Managing Editor: Carly Foster Art Director: Kirsty Kernohan Copy Editor: Jodi Avery MacLean Editorial Assistant: Mikaela Leandertz Contributors: Sandy Johnston Jonathan van Bilsen Deborah de Ville Cover: Robert Spriggs | Dreamstime.com Contact Us Phone: 647-476-3056 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Mailing Address: Uxbridge Town Talk P.O. Box 1035 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1N3
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uxbridge
town talk May 2010
From the publishers............................................................................................. 3 Town Talk Tidbits................................................................................................... 4 Flying on land.........................................................................................................5 Our favourite local products ............................................................................6 The business of...horticulture............................................................................7 May events calendar............................................................................................ 8 The Faces of Uxbridge: strawberries & threads........................................10 Mother’s Day Contest winner..........................................................................12 An ode to Grandmothers..................................................................................13 From my Mom’s Kitchen: Mango-Strawberry Pancakes........................14 We wept. As the entries for our Mother’s Day Contest poured in, we were flooded with waves of emotion: Sadness. Heartbreak. Joy. Anger. Compassion. We are both mothers, too, so the stories of sacrifice, divorce, single-parenthood, children with disabilities and gracious fathers penning letters of love impacted us far more than we ever anticipated. Picking a winner was one of the hardest tasks either of us have ever had to do. But when you read Amberlea Bainbridge’s story of courage, loss and perseverance on the road to becoming a mother, you will know why we chose her. Share her joy as she bounces around town being transformed from the inside out, starting on page 12. Visit www.uxbridgetowntalk.com to read all the letters we received. This month we launch a regular feature called Faces of Uxbridge. We have partnered with Studio 4 Photography – an accomplished group of north Durham shutterbugs – to bring you profiles and dynamic portraits of interesting local residents. Read the debut piece about a pair of successful retail sisters on page 10. The rolling hills and valleys of Uxbridge Township make it a haven for cyclists. Now a group of road warriors have created a club for bike enthusiasts of all levels. See page 5 for the story. Green thumbs will love our piece on the Uxbridge Horticultural Society. President Rick Causton even shares the secret to gardening, all on page 7. As always, we bring you another packed local events calendar on page 8. Spoil Mom this month with our strawberry-mango pancakes on page 14. Enjoy the burgeoning gorgeous weather this marvellous May!
town talk tidbits Walking for Fido
Mark May 30 with a paw, as it's the date of the Purina Walk for Guide Dogs in Elgin Park! Starting at 1 p.m., this fur-filled family event raises much-needed funds for the Lions Club of Canada to purchase and train guide dogs for people with disabilities. Pick up a donation form at most pet stores and vet clinics in town. For more info, visit www.purinawalkfordogguides.com.
Uxbridge's first developer There is building going on all around town, but have you ever wondered who first stuck a shovel in the ground in Uxbridge Township? Dr. Christopher Beswick hired labourers to construct a dam on his property in 1806. “The dam was between the current Uxbridge Public Library and Bascom Street, and created a pond where Centennial Park is now located,� reads Tales from the Uxbridge Valley by local historian Allan McGillivray. Beswick Lane is located south of Brock Street off South Balsam Street.
fREE dIRT!
All the sorting and green binning we do is worth it, you know. Not only to divert from landfill, but because we get to reap what we sow (compost?). Bring your own shovel and container to the arena parking lot at 291 Brock St. W., and load up on FREE compost Saturday, May 29. For sale this day: Green bins, blue boxes and backyard composters.
People come from all over the GTA for the fresh spring water at Lakeridge and Chalk Lake roads. It's always entertaining to drive by and see people lining up to fill their various jugs. The pipe that pumps out a steady stream of crisp water has been there since the 1970s when the Region built the parking lot, says Gwen Layton, a member of the Township Watershed Committee. Note that the water is not chlorinated nor disinfected.
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Flying on land: The Uxbridge Cycling Club by Carly Foster Managing Editor
The rolling hills and valleys of Uxbridge Township are renowned for their breathtaking views, but the landscape also makes it a beacon for a burgeoning group of road warriors: The Uxbridge Cycling Club. “Uxbridge has some of the best riding roads and terrain in Durham Region,” said Dennis Milenov, one of the group’s founders and a chiropractor in Uxbridge. “A lot of groups head towards Uxbridge” from south Durham, Toronto, Markham and more. The UCC had it’s first 2010 ride just a few short weekends ago, which also marked the group’s inception. Milenov and crew have informally been riding together since 2002, but growing interest in the sport led them to create the UCC this year. They now have more than 40 members registered. “We always start in Uxbridge, and try to explore York and Durham regions,” Milenov said. “For newer riders, we do 20 to 30 kms not too far outside the Township. More experienced riders do up to 100 kms, heading up to Sutton and Keswick and back.” Members of all ages and abilities receive an email before the Sunday morning ride, and split into groups by experience level. The route is mapped out ahead of time with a choice of distance and location. “Everybody as a kid learned to ride a bike, and just being in this area you see people riding,” Milenov said of the group’s increasing
numbers. “They think, ‘Hey, I have a bike. I want to explore.’ And that’s how a lot of beginners start. “Some people are training for triathlons and need to improve their cycling. In the last 10 years, Lance Armstrong has really increased the popularity of recreational cycling and road racing.” Unlike people who live in larger cities such as Toronto that need to drive somewhere to cycle, in Uxbridge Township you can literally step outside and and start peddling. The non-profit group has a $35 yearly membership fee, which also provides some group insurance protection. Milenov stresses no accidents have ever happened. “Cars can present challenges, but most are very respectful of cyclists,” he said, adding it’s safer to ride in a group than on your own. “Most motorists happily share the road with us, just like if they came upon a parent with a stroller or tractor.” What does Milenov love most about being on his bike? “Cycling is an awesome activity,” he said. “It’s about camaraderie, fun and fitness. You make a lot of great friends. “And when we get riding in a group, and speeds pick up to a pretty good pace, sometimes it feels like you’re flying.” To join the flight and learn more, contact the Uxbridge Cycling Club at uxbridgecyclingclub@hotmail.com.
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April showers bring May flowers
The Hellebore – also known as a Lentin Rose – was the perennial of the year in 2005. This show-stopper's blooms are known to fade, dry and stay on the plant long after opening. The flowers open at Mother's Day, making it a perfect year-after-year reminder of your love for Mom.
Handcrafted Memories Renowned for their beautiful woodwork, owning a Gilldercroft harvest table means owning a family heirloom for generations. Handcrafted in Sandford using reclaimed wood from old farm houses and barns, or new from oak, maple, cherry and more, this stunning table will make every meal a memory.
$16 at John's Garden
$900-$3,500 at Gilldercroft Furniture
Soothing water collector Sweet tweet tweet
These cast iron birds and chubby dove are a modern, whimsical, vintage-inspired addition to anyone’s outdoor decor. We can say from experience they look charming perched beside your spring planters $12.95-$14.95 at La Petite Fleur
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A rain barrel for the style-conscious environmentalist and gardener, this is both a fountain and rain collector. The faux-rock structure (it’s plastic!) includes a self-contained pump, screen to catch debris, and valves for both watering can and hose. $179 at Home Hardware
by Carly Foster Managing Editor Who: Rick Causton, president of the Uxbridge Horticultural Society for the past five years What: The UHS is a non-profit group of local green thumbs of all experience levels who gather once a month to talk gardens with expert guest speakers. Past topics include pruning, clematis, rock gardens, vegetables and designing small gardens By the numbers: Established in 1967 as part of Canada’s 100th Centenary celebration. Currently at 114 members, who pay a $15 annual membership fee. Last year the club put in almost 4,000 hours of volunteer work. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at the Uxbridge Senior’s Centre. The club also holds 3 major fund-raising plant sales each year: late May in the Coffee Time parking lot downtown, a flower show and tea in mid August, and a sale at the Farmer’s Market in late September. Last year the society made around $16,000. The society’s famous cookbook has been printed 3,600 times, including 2 reprints Where: The Society plants and maintains several public gardens in town, including the cenotaph and library on Toronto Street, the beds in front of the CIBC building at Brock and Toronto streets, the Senior’s Centre on Marietta Street and a children’s garden behind the library on Centennial Drive
Rick Causton, president of the Uxbridge Horticultural Society, and some blooming bounty on a recent spring morning
Biggest challenge: Like any volunteer organization, finding new members and raising funds, Causton says Neat: The club adopted the foxglove as its floral emblem in 1997 The secret to gardening: “Finding the right spot,” Causton said. “If a plant isn’t doing well, move it somewhere else and leave it for a few years to see what happens.” For more information: www.uxbridgehorticulturalsociety.com or contact Causton at 905-852-7318
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Saturday, May 1 Alpaca Festival 9 a.m. Live alpacas, weaving, knitting and spinning wheel demonstrations. How does the fleece get to the mill? At the Uxbridge Historical Centre. 905-852-1703 www.northforkalpacas.com
Durham Senior Games- 5 Pin Bowling 9:30 a.m. Four/team, open singles, women’s and men’s at Uxbridge Bowl, 69 Brock Street W. Please call to register. 905-852-4596
Sunday, May 9 Durham Theatre Festival Reading 7:30 p.m. Lose and Find by Llewellyn Jones, directed by Chris Rollo. Free at the Uxbridge Music Hall. 905-986-9933 www.durhamtheatrefestival.com
McHappy Day 11 a.m. Uxbridge McDonald’s is celebrating McHappy Day in support of the Wednesday, May 12 new Toronto Ronald McDonald House. Oak Ridges Trail Association Hike Outdoor Living Wreath 905-862-0811 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 3 hr, 10 km hike. No dogs please. Meet at the Secord parking The hottest trend in outdoor patio centerpieces! Use succulent Milling About Ontario lot, 2 km south of Goodwood on Conc. 3 perennials to create a living wreath for the patio table. $38. 7 p.m. Jill Doble 905-764-1673 t6c4ra4l@powergate.ca Guest speaker Dr. Zonk, also known as farmer P.J. Fitzgerald. Assist 905-862-3697 LaPetiteFleur.ca him as he threshes, winnows and grinds wheat into flour. Free. At Community Graffiti Clean-Up Learn to Quilt the Uxbridge Historical Centre. Noon 1 p.m. 905-852-5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Help keep Uxbridge beautiful! Earn volunteer hours, enjoy free Using a traditional four-patch block, this class will teach you the bapizza and make a difference. Meet at the Youth Centre to clean-up sics of rotary cutting, strip piecing, borders, basic machine quilting. Friday, May 7 target areas. Rain day May 2. $65 4 weeks. 905-862-3456 www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com 905-862-0666 www.quilterscupboard.ca Oak Ridges Trail Association Hike 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 2 2 hr., 10 km hike. Hilly terrain. Meet in the parking area on the east Thursday, May 13 6 p.m. side of Conc. 6, 2 km south of Durham Rd. No dogs please. Bonner Boys Invitational Swim Meet Mingling Mommas & Mocktails Joan Taylor 905-477-2161 t6c4ra4l@powergate.ca 8:15 a.m. Come shop vendors, mingle & be pampered with a mocktail, free GTA area swim meet. Ages 12+ will compete in the morning bra fitting and mini-manicure. $5. session from 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Ages 11 and under swimming Mother’s Day Tea Party www.marketmomsonline.com 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. 1:30-5 p.m. Let’s show off those wonderful tea cups tucked away, and enjoy 905-852-9646 www.uxbridgeswimclub.com some goodies. $10 becomes a coupon to redeem any tea cozy pat- Saturday, May 15 tern. Saturday sittings, too. Bridal Show Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association Everything Equine Expo 905-862-0666 www.quilterscupboard.ca 11 a.m. 9 a.m. Fashion show at 2 p.m. More than $6,000 in prizes. Visit our Elgin Park. Demonstrations, lectures, vendors, precision riding, Saturday, May 8 website for more information and vendor listings. natural horsemanship, silver saddle parade horse and more. $10. 905-852-4379 www.woodensticks.com 905-852-9471 www.uxbridgehorsemen.com A Step in Thyme Antiques and Artisans Festival 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 4 Over 30 antique dealers artisans at the Leaskdale Church. Local yard Growing Green Fundraiser 10 a.m. sales. Rain or shine. Flag of Love Day Community Care Durham: Baked goods, handmade crafts, a raffle, 905-852-3517 www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca 7:30 p.m. tea room and more. Fundraiser. Testa building 2 Campbell Dr. Free concert to help Canadian peace effort. An evening of live 905-852-7222 music. Donations welcome and all proceeds go to help the Afghan Past & Presents Spring Gift Sale 10 a.m. civilian relief work. One of a kind items for home, garden and Mother’s Day. Décor, gifts, Butternut Manor High Tea 905-904-1999 www.flagoflove.com jewellery, organic food, pottery, refreshments and more. Uxbridge 2 p.m. Join residents for tea and light refreshments. Every grandmother Historical Centre. $2. Wednesday, May 5 receives a potted mum. RSVP by May 11. 905-862-3234 dianemrc@yahoo.ca 905-852-6777 info@butternutmanor.com Fun with Books, Early Literacy Day Uxbridge Lawn Bowling Club Open House 9:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Contact for more information. Ontario Early Years programming. Refreshments provided. Everyone welcome. Free. Beside the arena. 905-862-2750 x 310 durhamfamilyresources.org 905-852-9477
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Sunday, May 16
6th Annual Good Stuff Sale 9 a.m. Huge garage sale, baked goods, BBQ and more. Funds to Precious Minds. At the Roxy Theatre. 416-989-6963
Hatha Yoga 8:15 a.m. Gentle, therapeutic, rejuvenating and more. All levels welcome. Monday mornings and Thursday evenings. $120/session. 905-649-8596 www.YogaWithHeatherMunn.com
Books & Brunch 11 a.m. Katherine Govier at Wyndance Golf Club. $20. 905-852-4282 www.blueheronbooks.com
Herb Workshop 9:30 a.m. Everything you wanted to know about herbs! Guest speakers, lunch, door prizes, samples. Pre-registration required, $20 members,$25 non-members. 905-852-5854 www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com
Cardio Sculpt & Flow Yoga 5:40 p.m. Sarah’s two most popular formats combined into one fantastic class. Recharge your batteries for the week ahead! Try a class free. Mondays. 905-852-4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com
Tuesday, May 18
Sunday, May 30
Tea, meeting and entertainment 1 p.m. Uxbridge Senior Citizen’s Club. 75 Marietta St. 905 862-0185 Thursday, May 20
Dog Portrait Day 9 a.m. Free 15 min. session and 8x10 of Fido! Asking supplies, food and other donations for the Uxbridge Scugog Animal Shelter. 38 Galloway Cres. 905-852-4961 www.deborahdeville.com
Urban Pole Walking 6:30 p.m. Urban Poling is an invigorating walking activity that combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with walking. $80 with poles, $140 without poles. Mondays until June 7. www.bodydesign.ca 905-473-3888
Information Session on Precious Minds Support Services 8:30 a.m. An information session for families, including children’s programs, support, resources and financial assistance. 905-982-0882 www.precousminds.com
Walk for Guide Dogs 1 p.m. Walk raises funds to purchase guide dogs. Donation forms at vets and pet stores in town. A fun family event! www.purinawalkfordogguides.com 905-842-2891
Uxbridge Genealogy Group Monthly Meeting 7 p.m. Ruth Street speaks about cemetery databases. New members always welcome. $2. 905-852-5079 www.uxgen.net
French Connection III 3 p.m. Uxbridge Chamber Choir performance, with guests from France. At St. Paul’s Anglican Church. $18 adults, $15 seniors/students, children under 12 free. All welcome! www.uxbridgechamberchoir.ca
Barbeque and Game Show 10 a.m. Cake, barbeque, music and play our interactive game show to win prizes. Free at Zehrs
Tuesday, May 25 Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting 7:15 a.m. Business and community representatives are welcome to join the monthly breakfast meeting for networking and guest speakers. At Wooden Sticks Golf Club. $10-$15. 905-852-7683 www.uxcc.ca Sunday, May 23 Otesha Project Performance 1:30 p.m. The group will be leaving Ottawa on a bike tour to Toronto and back, stopping at our farm. Pay what you can. www.fnhappyfarm.ca 905-862-0591 Saturday, May 29 Compost Give-Away 8 a.m. Bring a shovel and your own container; compost is limited. Blue box and green bins will be available for sale. Uxbridge Arena. www.durham.ca
Regular Events
Uxperience 2010 The 19th annual Uxbridge family variety show: The Summer Side of Life. Proceeds to the Uxbridge Youth Centre. At the Uxbridge Music Hall. May 4, 6-8, 7:30 p.m. Matinee May 8 at 3 p.m. www.uxperience.ca 905-852-5861 Uxbridge Library Book Sale 9:30 a.m. Friends of the Library sale. Hundreds of books at affordable prices. May 1-4. 905-852-9747 www.uxlib.com Family Play to Learn Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9 a.m., Thursdays 9:15 a.m. Drop-in and registered play time and crafts. Free. Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources 905-862-2750 ext. 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org Udora Play Group 10 a.m. For parents and their kids ages 0-6. Have some fun with your little one. Tuesday and Thursday at the Udora Community Centre. Marni 705-228-8114
Yoga for Runners 7 p.m. To establish effective running techniques and postures, Vinyasa yoga complements the development of a strong core, body balance, proper gait and improved stretching. Bring a yoga mat $140. Mondays until June 21. www.bodydesign.ca 905-473-3888 Cardio Circuit 5:40 p.m. This high energy class includes intervals of cardio and strength training using a wide variety of equipment with a high emphasis on core to tone and strengthen. A fun class suited for all levels. Thursdays. 905-852-4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Bingo 7:30 p.m. Great jackpots every Thursday. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 905-852-5293 Short Mat Bowling 1:30 p.m. At the Uxbridge Senior’s Centre. Bowls provided. Every Thursday. Euchre 7:30 p.m. All are welcome for a fun evening of cards and prizes every Friday. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 905-852-5293 STAND 3 p.m. Come explore and respond to social injustice here and around the world. Free every Saturday at Uxbridge Youth Centre. 905-862-3456 www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com Email events by the 15th of the month to info@ uxbridgetowntalk.com. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.
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faces of uxbridge By Jonathan van Bilsen Special to Uxbridge Town Talk
Strawberries and threads: a perfect combination
Sara, left, and Julie Thayer have helped make Uxbridge a destination for boutique clothing with their store Strawberry Threads. Portrait by studio4photography.ca
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Every industry, town and generation has its share of entrepreneurs who conceive an idea and see it through to fruition. Such is the case of two sisters, who, in four short years, have established themselves as one of north Durham’s leading boutique retailers. “Owning a shop that specializes in women’s clothing is about as far from what I expected to be doing than anything imaginable,” said Julie Thayer, who, along with sister Sara, own Strawberry Threads. Julie, the eldest, was enjoying a career as a director in the food and beverage industry. Pregnant with her first child in 2004 and busy travelling, she decided there had to be more to life than the stressful bustle of corporate existence. She and Sara tossed around the idea of starting a clothing shop. “I loved the idea from the onset,” Sara said. “It was exciting and challenging and something I was definitely interested in.” A manager at a big-box store, Sara was also seeking a career change. “The reason it works is that we are extremely close and share the same vision,” Julie said. “We have similar values and opposing strengths,” Sara added. But, small business was never part of their makeup. The sisters and brother Garrett were raised in London, Toronto, Halifax and Thunder Bay. With a professor father who was also head coach of the 1978 Commonwealth Games and 1981 Olympic wrestling team, Julie and Sara grew up in a world of athletics, excelling in basketball and volleyball. “We attend spinning sessions every day and workout whenever possible,” Sara said. “Exercise and staying healthy is an extremely
important part of our lives.” After the clothing store idea took hold, the sisters approached the three existing owners of Strawberry Threads. The original store opened in 1971 and was already a legacy in Uxbridge. “We could not have opened at a more difficult time,” Julie said of taking over in 2006. “The economy was spiralling downward and Brock Street was due to be renovated.” Yet the two persisted to surface with a successful, unique shop that includes hard-to-find designer brands and accessories. The sisters also travel to places such as Montreal and Los Angeles for buying expeditions. Products in the store are manufactured around the world, but the sisters encourage local suppliers as well. Fashionable denim sits among cocktail wear, while funky music plays in the background. Community involvement is a key element in the triumph of the shop. They sponsor the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, and support many local events such as a recent fashion show at Uxbridge Secondary School. The two sisters, who simply wanted a change in their lives, have achieved success through vision, hard work and taking a few risks, and enjoy a place in the future of commerce in Uxbridge. _____________ Jonathan van Bilsen is an internationally traveled photographer and author. He is co-owner of Studio 4 photography, a group of north Durham professional photographers. This is the first in a regular series profiling interesting people in Uxbridge Township. www.studio4photography.ca
Mother’s Day Contest Winner: Amberlea Bainbridge
Photos by Deborah de Ville www.deborahdeville.com
Amberlea learning how to work out with Kim Mortson of Body Design
Smile! Amberlea shows her new pearly whites from Dentistry On Brock
Amberlea gets pampered by Guylaine Rousseau wof Haute-Ville Spa
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Beauty takes work: Hair and makeup at Artistic Hair Stop
Hot stuff! Amberlea won a gourmet cooking class from Lisa Hutchinson of The Passionate Cooks Essentials
Amberlea, sons Maxx and baby Brodey after we surprised her with the news and a chocolate basket from Sugar FX
The new mom in a new outfit from Woods & Woods.
Excerpted from husband Wesley’s contest entry letter My wife Amberlea deserves to win because she is the greatest mom in the world. Amberlea is mother to two young boys, Maxx and Brodey. Neither of our sons came to us as easily as most. Amberlea was willing to go through so much to become a mom, physically, mentally and financially. After miscarrying twins due to medical issues, we adopted Maxx. If Amberlea had not done the legwork to start his adoption then he would not be with us, something neither of us can imagine. It is because of Amberlea that Brodey is with us today. After several years of trying to conceive we turned to fertility treatment and were blessed to hear that we were expecting. As a high-risk pregnancy, Amberlea endured painful procedures without complaint, always doing what was best for the baby, her own physical pain put aside. From home made baby food, to hours spent on the floor playing with cars or doing puzzles, she never misses an opportunity to give her sons a kiss and a hug and tell them how much she loves them. She never takes them for granted, and always respects them as little people and individuals with different personalities. I can’t imagine a better mom for my boys. ~Wesley
An ode to Grandmothers
by Sandy Johnston When we are looking for entertainment at the Uxbridge Senior Citizens’ Club, I most often have a request for either public school children or young dancers and singers. Grandmothers see their children in these young folks and it brings back a lot of memories. The only sight that makes these grandmothers happier is seeing a small child with a puppy. The warmth and caring floods their lives and stays with them. Grandmothers especially enjoy the phone calls from grandchildren and their offspring when they have a small exciting story about their lives. I now know how lucky I was as a child to have had two grandmothers. One living only blocks from our house and one that we lived with during WWII. When I look back, I remember a kindly
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looking lady that made salmon sandwiches and tea. This grandmother was from England and never spoke a bad word or told a nasty story. The other grandmother was third-generation Canadian who loved to cook roast beef with Yorkshire pudding after never missing the Sunday service at her church. I remember sitting in the living room on Sunday evening listening to Amos and Andy from a huge radio. Mothers and Grandmothers deserve a special day and all the pampering they can handle. Happy Mother`s Day! ______ Sandy Johnston has been president of the Uxbridge Senior Citizens’ Club for the past five years. Sandy has three children, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
randmothers are mothers, who are grand, Restoring the sense that our most precious things Are those that do not change much over time? No love of childhood is more sublime. Demanding little, giving on demand, More inclined than most to grant the wings On which we fly off to enchanted lands. Though grandmothers must serve as second mothers, Helping out with young and restless hearts, Each has all the patience wisdom brings, Remembering our passions more than others, Soothing us with old and well-honed arts. -Author Unknown
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Spoil the special lady in your life this Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed! These fluffy and delicious pancakes go great with scrambled eggs and sausage. My 2-year-old loves to mix and measure, and my 5-year-old keeps busy setting the table. A perfect recipe to create for Mom. ~Kirsty
Mango-Strawberry Griddle Cakes Adapted from O, the Oprah Magazine 1 c all-purpose flour 1 tbs baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1½ c low-fat buttermilk* ½ c fat-free ricotta cheese ¾ tsp honey ¾ tsp canola oil ½ tsp grated lemon zest ¼ tsp vanilla 1 egg white ½ c diced mango ½ c strawberries Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl. In separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients (except egg white and berries). Stir wet into dry until just blended. In small bowl, beat egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into pancake mixture, then add mango and berries just until combined. Cook over griddle or non-stick skillet by the quarter cup, turning when edges look dry and bubbles form on surface. Makes 6 servings, or 18 small pancakes. *Tip: Stir 1½ tbs. white vinegar or lemon juice into 1½ regular milk to create buttermilk
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