Table of Contents
Managing Editor: Carly Foster Art Director: Kirsty Kernohan Published By: Sweet World Media www.sweetworldmedia.com Visit us online at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Contact Us Phone: 647足476足3056 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Mailing Address: Uxbridge Town Talk P.O. Box 1035 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1N3 On our cover: Shot on location at Dunhallow Stables, Uxbridge. www.dunhallowstables.com Uxbridge Town Talk is a Sweet World Media monthly publication. 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 may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. Copyright Sweet World Media 足 2009. 3
From The Publishers
November is an indistinct month; not quite winter, but cold enough for snow. This issue is about preparing for the freezin’ season: Bedding down the house, family times in front of the fire, coziness.
Be sure to cut out our handy winter prep checklist and comfort food recipes. Then read on about the people (Rick Edwards, who started a new chapter in his life because of a generous spirit and cutting more than his fair share of grass), places (picking pumpkins last month at Cooper’s Farm) and events (plays at the Music Hall to knitting at the library and weekly yoga classes as seen on our huge events calendar) that make up the fabric of Uxbridge.
Our goal is that you will hang on to this magazine each month as a guide to what is happening in town. Uxbridge Town Talk came to life because we felt, as busy parents and commuting professionals, that finding a true picture of our community events was piecemeal – bits and pieces in too many places. We want to bring everything into one place for your reference as you allocate your time each month, and encourage you to explore the wonderful community we call home. We must thank the advertisers in this premier issue for believing in our vision without ever seeing a copy of the magazine. Thank you for taking a chance on us, and agreeing our publication is needed. To our families and friends: We couldn't have done this without you.
Next month is our holiday issue! Look for our locallysourced gift giving guide, how to hold a cookie exchange (including our secret family recipes), a profile of the modest but hardworking hospital auxiliary who give so much, and a packed December events calendar.
Be sure to check out our website for weekly blogs, uptotheminute event list (where you can submit your happening for free!) and special features. Follow us on Twitter @uxtowntalk and find us on Facebook. For more information about us and the magazine, visit www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/about.
4
By Carly Foster
Rick Edwards was innocently cutting his lawn one day when two gentlemen with a clipboard approached him. Edwards, you see, is serious about his grass. He cuts three times more than he has on his property, including the boulevard around his street’s culde sac, small walking paths up to the Quaker Trail behind his house and several feet around his fence. Oh, and did we mention the chipping green with the snapping white flag in the backyard? “That’s what caught their eye,” Edwards laughs. “Plus, I was right on a key section of the trail – they thought I’d be an excellent candidate as a trail shepherd, too.” That chance meeting in the spring of 2004 was the beginning of Edwards’ alter personality as a senior trail captain for the Township’s trails committee; he has been in technical sales support for IBM the past 30 years, after taking computer science and math at the University of Toronto. Those two men were scouting what is now the Quaker Trail above the Quaker Village subdivision in Uxbridge’s west end. On top of being a trail guru, Edwards is now in charge of the 2.2 km Quaker Trail, and the 1.5 km Butternut Trail
(around the Butternut Village community off Balsam St.). Since 2004, Uxbridge has worked with other organizations and property owners to develop more than 220 kilometers of managed trails on 8,000+ acres of protected greenspace. Edwards spends a good 10 hours a month keeping an eye on the trails, attending meetings
and is the contact to report any weather damage, lowhanging branches, vandalism or erosion. If you recently attended the Elgin Park celebration of Uxbridge being named trail capital of Canada, you would have seen Edwards’ mustachedsmiling face among the crowd – he was one of the dedicated event organizers. “That was awesome,” he says. “Everything was donated.” He spent the first 40 years of his life in Toronto.
After his twin boys were born prematurely with bad asthma, he realized the family needed greenspace and clean air. “As soon as we got here and saw [Uxbridge], I said, ‘I think we found where we want to go,’” Edwards says. “We’ve never looked back.” While the Township has almost completely taken over the cutting and maintaining of the Quaker Trail, Edwards could often be found mowing little connector paths high on the hills. He sings the praises of the Township for their trail support, including maintaining the grass and financial allocations. He chuckles when asked if he’ll ever run for council. “No,” he says. “But I support them for sure.” In his spare time, Edwards can be found golfing, spinning one of his 1,000 vinyl records on the 30 yearold Yamaha stereo system in his basement, or happily shuttling one of his three children who still live at home around town (two more have left the nest). “They recruited me hook, line and sinker,” he says of the clipboarded men with a smile. “There is so much more to come.” For more information on Uxbridge's trail system, visit http://tinyurl.com/uxtrails.
5
Locally-sourced products
Our favourite comfort items for preparing and bedding down for winter
writing your roots
A perfect family activity for the long, cold winter months, Building your family tree by Andra Serlin Abramson and Mariaelisa Leboroni is a delightful gift package that includes a beautiful scrolled, frameable illustrated tree, plus branches and leaves for writing names. A howto guide is included, as well as websites and other places to research your family. $21.95 at Blue Heron Books
sweet & sticky comfort food
Dense and chewy date cake arrives drowning in a sweet, salty, gooey, ohsodelectable, licktheplateclean brown sugar butter sauce. Yes, we love it that much. Order the sitcky toffee pudding early in the evening, because it sells out fast. $6.50 at Hobby Horse Arms
6
pure bath indulgence Immerse yourself in the tangy and refreshing scent of orange and Clementine with BE Joyful Mineral Bath Salts. All natural, hand crafted on site (have you smelled the air at the top of Brock St. W.?!), these are an ultraaffordable indulgence that are good for your skin and the planet. $14.95 at Elemi Organics
hush!
Ever had your smoke alarm go off by accident or unnecessarily? Save yourself that awkward climb to reset with the new Kidde Remote Hush. It includes a remote control to quickly and easily silence nuisance alarms from a distance. Includes batteries, manual and mounting tape. $39.99 at Canadian Tire Uxbridge
They’re ambitious, fresh, smart and connected: Welcome to the business of…
By Carly Foster
Who: Juliette Hillier and Jill Breugem
What: Market Moms Shopping Events. Our first show is Sat., Nov. 7 at Mill Run Golf and Country Club, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with a Brooklin show Sat., Dec. 5 at Winchester Golf Club, 9 a.m.5 p.m. We’re also booking spring dates for 2010.
What is the goal of the show?: The philosophy of the show is to provide a highquality event for the small business owner to showcase their products and services to the general public. Why moms?: We both believe in doing what you know. We are both moms with small businesses. We love helping other entrepreneurs with small businesses find their potential. Both of us have done many shows from here, to Toronto, and back again, and we feel that there is a real lack of quality shows where the people hosting them actually care whether you do well or not. We both also believe in supporting your local economy. Our motto for the show is, ‘Avoid the malls. Don't support the big box American chains. Buy from Canadians. Keep the money here.’ What’s your drive?: We both love it! We enjoy the whole event planning part and, even more so, we get excited about seeing others do well at our events. We are also doing this because it allows us to work for ourselves and have our children home with us. What’s available at the Uxbridge show?: Cute and trendy children's items, designer accessories, ecochic products, home decor, floral, gourmet goodies, skincare, artisan wares and so much more. Family: We are both married with two children each and a dog to boot.
Business background: Jill’s most recent career was in telecommunications/customer service. She also has a bath products company. Juliette started a gourmet wool products business after a career in television producing commercials.
Hardest thing about this?: Our challenges are the same as any other mother, working or not – there just does not seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done. What’s next: We have planned seven shows for next year! The demand has been there for our small business vendors, as well as for our customers. We will continue to do what we love to do, which is supporting the local small business owner. For more info: Visit www.marketmomsonline.com, Facebook, Twitter @marketmoms, or email marketmoms@sympatico.ca.
7
Sunday, November 1
All Aboard the Moraine Train 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. Celebrate 20 years of community activism on the Oak Ridges Moraine. A special engagement of the YorkDurham Heritage Railway. Includes first class seats, boxed lunch, photo shows and program. $40. 9058419200 www.stormcoalition.org
Monday, November 2
Beginner knitting class 79 p.m. Sixweek session presented by Friends of the Uxbridge Library. $10 for duration. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com
Bereavement Support Group 79 p.m. For mothers who have experienced the death of a child. In the loneliness and desperation that only grief brings, we are here to talk amongst other mothers. Durham Hospice Uxbridge 9058524461 Family play to learn 9 a.m.2 p.m. Dropin play time and crafts. No fee. Repeats each MondayThursday. Call for information on various weekly Ontario Early Years Centre programming. Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources 905 8622750 ext. 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org Karate 79 p.m. Every Monday and Wednesday. Please call for details. Zephyr Hall 9058525792
Time for 2s & 3s 1010:45 a.m. Stories, games and crafts. $2/class. Pre registration required. Repeats every Monday. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com
8
‘Tis the Season Christmas Store Open from November – December. This seasonal shop is run by the women in blue of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for our community hospital. The store offers holiday decorations in rustic, traditional, and gold themes. There is a selection of holiday giftware, indoor and outdoor wreaths, seasonal costume jewellery and more in every price range. 20 Bascom St. above Chances Are 9058529771
Tuesday, November 3
Indoor walking trail 68 p.m. From the Township trails committee comes a weekly indoor walking trail at Uxbridge Secondary School. Bring comfortable shoes. Cloak room available. All welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No running, walking poles or strollers. $10 onetime fee (no charge if under 18). Until Feb. 23/10. Sign up at Uxpool 9058527831 Power Yoga 7:309 p.m. This vigorous empowering class is in a room heated to 30 degrees to increase detoxification and depth. Drop in passes and monthly passes for every budget. Repeats every Tuesday. Balanced Life Yoga 9058522782 www.balancedlifeyoga.ca Udora play group 10 a.m.noon For moms and their kids ages 06 years. Come out and have some fun with your little one. Repeats each Tuesday and Thursday. Udora Community Centre 7052288716 Yoga 9:30 a.m. Every Tuesday. Please call for details. Siloam Hall 9058527507
Wednesday, November 4
Line dancing 79:30 p.m. Every Wednesday. Please call for details. Siloam Hall 9056406927
Thursday, November 5
Bingo 7:30 p.m. Great jackpots every Thursday. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293 Meditation 79 p.m. Bring comfortable cushions. Admission by donation. Runs first and third Thursday each month. Siloam Hall 9058529975
Musical Moments with Kathy ReidNaiman 10:1510:45 a.m.,1111:30 a.m. Lots of toetapping and kneeslapping along with musical instruments, finger plays, and songs old and new. This is a popular class and fills quickly. Eight classes for ages 24. $50.00. Repeats every Thursday. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com Winning Scholarships 810 p.m. More than ever, students and parents are looking for financial assistance for postsecondary education. Find out how to get your application noticed. Uxbridge Library 905 8529747 www.uxlib.com Friday, November 6
Euchre 7:30 p.m. All are welcome for a fun evening of cards and prizes. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
Mom & Baby Yoga Boot Camp 1011 a.m. Regain strength and flexibility and bond with your baby in this enjoyable class that also focuses on core strength and stress release. Started Oct. 23; six weeks left each Friday. Balanced Life Yoga 9058522782 www.balancedlifeyoga.ca
Step in Thyme Artisans Christmas Sale 48 p.m. The Leaskdale Manse will be dressed up for the season and filled to overflowing with beautiful handmade items for Christmas decorating and giving. Refreshments and more gifts at the Historic Leaskdale Church. Admission $2. Continues Nov. 7 @ 10 a.m.4 p.m. Leaskdale Manse and Church 9058523517 www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca Uxbridge Bruins 7:45 p.m. v. Port Perry. Visit www.uxbridgebruins.com for entire updated November schedule. Uxbridge Arena 9058526761 Saturday, November 7
CPR & first aid training 9 a.m.5 p.m. Comprehensive training of first aid, spinal injuries, medical/legal issues, heat, cold, bone and joint injuries and burns. Includes certification and intro to the use of defibrillators. Recognized by WSIB. $98. Also running November 8 along with recertification. Call for details. Uxpool 9058527831 pool@town.uxbridge.on.ca
Digital Photography Workshop 12:30 p.m. Learn camera and light techniques with a different theme each week, with an exhibition of work before Christmas. Beginners welcome. $5 for whole program. Runs every Saturday until November 21. Uxbridge Youth Centre www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com 9058623456
Market Moms Holiday Shopping Event 9 a.m.5 p.m. A great opportunity to get your holiday shopping done. Cute and trendy children's items, designer accessories, ecochic products, home decor, floral, gourmet goodies, skincare, artisan wares and more. $5 admission, with 50% of proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. Mill Run Golf and Country Club www.marketmomsonline.com
Pearls & Lace craft show 10 a.m.3 p.m. Unique gifts for everyone: Candles, sewing, knitting, natural products, llama woolens, photo books, jewellery, gift baskets, baby items, wreaths. Goodwood Community Centre 9056403966 bnortheast@powergate.ca Remembrance Day banquet 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Sells out each year, so purchase soon. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293 STAND 34 p.m. Come explore and respond to social injustice here and around the world. Free. Runs every Saturday. Uxbridge Youth Centre www.uxbridgeyouthcentre.com 9058623456
Tuesday, November 10
Uxbridge and Area Networking Group breakfast meeting 8:159:30 a.m. Scrambles Restaurant at Foxbridge Golf Club 9058526686 networkinggroup@uxbridge.com
Wednesday, November 11
Remembrance Day services 10:30 a.m. Parade from Uxbridge Music Hall. Service and moment of silence in front of cenotaph at Uxbridge Public Library. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
(continued on page 10)
Musical Performances Sunday, November 1
Sing to the Lord Psalm 98:1 13 p.m. An afternoon of gospel music including Tom Baker, Dave & Pauline Streeter, Bill McKee, UCW Gospel Group and more. Adults $10, students $6, children under 12 free with adult. Trinity United Church 9058526213 trinityuxbridge@powergate.com
Saturday November 7
The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Ideal for ages 511, this oneact, 45 min. play features talking beavers, hilarious fauns, and eightfoot lions and witches. This production uses young actors to engage the audience’s imagination in a swirl of masks, music, fantastic costumes and action. Tickets $7 advance, $10 @ door. Uxbridge Baptist Church 9058523662 www.uxbridgebaptist.com
Thursday, November 12-21
Blackpool & Parish In the white corner we have Rachel Parrish, representative of all that is good. In the opposite corner is Harry Blackpool, representative of all that is evil. After 2,000 years of rivalry, it's time for both to retire and spend the rest of eternity in bliss. With The Apocalypse due tomorrow at tea time, is there any way to save the world? Tickets $18. 9059850895 www.onstageuxbridge.com
Sunday, November 29
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 2 p.m. The Ladies of the Foster read the famous holiday piece. Also carols from other countries. Donation at the door. 9056403966 www.fostermemorial.com
9
Thursday, November 12
Friends of the Uxbridge Library 78 p.m. Enhance and support the extension of the services and resources of the library, and assist in raising community awareness. Membership dues required. Uxbridge Library 905 8529747 www.uxlib.com
Learn to Grow 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Eight+ agencies converge to offer parents and kids speech & language, behavioural management, dental health etc. info, including a free hearing screening for children 18 months+. Admission free. Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources 9058622750 ext. 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org Take a trip 7:309 p.m. The best deals around for places near and far, in climates of your choice. A local travel agent will provide lots of suggestions, along with savvy tips, to make your vacation more enjoyable. Come with questions, discover a new place to try out and share stories of your travels with others over a hot drink and a tasty snack. Free draw. Uxbridge Library 905 8529747 www.uxlib.com
Saturday, November 14 Heritage Craft Sale Uxbridge Arena 4164996676
The Uxbridge Christmas Home Tour 11 a.m.4:30 p.m. Prepare to be dazzled by professionally decorated homes! Each home will offer an array of Christmas ideas and inspire stylish ways to prepare your abode for the holidays. Help support Precious Minds. Each $20 ticket/passport contains free gifts and discount coupons to kick start your holiday shopping. 9059820882 www.uxbridgehometour.com
Monday, November 16
Veteran’s afternoon 24 p.m. every third Monday of the month. Proud to support and provide for our veterans. Royal Canadian Legion Uxbridge 9058525293
Tuesday, November 17
Edible arrangements 68 p.m. Creativity is on the loose! Children will learn handson that fruit is fun while making a professional centerpiece that is not only beautiful to display, but healthy to eat. Using everything from melons to pineapple, they’ll learn how to cut shapes and be a fruit architect. $20. Zehrs Uxbridge 9058525009
Uxbridge Senior Citizen’s Club general meeting 1 p.m. Please call for schedule of activities (euchre, line dancing, shuffleboard etc.) Uxbridge Senior’s Centre 9058622144
Wednesday, November 18
Durham Farm and Family Resources outreach 9:3011:30 a.m. Zephyr Hall 9058622750 ext 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org
Thursday, November 19
Uxbridge Library Board meeting 6:309p.m. Uxbridge Library 905 8529747 www.uxlib.com
Uxbridge Genealogy Group 79 p.m. Camp X was a paramilitary installation on the Oshawa/Whitby border during the Second World War. It served as a link between Britain and the USA while the U.S. was still neutral, and also provided training for spies and special military forces. Lynn Philip Hodgson is the best selling author of Inside Camp X and a popular speaker. Uxbridge Library 905 8529747 www.uxlib.com
Tuesday, November 24
Page Turner’s book club 2:15 p.m. Zephyr Library 9054732375
Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting 7:159 a.m. Start the day with a breakfast buffet and meet your fellow business members, introduce yourself and your business, develop contacts,
hear what's happening in the business community and more. Wooden Sticks 9058527683 www.uxcc.ca/breakfast.html
Wednesday, November 25
As We See It 12 p.m. An Old Time Christmas Party! Have an afternoon out to relax and enjoy adult programs on various topics including: Seasonal activities, special guest speakers, worldwide travelogues, and always delicious refreshments. Make new friends and learn something new. $2. Uxbridge Library 9058529747 www.uxlib.com
Friday, November 27
Brock Toy Library 911:30 a.m. Registered child programming, plus toys to borrow. Last Friday of the month. Sunderland Town Hall 9058622750 ext. 310 www.durhamfamilyresources.org
Uxbridge and Area Networking Group lunch meeting Noon Scrambles Restaurant at Foxbridge Golf Club 9058526686 networkinggroup@uxbridge.com
Saturday, November 28
Butternut Manor Christmas Bazaar 1:304 p.m. Many vendors, kids' crafts, tea room, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Do some Christmas shopping after the parade! All proceeds to the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. 9058526777 Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade 11 a.m.1 p.m. Come meet Santa and celebrate the holidays with floats, bands and more! Lots of fun for the whole family. Parade travels down Brock St. from the arena.
Swimming, squash and skating Family swimming @ Uxpool
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:3011:30 a.m. Friday 6:308:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday 12 p.m., 7:308:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday 13 p.m.
Public squash courts
MondayFriday 7 a.m.5 p.m.
10
For lane swimming, aqua fit and class times, plus weekend squash courts, call Uxpool at 9058527831
Public skating
Wednesday 77:50 p.m. Thursday 3:154:35 p.m. Sunday 11:50 p.m.
Parent & tot skating
Monday and Thursday 10:3011:50 a.m. Thursday 12:20 p.m.
For adult and ticket ice schedule, call Uxbridge Arena at 9058526761
Uxbridge Town Talk reserves the right to edit for space. We are not responsible for errors or omissions. A submission does not guarantee printing in the magazine. We do publish every event in our online calendar at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/event listings. Email events to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com or mail to: Event listing P.O. Box 1035 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1N3
Frankie's Ristorante: Sensations for the sensitive by Carly Foster & Kirsty Kernohan
Let’s be honest. If you don’t have dietary restrictions, the thought of glutenfree or vegan food is probably not at the top of your totry list. You may even think it’s just plain weird. “There is some bad stuff out there,” Head Chef Donna van VeghelWood says, admitting commercial glutenfree bread “tastes like sawdust” and the restaurant’s biggest challenge is the mindset of people. “We definitely have to battle that.” But our meal was delicious. We each ordered paninis off the lunch menu: One with pear and blue cheese drizzled with a balsamic glaze, the other with smoked chicken, goat cheese and sweet cranberry sauce (more next time, please!). Our sides included a thick and hearty cauliflowerleek soup, and the house orange salad of cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, red peppers and orange segments on a bed of arugula and drizzled citrus vinaigrette. Is your mouth watering yet?
(Kirsty loved hers so much she went back two days later and had it again.) The fact that our meal was missing what some would consider such essentials – wheat, gluten and nuts – were secondary. This was just great food. Those three items may mean nothing to you or me, but to a growing segment of the population, they can be deadly. Those with Chron’s disease, Autism and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder can all have adverse
reactions to foods that include these. Van VeghelWood’s late son and the restaurant’s namesake, Frank, had Celiac disease, a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. “As it is almost impossible for people with Celiac disease to eat out in restaurants, we have dedicated the entire menu at Frankie's as a safehaven for them,” reads the restaurant’s website. “People have come from as far away as England, Detroit, Stratford,” van VeghelWood says. “They arrive with tears in their eyes, so thankful to have an entire restaurant, an entire menu, to choose from.” During prime growing seasons, the restaurant sources most ingredients from the farmers’ market at the Uxbridge arena, and every item in the restaurant is made from scratch. “You may not know what you’re eating, but we do,” van VeghelWood says. “We know exactly where it came from. We make it all from scratch. We have to, if absolutely everything is going to be gluten [and nut] free.” But the quaint and intimate restaurant also has “meat and potatoes meals” like pasta, seafood, and beef. Frankie’s Ristorante,1 Main St. S., Uxbridge. 9058521011, www.frankiesristorante.ca
11
Age in place with grace at Butternut Manor
Two ladies have known each other for more than 60 years, and now reminisce over morning tea. Their lives have come full circle to this place, a home of surrogate and extended families. This is Butternut Manor, a retirement home that allows folks to age in place with dignity and grace, says Administrator Stacey Sellery. The 63suite building opened its doors to the first resident in March 2008; 54 people now live here, supported by a dedicated staff of 35. Sellery is proud of the “homey environment” with plush highback chairs in the lobby where residents are often found chatting, intimate tables in the dining room, and beautiful suites with all the amenities. The affordable monthly rate includes laundry, housekeeping, meals, medication administration, programming and activities. The residents are a busy bunch, With day trips to the casino, lunches out, barbeques on the front lawn, strolls around Butternut Trail, music and pet therapy, exercise and relaxing on the gazebo. The home is accredited by the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), and works closely with the Community Care Access Centre. Butternut Manor recently started offering residents an option to purchase additional care. For more information, visit the home at 3 Norm Goodspeed Dr., www.butternutmanor.com, or call 9058526777.
The notsosmalltown book store
The bell above the glass door hardly stops jingling all day. Patrons enter with a smile and wave, reaching down to pet Mac’s furry white Westie dog head. They are picking up stacks of special order novels bound with elastics, wondering what’s playing at the music hall, when the next Books & Brunch series is. The near constant buzz is for good reason: With a main street presence of 20 years this fall, the 1,500 sq. ft. book lover’s haven has more than 15,000 books, calendars and greeting cards for every genre and age. Look at the calibre of authors the store has brought to Uxbridge: Nino Ricci. Bonnie Burnard. Sarah Waters. There are 27 book clubs associated with the store, and both local school boards have Blue Heron on the approved vendor list. “The fact that we bring the literary icons of Canada into our community is a coup,” owner Shelley Macbeth says. “I have been able to put Blue Heron on the map in the larger literary world. I’m very proud of that.” With smalltown stores succumbing in bigbox battles, it’s that passion combined with community giving and knowledge of everything Uxbridge that keeps customers new and old coming back. “If you keep going online or big box to buy…pretty soon your little bricks and mortar stores – that offer you an eclectic choice and give to your local schools, churches, sports teams and arts associations – are going to be gone,” Macbeth says. “Shop local. Shop independent.” For store updates, online ordering and more, visit www.blueheronbooks.com, find them on Facebook or Twitter @BlueHeronBooks. 62 Brock St. W. 9058524282.
Your most important life element
Where there is more in insurance than just a policy
For most of us, insurance is the last thing on our minds. It’s even, well, kind of boring. But whether you’re a parent with busy kids or an active retiree, it’s arguably the most important element to have in place to take care of you and your family. It’s not until that thick annual renewal package lands with a thump – and possibly a substantial premium increase – that you probably even think about shopping around for the best value. Did you know it costs not a cent to get quotes from an insurance broker? And the more companies a broker works with, the better options and rates you’ll receive to choose from. James~Campell Insurance Brokers works with over 20 financially stable insurance partners to offer all types of coverage, including: Auto, property, business, recreational, life, critical illness & disability, employee benefits, travel and investments. They are not a faceless conglomerate or voice on the phone, but pride themselves on having a personable, knowledgeable and professional team right here in your community. They’ve served residents from their Uxbridge and Mt. Albert locations for more than 30 years, and are actively involved in causes such as the Fall Fair, sports teams and local charities. Next time you review your insurance needs or have questions or concerns, please call or visit their interactive website to request a quote, find afterhours claims numbers and more., For more infomation www.jamescampbellinsurance.com, 33 Toronto St. N., 9058529191 or 18883546444.
Advertising Feature 12
Winter Checklist....
13
From My Mom's Kitchen Barb's Homemade Macaroni & Cheese with Cauliflower
This is one of the recipes my late mom used to make for me and my sister growing up. I used to sit at the table with her when I was older and – no kidding – talk cheese. To me, this recipe means family and comfort. It’s now my son’s favourite meal in the world.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked elbow macaroni 1 cup milk 1 1/2 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 3 tbsp. butter 23 tbsp. flour 1 cup cauliflower, steamed & chopped Salt and pepper Directions
Cook macaroni as per instructions and drain.
First, create your roux, which is butter and flour mixed together. Melt butter in saucepan on low heat while stirring in flour. When the roux is complete and the butter and flour are mixed together, add the milk very slowly. Then add the cheese slowly, still on a low heat. The key to a successful cheese sauce is low heat and constant stirring! When the cheese is melted, add the cauliflower to the sauce and pour over the noodles. Serve and enjoy! Goes great with salad, and a cold glass of milk (or beer). A simple dinner meal variation: Add some cooked chicken and peas, and bake in the oven for 2030 minutes.
14
Around Town
15