When dry, lightly sponge on light blue paint â&#x20AC;&#x153;here and thereâ&#x20AC;? all over the puzzle pieces.

White & light blue tempera paint

Glue Using hot glue, adhere the puzzle pieces to the ice cream sticks. Work your way around the frame, be sure that pieces overlap and do not leave any gaps between pieces.

Hot glue

Cardboard a little larger than your photo 4 Ice cream sticks 15 Puzzle pieces (will need more or less depending on puzzle piece size) Small piece of sponge Iridescent and/or clear craft gems in small, medium and large

crafty corner

| recycled puzzle bubble frame |

Small fish stickers Craft glue Scissors Newspaper

Decorate After all pieces are glued in place, use hot glue to adhere craft gems around the frame. Alternate large, medium and small gems to look like floating bubbles. Decorate with two tiny fish stickers, if desired.

Uxbridge Renovation Showroom | 905-852-7722 | 17991 Lakeridge Road

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Hang! For a simple hanger, hot glue a piece of sturdy string or yarn across the back of the cardboard.

art in uxbridge

| you may want to check these events out in may |

Ah, spring is here, and the arts are blooming across Uxbridge. This month, we take a look at three upcoming events and the people who organize them.

Uxbridge Dance Academy Annual Recitals You may think you can dance, but wait until you see the Uxbridge Dance Academy’s students perform at their annual recital! They will take over the Uxbridge Music Hall on Thursday, May 12th and Saturday, May 14th to strut their stuff in a wide variety of dance disciplines. Prepare to be amazed! “Our students have worked hard all year toward the ‘main event’ of the Recital,” says the Academy’s Nancy Einsmann. “We have a Primary Recital on the Thursday for children aged 3 to 9 years, and it is nearly sold out. The Saturday Recital features our older students from ages 10 and up. Both events are always well attended. Our teachers are highly qualified and passionate about dance as an art form. We love the opportunity to showcase all our wonderful kids.” Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through www.starticketing. com. You can also register your 6 to 9 year-olds for the Academy’s summer camps. These 5-day sessions involve arts and crafts, games and creative movement and rhythm in addition to dance instruction in jazz, hip hop, acro and ballet – all in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Visit www.uxbridgedanceacademy.com.

Uxbridge Chamber Choir Presents Rachmaninoff’s Vespers

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On Friday, May 13th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the Uxbridge Chamber Choir will perform Rachmaninoff’s “Vespers” under the direction of Thomas (Tom) Baker. This challenging work is considered the composer’s finest choral achievement and the greatest written for the Russian Orthodox Church. The piece is taken from the Russian Orthodox “all-night vigil” ceremony.

“We have chosen to present an English language version,” Tom says. “This is a very intense, hour-long, a cappella work. In the tradition of Russian choral music, it is powerful and includes a range of dynamics and frequency. The style is characterized by a rich, deep bass part. This work is profoundly beautiful and recognized as one of the greatest works of the choral repertoire.” Thomas is well known in the area for his involvement in choral music as both a singer and conductor. He and Anne Mizen-Baker founded the Uxbridge Chamber Choir in 1983 and held a debut concert in January 1984. Since that time, the community has been privileged to enjoy the special quality of choral music , both sacred and secular, these accomplished singers provide. For more information on the group, visit www.uxbridgechamberchoir.ca.

Uxbridge Youth Theatre Presents Mary Poppins Set aside some time at the end of the month or early June to attend the Uxbridge Youth Theatre’s production of “Mary Poppins.” The Uxbridge Music Hall will provide the setting for the stage version of one of the most popular Disney movies of all time. The show is directed by Sherry Cockburn, whose daughter, Lindsay Bolingbroke is co-stage

BY DOROTHEA HELMS

managing with Jennifer Aquino. Choreographer Lyndsay Haines is a familiar local as well. “Our cast spans ages from 14 to 20,” Sherry says. “They’re having a ball doing this show. It’s magical, mystical and has a very good moral to the story, which is really brought out in the stage version. This is family entertainment at its finest.” Lindsay adds, “Mary Poppins has stood the test of time and generations. We all feel very connected to the story and to each other.” Lindsay, Lyndsay and Jennifer are past Uxbridge Youth Theatre performers. “We enjoy incorporating alumni into the production team,” Sherry says. “The entire process is hugely entertaining.” The shows will be held on May 26th, 28th and 29th, plus June 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students. For more information about this theatre group, check out www. uxbridgeyouththeatre.com. Dorothea Helms connects people and ideas, and can be reached at fairy@thewritingfairy.com Dorothea Helms, a.k.a. The Writing Fairy, is an award-winning writer and popular creative writing instructor who also owns the freelance business Write Stuff Writing Services. She makes her living connecting people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca

to know, when the chicks are young you will need a heat lamp to maintain consistent temperatures until they are able to do so for themselves, soft bedding such as wood shavings, fresh water available at all times for the birds and a feeder. You will need a coop for the birds to roost in at night and nests to lay eggs in during the day; a fenced in area provides them with protection from predators and family pets.

Springs here and so comes the arrival of many babies on farms around Uxbridge. A popular choice for small and large farms alike are chickens, which means lots of fluffy, little, adorable chicks! Whether raising meat or laying bird’s chickens are a great addition to any farm and provide a great way to teach children where our food comes from! You may be surprised to know that chickens are surprisingly friendly birds, especially if you purchase them as day olds – which require additional work and a wait time before you will see any eggs, but the chicks will bond with you and some will follow you around and will even come when called! When starting from scratch there are a few things you will need

Service & Construction

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Chicks are curious and love to explore, on warm days letting them explore a controlled area will keep your birds happy, but make sure they can’t escape and are not exposed to predators, at this age it is important to keep an eye at them at all times!

agricultural news

BY SAMANTHA SMITH

Care of grown birds is minimal, they must have access to feed bins and water throughout the day however a bag of food is cheap and, depending on how many birds you have, lasts a relatively long time. Hens will have access to the coop at all times as they can be quite picky about where and when they lay and most of the time once they have picked a spot to lay it is difficult to convince them to move elsewhere. Sometimes this means birds are sharing nests and will take turns or occasionally try to fit in together! Hens will lay as long as they get enough sunlight. They require around 10-14 hours of light each day. When they do receive adequate light you can expect one to two eggs per bird each day! When the eggs are laid they have a natural protective coating on them which will allow them to be stored unrefrigerated for short periods of time, unlike store bought which are required to be washed before packaging which removes the protective coating. If you choose to leave your fresh eggs out on display be sure not to remove the coating until you are ready to enjoy your delicious farm fresh eggs. What’s in a name? “Chicken” refers to both male and female birds. “Chicks” are young chickens. “Hens” are female chickens. When they are just about to begin laying eggs (approx. 5 months old) they are sometimes referred to as “point-of-lay pullets”. “Roosters” or “cocks” are the males. After spending the last year traveling abroad Samantha has come home to discover the hidden gems in and surrounding Uxbridge. Local to Goodwood, Samantha splits her time between managing her family’s Alpaca farm, photography and traveling - so naturally exploring local farms seemed like a perfect fit!

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| raising chicks |

community calendar

| may community calendar | WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH

SATURDAY MAY 14TH

TUESDAY MAY 17TH

6th Annual Uxbridge Prayer Breakfast The Community of Uxbridge is invited to a morning of inspiration, prayer and fellowship with keynote speaker Pastor Blake Found (Uxb Free Methodist Church) representing Set Free Durham. Set Free Durham was formed to bring awareness to the alarming growth of human trafficking in Durham Region. Music – Freedom Bound – a men’s gospel singing group who share a strong love for music and good friendship. Please join us for this truly inspiring morning. As those who have attended in previous years will know, one leaves feeling enriched, inspired and encouraged. Tickets are just $20 and are available at Evans Financial Services and Blue Heron Books. Don’t be disappointed; this event sold out last year.

The Ultimate Race Uxbridge Teams will embark on a journey through out Uxbridge, completing challenges along the way before racing to the finish line. Register NOW for this adventure packed family friendly day. Prizes to the first 100 paid registrants! *Cost: $10.00; Children 10 and under are FREE!* All proceeds will be donated to the United Way.

Meet MCpl. Jody Mitic The UxbridgeScott Historical Society Public Meeting. Meet Canadian elite sniper, Ottawa City Councillor and finalist in 2013’s Amazing Race Canada, MCpl. Jody Mitic, as he celebrates Unflinching, his memoir that reveals his personal journey into the Canadian military and what happened after he returned home. Admission by donation

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Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am Where: Wyndance Golf Club (Coppins Corners) 450 Durham Regional Rd 21 Contact: 905-852-6703

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Where: Start / Finish line at Uxbridge’s Centennial Park Centennial Dr Contact: Amanda or Greg @ 905-852-2884

2016 Rotary Club of Uxbridge Gala The Rotary Club of Uxbridge will be hosting a fundraising gala, which will include cocktail hour, silent and live auction, dinner, dancing and a live band! For further information, please visit http://uxbridgerotary.com/ Website: www.uxbridgerotary.com

Time: 7:00 pm Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: Maggie Finlayson @ 905-852-4282

SATURDAY MAY 28TH Uxbridge Horticultural Society PLANT AND BAKE SALE Plant and Bake Sale. Lots of great plants and baked goodies. Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: Rose Doyle @ uxbridgehorticulturalsociety@ gmail.com Website: www.uxbridgehorticulturalsociety.com

Coffee Making with Rich Helms How to make a great cup of coffee without any high tech gadgets. Held at the Uxbridge Public FRIDAY MAY 13TH Library Lower Meeting Room. Register at the SUNDAY MAY 29TH Bowl for Kids Sake Join us for our Library adult department with $5.00 donation annual Bowl for Kids Sake event. We are to the Friends of The Uxbridge Public Library. Pineridge Chorus Spring Tea Come and encouraging applicants to round up those Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm enjoy Tea with lots of goodies to eat, prizes plaid shirts, kick off those cowboy boots Where: Uxbridge Library, 9 Toronto St S to win, a 50/50 raffle, and of course – hear and come dressed up for our Rodeo themed Pineridge Chorus serenade you! Hats and bowling event. Participants must fund raise Greenbank Folk Music Society Greenbank Fascinators are most welcome for ladies and a minimum of $25 per person. Participants Folk Music Society is delighted to welcome girls. Adults at $10.00, Children only $5.00 who raise over $100 will receive a specially back to our stage the award winning singer, admission. designed t-shirt. Pledges for teams of 4-6 songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Suzie Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm people or individual bowlers can be made Vinnick. Showtime: Saturday, May 14, 2016, Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. online or in person. For more details about 8 PM. Suzie has toured nationally with Contact: Chris Musselman @ 905-473-2342 the event or how to fund raise online, visit Stuart McLean’s The Vinyl Café and the John our website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters. McDermott Band….Please join us for another Kyle Livingston – Professional Illusionist ca/northdurham. Help us make a difference warm and entertaining night of world class Kyle is a remarkable young illusionist with a in the lives of children in our community. folk music with the wonderful Suzie Vinnick. unique style & flair, His work is touched with Lets get the ball rolling and make this the Tickets are $ 25 each and available at: Blue wit & a very real sense of the mysterious. He best year yet! YEE HAW! This event runs Heron Books, P O E Design or Phone 905-985- is also a truly talented hypnotist with the Friday and Saturday. 8351 for reserved tickets and information. compelling charm of a true mesmerist capable of creating illusions both grand & intimate. He Time: Friday 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Time: 8:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Where: Greenbank Folk Music Society, Greenbank is a magical talent full of promise.” Doors open 1:30 pm. General Seating. Where: Parish Lanes, 69 Brock St W Centennial Hall, Greenbank Hwy 12 Contact: 905-985-3733 ext. 4

Contact: 905-985-8351

Time: 1:30 pm 2 Campbell Drive, Unit 207 | 905 862 3535 | www.uxbridgemidwives.com

647-528-1425

Happy Mother’s Day

30 Brock St W, Uxbridge

Highland Dance and Irish step classes. Ages 4 and up! **New Adult classes and Boys classes**

JOIN OUR TEAM!

lindsayrosedance@hotmail.com

Uxbridge Stouffville Midwives

REGULAR EVENTS Fridays at the Foster Starting May 6th every Friday night at 7:30 PM. It is a great night of music for all. Website: www.fostermemorial.com

The Bonner Boys Car Show in Elgin Park Starting May 26th every Thursday night , 5:00 PM. Runs until September. Website: www.bonnerboys.org

Baby Cafe is a non-fee drop in program offered Mondays, all pregnant women, parents & caregivers with infants are welcome. Each session is facilitated by a Lactation Consultant, and a healthy snack is provided. For more information families can contact us. Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am Where: Uxbridge Public School, 64 Victoria Dr Contact: 905-862-3131 or office@ durhamfamilyresources.org

Friday Morning Music w/ Marg Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am Where: Uxbridge Public School, 64 Victoria Dr Contact: 905-862-3131 or office@ durhamfamilyresources.org

Monday Morning Singers. Beat the ‘Winter Blahs’ by singing with the women’s choir, directed by Anne Mizen. Practices are Monday Mornings from 9:15-11:30 am. No auditions. Visit www.mmsingers.org Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 65 Toronto Street S Contact: 905-852-3693

Wanna Dance? Line Dancing. “You can dance, have fun and exercise all at the same time!” says Dianne Wiseman, the instructor for the line dancing classes being held at the Seniors Centre in Uxbridge. For ages 55 plus. Line dancing is great exercise for

virtually your whole body. Every Thursday. Time: 9:00am - 11:30am Where: 75 Marietta Street, Uxbridge Contact: 905-852-7792

Taoist Tai Chi at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. Includes a gentle set of movements that promote well-being for people of all ages and in all conditions. Beginner class: every Friday 9-10am. Continuous class: every Friday 10-11:30am. Where: 75 Marietta Street, Uxbridge Contact: 905 852 2587

Royal Canadian Legion Every Friday night we play euchre, so if you are interested please come out at 7:00 to sign up and play starts at 7:30 PM. It is a great night of fun for all in the downstairs clubroom. Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge

Royal Canadian Legion We have Bingo every Thursday night at 7:30 P.M. until May 12th. Come on by the upstairs hall with your friends, it could be your lucky night. Time: 7:30pm Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge.

Royal Canadian Legion We have Barbeque Dinner every Wednesday night. Choose from chicken, burgers, peameal, or sausage and a salad. Prices range from $7-$9.COme out and support your local legion and enjoy a great dinner. Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge.

Royal Canadian Legion Meat rolls run every Saturday afternoon from 4–5 PM until Spring. It has been a Canadian Legion tradition for years. Come on out and support your local legion and maybe take home dinner.. Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge

Royal Canadian Legion On the 3rd Monday of every month we hold a veterans afternoon from 2-4 P.M. This is open to all

veterans and their spouse/guest in the area not just Uxbridge members. They enjoy food, beverages, entertainment and door prizes compliments of the Uxbridge Legion. So come out and enjoy an afternoon with old friends and acquaintances or meet some new ones. Night of fun for all in the upstairs hall. Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge

Open Mic Thursdays. Open Mic Thursdays are every Thursday at Wixan’s Bridge Presented by Beau’s All Natural Beer and Wixan’s Bridge! Watch awesome local talent, and sing a few songs if you feel up to it! It’s always a great time! The first Thursday of every month there’s a free sampling of Beau’s Lug Tread beer. There’s raffles every Thursday for the performers and the audience! Starts at 9pm. Hosted by Bodan. 2 mics, an acoustic, a bass, a cajon and a foot tambourine are provided for general use! Time: 9:00pm - 11:45pm Where: Wixan’s Bridge 65 Brock Street West Contact: 416-587-4572

Karaoke Wednesday. Karaoke is now every Wednesday Night at Wixan’s Bridge in Uxbridge! It’s All Ages on the main floor. Time: 8:00pm Where: Wixan’s Bridge 65 Brock Street West Uxbridge. Contact: 416-587-4572

Friends of the Uxbridge Public Library The Friends of the Uxbridge Public Library meet on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Uxbridge Library lower meeting room. The Friends of the Library bring awareness to the library by organizing book sales and other events. All proceeds go to the library to help in various expenditures including adding to their extensive DVD collection. New members always welcome. Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Where: 9 Toronto Street South

Customizing your Interior and Exterior Finishes Exterior Season is upon us... Come see the EXPERTS!

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PAINT &Uxbridge, WALLPAPER 4 Banff ROANE’S Rd., Hwy47S, Unit #7, Ont., L9P 1S9 www.roanespaint.com phone: 905-852-5315 fax: 905-852-2215

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Where: Goodwood Community Hall, 268 Durham Regional Hwy 47 Contact: Pam Beach @ 647-467-3105

faces of uxbridge

| uxbridge ladies’ auxiliary |

BY GLORIA ENG

Our veterans, our hero’s, our brothers, our sons, our husbands and all who have fought to save our freedom in many wars. Today we talk about another kind of hero, not one that was in the war but one that supports, honours and assists saving the lives of our many veterans, and today are significant members who volunteer hundreds of hours with the goal of making our veterans, young and old comfortable, honoured and safe. I share a little history about our Legion and of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. By the end of World War 1, a total of 15 Veterans groups and a number of regimental associations represented former service members in Canada. Despite their common goal – to help returned servicemen in need – their efforts were fragmented and largely unsuccessful. In 1925, an appeal for unity led to the formation of the Dominion Veterans Alliance. The Legion was founded in November of that year in Winnipeg, Manitoba as The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League (BESL). It was incorporated by special Act of Parliament, Charter issued in July 17, 1926. In 1959, the name was changed to The Canadian Legion, and then changed to The Royal Canadian Legion in 1961. In July 2016, The Royal Canadian Legion celebrates 90 years. The Uxbridge Legion received it’s Charter in May 1930. In its 85 years, the Uxbridge Legion has seen many changes. During the 1914-1918 war years as wounded veterans returned home, women were asked to help with their recovery by visiting hospitals, sending parcels to the hospitalized and to needy families. It was from these dedicated bands of women that The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary was started!

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In September 1930, 22 ladies took oath of allegiance and formed the Uxbridge Ladies’ Auxiliary. The original meeting place for the Uxbridge Ladies Auxiliary was in the old Post Office, rented at $ 12.50 for the year. It was not until February of 1931 did the charter finally get passed through. 15 ladies were appointed officers for the LA. One of those ladies, Mabel E. Sharpe was the wife of LCol. Sam Sharpe, Commander of the 116th Battalion.

1937 saw membership decline to 8 ladies, but members, feeling their work was so important, declined to disband and worked hard to increase the membership. In 1945 war was declared, many of the soldiers’ wives joined the Ladies’ Auxiliary strengthening the numbers again, Mrs. Eva Vasey became president and set a goal to increase the membership to 50, an accomplished goal and one that moved decided a building was needed. In 1949, with the aid of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, with a membership of 54, joined the Legion men, raised funds for the Legion hall to be built. This was short lived when it sadly burned to the ground in March of 1953, taking with it many significant mementos of the previous wars. In the beginning Ladies were not allowed in the Legion without a male escort. When they entered the Legion, the women were only permitted to sit in the “ Ladies’ Lounge”, typical of the era, and it has been said that the hours of the Legion had it closing at 6:30 pm, then to re-open at 8:00 pm. Reason? So the men would go home for dinner!! In February of 2016, The Ladies’ Auxiliary celebrated 85 continuous years of serving and supporting the Legion and the Veterans of this community. To date, there are 33 members, with 2 members who have 58 years of membership!! Today, the Ladies’ Auxiliary is a vital and integral part of the work of the Legion. They are major contributors to the day-to-day life of Legion Branches providing financial and volunteer support to Legion programs. They no longer have to sit in the Ladies’ Lounge”.

The ladies worked tirelessly, manning booths at street dances, making quilts and knitted items to be shipped for the men overseas. vanessa@polishedbyvanessa.com 11 Spruce Street, Uxbridge polishedbyvanessa.com 905.862.0890

Born and raised in Uxbridge.. Gloria graduated from York University, moved to Faro, YT and in 1985 came back to the area to raise a family.. Like her father Terry Eng, she has always been willing and able to assist with many organizations in town.

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We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us

it was known as “Fralick House” The West side of the structure was retained as a residence.

~ Winston Churchill

There is a historical building in Uxbridge that many of you continue to patronize as a place that takes you back in time every time you visit! This month’s historical feature is The Hobby Horse Arms; a local restaurant with great ambiance and the feel of a traditional English Pub. Did you know that the Hobby Horse was originally called the Commercial Hotel and surprisingly one of 8 hotels that existed in Uxbridge? Surprising indeed as today we no longer have any hotels! The Commercial hotel was build in 1860 or in some documentation 1868 and was one of many that existed in Uxbridge. In that era hotels were the hub of a town. Council meetings, auctions, dances and horse breeding could all take place in the local hotel. The patrons included immigrants looking for property, businessman, photographers and salesman selling their wares. In the case of the Commercial Hotel, the sales people displayed their wares in a display room called the commercial room where local merchants could view, their wares. It is rumoured to be where the name “Commercial Hotel” was born.

I have found several articles with the caption “Help save the old hotel”. On April 8th 1981 the Historical Society was actively searching for funds to save this incredible historical structure. The advertising indicated it as a sound structure which would have to be set on a new foundation, and property. On Monday November 23rd the hotel was moved temporarily to a property behind what was the Texaco station in Uxbridge, this until a new property could be found. More then 100 years after it was built, Ron Tindley saved the building and began the expensive and difficult task of moving it to its permanent home, a home where it stands now. Mr Tindley took great care restoring the building with many of the original wood still in place today. If you get the opportunity go visit the restaurant, it has amazing old wood beams and instantly gives you the sense of the days past. Jim Byers and his wife have continued with the spirit of keeping the history yet offering fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere.

As a 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, four grandchildren and plenty of photo opportunities in Uxbridge, life’s been busy but fun!

GRAPHIC DESIGN | PRINTING | WEB DEVELOPMENT

“YOUR

I thought it would be fun to share some of the uses of the Commercial Hotel built in 1869 and owned by Tobies St. John

SUCCESS

1869 A Mr. Hiller applied for a billiard table license for the Sample Room 1872 Thomas Fogg of Markham painted and purchased the Hotel. E. Milliken was the proprietor 1873 For sale, damaged during the fire 1874 Mr. B. Kurta owned the hotel 1875 Fralick owned the Hotel 1878 Private boarding house. Fralick’s son operated a tin shop in part 1883 For Sale 1884 Used by the owner of the Bascom Hotel while his hotel was rebuild after the fire 1885 Purchased by James Nokes 1887 Nokes sold his livery to C Embury

GREATEST

On April 25th 1929 the United Church purchased the livery barn and it was torn down. The livery barn was connected to the existing residence and at the time

historically speaking

BY ELAINE LEIGH

IS OUR

COMPLIMENT!”

Home Of

www.sweetworldmedia.com

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| hobby horse |

| have fun. seriously |

BY: DARRIN DAVIS

peacefully productive

There’s a reason we call it ‘playing music,’ folks. Yes, it’s our passion. Yes, for some of us, it provides our livelihood. Yes, it can be a lot of work at times, and it takes hundreds and maybe even thousands of hours to get to the place many of us want to be at with our music. But ultimately, if we don’t ever truly get to ‘play,’ then what are we doing music (or art, or life) for? If we can’t let our hair down and just have fun with it sometimes, then maybe we need to reevaluate both our motives and how we’re actually spending our creative time. Because it seems to me that the magic moments in music happen when we finally kick off our steel-toed songwriter workboots and just have some freaking fun with it.

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A client of mine has been struggling a lot recently with her songwriting, and subsequently, with her self-esteem in her music and performances. She’s very talented, and also very dedicated to developing herself as an artist. She’s come a long way quickly. But she was feeling like she was banging her head against the wall every time she would try to complete a song.

I’ve been assigning her lots of songwriting homework over the past couple of months, and she’s become a diligent, dedicated writer. Up at the crack of dawn, performing her particular pre-writing ritual, making her pot of tea, lighting some incense and then down to work. She’s come up with some incredible gems during these morning writing sessions. Excavating her own personal history, uncovering insights into her hidden emotions. She’s been tuning in, learning to trust her writing instincts more. Following her heart and imagination on fascinating journeys through forgotten schoolyards, ancient bell-towers and other enigmatic places stored within the subconscious, all before her husband even gets out of bed. She began performing relentlessly at open mics, and collaborating with other musicians in the area, which is almost always a good thing to do as you start trying to decide which parts of yourself you’re willing to reveal to the world through your art. For a while, this was all going swimmingly. For several weeks she had the unmistakable look etched on her face of a creative soul who is ‘going deep.’ She was somehow both more alive, yet completely drained. She was thrilled at her discoveries, yet almost haunted by them. Life was becoming divided into 2 starkly different realms for her: writing and not-writing. Any activities that weren’t somehow advancing her writing or ability to perform music were just time-vacuums keeping her from her divine mission. Now don’t get me wrong, a human whose hair is ablaze with inspiration and commitment to a creative pursuit is a beautiful sight to behold. I wish we all got to witness more of that in our lives. But it’s also incredibly draining for artists. Constantly stalking the muse

is tiring work. It can break you if you’re not careful. And once the creative juices start flowing, it can be awfully hard to turn them off. I’ve missed many meals and many nights of sleep over the years, caught in a wild trance, pursuing that ecstasy known as ‘the song.’ (And I’m not one to miss meals. Ever.) The great songwriter Stephen Foster warned a century ago: ‘As we seek mirth and beauty, and music bright and gay, there are frail forms fainting at the door…’ And often those frail forms fainting are us- the more delicate, sensitive parts of ourselves. We take our art and music so seriously that it starts becoming work. Really really demanding work. And then we almost begin to resent our writing time. We’re giving so much of ourselves to it, and often the fickle muse doesn’t give a whole lot back. Then we start to fall apart, bit by bit. My client was showing all the signs of this. She was getting angry with her collaborators if they missed a chord. She felt she wasn’t being allowed to shine. She was questioning why she was subject to playing smaller venues. But then there was a shift. She has made loads of friends at the Wednesday and Sunday Open Mics held at Colonel McGrady’s. Two of those new friends got together with her, and started working on a couple of really fun songs. They came up with a clever name for their little troupe, and after some low-key rehearsals in each other’s homes, over some fine wine and finger sandwiches, they debuted their first song together in a cozy living room of friends. And folks, it was absolute magic. Sitting there, listening, it felt like ‘a moment.’ There were no ego’s jockeying for position in the group. No marketing plans. No guff. And they are more successful than any signed artists I know. Not because they’re making money hand over fist. (They’re not.) Not because they have a bullet-proof game plan for getting their music out to the masses. (Again, they don’t.) They’re successful because they’re taken something they’re all really SERIOUS about, and made it really, really FUN. They’ve discovered how to play. Darrin Davis is a professional musician, singer/songwriter, painter and photographer. His bi-weekly live music video series ‘Songs On A Pink Couch’ can be subscribed to at www.youtube.com/user/thedarrindavisband. Darrin hosts a weekly Sunday night Acoustic Open Mic at Colonel McGrady’s Pub, 44 Brock St. W. He lives in the wildwood splendour of Uxbridge, Ontario, with his lovely wife Amy, his darling newborn daughter Sadie, and his incorrigible pup, Dublin. All 4 are relentless Blue Jays fans.

| stuffed meatloaf |

PROVIDED BY : GLORIA ENG

Ingredients Directions Meatloaf

1. Mix first 12 ingredients together 2. Line a 6 x 10 “ loaf pan with foil 3. Press the 3/4 of meat mixture into pan, leaving a hollow area for the filling. 4. Layer the filling into the hollow area , cheese, onions, mushrooms, cheese, onion 5. With the remaining meat, make a “lid” for the meatloaf. 6. Press down firmly to remove any air pockets and pinch edges of meatloaf to seal completely. 7. Cover with foil, place a baking sheet 8. Bake for 1 hr. 15 minutes 9. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes ; with internal temp of 175F 10. Remove from oven, let stand 10 minutes Optional Sauce

1. Heat all ingredients together on medium heat, stirring to prevent burning. 2. Pour over Meatloaf, enjoy

Meatloaf 3 lbs Lean Ground Beef 1 Egg - slightly beaten 1/2 cup Wheat germ OR Fresh bread- ripped into small pieces 1 pkg. Onion soup mix 3 tsp. Parsley 1/2 tsp. Granulated garlic 1 tsp. Frank’s Red Hot - optional 1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce 1 tsp. Marjoram 4 slices Bacon - diced 1/2 cup Milk Filling

utt kitchen

delicious hot and great for brown bag lunches | serves 4

1 can Sliced mushrooms - well drained 2 cups Shredded cheese - mozzarella, smoked gouda 1 cup Minced Vidalia onion Optional Sauce

1/2 Can mushroom soup 1/2 cup Water 1/2 cup White wine 1 tbp Fresh ground pepper

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| in the quest of the midnight sun |

BY: CONRAD BOYCE

guest column

• Staying in one of Alaska’s oldest and most elegant resort hotels • Getting up close with Yukon wildlife • Laughing at gay 90s style vaudeville shows in Whitehorse & Skagway • Being absorbed by a recitation of Robert Service poems by your host on the lawn of the Bard of the Yukon’s own Dawson cabin The tour takes place from July 16 to 27, 2016, and the price includes all transportation and accommodation, admission to all scheduled attractions, 11 breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners. Instead of traveling on a huge coach with dozens of fellow travelers that you’ll never get to know, this tour uses a smaller coach operated by Ruby Range Adventures that can go anywhere, with no more than 18 passengers. A chance to tour the Yukon and Alaska with Conrad and Lisa Boyce. Canada is a truly spectacular country, and if you’ve always wanted to see and experience one of its most beautiful corners, the Yukon Territory, you’re in luck! Once again this summer, former Uxbridge actor and Cosmos editor Conrad Boyce, along with his wife Lisa, is leading a 12-day tour to the Yukon, and portions of southeast Alaska, on behalf of Uxbridge Travel. Conrad is a true sourdough, having lived in the Yukon for 17 winters before coming to Ontario, so if you take the opportunity to go north with him, you’ll be getting a perspective that few other visitors ever get. After taking part in the Boyces’ last tour, one traveler called it “a trip to remember forever!” Another said, “It exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds!”

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Among the things you’ll enjoy on this memorable journey:

• Toasting the midnight sun with champagne on the Arctic Circle • Relishing Yukon-style catered dinners in Whitehorse, Dawson, Haines Junction and Takhini Hot Springs • Rattling over the coastal mountains on the breathtaking White Pass & Yukon Railway • Touring a working Klondike gold mine • Taking in a colourful, intimate performance by First Nations drummers and dancers • Floating down the Yukon River on a dinner cruise on a real paddlewheeler • Spending an afternoon with sled dogs - 50 of them! • Boating down the Pelly and Yukon Rivers with native guides to the Yukon’s oldest settlement, Fort Selkirk (a place not accessible by road) Driving two of North America’s most beautiful roads - the Dempster and Haines Highways

Although only two optional hikes are included in the planned itinerary, Conrad has built in lots of free time in fascinating places like Whitehorse, Dawson City and Haines, Alaska, when the more adventurous can explore (by foot, bicycle or on horseback), go fishing or even golf under the midnight sun! For more information on this amazing adventure, e-mail Conrad today at conradboyce@powergate.ca , or call Uxbridge Travel Centre at 905-852-6163. But don’t delay - there are only a few seats left! Cutlines: The Frantic Follies vaudeville show is the evening highlight of Day 2 A dinner cruise on the SS Klondike Spirit closes Day 3 Dawson City from the Midnight Dome, a view we enjoy on Day 5 We stay in this spectacular setting in Haines, Alaska on Day 9 Travelers ride the breathtaking White Pass & Yukon Railway on Day 11

CONRAD BOYCE is the founding editor of the Uxbridge Cosmos. He first visited the Yukon in 1978 as a vaudeville performer, and was still there 17 years later. He and wife Lisa currently live near the town of Cobden in the Ottawa River Valley.

We are told that the trouble with modern man is that he has been trying to detach himself from nature.. Man comes on as a stupendous lethal force, and the Earth is pictured as something delicate, like rising bubbles at the surface of a country pond.

-Lewis Thomas

to our paradise (the following spring) we saw a few very large turtles of unknown species. I can only assume one of them wandered down our driveway and unknown to us we drove over it. We had unknowingly cracked its shell and we believe that it is very painful to a turtle. Our neighbour was out walking her dog where she discovered the injured turtle and being a nature lover, she carefully took the turtle home and called rescue organizations. Would you believe just outside of Peterborough there is a turtle rescue? She was greeted by some very caring people who quickly assessed the turtle and put a plan together to save its life. I don’t know that many people would think to do this, but our neighbour did! There are many species of turtles in Ontario and many endangered and species of interest. Did you know that in Ontario there are 8 species of turtles of which seven are at risk? There are many ways to help or at least make a difference. If you see a turtle on the road help it along. Many species have specific handling options so do a little research so you can safely nudge it to safety. I found a couple of great resources if you have an interest in turtles or frogs: The Ontario Turtle Conversation Centre, http://kawarthaturtle.org/ and The Toronto Zoo, www.torontozoo.com, both have endless resources for you to check.

I have shared with you many parts of the paradise we call home and of course we can’t forget the pond. Our property has a one acre natural pond that is teaming with wildlife. We have bull frogs, turtles, water spiders, minnows and I suspect this just touches the surface (pun intended). There are so many more water bugs that we need to investigate. Let’s start with frogs or what I think are called Green Frogs. They are vocal and loud, but not as big as they sound. I find them amusing because their chirp sounds like the twang of a banjo, only a bit deeper. You can hear them from dusk till dark, and with the exception of a simultaneous pause. There are numerous theories as to why this happens. One theory is a predator is approaching, which makes sense but the truth is, nobody knows for sure. The males begin their mating call mid spring to early summer with mating in August. They eventually lay eggs on submerged vegetation. The tadpoles grow overwinter, feeding off algae, then transform in the spring. I have shared a photo, and believe me they are much smaller than I thought they would be. Our turtles, contrary to popular belief are quite fast. From a distance I see them frequently sunning themselves on an old log that is in our pond. We left the log there on purpose just for the turtles, which has been a success. But I can never get close enough to snap a good picture before they disappear into the water. This leaves me puzzled at their species. So far the species is a mystery, but I can share a rescue story involving our pond and a caring neighbor. Shortly after we moved in

my environment

BY: ELAINE LEIGH

So on to exploring the other species in our pond. That is, the minnow. What is a minnow? Well my research suggests that the minnow is just that, a minnow. Although I have lots of ideas, I am certainly always looking for new ideas and tidbits of information. If you know what a Minnow is, send me a note to let me know. Stay tuned next month when I will talk about a student, a thesis, and studying our pond. Should be interesting I hope and who knows, we may discover who makes the little bubbles that surface on the pond….

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| the pond |

STACY KEARLEY SALES REPRESENTATIVE

www.stacykearley.com | stacykremax@gmail.com 47 BROCK STREET WEST, UXBRIDGE, ON L9P 1N5 Office: 905.852.6143 Cell: 416.570.0393

YOUR UXBRIDGE LINK TO REAL ESTATE $649,900

$779,000

$1,350,000 ALL-STARS REALTY INC., BROKERAGE

S12700 Sideroad 17 - MLS #N3425122 GORGEOUS COUNTRY SETTING! Horse/Hobby farm with a spacious open concept ranch bungalow on 10 acres. Freshly painted this lovely home features a full walkout lower level with 4 entrances including a walk-up to the garage. 3 bedrooms, 2 washrooms, living room with large window overlooking front yard and dining room with walkout to deck. Looking for a quiet spot to raise the family! This is it!

D OL

8 Gooseberry Lane

7819 Concession 4 - MLS #N345542 10 ACRE COUNTRY PROPERTY WITH 2 PONDS! Beautiful 4 level sidesplit featuring spectacular view in every direction! Bright, spacious home with 3+1 bedrooms. Eat-in kitchen with pantry & walkout to deck. Master bedroom has sliding glass door walkout to deck. Attached double car garage plus a separate shop attached to the house and garage. Don’t miss out on this exceptional property!

D OL

26 Taylor Blvd - MLS #E3444950 INDUSTRIAL!! Fantastic opportunity to own a free standing unit with the possibility of expansion on approx. 2.45 acres and zoned M-2 with multiple uses permitted. Currently operating as a food manufacturing plant, the building is ‘clear span’ and can be sectioned off for multiple tenants.

D L O

73 Button Cres

7641 O’Neil Road

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