Uxbridge Town Talk March 2011 by Uxbridge Town Talk

uxbridge town talk Vol 4 Issue 3 March 2012

Book Review: Locavesting

March Break: Staycation Ideas

Open Mic Night Slow Cooker Lasagna

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 / MARCH 2012

You’ll notice we have pink on our front cover this month. We realize it’s a tad early for cherry blossoms, but with the excessive gray of this winter still lingering, we were desperate for something light and cheery to celebrate the beginning of spring on March 20. We hope you enjoy stories on kindness, a crock pot recipe to chase away the cold, and a book review that explains the often overlooked connection between local business and the strength of our community – something that completely encapsulates our magazine’s reason for being. Enjoy! The Sweet World Media Team

TOWN TALK TIDBITS Long Ride For LongRun: Update

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Town Talk Tidbits

Book Review Locavesting

Days Gone By Catawissa & Uxbridge

Guest Column Staycation Ideas

Your Neighbourhood Open Mic Night

STAFF MANAGING EDITOR: Carly Foster CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kirsty Kernohan SALES MANAGER: Rebecca Cranney REPORTING: Dana Kenedy INTERN: Holly Myers

CONTRIBUTORS Randy Loewen Kathy Sima COVER PHOTO © Olinkau, Dreamstime.com Pink cherry blossom in full bloom

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Your March Community Calendar

Faces of Uxbridge Stephanie Mulhull

Your Community UPS Kindness

From My Mom’s Kitchen Slow Cooker Lasagna

Last May we told you about three local young women who decided to trek from one end of the country to the other to raise money for LongRun, an adoption program for retired racehorses. After many changes and intense training, specifics have been finalized. The ride starts March 18 in Can-Am Equine Emporium in London, Ont. and ends on the BC shoreline in Vancouver, past the Rocky Mountains. There will only be two riders, Amanda Cryer for LongRun and Kimball Foord raising money for Canadian Mustangs. The ride has garnered much attention over the past year and will be filmed as a documentary. For more information about Amanda and Kimball’s cross country ride, visit www.longrideforlongrun.com.

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Think just because it’s winter you can’t get hurt from the sun? Ultraviolet rays can still seep through clouds and cause skin damage and sunburns. The snow then reflects the rays, increasing the danger. To protect yourself, cover as much of yourself as you can, wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, reapply sunscreen around every two hours and make sure you carry sunscreen and lip balm with you if you know you will be outdoors for an extended period of time.

All About St. Patrick’s Day • • • •

St. Patrick was a patron saint credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland He wasn’t Irish, but born in Britain around 387AD; he is said to have died on March 17 Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish The shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland (like Canada’s maple leaf) and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland

Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township office, Uxbridge & Zephyr libraries, Elemi Organics, NRG4Life, the Tin Cup and more.

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EDITORIAL MESSAGE Unless otherwise stated, all product reviews, articles and other features are chosen by us and are unpaid. If you would like to be featured, please contact us.

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Uxbridge Town Talk is a monthly publication by Sweet World Media. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the claims, views, opinions, comments or advertisements herein. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Uxbridge Town Talk does not endorse any advertised product, service or event. The Publisher is not responsible for any typographical errors. Advertisers are responsible for any copyright issues. No part of this publication, including advertisements, may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

BOOK REVIEW

Locavesting: Be Part of a Revolution BY Kirsty Kernohan

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If you’ve been to the soccer fields on Ball Road on a hot summer night, sat at our arena at 6 a.m. watching a hockey game, enjoyed a local play or waved at floats during the Santa Claus parade, you have experienced it. You have felt the benefits of supporting the local economy. As kids run across the soccer field with Lawson Home Improvements Inc. emblazed on their uniform back or Rutledge Jewellers donates a diamond to the Uxbridge Half Marathon – these acts are part of a revolution. In the new book Locavesting: The Revolution in Local Investing and How to Profit from It, Amy Cortese asks us to rethink the way we invest, so that we support the small businesses that create jobs and healthy, resilient communities. Her focus and history is American, but her ideas can easily apply north of the border. Small businesses are mighty in Canada, as they contribute slightly more than 30 percent to Canada’s GDP, says Industry Canada. Cortese believes that the financial and political system is stacked against small businesses as main streets and downtowns are slowly dying. But she then gives examples of revitalization and rejuvenation, outlining the grassroots revolution of citizens banding together to save small business. Examples include nine police officers in Michigan saving a 111-year-old bakery and helping revive their downtown to the grassroots organization Slow Money that mobilized

citizens to create new funding models of financing for local farmers Texas’ Black Star brewery is a shining example of a co-op where more than 2,000 people paid out $100 to be a lifetime member of the brew pub, raising the $600,000 needed to open this communityminded place inspired by neighbouhood-owned cafes in Belguim. “A co-op is what ‘working together’ looks like grown up,” Cortese says. The idea that co-ops are just for foods stuffs is wrong, as more that 800 million people worldwide are a partner of co-ops that are in sectors such as energy and housing. Uxbridge is lucky. We have a very engaged business community that is very involved in the civic life of our town. Whether it’s being a member of a local service group, donating to causes like the Splash Pad or Skate Park, sitting on the numerous boards, supporting your children’s sports activities, employing local people at a fair wage and so much more – our businesses do this. Next time you drive out of town to purchase something that could be bought right here, remember that studies have shown every $1 spent at a locally-owned enterprise generates three times more in the local economy. Whether you are a small business owner, interested in crowd funding, co-ops, finances or politics, Locavesting is a well laid out, researched and written book that shows us once again the importance of supporting local. Special thanks to Shelley Macbeth of Blue Heron Books for donating the book to Uxbridge Town Talk for review.

DAYS GONE BY

Uxbridge and Catawissa: Sharing a Quaker Heritage BY Dana Kenedy

The Uxbridge sign in Pennsylvania is shown in this submitted photo.

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bridge despite the population difference and being in another country. “Same small town atmosphere and friendship,” he says. Since Halloween falls near Remembrance Day, the Legion members came down wearing poppies. “We took a bunch of poppies down,” he recalls. “They were amazed and didn’t know anything about it.” After they explained the significance, many Catawissans wanted to wear one to support the veterans. Emmerson Legion members would love to organize another trip down to Pennsylvania. “If anybody in Uxbridge wants to come visit, we would be glad to have them,” says Reese. “We would be happy to show them around.”

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Twinned with Catawissa, PA. You see that sign whenever you enter Uxbridge, but do you ever give it any thought? The two towns share a Quaker Heritage. Quakers from the Pennsylvania town who were upset with religious persecution packed up and moved north in the early 1800’s, says Chris Moonis, Borough Manager of Catawissa. Since then, Uxbridge has grown and expanded, keeping its Quaker heritage strong. There is a sense of family between the two towns resulting in friendly visits. Vice President of the Catawissa Council Barabara Reese, visited Uxbridge in 2005 and 2006 for our bicentennial celebration. “We went all over and had a blast,” Reese says. “The people couldn’t have been friendlier.” The next year sports officer at the Uxbridge Legion Blair Emmerson was one of about 50 Legion members who took a bus trip down to Catawissa to march in the 2007 Halloween parade. The small town of about 1,600 nearly tripled in population for the 100th celebration of the parade, says Emmerson. “People literally put their couches and chairs out on the boulevard to save their spot.” Emmerson says Catawissa was not so different than Ux-

GUEST COLUMN

Keep Close: March Break Staycation Ideas STORY AND PHOTOS BY Kathy Sima

If a trip away to the sunny south is not in the cards for your

family this year, don’t despair! There are plenty of things to do around town to keep everyone happy and busy over the March Break. Here are some ideas for a fun staycation March 12-16, 2012: Go for a hike: Uxbridge is the Trail Capital of Canada, so be sure to get out on the trails and experience our great outdoors. Trail maps can be downloaded at town.uxbridge.on.ca/trail_maps or picked up at the municipal offices at 51 Toronto St. S.

Skating – The Uxbridge arena (291 Brock St. W.) has public skating 12-1 pm during March Break. If it’s cold enough, you can also skate or play hockey on Elgin Pond or at the outdoor ice rink in Goodwood Day Camp – The Township of Uxbridge is running a ton of camps for all ages, including sports, tour and swimming. Call Uxpool for more info: 905 852 7831 Movies – Plan a movie night at home, complete with dimmed lights, popcorn and treats. Getting the whole family into their jammies is fun, too Swimming – There will be public swimming at Uxpool from 1-3pm Monday-Sunday, and 7-8:30 pm Monday-Thursday Visit the library – Let the kids browse for a while, and check out some books and movies. The library is also offering a special Alligator Pie program on Wednesday for children in JK & SK and Babysitter’s Training on Thursday, for kids in grades 5-9 Bowling – Kids always love the glow-in-the-dark and bumper bowling at Uxbridge Bowl (uxbridgebowl.com )

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Maple Syrup Festival – Siloam Orchards is open daily from March 12-18. Bruce’s Mill in Stouffville and Purple Woods Conservation Centre in north Oshawa are also holding events during the week

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Fun at Home – Schedule a few fun activities at home. Let the kids invite some friends over or make it a family event. Try Wii Olympics, a board game tournament, dance party, pizza making or ice cream sundae party Day Trip to Toronto – visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Science Centre, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Zoo or the Eaton Centre Kathy Sima lives in Uxbridge with her husband and two children. She works from home as a financial analyst and freelancer and enjoys hiking the Uxbridge trails.

BY Carly Foster

Each Tuesday it sounds different: harmonicas mix with guitars and voices echo into the dark night on Brock Street. This is sound of Open Mic at Col. McGrady’s Pub & Grill each Tuesday from 8:30 p.m. - midnight. It’s a fun, welcoming and open environment for musicians of all skill levels, says organizer and host Tania “Joy” Senior. “We have a supportive crowd as well as spectators,” she says. “We love having that night to hang out, socialize, grow, work on material – covers and original songs. “It’s a great forum to get comfort in front of an audience.” The crowd will often sing along, and other musicians will join solo artists, Senior adds. This sense of community is the reason for the night’s growing popularity. “It feels very safe,” she says. “It’s not very intimidating, and we’re all very supportive of the different skill levels. People don’t feel like they have to sing a certain type of song or at a certain level to perform.” The musicians have developed a Cheers-like friendship the past six months the nights have been on. Interested performers can visit on Tuesdays, and search Facebook for Col. McGrady’s for more info.

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Crafts – Let everyone explore their inner artist with creative crafting. Fun activities include painting, jewellery making, scrapbooking, or making collages. Googling kids crafts will bring up a ton of ideas

Tuesday Night Jammin’

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Learn about our environment – On Tuesday, kids 10 and up can attend The Brook Never Sleeps ecoworkshop, offered through the Uxbridge Youth Centre (uxbridgeyouthcentre.com)

MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, March 1

Learning Together at Quaker Village Public School QVPS and Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources are hosting a Learning Together Session. We invite you to come and enjoy a free early learning program at your neighborhood school. Time: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Quaker Village Public School, 295 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 2750 www.durhamfamilyresources.org

Friday, March 2

World Day of Prayer Hosted by St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Prebyterian Church. Everyone welcome. Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m. Where: St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Prebyterian Church, 40B Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 0001 sacpc@powergate.ca

Saturday, March 3

Creative Photography for the Novice 1 Part of professional photographer Marni Grossman’s series of workshops sharing her knowledge and skills, and inspiring others to see the extraordinary in ordinary life. More workshop and registration info online. Also runs March 10. Time: 12:30 p.m. Where: 58 Brock St. W. , unit 204 Contact: 416 873 4660 www.thewhitespace.ca Horseback Riding Please call Kelly Maxwell to set up an individual riding time and for more information! A Take TIME event. Sponsored by JumpStart Uxbridge, the Township of Uxbridge and Sweet World Media. Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Where: Wake Robin Farm, 563 Allbridght Rd. Contact: 416 526 1298 info@wakerobin.ca

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Sunday, March 4

Uxbridge Chamber Choir Concert One of the finest Classical works: Brahms Requiem. $15 in advance online, at Blue Heron Books and Presents, Presents. $20 at the door.

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Where: Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave. Contact: 905 852 7993 www.uxbridgechamberchoir.ca Free Movie Night Join us for a free movie night! Courageous is rated PG-13 and is a must see for all families. Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Baptist Church, 231 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 3662 jam.ministries@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 7

Diabetes Open House Enjoy free cooking and Zumba demonstrations, blood pressure, blood sugar and foot screening. Refreshments and door prizes. Presented by Markham-Stouffville Hospital Uxbridge Site Diabetes Education Centre. Time: 4 – 8 p.m. Where: 4 Campbell Dr., Testa Building Suite 208 Contact: 905 852 9771 ext. 5260 Networking Event The Uxbridge BIA welcomes all member businesses to their first networking event. Come mix, mingle and brainstorm ideas for upcoming events and promotions. Displays, refreshments, and door prizes. Time: 7 pm Where: Uxbridge Public Library, lower level, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9181 businessfacilitator@uxbridgebia.ca

Monday, March 12

March Break Camps Swimming, lifeguard, winter adventure, tour and sports camps for school-aged kids during March Break, March 12-16. Fees vary. Register by calling Uxpool. Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Where: Varies Contact: 905 852 7831 camps@town.uxbridge.on.ca

Tuesday, March 13

The Brook Never Sleeps A free, hands-on experimental eco-workshop, in partnership with the Uxbridge Youth Centre. Video

presentation, lunch and stream study-close up! Wear warm clothes and boots. Sign up at the Uxbridge Youth Center or call. Ages 10 and up. Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 862 3456 www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com Tim Hortons Free Swimming A take TIME event. Also on March 15. Sponsored by JumpStart Uxbridge, the Township of Uxbridge and Sweet World Media. Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Uxpool, 1 Parkside Dr. Contact: 416 813 7654 ext. 1431 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca Winter White Shoot & Print Photography March Break Camp Part of professional photographer Marni Grossman’s series of workshops sharing her knowledge and skills, and inspiring others to see the extraordinary in ordinary life. Ages 14+. Also on March 14 and 15. More workshop and registration info online. Time: 1 p.m. Where: 13 Hilda Ave. Contact: 416 873 4660 www.thewhitespace.ca March Break Acting Camps Thewhitespace.ca is bringing New Yorktrained Samantha Coyle to Uxbridge to teach acting for theatre and TV. Runs March 13-15 for ages 8-20. More workshop and registration info online. Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Where: 58 Brock St. W. , unit 204 Contact: 416 873 4660 www.thewhitespace.ca

Thursday, March 15

Babysitter’s Training Get experience to be a great babysitter. Basic first aid, C.P.R. Bring nut-free lunch and a life-size baby doll/teddy bear to practice. Snacks, handbook, and completion card included. Grades 5 – 9. $75. Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com

MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Infant/Child CPR First Aid Paramedic Tim Nash explains what to do if your baby turns blue, has a seizure, asthma, croup attack or is bleeding. Limited space. $25 fee includes $10 Little Acorn gift certificate. Time: 7 – 9:15 p.m. Where: Little Acorn, 77 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3524 www.littleacorn.ca

Friday, March 23

Lynn Miles Folk singer and Juno Award winner Lynn Miles kicks off the 8th annual Silverbirch Charity Concert. $25. Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 416 540 9831 www.silverbirchcharityconcert.ca

Saturday, March 24

The Incomparable David Francey At the Greenbank Folk Music Society. Tickets $25 at Blue Heron Books, POE Design in Port Perry or by phone. Time: 8 – 11:30 p.m. Where: Centennial Hall, Hwy 12 Contact: 905 985 8351 www.globalserve.net/~ynot/grnbnk.htm

Tuesday, March 27

Chair Yoga for Arthritis Yoga stretching, strengthening and mobilizing of joints while sitting in a chair, standing and using the chair as a support, learn how to help yourself manage symptoms of arthritis and prevent flareups. Until May 1. Time: 1 – 2:15 p.m. Where: please contact Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

Saturday, March 31

Family Bowling Hosted by Uxbridge Bowling Association. A Take TIME event. Sponsored by JumpStart Uxbridge, the Township of Uxbridge and Sweet World Media. Time: 4 -6 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Bowling Centre, 69 Brock St. W. Contact: 416 813 7654 ext. 1431 www.taketimeuxbridge.ca

Regular Events

Native Smudge Celebration Join us for an inspirational teaching by Raven and experience the relaxation and grounding this traditional ritual has to offer. Everyone welcome. Free. Third Thursday of the month. Time: 7 – 8 p.m. Where: Elemi Organics, 58 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 5575 ginny.elemi@gmail.com

Soul Statement Course This an amazing trans-formative work shop! Discover your soul statement, a personal individual and unique statement that reflects the reason you are here! Live life to it’s fullest with more New Ongoing Photography Workshops passion and meaning. $199. Also on March 25. Part of professional photographer Marni Grossman’s series of workshops sharing

her knowledge and skills, and inspiring others to see the extraordinary in ordinary life. Youth mentorship program invites young people to participate for free. More workshop and registration info online. Time: Varies Where: 58 Brock St. W. , unit 204 Contact: 416 873 4660 www.thewhitespace.ca Dave The Guitar Guy Dave will provide free guitar lessons and educate youth on guitar repair, care and accessories. All skill levels welcome! Thursdays. Time: 5 – 6 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Youth Centre, 34 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3456 www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com Wellness Thursdays These workshops allow youth to gather with their peers and discuss topics with Wellness Practitioner Heidi Walczak. Snacks included. Thursdays. Time: 4 – 6 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Youth Centre, 34 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3456 www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com Cabaret Classes Fun & Flirty Fitness 4 classes for $40 or $12 each. Each week class is different and filled with loads of fun! Uxbridge Dance and Yoga. Where: 9 Sandy Hook Rd Contact: 905 862 4111 www.uxbridgedanceyoga.ca Belly Dancing Classes Beginners, Veils & Zills. 8 weeks for only $85. Call now to register for the next semester. Uxbridge Dance & Yoga Where: 9 Sandy Hook Rd Contact: 905 862 4111 www.uxbridgedanceyoga.ca Musical Moments Lots of toe tapping and knee slapping along with musical instruments, finger plays and songs old and new. Time: varies upon age Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com continued on page 10

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Thursday, March 22

Healing with Yoga Eight week session Learn how yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditative mind focusing can help heal or better manage symptoms of illness, chronic or acute. Great for those with specific health conditions or want to learn to use Yoga for healing. Time: 10 – 11:15 a.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

Time: 9 am – 5 pm Where: 9 Sandy Hook Rd Contact: 905 862 4111 www.uxbridgedanceyoga.ca

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Wednesday, March 21

Restorative Yoga Eight week session Great for de-stressing or helping heal conditions like chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Postures are done completely supported by cushions and blankets. Relax and let go while the body releases on its own. Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204 Contact: 416 571 0447 www.pathwaystopeaceyoga.com

MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR Drop in Storytime Captivating stories in the children’s department for kids 18 months-5 years. Time: 4 - 4:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com Join IODE Women are invited to attend and learn about volunteer work. Wednesdays. Time: 7:30 - 9 p.m. Where: Contact for location Contact: 905 852 7084 www.iode.ca Artists of Uxbridge We meet weekly to draw and paint, share demonstrations, and participate in various workshops. Monday and Wednesday. Time: 7 - 9 p.m., 9 a.m. - noon Where: Zehrs Community Room, 323 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 9333 www.artistsofuxbridge.ca

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Udora Play Group For moms and their kids 0-6 years. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time: 10 a.m. - noon Where: Udora Community Centre, 24 Victoria St. Contact: 705 228 8716

Uxbridge Parkinson’s Support Group Caregivers, friends and family gather to share information and experience. We can help each other! $10/year. Guests are free. First Thursday of the month. Time: 1 - 3 p.m. Where: Bridgewater Building, 22 James Hill Ct. Contact: 905 852 8894 www.uxparkinsons.com SPIN A great way to condition your cardiovascular system while cross-training to avoid injuries. Eleven different spinning classes per week! Time: Various

Where: NRG4 Life, 69 Brock St. W., upper level Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Easy Spin & Sculpt Geared towards those who are new to spin and want to work at a lower intensity. Easy to follow and fun! There’s nothing intimidating about it. Thursdays. Time: 7:15 – 8 p.m. Where: NRG4Life, 69 Brock St. W., upper level Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Group Cycling Crank up the energy and burn calories fast in our run group cycling classes. This low impact workout is a great way to condition your cardiovascular system while cross-training to avoid injuries. Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Where: NRG4Life, 69 Brock St., upper Level Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com

Our print calendar is FREE for non-profits and current month’s advertisers. Listings are $25/each or 3/$60. Our online calendar is always free, updated regularly, and sent to hundreds of subscribers as part of our This Week in Uxbridge email newsletter. Sign up at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/e-newsletter. All events MUST be submitted via our online submission form at www. uxbridgetowntalk.com/ events/submit-your-event/. For inclusion in our print edition, listings are due the 15th of the month. We are not responsible for errors and omissions, and reserve the right to edit for space or not include an event.

Stephanie Mulhull

FACES OF UXBRIDGE

STORY AND PHOTO BY Randy Loewen

In between spreading kindness wherever she goes, Sandford resident Stephanie Mulhall, 23, is finishing a social work degree from York University.

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Randy Loewen lives in Uxbridge with his wife and has three children. He owns and operates Spectrum Administrative Solutions.

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The motivating factor driving Stephanie Mulhall’s lifestyle can be summarized in one word: kindness. And it is a remarkable act of kindness that surfaced in Uxbridge late November during the disappearance of a young local man. Mulhall recalls reading a comment by the missing man’s brother who was upset over the lack of searching for his brother. It was this cry for help that spurred Mulhall into action by organizing a search party using social media to muster close to 1,000 people to assist in the search. “Something just snapped in me to do something. I had to give (the family) hope,” she says. This act of kindness contributed in a happy ending with the return of the young man following three anxious days where the community held its collective breath. But her random act of kindness did not stop there. Mulhall is now on the quest of spreading the kindness concept to everyone. Inspired by a website/blog that encourages “guerilla goodness,” Mulhall created a Facebook page entitled Kindness Changes Everything where people can post inspirational messages and examples of real-life random acts of kindness. “My dream is to start a movement in a bigger way and to get the message out there that kindness changes everything,” she says with a smile. She continues to forge ahead in a Don Quixote-like manner leaving messages of love and kindness on sticky notes in public places. The distribution of hugs on Valentine’s Day was another gesture she hopes can change attitudes. Mulhull looks forward to completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree this April with an interest in suicide prevention and having aspirations. “People don’t think one person can make a difference. It’s never going to be a perfect world, but it’ll be ten times better when you do something good. It’s all about action,” she says. “Things won’t get better on their own.”

YOUR COMMUNITY

Random Acts of Kindness at Uxbridge Public School BY Dana Kenedy

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“Filling buckets” is the new term at Uxbridge Public School (UPS). Coined from the children’s book How Full Is Your Bucket by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, it means when you do something nice for someone, you’re filling their bucket and when you do something mean, you’re dipping their bucket. Taryn Skinner, a part-time teacher at UPS, has implemented a bucket-filling kindness program in the school. Every student at UPS – about 450 – was given a postcard to keep the random acts of kindness flowing. Perhaps you’ve already received a postcard? For example, if I bought a coffee for the person in line behind me, I would write my name, what I did and then give the postcard to that person so they can do something nice for someone else. “Everyone’s tolerating a more negative environment and we need to push that back,” she says.

Once the five spaces are filled, you stick it in a mailbox and send it back to the school. All postcards include stamps donated by the Christopher Skinner Memorial Foundation. A friend of Skinner’s began the program two years ago at a school in Toronto after Skinner’s brother, Christopher, was killed in October 2009. “Three people stood by and did nothing and watched it happen,” Skinner explained to the senior students at UPS about her brother’s murder. The suspects have yet to be found. After a couple months, Skinner hopes the cards will become obsolete and kindness will spread through Uxbridge without a second thought. “I hope they’ll learn how important it is to make each other feel good,” she says. “Kind acts don’t take much.”

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Some finished postcards also include L-R: the boys of Ms. Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, Taryn Skinner, Natasha and Scarlett, Kimber.

FROM MY MOM’S KITCHEN

Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna BY Jennifer Feasby

Slow cookers are enjoying a resurgence, and my family takes advantage of ours almost weekly. This truly is an easy and versatile recipe that can be adapted to your family’s tastes. It makes a ton of leftovers, feeding approximately 6-10 hungry tummies. Note that slow cookers vary by volume and shape, so watch your meal to ensure even cooking and timing for readiness. This version is for a large, 7 L slow cooker. “Most times this recipe allows for extra sauce, which we freeze in a convenient freezer bag and enjoy spaghetti or a second batch of lasagna at another meal. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread and top your piece with Parmesan cheese and fresh pepper.”

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Jennifer is a wife and proud mom of three children aged 10, 6 and 2 whom she loves to cook with. She moved to Keswick 10 years ago, but has strong roots and ties to Uxbridge, calling it home during her frequent visits here to see family and friends. She is an avid Uxbridge Town Talk reader -- “I am always eager to read it and find out what is new and exciting around town” -- and submitted this recipe via our Facebook page (facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk). She works as an independent Epicure Consultant, canvasses for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and volunteers at her kids’ school.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of lean ground meat, cooked and drained • 1 package of oven ready lasagna noodles – whole grain, regular, gluten free etc. • 1 container of ricotta or cottage cheese • 2 c finely chopped baby spinach • 1 500g brick of mozzarella or your favourite cheese, grated • 2 jars of your favourite tomato sauce, or 5-6 c of homemade sauce

Directions

Combine ground meat and sauce in a separate bowl/pot. Mix well. At this time you may add your favourite cleaned and chopped vegetables to your sauce mixture. Mix chopped spinach into ricotta/cottage cheese. Using approximately 1-2 cups of sauce mixture, evenly coat the bottom of the slow cooker. Measure and break the uncooked noodles to the size of crock pot, and layer across evenly. Coat the noodles with another layer of sauce, then mozzarella cheese, then noodles. Layer the ricotta/cottage/spinach cheese mixture atop the noodles, then add a layer of noodles, then sauce, then cheese, then noodles etc. Continue until you have reached the desired portion size of your slow cooker, or run out of ingredients. Cook the lasagna for 6-8 hours on a low, or 2-4 hours on high. For the first time cooking, check the doneness every half hour or so nearing the end of cooking to determine when cooked.