Uxbridge Town Talk - October 2015

Volume 7 | Issue 8 | October 2015

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uxbridge town talk

foster memorial | a working farm with ‘possibilities’ | the joy of struggle | peach crostata 1

The Uxbridge BIA invite you to become a home-town proud! explore the shops in Uxbridge. discover globally sourced products. shop locally for brand names & unique gifts. dine out at a local restaurant or relax during a hair or spa treatment. Be a home-town tourist & THINK LOCAL FIRST!

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You’ve got Style - So do we!

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Find all your favourite Dress-up items right in Uxbridge www.littleacorn.ca | 77 Brock St. W | 905 862 3524

307 Toronto Street South Uxbridge, ON L9P 0B4 Tel: (905) 862-0033

contents

volume 7 | issue 8 | october 2015

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Town Talk Tidbits October Facts

Peacefully Productive The Joy of Struggle

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11

Historically Speaking Foster Memorial

6 Guest Column Trifecta: taking care of the self, part II

7 Agricultural News A working farm with ‘possibilities’

8 Community Calendar October 2015

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Spotlight on You jasmin rutschmann

12 Youthful Yammerings Technology and Summer Fun

13 Feeling Fine Not Just a Minor Concussion

14 UTT Kitchen Peach Crostata

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Community Calendar Cont’d October 2015

Down to Earth with Raven Living the Inner Seasons of our Lives

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

CONTACT US Phone: 905 862 3747 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com

CONTRIBUTORS Darrin Davis Raven Murphy Kennedy Bailey-Borges William Ducey Lisa Hutchinson Jodi Bussiere

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1035, Uxbridge ON L9P 1N3 OFFICE ADDRESS 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 3 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1E6

October is a fantastic month, one that shares with us the amazing colours Canada has to offer. I hope all of you take the time to revel in nature’s palette in the reds gold, oranges and yellows of the season. Whether you are a cyclist, a walker or prefer the many fall tours in the area, take the opportunity to view this fantastic display of colours, hear the crunch of the leaves and smell the autumn breeze. We are so lucky to live here in Canada!

October is also the month for Halloween; we see ghosts and goblins with the cutest and scariest displays of Halloween. I decided it would be fun to check out the traditions of other countries for Halloween. The tradition of Halloween is celebrated worldwide although it is the second most popular celebration in Canada and the US with Christmas being the most popular. It is a surprise to me that Halloween surpasses many of our celebrations. In Austria people leave bread, water and a lighted lamp welcoming dead souls back to earth. In Belgium, they light candles in memory of dead relatives. In England there is a celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. Tradition has them lighting bon fires, setting off fireworks on November 5th. Whatever the celebration, all traditions seem to include ghosts, and goblins. Interestingly, North America seems to be the only country that includes candy!

I hope you all enjoy all that October has to offer, and as always stay safe.

-town talk Pick up copies at: Zehrs,Vinces, 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 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.

Copyright © Sweet World Media 2009-2015

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.

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

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

twitter.com/uxtowntalk

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“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

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town talk tidbits

| october facts |

SOURCED FROM: FAMOUSBIRTHDAYS.COM | DUCKSTERS.COM | THECANADIANENCYCLOPEDIA.CA | STATUTORYHOLIDAYS.COM

BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER

12, 2015

Julie Andrews celebrates her birthday Oct. 1st. Simon Cowel will be 55 Oct. 7th and the late John Lennon was born on Oct. 9th.

Thanksgiving Day Amazing Canadian, Drake will be 28 on Oct. 24th and the late John Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October Candy would have been 65 on each year and it’s an official statutory Halloween, Oct. 31st. holiday - except in PEI, Newfoundland,

Happy Birthday!

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia however federally regulated institutions do observe Thanksgiving in those provinces too.

WORLDWIDE

Hockey Season

October in Other Languages Chinese (Mandarin) - shíyuè Danish - oktober French - octobre Italian - ottobre Latin - October Spanish - octubre

Hockey is Canada’s official national winter sport and perhaps its greatest contribution to world sport. Canada is considered the birthplace of ice hockey, and Canadians generally regard the sport as their own.

Basketball

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Basketball season starts in October you ready?

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October was originally the eighth month of the Roman calendar. It comes from the Latin word “octo” meaning eight. Later, it became the 10th month when January and February were added to the Calendar.

The Toronto Raptors became the NBA’s 28th team in 1995 and the first since the Huskies to play outside the US. In 1993 an investment group led by John Bitove and Donald Slaight successfully put together a bid for an NBA expansion franchise for the city of Toronto defeating two other bidders. On 4 November 1993 the franchise was awarded and the team name and logo were announced on 15 May 1994. Former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas was hired to operate the basketball operations for the franchise and he became a member of the ownership group. The Raptors began play in the 1995-96 season using the SkyDome as their home arena. The Raptors struggled on the court like most expansion franchises but were a huge success at the gate.

The word “hockey” is probably derived from the French hoquet (“shepherd’s crook”), referring to the shape of the stick, and the nickname “shinny,” for informal hockey, likely comes from the game’s connections to shinty. It is unclear precisely where and when ice hockey originated, but it is surely connected to the stick-and-ball games of bandy, shinty and hurley, which were brought to the North American colonies in one form or another by students or the military in the 19th century. Montréal, Windsor (Nova Scotia), and Kingston (Ontario) have all claimed to be the birthplace of ice hockey, but there is little clear evidence to pinpoint the game’s origins. The first game of organized ice hockey, as we would recognize it today, was in Montréal in 1875, where J.G.A. Creighton, a McGill student, established a set of formal rules. The key innovation was the substitution of a flat, wooden disc (puck), which offered the players more control than they had over a ball, and which was less likely to bounce and injure spectators.

Early hockey was played in rudimentary conditions, mostly outdoors on patches of natural ice, with snowbanks for boards and wooden posts for goals. There were nine players per side on the ice, and the puck could not be passed forward. The onside rule and primitive face-off (“bully”) were adapted from rugby.

With speed and rough play the game had immediate attraction, and strong local rivalries developed. The sport spread to American universities, beginning with Yale in 1893. Hockey was first played in Europe in Vienna in 1885.

Belgium, Bohemia, France, Great Britain, and Switzerland formed the International Ice Hockey Federation in 1908, and Germany joined in 1909.

The Foster Memorial, one of Uxbridge’s gems is aptly nicknamed the ‘Jewel on the hill.’ Imparting the history, with a few photos will hopefully encourage our community to ensure the future for this spectacular architecture.

The Foster Memorial has been the subject of many articles. It is an architectural delight in its structure that is worthy of the publicity as it has received. Truly a beauty to behold! I confess that it was my first visit, yet I look forward to many more. Hopefully I can share what it meant to tour the Memorial and hear the amazing acoustics for the first time. It wasn’t only the beauty that captured my attention but as well my visit was complimented by two talented performers: a talented young singer Travis Smalley and a performance by Diana Atherton-Davis who played Crystal bowls.

Both performances were enhanced by the amazing resonating sounds apparently created from a vision of a former Toronto Mayor.

When entering the Foster Memorial, I was greeted by a group of clearly passionate people “The Friends of the Foster Memorial”. The love for the building was evident not only for its history but what it stands for. Walking in the building for the first time, the architecture immediately draws you to look up and take in the incredible Taj Mahal inspired design. It truly draws you in, you instantly feel calm with the feeling of being embraced by warmth.

This is a mausoleum, the resting place of Thomas Foster, his wife, and his daughter Ruby.

Thomas Foster was an interesting man with a unique vision, one that

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was realized with the hiring Craig and Madill Architects. His vision came with a cost as his original budget doubled by the time construction was complete. At first glance, you walk through what is deemed the “the river of oaths” with water lilies and lily pads inset in beautiful marble. The building was constructed using Indiana Limestone with windows adorned with hand painted leaded glass by Yvonne Williams. It can only be described as spectacular.

The “Friends of The Foster Memorial” are believers in the maintenance of the significant architectural structure in Uxbridge, now owned by the Town of Uxbridge. During the Township’s bicentennial in 2005-06, a time capsule was deposited within the memorial, to be opened 15 years later. The friends of the Foster have ensured the Memorial is not only maintained, but loved for all its beauty. Adding to its significance, the Friends of the Foster interred their own time capsule in 2000. As well, the submissions of 3 youths from the Uxbridge area were put into the time capsule, to be opened in 2050.

The history and construction of the Foster is extensive with every piece of marble, Indiana Limestone, and bronze having a historical story, one well worth the visit for all who embrace our history. Don’t pass up a chance to see this gem in our community! There are many opportunities to visit the Foster, please visit their website for an up to date list of programs. A visit to the Foster is one you will never forget. www. fostermemorial.com 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!

ice cream too! t a e r G ES

D

T. 1 9 37

A I R Y

304 Toronto St. South, Uxbridge (In the plaza beside McDonalds)

historically speaking

BY ELAINE LEIGH

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| the foster memorial: hidden gem |

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guest column

| trifecta: taking care of the self, part II | Last month, I mentioned what I referred to as the trifecta of self-care. I addressed the importance of good and proper nutrition in food. This month, let’s explore the other two sides of the trifecta.

Secondly and very important to my health is engaging in low intensity regular old fashion movement. My goal is to achieve some form of exercise on a daily basis as it is important to move materials like blood and other fluids around my body. Movement also aids in the removal of waste out of the body. Since I am limited in the amount of activities I can safely do, I take the opportunity to move my body as often as I can to include arms, neck, legs and back. Through my limited physical activities, I have gained some strength and flexibility. Doing so has helped me to avoid some injuries. Physical movement has allowed me to keep in touch with my body on many different levels.

A positive outlook has been achieved by having something to focus and work on. So I personally stretch daily and go for a swim weekly.

In my case, it is more important to move than to build muscle. Gentle movement as opposed to strenuous exercise can be easily managed by all and will be extremely beneficial to your health and welfare. So stretch, go for a walk or swim, all can be done easily and you will feel better for it. I promise!

Finally, humans are social creatures and to remain happy and healthy we need other people to socialize with. Spending time with a friend, a family member or even a sitting buddy is very therapeutic for me. I think it is important to maintain social relationships when experiencing new challenges and changes. Being in the company of others is good for the soul. That is in turn good for your body and health. This may be especially true when you as an individual or somebody you know is going through illness and changes. It can be a time of confusion for them and possibly for you as well. At these times, it’s a good thing to reach out and ask for help when you need it. Why be alone when you can be together with others? Having people around has been helpful and soothing to me during my more

BY WILLIAM DUCEY

troubling moments. Relationships with people have made those times fewer and easier to deal with. Getting involved with community activities such as local music or events can be a great place to socialize and make new friends as well.

I have shared the three basic things I believe a person needs to do to remain healthy. It doesn’t matter if you’re sick or healthy or young or elderly. We all need the same thing: a certain level of physical movement and activity every day, attention to our nutritional intake and maintaining a social life. There are many obstacles and challenges one might face in life that are beyond our control. Giving these three areas attention has improved the quality of my life immeasurably. I can only suggest that you care for yourself in similar ways. It won’t take long to start paying off. Enjoy life!

Now that I have discussed with you the 3 parts (trifecta) of taking care of the self, here is a healthy recipe that I think is amazing and reflects part one of the trifecta, and it tastes great too!

1. Fry bacon wrapped Turkey medallions.

2. Cut up medallions, kale, onions and sweet Bell peppers and place into salad 3. Add Maple syrup and avocado oil 4. Enjoy with a side of blueberries 5. Have a glass of water Enjoy this delicious dinner!

William Ducey was a young man when he received his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. After receiving his diagnosis of MS he attended college and received a diploma in general arts and science. He then attended several universities. In more recent years he has spent lot of his time researching and learning about helpful lifestyle practices.

Uxbridge Health Show w w w. u x b r i d g e t o w n t a l k . c o m | o c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Oct 24th 9am-4pm @ The Arena: 291 Brock St W. Over 30 vendors, practitioners and speakers. Sample bags at the door and gift baskets for draws.

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immersing themselves with sensory items in a safe environment. Further along the tour there was a stop to visit the wool room where a spectacular working loom is set up. It is here that the wool and fiber from the farm animals is used to create beautiful pieces ranging from tea towels to Halloween decorations. (see photo).

Farming is a huge industry that is commonplace in Durham Region with plenty of food sources available locally. Yet, there is a unique farm just nearby Uxbridge that offers so much more! WindReach Farm is not only a regular working farm, but one that has found a way to help people with physical and intellectual disabilities to enjoy all aspects of farm life. This farming lifestyle and all of its possibilities are changing their lives every day.

One such person is Alexander J. Mitchell, founder of WindReach Farm. Sandy, as he is known, is a man who lives with Cerebral Palsy, but has the determination and the passion of living life with little to no limitations. Sandy’s incredible accomplishments have been made from living his vision. His philosophy: “Inspires, Empowers and Changes Lives” is apparent throughout this safe facility that fulfills the needs of its participants on a daily basis.

When arriving at WindReach Farm, there is the immediate sense of a well maintained working farm with all the usual buildings. Individuals in the Community Participation Program, have the opportunity to feed the animals, clean stalls, collect eggs, groom animals, process wool and grow vegetables. This program is customized and designed for every participant to gain confidence and develop both social and life skills. I quickly realized just how this carefully planned program is making life easier for everyone who participates. At WindReach there are no limits to age, or disability, just the want to be a part of this program. Wind reach is home to an Adult Day Program, with participants that range from 18 – 60 years of age. The programs are designed to give individuals the opportunity to cook, learn archery, listen to music and assist with life skills. Every detail has been considered. There are beautiful apartments that have been recently renovated to suit any and all disabilities.

This makes the stay at WindReach more comfortable for both the participant and their families.

I was excited to see all that WindReach has to offer. My tour guide was informative and passionate about all of the services.

We began the tour with a visit to the sensory room.

Here, individuals with sensory concerns can enjoy

agricultural news

BY ELAINE LEIGH

Next we visited the Museum, packed full of historic equipment relating back to the original settlers of the farm. From there we took a walk along the sensory trail. This assessable trail provides all visitors and participants in the program with sounds designed to enhance the five senses. What a beautiful trail complete with wind chimes, birdhouses, and with Braille at every stop! Completely assessable by wheelchair, this amazing trail ends at a pond with all of its natural beauty and sounds.

Did you know that WindReach Farm has an extensive equestrian program? This truly unique program is tailored to assist people with disabilities to build confidence and also compete in sport. Part two of the WindReach Farms story will explain in greater detail what an amazing program this is!

If you are interested in getting involved with WindReach Farm, they have carefully developed several options for donation. As a privately funded and registered non-profit organization, they have recently launched “Horseshoes for Hope”. This initiative has beautiful repurposed horseshoes displayed on the WindReach Farm Bridge for a period of one year. “These horseshoes show the world how the WindReach Farm community has come together to help children and adults who benefit the most from our programs and services.” If you are inspired to sponsor a Horseshoe, please visit www.windreachfarm.org, where you will find several sponsorship options.

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!

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| a working farm with ‘possibilities’ |

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community calendar

| october community calendar | nual Photo Contest exhibition. Refreshments.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND

Time: 7:30 pm Contact: www.uxbridgehorticulturalsociety.com Where: Uxbridge Senior’s Centre - 75 Marietta St.

Paranormal Investigation and Tour of Uxbridge Historical Centre. What goes on at the Uxbridge Historical Centre when the doors are closed and locked for the night?

Join the Paranormal Researchers of Ontario (Proo{f}) and museum staff to find out on Friday, October 2nd when we conduct a paranormal investigation of the museum buildings and grounds. $20 per person, registration required. Start times at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30pm. It’s your choice- observe the professional investigation by Proo(f), or take part by using your own camera, audio recording, smartphone apps, and more.

Contact the museum to reserve your spot (if you dare!)

FRIDAY OCTOBER 16TH Taoist Tai Chi at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. Join us today for our open house. Includes a gentle set of movements that promote well-being for people of all ages and in all conditions.

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30am Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta Street Contact: 905 852 2587

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17TH

Halloween Train Rides Each year, we run our very popular family Halloween Trains on Saturdays and Sundays. On board the decorated trains are ghosts, ghouls, and other entertainment for young and old alike with lots of Halloween activities and prizes for best costumes. All children (aged up to 12 SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH years) dressed in their best Halloween cosJazz/Blues Concert at Thomas Foster Memo- tumes will travel free (Max 2 children per rial. To hear the best in Jazz and Blues come to adult). Fares for adults, seniors and teenthe Foster on Oct 4. This is the best jam ses- agers are the same as on our regular trains. sion for miles around and it is local at the Fos- All children will receive a loot bag upon deter Memorial. Admission is a donation at the parting the train. Fares: Children under 12 in Costume FREE; Adult $25; Senior/Student door. $23; Family Pass $77. This event continues Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm on the 18th, 24th, 25th and 31st of October.

Where: Foster Memorial - 9449 Concession Rd 7.

Time: 7:30 pm Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre - 7239 Concession 6, Uxbridge Contact: 905-852-5854 or museum@town.uxbridge. on.ca

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Where: 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge Contact: www.ydhr.ca

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 10TH

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Thomas Foster Memorial The Foster will be open on Thanksgiving weekend for one day Harvest and Early Christmas bazaar Saturday Oct 10 12-4:00 pm for tours. Regular Start your shopping early this year... $5.00 fee will be charged for tours.

Paintings, photography, crafts, Christmas decorations, baked goods, preserves, Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm homemade candy and much, much more.

Where: Foster Memorial - 9449 Concession Rd 7.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A few tables still available for vendors. Please call 905-852-7016 to WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14TH reserve.

Uxbridge Horticultural Society October Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Meeting Speaker: Sue Chan Topic: Pollinators Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St. S. Flower, vegetable, fruit and design show. An- Contact: 905-852-6853 or gbrowne@powergate.ca ‘Strengthening Uxbridge One Person At A Time”

905.852.4750

www.nrg4lifefitness.net

½ Price Enrollment Fee

SUNDAY OCTOBER 18TH British Home Child Tea & Author Talk Join author Lori Oschefski for a tea and talk presentation on Sunday October 18th, 2pm at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre about British Home Children, hosted by the Uxbridge Historical Centre and the Uxbridge Genealogy Group. Following the presentation there will be an open mic for those wishing to speak about their BHC ancestors. Lori will be bringing British Home Children memorabilia and copies of her book “Bleating of the Lambs”, a compilation of British Home Children stories. Refreshments will be served. Funding assistance provided by the Government of Ontario. Event is free but contact the Uxbridge Historical Centre to register.

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre - 75 Marietta Street Contact: 905-852–5854 or museum@town.uxb​ridge. on.ca.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23RD Trinity United Church Hot Roast Beef Dinner Trinity United Church Uxbridge will hold its Hot Roast Beef Dinner on Friday October 23rd 4.30 to 7.00 pm Tickets Adults & Teens $ 17.00, Children 6 - 12 $ 7.00 under five free.

Continuous Buffet and Desserts Time: 7:00 pm Where: Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave. Contact: Bob Kirvan @ 905-852-9176 or rkirvan@interhop.net

Fright at the Museum Friday, October 23rd, 2015 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. A family-friendly haunted village and interactive scavenger hunt for all ages. At this great annual family-friendly Halloween attraction in Uxbridge, Ontario, find items around the spooky Museum buildings and grounds to unravel this year’s Halloween mystery. This year, help the Witches and Wizards solve the case of the missing potion in the scav­enger hunt mystery!

New for 2015- Carnival Games! Family appropriate, some scary content. $2 admission/ person (cash only), free parking. Last entry at 8:30pm. Bring a flashlight. This event will pro-

Wishing you a Happy Halloween

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Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 Concession 6 Contact: 905-852-5854 or museum@town.uxbridge.on.ca

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24TH Lucy Maud Montgomery Day The full day event at the Historic Leaskdale Church celebrates Lucy Maud Montgomery and her contribution to Canadian literature. The day includes speakers, luncheon, coffee and snacks. Watch our Calendar of Events at www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca for more details.

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Contact: lucymaudmontgomery.ca

Uxbridge Health Show October 24th, 9am4pm at the Uxbridge arena. Over 30 vendors, practitioners and speakers. Sample bags at the door and gift baskets for draw.

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Where: Uxbridge Arena Contact: 905-862-3270

Fall Season Retreat Day Join us on Saturday October 24th for a day of inspiration and illumination as we engage in the ancient Earth Teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Indulge in a personal connection with Mother Earth as you calm your Spirit and receive her gentle invitation to Rest and Reflect and Rejoice. Our time together will include; Welcoming Morning Smudge Celebration & Sharing Circle, Traditional Earth Teachings, Creative Activity and more. Breakfast & Lunch included. For more details e-mail Raven.

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Where: Held in Udora located just 15 min. N of Uxbridge Contact: outstandingbalance4u@gmail.com or visit www.ravenspeaks.ca

REGULAR EVENTS Monday Morning Singers. Begins September 14th. Anne Mizen Baker directs this women’s choir in a variety of music from folk to classical. No auditions

Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 65 Toronto Street S Contact: 905-852-3693

Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge

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.

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.

Time: 9:00am - 11:30am Where: 75 Marietta Street, Uxbridge Contact: 905-852-7792

Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Uxbridge

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 spring.

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 Darts runs every Wednesday night at 7:30 P.M. until spring.

Teams are all set but someone is always looking for a spare. Cost for a spare is $3. It’s a great night of fun for all in the upstairs hall.

Time: 7:30pm 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..

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

Friend 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

WELCOME TO...

FEATURE A CHRISTMAS PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE! Get ready for Christmas and show off your special gift ideas by placing a product or product line in a full colour, glossy magazine.

Mailing with the November issue of Uxbridge Town Talk!

For more information contact sales@sweetworldmedia.com or call 905 862 3747.

BOOK NOW! Published by Uxbridge Town Talk In co-operation with the Uxbridge BIA

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ceed in rain or “moonlight.”

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peacefully productive

| the joy of struggle |

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BY DARRIN DAVIS

A great artist...

must be shaken by the naked truths that will not be comforted. This divine discontent, this disequilibrium, this state of inner tension is the true source of all artistic energy. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) Perhaps Pharell had it wrong, all along. Maybe it’s not all about being ‘Happy.’

There are endless libraries filled with new-age and self-help books written on the topic of achieving happiness. I’ve read plenty of them.

Maybe you have too. But I can’t say they’ve done a lot for me.

I’ve got nothing against happiness, of course. Some of the happiest times in my life have come when I’m happy.

;) But aside from big life events like weddings or the births of your kids, which are beautiful and lasting, would you say that you’ve grown more from the happy moments, or the times of struggle? Looking back, has your spirit not evolved more as you’ve navigated through the choppy, more dangerous seas of life?

Dostoyevsky said his “only prayer was that (he) be worthy of his suffering.” In Crime and Punishment he confirmed the sentiment by writing: “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great (artists) must have great sadness on earth.” Rumi seems to have felt the same way. According to the great Sufi poet: “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror ever be polished?” The mirror of course being a reflection of ourselves, and the world around us.

We are all naturally great seekers of comfort. But is that the epitaph you want on your gravestone? Randy McGraw, lived a life of comfort.

Bonnie Stow, never much struggled. Sounds like a couple of boring louts, non?

I firmly believe that suffering can be the fire that forges the artist out of the unrefined, raw material of the dabbling hobbyist.

Japan has a long tradition of paying reverence to suffering. When a broken object is mended, they aggrandized the damage by filling in the cracks with gold, to draw attention to the history and beauty of the struggle that piece has toiled through.

The artist struggles for meaning and faces wild-night demons, being both buoyed and tormented by their peculiar sensitivity. They grapple with addiction, social ostracism, poverty, wild uncertainty and self-doubt, or abuse from the hands of those who were supposed to protect their tender, wide-aware soul.

The artist goes deep into the desert (or metropolis, or small-town...) and wrestles with their own personal, grave angel. And this gravel and dust battle is no simple bar-fight. It is grueling and complex and carnal and life-affirming and horrifying and poetic. It is methodical, then cutthroat. The angel and artist bleed mutually, from their heads, hearts, hands, hips and heels. Their blood pools and mixes in the desert sand.

Finally convinced of his opponents commitment, tenacity and worth, the now weary angel finally blesses the artist, and ascends.

The artist looks at their feet, and sees the brackish, scarlet pool has coalesced with the desert grit and sand, to form a solid, glowing amulet. The artist takes that strange talisman as their personal boon, and slowly snakes their way back through the desert, returning with

raised chin and proud scars to the life they left. This boon is the artist’s creative work, and it serves as both a striking inspiration, a phantom reminder, and a vicarious collective experience for all those who are brave enough to attempt to wrangle meaning from it.

Those who find value in the object are either warmed by the sympathetic vibration of their shared, similar experience, or relieved that they don’t have to go through what the artist has to appreciate the boon’s wise beauty. Both are awed by the persistence, skill and alchemy inherent in the work.

It’s an eternal echo: artists take their personal wound, and turn it into a womb, from which they birth beautiful, sparkling creations.

I’m not suggesting you go out and seek struggle. Trust me, it will find you, without any effort on your part. But don’t run from it. Don’t hide from the difficult question that comes to you in the dark, confused moment before sleep comes. The one that is always lurking in the shadows of your mind. Stare these questions in the face, and walk forward toward the struggle. Your art will be made so much better for it.

Darrin Davis is professional musician, singer/songwriter, painter and photographer. His weekly live music video series ‘Songs on a Pink Couch’ can be followed at www.youtube.com/user/thedarrindavisband. Darrin hosts a weekly Sunday night Acoustic Open Mic at Colonel McGrady’s Pub. He lives in the wildwood splendor of Uxbridge, Ontario with his lovely wife Amy, and his incorrigible pup, Dublin. All three are relentless Blue Jays fans.

GRAPHIC DESIGN | PRINTING | WEB DEVELOPMENT

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SUCCESS IS OUR

GREATEST

COMPLIMENT!”

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Jasmine Rutschmann is an 18 year old entrepreneur from Port Perry Ontario. She has a passion for plasma cutting. Starting to produce and sell her own artwork she has had success turning her passion into a business. Her artwork is one of a kind and can be custom ordered and purchased. When she first started she used 100% recycled materials allowing her to transform and re-purpose old scraps into works of art. This included items such as old shovels, metal umbrella tables and wheelbarrows. Growing up in Port Perry Ontario she learned how to use various tools in her dad’s welding shop. Her artwork has been displayed at various craft shows and it is continuing to gain recognition within the community. She recently won best in show at the Uxbridge Juried art show. Jasmine will also be a site artist on the 2016 Scugog Studio Tour in May. Jasmine has also gained recognition through her appearance on the Marilyn Denis show where she gave her business pitch to Kevin O’Leary about her metal art. Jasmine also ran her own business this summer running the Golden Gallery for aspiring artists. She is currently enrolled in first year of a four year business commerce program at UOIT. Jasmine has always had a passion for artwork and is going to continue to develop her artistic abilities. She is emerging artist who is determined to succeed no matter what the situation.

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My artwork is something that I love to create. I love the simplicity and peace that plasma cutting brings into my life. Finding inspiration from nature and patterns I have managed to create a variety of landscape scenes featuring trees, mountains and wildlife integrated into a picture representative of Canada’s natural beauty.

It is my passion and I draw on experiences to create the pieces that I do. Floral designs in a variety of sizes, based on the reclaimed materials I choose are interesting and unique because they are carved out of various found objects.

The way I create one of my pieces starts with inspiration. I love finding old scrap metal in various forms that I can reclaim. These can include old saws, shovels, paint cans, wheelbarrows, 45 gallon drums, steel shelving units and even metal umbrella tables. Working with material that was seen as serving no purpose after it had reached its end again offers a comfort in knowing that I have made a difference for the environment by re purposing old found objects. It offers a variety of one of a kind art that is all hand made. Not to mention the uniqueness when someone looks at my art and then realizes what it used to be. I feel this gives people a way to relate to my artwork by making them think about what something was. It personally gives me a powerful meaning that even though something was viewed as old and useless doesn’t mean that it is, instead it could be transformed and made into something beautiful. It provides a contrast of floral and intricate designs into old farm tools that showcases what used to be used for work can now be transformed into art.

spotlight on you

| jasmin rutschmann |

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youthful yammerings

| technology and summer fun |

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BY: KENNEDY BAILEY-BORGES

Would you rather play on screens or be active outside? You could do both but you must find a happy balance. I have never had a whole day playing with technology inside but I have had a whole day playing and exploring outside!

Today as kids, we have lots of choices when it comes to technology. We have iPads, Wii, Game boys, PS4 and even phones can play games now. Video games don’t give you the same feel or smell of being outside. You can play hockey, baseball or soccer on a PS4 but it is a thousand times better when you play it in real life with your friends or family.

I did lots of fun things this summer; taking golf lessons at Mill Run golf course with Matt, the club pro. I have certainly improved my golf game with Matt’s help. I also took some swimming lessons to keep me in shape for the upcoming swim season. I worked on my swimming strokes and dives. I have not played tennis in a long time but this summer I had a chance to play it and I loved doing volleys at the net. The best thing about all of these sports is playing them with my sister Madison and my family.

Technology has its place during the summer holidays. When my family goes on a road trip that is 4 hours or more, we always bring along some sort of screen to help us pass the time on these long journeys. My sister and I bring our little TVs, DS and our iPad to play some games on the trip. Other things I do to pass the time are read a book, listen to music or relax. Once we arrive at our location, the screens are put away until our return trip home.

I really learned to live and have fun without technology traveling to a number of my Dad’s book signing events through the early part of the summer. We go to war re-enactments in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and other places and most of the time we can’t even have a phone. My days are full of spending time with the blacksmith, making

pottery or participating in the battles. This summer at Old Fort Niagara in New York, Madison and I got to play Lacrosse or Baggataway with real First Nations people. I scored a goal and one player actually asked if I played the sport competitively! I usually get so busy with all the events, I honestly don’t even think about my DS or iPad. Another lucky part of my life is my sister Madison and her involvement as a Special Olympic athlete. I get to go to her competitions and she gets to do a lot of cool things. This summer I went with her to watch her meet and be in an Avril Lavigne music video, she played with four members of the Women’s 2015 World Cup team and the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynn even came to watch one of her swimming practices.

I love exploring the world around me. This summer we went hiking in the Ottawa Valley and found lots of cool things on the trail. We discovered an animal shelter made from an uprooted tree; we saw bear tracks in the mud and explored a place called Eagle Nest Lookout that was very high in the sky. We also found a body of water in the middle of nowhere called Otter Pond.

When hiking along the trail we found an area where people had made their own Inuksuk with the local rocks. We also took the time to make our own and took some great pictures of all the sights.

Technology is not just for playing games. You can use your computer to research information for projects; there are lots of websites where you can play learning & strategy games to help develop your reading, science, history or math skills, just to name a few. A rainy or snowy day is always a good time to catch up on our playing time.

My parents always remind me about ‘doing things in moderation’ and although I do like playing on my screens, if you do too, just remember there is nothing like playing baseball, going fishing, taking a hike or just running around outside…for REAL. Kennedy Bailey-Borges is 12 years old and is a Grade 7 student at Quaker Village Public School. He is an avid golfer and swimmer and enjoys volunteering for Special Olympics. He spends some of his summer participating in reenactments throughout the US, as well as, loves playing and watching sports. He likes to write and is a budding photographer and even finds time to take fiddle lessons.

Customizing your Interior and Exterior Finishes

Please Contact Jeremy at 289.231.1319 www.jmtcustomcarpentry.ca

You don’t know how many times I have heard people say about their kids, “It was just a minor concussion, he’ll be fine!”. A concussion is an injury to the brain, and therefore should be taken very seriously. All concussions are treated the same, no matter how minor or major they may seem.

To make things very simple, one can follow this rule: If your child has any symptoms of a concussion at all, they are not safe to return to play. Signs of a concussion may include: headaches, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, moodiness, nausea, blurred vision and difficulty working on computers and tablets (to name a few). Your child does not need to have lost consciousness to have a concussion.

In rare circumstances, kids may not have had any direct impact to their head, and they can still be suffering from a concussion.

The first step in managing a concussion in children, is to seek medical attention from an experienced therapist, doctor or paramedic. If your child has lost consciousness, no matter how brief, you must call 911. If your child’s vital signs are unstable (such a breathing, pulse or pupils), you should call 911. If your child has suffered from an incident, such as a blow to the head, he/she should be watched for signs of concussion. (1) He or she should see a doctor or therapist experienced in concussion management as soon as possible.

This is the 6-step return to play protocol: 1. Complete rest 2. Non-sport specific light exercise 3. Sport-specific exercise 4. Non-contact training 5. Contact training 6. Resume play The child should take 1-2 days at each stage, ensuring no symptoms return. If he/she remains symptom-free, he/she may move on to the next stage. If symptoms return, he/she must go back to the previous stage until symptom-free again. Children’s brains have been shown to take longer to heal than adults’ brains, so kids may require a few weeks of rest in order to heal their brains completely. If kids return to activities before their brains are completely healed, they may be more susceptible to more concussions.

One of the challenges with diagnosing concussions is that X-rays, MRIs and CT Scans are usually normal. A concussion is most often a soft tissue injury to the brain, which requires rest to recover from.

Children often injure their necks when they experience a blow to the head, and this may also contribute to their symptoms. It is helpful in many cases for a child to be assessed by a trusted Physiotherapist or Chiropractor, who is educated in safe neck assessment and treatment.

Many teams have their athletes complete baseline testing before the season begins, to help determine if kids have recovered completely from a concussion, by comparing their scores before and after the injury.

In this day and age, kids not only are more likely to be physically active than adults, but they also require their brains to concentrate most days in school and on various technology devices. There is another set of guidelines that should be followed when helping children recover from concussion, better known as “Return to Learn.” (also found in the Child SCAT3) Teachers, parents and principals should be educated and involved in making modifications to school activities, besides limiting physical activity. Kids may need to completely abstain from or limit screen time (including computers, hand-held devices and television), be given

rest time during the day in a quiet room in the school, and be given extra time for assignments and tests, to name a few. These exceptions can go a long way to ensuring your child has a successful recovery from his/her concussion.

In my practice, I have treated many children who are recovering from concussions. In most cases, the parents come to me very frustrated because most of the emergency room staff and doctors have given them conflicting information. Coaches and parents may not realize but they often put pressure on kids to return to sport before they are safe and ready. I work very closely with a sport medicine doctor in Unionville, who manages the medical side of treatment, while I manage the neck treatment and exercises. I spend a lot of time educating the child and parents about the return to sport and learning guidelines. I have had much success helping children recover from concussions. Nevertheless, it remains a challenging area to treat.

In conclusion, it is important to remember our kids only have one brain, and it unfortunately cannot be repaired by any fancy modern technique at the present time. Concussions require the right emergency management, followed by proper guidance to ensure kids get rid of all their symptoms, before they return to sports and computers.

And there is no such thing as “just a minor concussion!”

feeling fine

BY: JODI BUSSIERE

1 - The current standardized tool which lists all the signs and symptoms of a concussion is called the Child SCAT3 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) designed for 5-12 year olds. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/263.full.pdf Jodi Bussiere is a Registered Physiotherapist and Owner of Uxbridge Physiotherapy. She has a Status Appointment at the University of Toronto, and is involved in teaching for the Faculty of Physiotherapy.

She recently was a Lead Medical Practitioner at the 2015 Pan American Games, and has since been asked to work on the Medical Team for Boxing Ontario.

ridge T hank you Uxb S for VOTING U

Contractor Best General ovations & Best Ren

www.lawsonhomeimprovements.com Uxbridge Showroom | 905-852-7722 | 1-800-893-7722 Kitchen | Bath | Windows | Doors

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| not just a minor concussion |

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| peach crostata |

utt kitchen

Ingredients

PROVIDED BY: LISA HUTCHINSON OWNER OF THE PASSIONATE COOK

For the Pastry 1½ cups (375 ml) All Purpose Flour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Sugar ½ teaspoon (3 ml) Lemon Peel; grated 10 tablespoons (300 ml) (1¼ sticks) Unsalted Butter;chilled, cut into ½ inch (1 cm) pieces ¼ teaspoon (2 ml) Salt 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Ice Water Flour for dusting, as needed For the Filling (makes 1 Crostata) 1 ½ lbs (680 g) Firm Ripe Peaches; peeled 1 tbsp (15 ml) plus ¼ cup (60 ml) All-Purpose Flour; divided 1 tbsp (15 ml) plus ¼ cup (60 ml) Granulated Sugar; divided 1 tsp (5 ml) Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp (2 ml) Kosher Salt 4 tbsp (60 ml) (½ stick) Unsalted Butter; ice cold and diced

Directions For the Pastry 1. Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.

Pulse a few times to combine.

Add the butter and toss quickly (and carefully!) with your fingers to coat each cube of butter with the flour. Pulse 12 to 15 times or until the butter is the size of peas. With the motor running, add the ice water all at once through the feed tube.

Keep hitting the pulse button to combine, but stop the machine just before the dough comes together.

2. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured board, roll it into a ball, and flatten into a disk.

Wrap the disk in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Roll the pastry into an 11-inch (28 cm) circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to the baking sheet.

For the Filling 5. Cut the peaches in wedges and place them in a bowl. Toss them with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the flour, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of the sugar and cinnamon. Place the fruit on the dough circle, leaving a 1½-inch (4 cm) border.

6. Combine the ¼ cup(60 ml) flour, the ¼ cup(60 ml) sugar, and the salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Pour into a bowl and rub it with your fingers until it starts to hold together. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit.

7. Gently fold the border of the pastry over the fruit, pleating it to make an edge.

8. Bake the crostata for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender. Let the crostata cool for 5 minutes,and then use 2 large spatulas to transfer it to a wire rack.

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9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 6

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ho can resist the beauty of this transitional season as we find ourselves unpacking our favourite sweater and taking long drowsy walks in the woods not to mention breathing in the inviting aroma of burning leaves. Everywhere there are signs of autumn. Geese honk their farewells as they begin their journey to warmer lands. Squirrels scurry about filling their winter cupboards with nuts and acorns.

Animal coats thicken in preparation for winter. It is harvest time. A sense of completion and accomplishment enfolds the land. Mother Earth invites us to gather the fruits of her womb.

One of my fondest childhood memories are the times when my mother and I would retrieve the vegetables out of our summer garden and begin a process of canning and preserving. How I enjoyed the feeling of celebration for all the hard work of planting and tending to our garden throughout many unbearably hot days. After enjoying the sweet corn, green and yellow beans, carrots and so many other delicious treats throughout the summer we would approach our garden one last time to dig out that last of what could be yielded and made to use.

Coming from a family of eleven siblings, my mother was taught early on that wasted food was not acceptable. She had a way of coming up with recipes for just about anything. “If it grows, we eat it” she announced one day when picking green tomatoes from our garden.

Mom had an amazing ability to create tasty treats out of anything. Her green tomatoes were transformed into a delicious green tomato jam that, although was delicious had to be eaten with one’s eyes closed because it really did look like snot on toast! (A great trick I used to love to play on my friends.) Mom’s famous pickled beet recipe is famous in our family with its perfect pinch of cinnamon and just a hint of clove. These precious red rubies were only opened for the first time on Christmas day. The festive colour and sweet taste brought a spirit of abundance and gratitude to our table as happy satisfaction settled in our hearts.

Although the natural cycles of nature that bring the harvest season is obvious, there is more to it than meets the eye. Mother Earth provides valuable teachings through metaphors that, with a bit of self awareness, can reveal her invitation for each of us to explore, expand and experience the awe and wonder of this sacred season.

Autumn is a wondrous metaphor for the transformation that takes place in the human heart. Take for instance the falling leaves. What caused the leaf to let go? Was it the rain, aggressive winds or a gentle breeze? Autumn is the season of letting go. When in your life have you had to let go of something? Were you successful by way of rain (tears) or perhaps a storm (anger) or a gentle breeze (allowing time)?

What needs to fall from your tree of life? Just as the naked beauty of the branches can be seen, and the birds’ abandoned nests become visible; we learn that when we allow certain things to fall away in our lives, there are other things we can see more clearly.

In the midst of this colourful harvest season, we are also called from our labours to celebrate the festival of gratitude. I like to walk my precious K-9 in the early mornings when the grass is wet from the dew

of the night sky and the sun is preparing a grand entrance. I marvel at the sun’s perfect timing as it caresses and transforms each blade of grass from wet to dry. My heart expands as I am gifted with yet another nature metaphor. I begin to ask myself. Who brings sunshine into my life? Who has helped to dry my tears and feel joy again? As I walk along the dying leaves and the wet grass, I am guided to live the inner season of my life by recognizing the importance of energizing my spirit. I turn my face to the changing brilliant colors of autumn as I open my eyes to see my own beauty. In this moment my heart swells with gratitude as I embrace the courage to slow down and rest in the arms of Mother Earth, in her silence and comfort.

May this autumn season lead you into deeper peace.

down to earth with raven

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BY RAVEN MURPHY

As a dynamic speaker, educator, storyteller and author, Raven wholeheartedly shares her experiences and the wisdom of her Ancestors through a wide variety of presentations, workshops, retreat days and guest appearances.

Held in Udora (15 min North of Uxbridge) each event incorporates a traditional experiential learning style that offers an inspiring and fulfilling experience for all. For more information please refer to the advertisement in this issue or visit www.ravenspeaks.ca

Fall Season Retreat Day Saturday October 24th

Join us as we celebrate the gifts of insight and inspiration the Autumn season has to offer.

Engage in the ancient Earth Teachings of the Native Medicine Wheel and embrace a day of Rest, Rejuvenation and Renewal.

Our day includes Traditional Native Teachings, Smudge Celebration, Creative Activity Breakfast & Lunch th

Please register by Oct 20 by contacting RAVEN outstandingbalance4u@gmail.com

www.ravenspeaks.ca

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| living the inner seasons of our lives |

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Please join us Thursday, October 8th at The Roxy Theatres in Uxbridge for a FREE screening of

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HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 Simply bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank and your movie ticket is on us!

Doors open at 6:30pm - Arrive early as seating is limited!

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