November 2013 Issue

Volume 5 | Issue 9 | November 2013

uxbridge town talk

loss | red: a perspective | 4 ways to reduce stress | interior colour schemes

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

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contents

volume 5 | issue 9 | november 2013 This month’s Uxbridge Town Talk has been interesting, and a bit of a balancing act. We have great things happening in Uxbridge that I try to share, balanced with something very close to my heart, our veterans. I hope my enthusiastic spirit of Uxbridge, combined with my respect for our veterans is clear. Please take the time to read some of the stories that pay respect to the perils of war, the stories come from the heart. It is my hope we will all have a better understanding of how war effects us.

Our veterans! I have no words that would do justice to their sacrifice, only my absolute respect. As I am sure many of you have family who directly or indirectly made sacrifices, I thought I would take this opportunity to share our family’s story. It’s just my way of honouring those who gave for my freedom.

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Town Talk Tidbits Remember the Facts Youthful Notions RED: A Perspective Faces of Uxbridge Anonymous

Peacefully Productive The Perils of Perfectionism Spotlight On You Kensignton Silver Studio Guest Column Interior Colour Schemes

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Historically Speaking Loss Community Calendar November

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Community Calendar November Con’t

Your Community Local Living UTT Kitchen Poor Man’s Beef Wellington

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Feeling Fine 4 Ways to Reduce Stress

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS Danny Wright Elizabeth Brooke Acton Darrin Davis Nadine Lauder Amy Jefferies

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

COVER PHOTO maxaltamor | 123rf.com facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalk

twitter.com/uxtowntalk

Recently (one month ago) the Museum at RAF Waddington in England honored my aunt with a ceremony unveiling her portrait in what is now called the Raven ‘s Club, named after the manageress who also sacrificed her life that night. I cannot express the pride I feel to have her honored.

Although my editorial this month focuses on WWII we must remember the sacrifices all our veterans made then and continue to make today. Next time you are walking in downtown Uxbridge, stop at our War Memorial and read the names, I did, it seems to give you clearer sense of the tragedy of war. A sad, but humbling reality.

On November 11, I, will honor our veterans and all who sacrificed for our freedom, never will they be forgotten. Honour them by attending Uxbridges Remembrance service at the Cenotaph.

- town talk team Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township Office, Uxbridge and Zephyr libraries, Vince’s Market and more.

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

Uxbridge Town Talk is a monthly publication by Sweet World Media. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the claims, views, opinions, comments or advertisement herein. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Uxbridge Town Talk does not endorse any advertised product, service or event. The Publisher is not responsible for any typographical errors. Advertisers are responsible for any copyright issues. Uxbridge Town Talk will not be held responsible for errors or omissions, 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 2009-2013

www.sweetworldmedia.com

The font used in “Uxbridge Town Talk” is the Gibson Family Font designed by Rod McDonald to honor my father in law John Gibson. It is available for sale at www.canadatype.net/fonts/ gibson. All proceeds are donated by Canada Type to various programs to help improve creative arts and to elevate design programs in Canada.

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I lost an aunt to WWII, one I never met. My Aunt was in the NAAFI, and for those of you who are not familiar the NAAFI was set up to run recreational services needed by the British Armed Forces. Established in 1921 to run restaurants, café, laundry services etc. My aunt tragically, was killed on May 9th 1941, at the young age of 22. She was killed at RAF Waddington, a British Air Force base where she was stationed. During a bomb raid, the shelter she took refuge in, took a direct hit. Her and 6 other ladies were killed that night, and although she was not in active duty, in fact she was considered a civilian, she certainly played a roll in the war effort. Sadly, one that cost her, her life.

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town talk tidbits

| remember the facts |

The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 throughout the Commonwealth. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

In 1931, MP Allan Neill introduced a bill to hold Remembrance Day on a fixed day November 11. During the bill’s introduction, it was decided the word “Remembrance” would be used instead of “Armistice.” The bill passed and Remembrance Day was first conducted on November 11, 1931.

Thanksgiving Day was moved to October 12th that year.

From 1923 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. Thanksgiving was also celebrated on this day.

Manitoba retail business is prohibited between 9am and 1pm on Remembrance Day, with exception to professional health services goods.

The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to raise money for Veterans

Poppies grow well in soil that has been disturbed. They also grew in large numbers on battle fields. The red color of their petals reminded people of the blood lost by victims of and casualties in the conflict. Some people choose to wear white poppies to campaign for non-military interventions in conflict situations.

When he penned his famous poem about “Flanders Field” where the ‘poppies blow between the crosses row on row’, it further cemented the red marker as a sign of war – and peace.

But it didn’t end there. In 1918, a New York woman named Moina Michael is thought to have started wearing a poppy to commemorate those who died in the all too many wars.

It was seen by a French visitor two years later, who took the idea back to her home country and began selling the symbol to raise money for poor children.

By 1921, the poppy arrived in Canada and remains the definitive symbol and fundraising campaign for war vets here.

Every school kid knows why we pause at 11am on Remembrance Day. It’s because that was the day Germany signed the Armistice that ended World War I. But did you know that pen was actually put to paper at 5am – not 11? According to the terms laid out by the Allies, the peace accord came into effect six hours after the signing, which is why the 11th hour is recalled as the moment when the ‘guns fell silent’

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DO YOU KNOW 18 YEARS FROM NOW: • 1 in 4 Canadians (approx. 9 million) will be age 65+ • The number of Canadians with dementia will increase from 747,000 today to 1.4 million.

Invest in healthy aging by staying socially connected, increase levels of physical and mental activities, eating healthy to maintain optimal health and quality of life

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A unique mental training program that provides brain stimulation through touch, visual, and hearing senses for seniors to improve concentration, memory and information processing.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE BRAIN HEALTH INFO SESSION Free abacus trial for seniors Tuesday Nov. 12, 10 am – 12 noon.

Free 15 min. consultation from Naturopathic Doctor Leigha Saunders.

ABS Abacus Brain Study | 92 Brock St. W., Uxbridge Call 905-852-6677 to reserve your spot.

TUESDAYS ARE SENIORS DAYS! at participating BIA businesses (look for the orange KEEP CALM sign in the window)

www.uxbridgebia.com

BY DANNY WRIGHT

Hello; my name is Danny Wright. I am in grade 12, and I am currently involved with several amazing projects; one of which is RED, a play by John Logan. I do a lot of things, and I have a personal connection to all the work I do; but I don’t think I have ever felt so much attachment for something that I have done, like the way I feel about RED. It’s a two person play about an artist, and an assistant, sounds simple, right? Well, it is, to some extent. The idea is simple, hiring an assistant, but it’s so much more, and so much fun. It explores the relationship that I have with him, like teacherstudent, friend-enemy, father-son. There are so many complexities and facets to this play, that I learn something new every time I read it. In fact, it makes us think so much that David Geene, who plays Rothko (the painter) and I get lost in the true beauty and majesty of the words that are put on to the page, and created by us. My favourite component about the play is the tangibility of it. We get to paint on the stage, we get to mix paints, and I get to staple and complete canvases. I find it so interesting because of the realism we have with everything being physical and not mimed.

It’s a very humbling experience as well. I have been doing shows for a couple of years, but I have learned so much more in

past month than I have learned about acting in the last 5 years. It’s an interesting project, because it is my first lead role in a play, and I feel so lucky to be given the opportunity to participate in this show, let alone be one of the two actors in the show.

RED is also an amazing play because of the people working to bring the natural beauty of the show’s raw emotions to life. My director: Andy Fiddes, producer: Anne Wilde, lighting: Phil Knapp, and everyone else are absolutely astounding at bringing the show to a new level of creative and emotive boundaries.

The high school also is helping to create Rothko-esque paintings, and we are holding a silent auction with them. The money raised will to go back into the Arts and Drama programs; so it’s very cool having the Art club be a part of the creative process as well.

This is pretty much it, so in parting, I guess its cliché to say; but please come see the show, it’s so much fun to watch, and it’s even more to fun to participate in.

Thanks for reading, and thank you for helping to support the local arts and drama!

youthful notions

| RED: a perspective |

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faces of uxbridge

| anonymous |

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This month, I decided to share a story with UTT readers that would serve as a reminder of how lucky we are today. We must never forget what our Veterans did, in fighting for our freedom, and the sacrifices that they and their families made. This story is told by my mother, recalling the Second World War and the impact it had on her life. She was born in England and lived during the war in the town of Boston and later a village in the country. This is her story: I was a child at the outbreak of WWII, in 1939. There were many things we had to do to stay safe, especially with the possibility that the enemy would use gas as a weapon.

The thing I remember most from WWII is the smell of the rubber that was used to make gas masks - we were all ordered to get our gas masks at local schools. Toddlers were given Mickey Mouse masks and the infants were given a carrier similar to a modern child seat, with a cover. I hated the smell of that rubber; it’s something I will never forget. The masks came with boxes to store them in, and we were not allowed to leave home without them. They had a strap so that we had to keep them with us when playing with friends, going to school or even riding our bikes.

We could not go far from home in case the air raid siren went off. At night there was a ‘blackout’ which meant all homes had to blacken their windows so no light could be seen from the outside.

There were air raid wardens that would make sure that your house was completely dark. The wardens were usually older locals who volunteered, as the young were away at war.

When at home, we did not have a shelter, so we hid under tables or under the stairs. There was no room in the villages to build shelters. I didn’t like the dark, so I was scared during the blackouts. We didn’t have indoor plumbing, and there were no streetlights, so we had to go out to the outhouse in the pitch dark with no light to help us find our way.

I was moved to Fishtoft because I was so scared all the time. I went to live with my married sister in the country. If an air raid siren went off we would hide under the kitchen table because we didn’t have a bomb shelter. To ease our fears, my sister would make a game out of it pretending we were on a camping adventure. We often spent the night on the floor under the table waiting until we heard the all clear.

When the bombs fell, the windows of our house would shake so badly; to prevent the glass from breaking, everyone had to put tape on their windows. Even as children we recognized how far away the planes were, by their sound. The dogs knew first that planes were coming and would start barking. I can still hear the siren and describe the ear piercing sound; I will never forget it.

At school, when the sirens went off during an air raid, we all had to go to the shelters. Air raid sirens went off every time there were bombers in the area. In those days there was one shelter for boys and one for girls. I didn’t like the shelters because they were long brick buildings with no windows, just one door and a dim electric light, so they were damp and dark. The teachers would try and to take our minds off the air raid by giving us arts and crafts to do and games to play. The school bomb shelter is where I learned to knit.

In those days knitting needles were made of steel, which was not available because it was needed for the war effort. My first knitting needles came from the sticks the butcher used to make shish kabob. I remember the wool the teacher gave us to knit with was

awful but it served its purpose and we were able to learn to knit.

We could not leave the shelter until the all-clear siren had gone off telling us the bombers had gone. I remember one time heading into the shelter in the morning, but the all clear didn’t sound until after dark.

Our parents could not pick us up until the all-clear siren went off. The sirens would go off about every-other day.

I remember hearing the planes and knowing they were enemy planes. Even though I was just a child I knew the enemy planes sounded different from our own. I have since learned that the British planes propellers were synchronized where as the enemy planes propellers were not.

During the war everything was rationed, we could only get a half pound of butter per month, 4oz of margarine and two ounces of lard.

It was not just our food, but gas and clothing were also rationed. We were lucky when we went to the country, they had vegetables there because they were grown by local farmers.

I remember the town, and how the people who lived there would always help each other out.

Thinking back I now realize how difficult it must have been for families to have their sons and husbands at war, and have their children at risk of being injured or killed during the bombings. I was terrified and can only imagine how frightening it must have been for mothers and fathers who only wanted to keep their children safe.

The war has affected everyone - Many lost their husbands, their sons, their fathers. I for one, lost a sister to the war.

I often think about our Veterans, and their families, and their commitment to keep us safe. I hope my children; grandchildren and great grandchildren never have to endure the fear I did, as a result of the war, as a child, which is only possible because of our Veterans and the sacrifices they made, and continue to make.

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Nov. 28 - Dec. 7, 2013

Red A tense, two character, Tony award winning drama.

Jan. 16 - Jan. 25, 2014

Anything Goes Cole Porter music singing, dancing and madcap antics!

April 3 - April 12, 2014

The Mousetrap

The

Mousetrap

Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot.

Tickets available at www.onstageuxbridge.com and Little Acorn

This month I felt compelled to write about Loss for a few reasons, some deeply personal, some more historically significant. Loss can be a difficult concept to grasp, let alone explain, as it is an abstract idea as opposed to a concrete one. Darkness is defined not so much by what it is, but by what it isn’t; darkness isn’t light, but it is the absence of light. Similarly, Loss is characterized by an absence; the failure to keep or continue to have something, an instance of losing, a decrease, a death, a failure to gain.

Loss is something that can be deeply personal, experienced by a sole individual or by several individuals. Loss can not only affect an entire town or community, but can also be a shared loss felt by a Nation.

Yesterday, in a sense, is the absence of today. As tomorrow comes and goes, and today fades into yesterday, the yesterdays accumulate into weeks, months, years and decades of the past. When one thinks about History, and ultimately the past, it is often accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and even of Loss. The Loss of a bygone era, the Loss of that particular moment in time, the Loss of the individuals who lived and died generations ago.

Loss may bring to mind the passing of History’s Greats; Artists, World Leaders, Thinkers, Inventors, Industry Pioneers, Soldiers maybe a Loved one - a Great-Great (“relative”ly speaking) a greatgrandmother or great-great-grandfather.

Of all the months, November is a month that evokes for me, and for many others, a shared sense of loss; the loss of millions of lives. The lives of Friends and Neighbours, Mothers and Fathers. Children. Sisters.

Brothers. Uncles. Aunts. The Lives of Soldiers, Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Stewards, and so many others who made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

On November 11th each year, we publicly commemorate the Sacrifices of our Country’s Great Men and Women that fought, and fell, for our Freedom, through Remembrance day Ceremonies. I have experienced Remembrance day in different ways, throughout the years. I had the bittersweet (and bittercold) pleasure to play with the school band at the Uxbridge Cenotaph one year. Most recently,

I watched the Ceremony from inside the Genealogy Department at the Uxbridge Public Library, in the company of a solitary Veteran, who came inside to warm up, while still taking in the Ceremony through the Library’s North-Westerly windows that overlook the Cenotaph. I am not sure I made the most of the time I shared with this man, I may have mumbled an awkward thank-you, not quite sure what to say, or how to say it.

While writing this article, I came across a poem by Mike Kirby, entitled Veterans, and decided to share this verse of the poem, which resonated with me, and reminded me of the solitary Veteran I watched the Ceremony with that year.

Soldier, soldier with us you still stand, Having fought for our future and this wonderful land.

To the Veterans of war, we give you our praise.

May God bless you all, our glasses we raise!

When attempting to capture and describe the sense of Loss I was thinking about and feeling as I wrote this, I stumbled across a definition of Loss as “the failure to gain”, which I concluded with in my opening paragraph. However, I think that it is because of Loss that we can experience Gain. It is because of the Ultimate Sacrifice made by the Great Men and Women of our Country, that we were able to Gain freedom. Maybe we should think of Loss not as the absence of something, but perhaps as the birth of something new.

historically speaking

BY ELIZABETH BROOKE ACTON

Born and raised in Uxbridge Ontario, Elizabeth is a busy mom of 2 trying to carve out a life-work balance. She is self-proclaimed social-media enthusiasts. gourmand, voracious reader and wanna-be writer.

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| loss |

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| november community calendar |

community calendar

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Hollyberry Happenings New and used items, teacher and hostess gifts, baking and crafts. Lunch available for $5 – soup, sandwiches and cookies.

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Goodwood United Church, Conc. 3 and Goodwood Rd. Contact: 905 640 3347

Microchip Clinic Microchip your cat or dog for only $35 with the proceeds going to support the New Animal Shelter for Uxbridge-Scugog.

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Pet Hospital on Main, 102 Main St. N. Contact: drbardecki@powergate.ca

Uxbridge Christmas Craft & Gift Sale Please join us for the Uxbridge Christmas Craft & Gift Sale. Unique Gifts for everyone on your holiday list! Over 45 vendors featuring Candles, Jewellery, Christmas Decor, Woodworking, Gourmet Foods, Knitted/Crocheted Items and so much more. Admission $1.00 Children 12 and under get in free!

Time: 10am-4pm Where: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock St W Contact: shadynookcrafts@rogers.com

Time: 8 - 11 p.m.

Where: Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Contact: 905 852 7792

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Remembrance Day Parade Parade leaves music hall at 10:30 a.m. and parades to Cenotaph for the service.

Free Mental Fitness Trial and Optimize Brain Health Info Session Include 15 minutes free consultation from Naturopathic Doctor Leigha Saunders.

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: ABS Abacus Brain Study, 92 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 6677

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Music Fest We welcome all ages and talents, be it singing, playing an instrument, dancing or story-telling; and our audience is very appreciative! Call more information.

Time: 10 - 11 a.m.

Where: Reachview Gardens Contact: 905 852 6487

Free Abacus Free Trial Lesson and Information Session for children ages 4 -11 Register online at www.AbacusUxbridge.com or call for an appointment.

Time: 4 - 5 p.m.

Where: ABS Abacus Brain Study, 92 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 6677

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

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Maud’s Favourite Things Gift Show and Sale Find 30 to 50 vendors displaying Christmas decorations, home decor items, handmade clothing and giftware. Also taking place Sunday, November 10.

Time: Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun, 12 - 4 p.m.

Where: Leaskdale Church, 11850 Regional Rd. 1 Contact: www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Public School Contact: www.durhamfamilyresources.org

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Uxbridge Senior Citizens’ Club Halloween Dance Morley Batt and his Band. Some Square Dancing. Please PRE Purchase Tickets. $10/person. No alcohol.

families, parents and caregivers to have the opportunity to learn more about some of the child and family services available. There will be representatives from Behaviour Management, Speech and Language Services, Dental Health and hearing screening. Partnering with Stonemoor Childcare.

Goodwood United Church Turkey Dinner Tickets at the door.

Ready, Set, Grow Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources is offering a free day for

Accepting NEW PATIENTS!

Uxbridge COMMUNITY MIDWIVES www.uxbridgemidwives.com | 2 campbell drive, suite 207

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, Contact: www.pineridgechorusuxbridge.ca

6th Annual Christmas Craft & Home Show Over 25 vendors, tea room, bake sale, white elephant room (new and gently used items).

Free admission.

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave. Contact: 905 852 6213

Annual Turkey Dinner Continuous service presented by St. Paul’s Anglican Church from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Tickets available from Church or at the door. Adults $15.00; Children 12 and under $10.00; preschoolers free.

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church,59 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 7016

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Time: 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Where: Goodwood Community Centre, Contact: 905 640 3347

Lest we Forget

Celebrate the Music Musical concert starring Pineridge Chorus. Old favourites as well as new songs and some seasonal standards.

Featuring local high school instrumental performances, and musical numbers from recent local plays. Door prizes, raffles, 50/50 draw. $20 adults. $10 students. Tickets available at Presents, Presents, Presents 60 Brock St. W.

Holiday Craft and Bake Sale Please join us for our First Annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale. Vendors include Avon, Boudica, Bella Jules, Needers Beads, Scentsy, Thirty-

Dr. Connie Yong & Associates

FREE WHITENING with a complete exam and cleaning

905-862-2228 www.wavedental.ca

8-307 Toronto St. S, Uxbridge

One, and many more. Tea and coffee will be served.

Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: 416 816 0236

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Supplier Information Night for Small Businesses The Regional Municipality of Durham in partnership with the Durham Purchasing Co-operative is hosting a Supplier Information Night. The evening will include various speakers and presentations geared towards assisting small businesses in learning more about social media and web site development. To register for the event please contact bev.armstrong@durham.ca Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Regional Headquarters, 605 Rossland Rd. E. Whitby, 1st floor meeting rooms

100 Women Who Care Three busy local women with an interest in directly helping others in the Uxbridge community are starting an Uxbridge chapter of an international charity program and they are looking for your help! Due to the very gracious donation of its facility, the first meeting of the Uxbridge Chapter of 100 Women Who Care will be held at Wooden Sticks Golf Club (40 Elgin Park Drive).

Time: Registration: 6:45pm meeting to follow at 7pm Where: Wooden Sticks Golf Club 40 Elgin Park Drive Contact: www.100womenuxbridge.com

annual Uxbridge Santa Clause Parade, Saturday November 30th. `Theme 2013 Christmas Fun` Parade Route – starts Brock St and Centre Street – through to downtown Brock Street, ends on Franklin Street.

Time: 11am til approx 1 hour Where: Downtown Uxbridge Contact: Grand marshall – Angela Horne uxbridgesantaclauseparade@gmail.com

Uxbridge BIA Seniors Day Seniors are encouraged to come shop, dine & explore Uxbridge each Tuesday. On Tuesday, participating businesses will display an orange ‘Keep Calm Seniors Day Here’ sign. Stop by to discover special Seniors promotions, sale items, in-store guests, a demonstration, a free activity or a Seniors discount. For information, please call 905 852 9181 x 406

Christmas Concert Our Annual Christmas Concert is a thank-you to the community, with free admission to all. The concert is an old fashioned program of local talent, child and adult: music, recitations, skits and carol singing. Santa comes with goodies for the kids.

Legion Bingo Come out and enjoy Bingo Thursdays at the Uxbridge Legion. $1200 in prizes to be awarded. Must be at least 19 years of age. Doors Open 6:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:30 p.m.

Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Leaskdale Church, 11850 Regional Rd. 1 Contact: www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca

the River Think church isn’t for you? Explore your spirituality. Come to “the River”, a new family-oriented service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto Street South. Doors open at 4 p.m. for children’s activities, refreshments and networking. Service with singable contemporary music from 5-6 p.m. For information, please call 905 852 7016.

REGULAR EVENTS Santa Rides the York-Durham Heritage Railway We have received news from the North Pole that Santa will be riding our trains departing from the Uxbridge station! Check our website for specific dates and times. Each trip lasts approximately 1 hour and has onboard entertainment for children of all ages.

Santa will be visiting each child at their seat and distributing goodies to each. Seating is limited and by reservation only so Santa Claus fans should reserve early so they won’t be disappointed.

Where: York-Durham Heritage Railway, 19 Railway St. Contact: www.ydhr.ca

Taoist Tai Chi Includes a gentle set of movements that promote well-being for people of all ages and in all conditions. Beginner class: every Friday 9-10 a.m. Continuous class: every Friday 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Contact: 905 852 2587

Hospital Auxiliary “Chances Are” Store on Bascom Street accepting good fall and winter clothing. Proceeds to Cottage Hospital.

Soup Lunch Join us for homemade soup, bread, dessert and beverage - all for just $3.

Bottomless bowl for $5!

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Goodwood United Church Contact: 905 640 3347

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Santa Claus Parade Welcome to the 53rd

Vandermeer Winter Fundraiser Event With Christmas right around the corner, we have once again partnered with Vandermeer Nursery’s. Decorate your home, office or purchase for loved ones by ordering a beautiful selection of flowers. A portion of proceeds from each purchase is donated to MS Society Canada, Durham Regional Chapter to support our community programming. Contact kailey.oneill@mssociety.ca for information.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

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peacefully productive

| the perils of perfectionism |

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BY DARRIN DAVIS

“Ring the bells that still can ring/forget your perfect offering/ There is a crack in everything/that’s how the light gets in.”

-Leonard Cohen Let’s start with a confession: I’m afraid to release the things I’ve created into the world.

Once we share our work with the folks outside of our own heads, things are out of our control. We lose the hope that by tweaking and twiddling, erasing and editing, our creation will eventually become perfect.

Once something is declared finished, it’s, well... finished. Then people can love it, or hate it, or worse yet: be completely indifferent about it. And that’s pretty darn scary.

So after years of trying to figure out the best way to avoid the pain of being judged by my completed works, I came up with a brilliant strategy: I would become an unyielding perfectionist.

I made a science of getting a song to about 99.4% written. Should that last bar in the final chorus resolve to a major, or linger on the minor? Hmm... Better wait till I’m in a better frame of mind, and try again next week, with fresh ears.

Should the eyes in that painting be looking up or down? Better ask my pal (he’s a great painter) when he comes to visit (next spring).

You see, by not making these key decisions on a regular basis, we can put off the inevitable for weeks, months, sometimes even years.

If we sit on the fence all day, we never have to get our boots dirty.

The thing is, isn’t getting dirty what boots are all about?

When we are decisive, and complete a piece, it shows us (and our unconscious mind) that we can actually finish something, put it out there, and survive. It also allows us to get feedback, which is extremely important. Because feedback on our finished work is what makes our NEXT piece that much better.

What would we say to an obstetrician who suggested keeping a baby womb-bound for an extra few months past it’s delivery date, to make sure everything is just right’?

Push, breathe, push. Let’s get those babies out there.

Have you seen Tom Thompson’s early paintings, made only a year or two before his iconic images of Canadiana? They’re pretty mediocre, by any standards. But he finished them, showed them around, learned from the process, and got better. Way, way better.

Neil Young’s first album? Same thing.

I’ve been working on an album about my grandfather for quite a while now. He was a farmer in the area, a great musician, a baseball player, and an awesome guy. A few years ago, right after he passed away, I decided I’d set up a home recording studio, write an album about him, and record the whole thing myself, playing all the instruments too. It’s been a great process for me. Plenty of ups and downs.

I’ve learned a lot. I’ve also made hundreds of mistakes. And looking back over the project, it’s the mistakes that have been the most valuable. They’re the proof that we’re pushing. If we only ever did the things we’re already good at, we would be a planet of full-grown crawlers. But I haven’t finished the album yet. There’s been no deadline for it, since I’m doing it all myself.

Last year I went to Nashville for a weeklong songwriter-in-residencestint. I set the crazy goal of writing a song a day, recording it with GarageBand on my phone, and posting each song on Facebook every night. And guess what? It worked.

They weren’t perfect, and there weren’t 15 different instruments on each tune.

But I wrote, recorded and posted 7 songs in seven days. Because I had a deadline, because I publicly committed to something, and most importantly, because I understood that a rough and ready collection of 7 tunes that actually got out there- that actually got heardwere a lot better than an endless collection of ‘masterpieces’ that will sit unfinished on my external backup drive for eternity.

I’m heading back to Nashville this month for another songwriting week. But what good are more songs that nobody can hear?

So with that, I’m making a public commitment to having the album about my grampa done by January,2014. Yup. There it is.

What about you? Is perfectionism a crutch of procrastination for you too? Is there a project of yours that just needs to be finished, so you can start on your next project? Why not email me about it, (peacefullyproductive@gmail.com) and get the conversation going on how we can get it completed?

Have a great month!

Darrin Davis is a professional Singer/Songwriter, Painter, Photographer and Creativity Coach. The CEO of Peacefully Productive Inc, Darrin lives in the wildwood splendor of Uxbridge, Ontario with his lovely wife Amy and his incorrigible puppy Dublin. (All 3 are relentless Blue Jays fans.) www.reverbnation.com/thedarrindavisband www.etsy.com/shop/crazyuncleart

for all your holiday needs

Voted Port Perry’s Best Florist Uxbridge 43 Brock St. W. 905 862-3697

Port Perry 158 Water St. 905 985-3033

432flowers.com

Megan and David have been residents of Uxbridge for 20 years, their journey began in the late 70’s when they both graduated from the Jewellery Arts Program at George Brown College. Their business and life partnership began in late 1979 when they began Kensington Silver Studio in Toronto’s Kensington Market. In 1994 they made the decision to move to Uxbridge bringing their work to a small studio at 28 Toronto St. North. They can be reached at 905-852-9198.

Angel Healing

readings, energy healing and workshops.

Serving Durham and surrounding area

905 982 2741

h e l p i n g y o u i d e n t i f y a n g e l s t h a t a re g u i d i n g a n d s u p p o r t i n g y o u .

w w w. s p i r i t - c o u n s e l o r. c o m

spotlight on you

MEGAN JONES & DAVID SWINSON

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| kensington silver studio |

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guest column

| creating your interior colour scheme | Contrary to what most people think (and do), paint colours should not be the first thing to choose when planning your interior colour scheme. The right paint colour will pull your room together, while the wrong colour can make everything look disjointed.

Find your colour inspiration by creating a “mood” folder. Start collecting visuals of colour combos that you are drawn to, photos of furniture your love, style vignettes from fashion magazines-anything that captures your attention and conveys the mood you want your space to have. We’re not talking just colour here, we are collecting a “style” or “feel” for your room. Now that you have determined your style and general colour palette it is time to either purchase furniture or work with what already exists. Choosing your soft finishes like drapery, bedding, rugs and accent pillows is where you can be a little bit more adventurous in your colour scheme. You can change these decorative items more often without a lot of disruption, so have some fun!

You now can complete your story with the addition of paint colours. If you have a floor plan, you can overlay your colour options and see how one colour relates to the next. Add accent colours where appropriate, and don’t be afraid to use a strong colour on all four walls of a room it works with your plan. Always pick up actual pint samples of your paint colours or large 18” x 18” colour

BY NADINE LAUDER

chips. Put them on your walls and view the colours at various times throughout the day to see how the lighting affects them. Colour samples are a small investment to make when the result is finding the perfect paint colours for your home.

Now it’s time to purchase the paint. Where do I go? What do I need? What is eggshell paint? Can I paint flat everywhere? This is where your local paint store can offer the expertise and knowledge you’re looking for. The knowledgeable staff will ask you all the necessary questions to determine the proper finishes needed for your lifestyle and budget. For Example, do you have a large dog or kids coming in with school backpacks and hockey equipment? Then you would need a higher quality and finish to give the scrub ability and durability to last you a long time. There are also entry level paints for the new, first time home owners that are easy on the budget but still washable. The proper tools such as rollers and brushes can make your job easier and faster, and more professional looking. The paint store’s expert product consultants will also tell you all the steps needed to prepare your surfaces for painting.

Visit www.roanespaint.com and follow the link to our Pintrest Page for more inspiration!

Nadine Lauder is a colour consultant with 19 years experience - 12 of them as Manager at Roanes Paint. Along with her artistic background she has extensive experience with colour, as well as all types of faux finishes.

Mason House Gardens FAIRY GARDEN plants and accessories

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Gift plants for Christmas

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NOW OPEN! Thursday - Sunday 10am - 5pm until Christmas

Tropical plants and succulents for dish gardens terrariums and windowsill.

masonhouse gardens.com

Ballots available as of November 15th at participating Uxbridge BIA businesses

100 Women Who Care Three busy local women with an interest in directly helping others in the Uxbridge community are starting an Uxbridge chapter of an international charity program and they are looking for your help!

The ‘100 Women Who Care Uxbridge’ chapter consists of a group of local women interested in making an immediate, direct and positive effect within the Uxbridge area by contributing 100% of their donations to local charities. The first 100 Women Who Care group was formed in November 2006 in Jackson, Michigan, USA. At their first 1 hour meeting, the Jackson chapter raised $10,000 which went toward the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for an organization in their city.

Today, there are over 83 chapters of the charity in North America including a dozen or so in Canada.

The commitment for each member involves attending four (one each quarter), one hour meetings a year and pledging $100 per meeting for a total of $400.00/year. Membership can also be done in pairs or groups of four.

At each meeting, members may nominate a charity to receive the group’s quarterly donation by completing a ‘Charity Nomination Form’. From the entries, three Nominations are chosen at random and the member that submitted the request is given the opportunity to make a 5 minute presentation describing the charity in need.

Following the presentations, each member (or group) in attendance votes on their preferred organization.

Votes are tallied and the charity is immediately announced, at which time each of the 100 women writes their cheque for $100, equaling what we hope to be at least $10,000 in less than an hour’s time! Each quarter, members witness how their combined donations can improve local lives when placed in the hands of deserving agencies working to serve the local community.

Due to the very gracious donation of its facility, the first meeting of the Uxbridge Chapter of 100 Women Who Care will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club (40 Elgin Park Drive). Registration begins at 6:45 with the meeting to follow at 7 pm.

100 Women Who Care Uxbridge has the potential to raise and donate over $40,000 annually, directly impacting our local community while encouraging women of like minds to meet new people and learn about unique charities within the Uxbridge Community.

Registration forms and information can be found at: www.100womenuxbridge.com

Win a Car! Have you heard the latest Uxbridge BIA news?

This holiday season, the BIA is driving local business by offering you a chance to Win a Car. Wondering how you win? You think local first. You shop Uxbridge! Each time you shop or dine at a BIA business you will have an opportunity to enter your name on a ballot & be one step closer to being drawn as the lucky Car Draw Winner.

When does it start? The driving local business Holiday Car draw promotion begins on Saturday November 30th (Santa Claus Parade Day) so it’s the perfect time for you to kick off your holiday shopping in town.

Want more chances to win? Cruise on over to check out the uptown

highway businesses or motor on downtown, Uxbridge has endless gift giving options & gift certificates galore for everyone on your list! The more often you shop Uxbridge, the more often you are entered into the draw for a chance to Win a Car! Where will the ballot box be? Completed ballots must be dropped off into the ballot box at any participating Uxbridge BIA business before the deadline - December 24th at 3pm.

Want more details? Visit www.uxbridgebia.com or connect with us on facebook.

Warmest Holiday wishes to you all from the Uxbridge BIA.

their years of volunteer service to Santa and Uxbridge Township.

There is a dedication rock on the walk path behind the Uxbridge Museum honouring them.

We would like to thank all the volunteers for providing these magical fond memories for children of all ages throughout the years.

For more information visit www.uxbridgesantaclausparade.com

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Santa Claus Parade Did you know Santa is on his way? Have you been naughty or nice?

This year, the 53rd annual Uxbridge Santa Claus parade will be held on Sunday, November 30th.

Will you and your family show up to spot Santa and his friends from the North Pole? Don’t forget your hats and mitts and bring some hot chocolate to keep warm and be ready to see your favourite floats!

The parade will start at Brock Street and Centre Street at 11 a.m. and continue through downtown Uxbridge where it will finish at Brock Street and Franklin Street approximately an hour later.

This years parade has been dedicated to Bill and Joan Scott for all

your community

| local living |

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| poor man’s beef wellington |

BY ELIZABETH BROOKE ACTON

utt kitchen

This recipe comes from my Aunt Jo-Ann’s kitchen, and it was my favourite meal growing up, and I requested it for my birthday supper every year, this one no exception.

Ingredients 2 packages Pilsbury Crescent Rolls ½ package Lipton Onion soup mix ½ cup of milk ½ cup bread crumbs 1lb lean ground beef 1 package of deli ham 1 package of shredded, or sliced mozzarella

Directions Preheat oven to 325 F

Layer with ham.

Open the Pilsbury Crescent rolls, and lay flat on waxed paper, pinching together the crescent “seams” to make a large rectangle (not end to end, but side to side).

Cover the ham in shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese.

Starting at the wide side of the rectangle, roll up, pinching any holes and tucking in the ends.

Mix onion soup mix, ground beef, bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl.

Bake 1 hour at 325 F on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Spread ground beef mixture evenly over crescent rolls, leaving a 2 inch border.

Turn OFF the oven and leave the Poor Man’s Beef Wellington in the oven for another 30 minutes. Slice and serve.

Whole Home Surge Protectors Starting at $300

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Outdoor plugs

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fo r a l l yo u r fe s t i ve n e e d s !

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meekelectric@gmail.com www.meekelectric.ca

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BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Stress. It seems to be everywhere.

And most of us are well acquainted with this buzzword and the deep, dark experience of it in our lives. But what’s the big deal? Doesn’t everyone have stress? Isn’t it a normal part of life?

While a certain amount of ‘wear and tear’ is a part of every day living, for many people their stress levels far surpass this stage causing much bigger problems to arise. In fact over 70 per cent of Canadian adults report excessive stress levels, with young adults weighing in at an alarming 90 per cent.

So what can you do (besides reaching for that third bag of potato chips) to help calm your nerves?

Here are 4 ways to reduce stress: 1. Just breathe. The first, most powerful tool we all have available to us is our breath. Take a step back and just simply breathe! Conscious, deep breathing transforms stress. This may sound too simple to be true but as Andrew Weil, MD notes: “The single most effective relaxation technique is conscious regulation of breath.” When we are stressed out our breathing is rapid and shallow. This causes our body to pump out more stress hormones and the stressful feeling is amplified. But when we breathe deeply a message is sent to our brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to our body and we feel calmer. How’s that for a built-in stress reliever? Deep breathing is not only relaxing but it has numerous other scientifically proven health benefits ranging from strengthening the immune sys-

In Uxbridge November 30 (after parade) and December 1

in his Santa Hut at:

Branching Out/Coffee Time parkette

1:30 - 3:30 EACH DAY *Please bring your own camera.

December 6 & 7 | December 13 & 14 | December 21 & 22

in his Santa Hut at:

Branching Out/Coffee Time parkette

SATURDAYS: 10:30-12:30 | SUNDAYS 12:30- 2:30 *Please bring your own camera.

tem, to boosting energy levels, to aiding in digestion, detoxification and weight loss. Give it a try! You will be pleasantly surprised at how effective it is.

2. Get moving. Exercise in virtually any form is a surefire stress reliever. Being active releases endorphins which are our bodies innate “feel good” molecules. When released they give us a feeling of happiness and positively affect our overall sense of health and well-being. Recent research has shown that exercise can be even more effective than medication in treating depression and other mental health problems. (See Dr. John Ratey’s excellent book ‘Spark’ for more on this.) For those of you who find it difficult to find time in your day to exercise, even a 10-15 minute walk around your neighbourhood will benefit you. Your body responds very positively, very quickly to even small amounts of exercise.

feeling fine

BY AMY JEFFERIES

3. Check your diet. What we eat and drink has a huge impact on our stress levels and our ability to respond to potential stressors. The three culprits shown to exacerbate stress levels the most are: alcohol, caffeine and sugar. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, alcohol stimulates the release of the stress hormone cortisol and therefore leaves us feeling more stressed out. Caffeine has a similar effect and can lead to increased anxiety, nervousness, irritability and can even contribute to panic attacks. Eating sugar negatively affects our blood sugar levels over time, altering our mood, our behaviour and our ability to deal with stressors. Isn’t it interesting that ‘desserts’ spelled backwards is ‘stressed’? Hmmm... Habitually consuming ‘the big 3’ causes us to be more panicked and wired - it’s kind of like putting the wrong type of fuel in your car. You won’t get very far.

What to do instead? There are many, many stress-busting nutrients we can incorporate into our daily diet. *For starters try boosting your intake of the following: B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, healthy fats from fish, flax, hemp, chia, coconut, avocado, etc and green superfoods such as spirulina. *(consult with a health care practitioner who can advise you on where you can find these nutrients in foods and various supplements) 4. Check your thinking. Wayne Dyer has said that “There is no stress in the world, only people thinking stressful thoughts.” While this might seem like a very radical statement, I think he’s right. We always have the power to choose what thoughts we think and therefore how we perceive any given situation. This is a really powerful idea because it means that we are not at the mercy of stressful events that happen to us - like a leaf blowing around in the wind - but we have control over the amount of stress we experience by having control over our thinking. Psychologists call this having an “Internal Locus of Control.” In the midst of a stressful moment we can ask ourselves: “Do I stay with these thoughts that are producing stress within me, or do I work to activate the thoughts that make stress impossible?” I don’t know about you but I would rather choose the latter.

I hope you have great, stress-free November. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a one-on-one session with me, please contact me at: amy@bloomwithin.ca Amy Jefferies is a certified Life Coach and Health Coach who owns and operates Bloom Within. www.bloomwithin.ca An honours graduate from the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine, she has a diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. Amy lives in Uxbridge with her husband and adorable puppy Dublin.

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| 4 ways to reduce stress: |

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8 Bolster Lane, Uxbridge MLS: N2707617 $449,000

9 Colby Road, Uxbridge MLS: N2758233 $479,900

Very nicely finished detached 3 bedroom Barton Farms. Open concept main floor, kitchen w/walkout to dynamite fully fenced backyard & deck, kit features breakfast bar, eat-in breakfast area, & open to large living/dining room. Garage drywalled & insulated by builder w/hydro.

Very pretty 2 storey home on the edge of town. 1.1 acres within walking distance to downtown.

Lovely 2 storey in desirable Rougemount area. This gorgeous light-filled home features a full walkout basement.

Sweet front veranda and terrific deck with hot tub in the private treed backyard.

Large principle rooms with four good-sized bedroom. Main floor laundry, kitchen with walkout to deck all on a tree filled 60' Lot.

SOLD

An amazing lot in Uxbridge!

SOLD

359 Rouge Hill Court, Pickering MLS:E2759109 $649,900

A perfect Pickering home!

SOLD

www.discoveruxbridge.com

Cindy Wood Broker Re/max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage 47 Brock St. W. Uxbridge, ON, L9P 1N5 Office: 905 852 6143 Fax: 905 852 5696

www.cindywood.ca

For nearly 25 years Carmen Berardi has treated every home like it was his own. Located in Uxbridge, Primo Home Improvements provides complete residential home improvements, general contracting, finished basements, bathroom/kitchen renovations, flooring, decks, additions, windows/doors and more!