Uxbridge Town Talk September 2010 by Uxbridge Town Talk

General Admission $9.00 Children Grade 8 & Under FREE Weekend Pass $22.00 Parking $2.00 Offsite (shuttle) FREE

Uxbridge Fall Fair

r o A un d g ni

Homecrafts, Horticulture, Contests & Entertainment! Friday, Sept. 10 Fair Opens Tractor Pull Youth Entertainment at Bandshell

the

Hors

presents

Free Shuttle Buses on Saturday (Check Website)

5pm 7pm 7pm

Saturday, Sept. 11 Buildings + Midway Sheep, Goat & Pet Shows Apple Pie Judging & Auction Barnyard Rodeo Lawn Tractor Pull Skipping Rope Contest Demolition Derby (Smoke free bleachers)

Open10am 11am 12pm 1pm 1pm 3:30pm 7pm

Sunday, Sept. 12 Midway Special:

‘Neigh’ bourhood

Kiddie Rides $1 Others $2 Horse Shows 9am Christian Worship Service 9:30am Cruise In Car Show 11am Poultry Show & Team Penning 11am Baby Show 11am Theme Cake Judging 12pm Horse Pull 2:30pm Evening Schedule for Midway 1. Kiddies Rides will close at 10:00pm 2. Ticket booths will close at 10:30pm 3. All rides or attractions will shut down promptly by 11:00pm Conditions of Entry to The Fair 1. No skateboards 2. No Bicycles 3. Wristbands must be worn 4. No Alcohol 5. Backpacks and bags will be subject to search

For more information visit our website at www.uxbridgefair.ca or call 905.852.5040 or (week of fair) 905.852.7745

www.uxbridgefair.ca

Managing Editor: Carly Foster Artistic Director: Kirsty Kernohan Copy Editor: Jodi Avery MacLean Editorial Assistant: Mikaela Leandertz Graphic Designer: Caitlin Christoff Taillon Contributors: Jonathan van Bilsen Vanessa Slater Deborah de Ville Cover: © Petr Vaclavek | Dreamstime.com

Contact Us Phone: 905-862-3747 Email: info@uxbridgetowntalk.com www.uxbridgetowntalk.com Office Address: Uxbridge Town Talk 24 Toronto Street, Unit 1 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1E6

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 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.

uxbridge

town talk September 2010

From th e Pu b l i s h e r s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Town Ta l k Ti d b i t s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 4 The Bus i n e s s o f. . . Fa m i l y Tre e s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 St ylin’ fo r S c h o o l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Back to S c h o o l. . . at H o m e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 S eptemb e r Eve nt s Ca l e n d a r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 G aining a N e w L i fe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 Uxbr idg e + Fa ce b o o k = Love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 Unsung H e ro : J o h n Wo o d. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 Faces of Ux b r i d g e : Po o r To m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 Teens To d ay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 From M y M o m’s K i tc h e n : S l ow Co o k e r B u t te r C h i c k e n .. . . 2 2

September to us feels more like the start of a new year than January does. With the start of school and the end of summer vacation, it’s a time to restart and refresh. At Uxbridge Town Talk, we’re celebrating this time of renewal with the next step in our growth: our very first office in downtown Uxbridge, at 24 Toronto St. N., Unit 1. We’re so thrilled and grateful with how the community has embraced us and this publication that was born out of a meeting of local women entrepreneurs. Thanks to our readers and advertisers alike for your continued support! We’re not the only ones gearing up for September: hundreds of kids will soon be on the street making their way back to school. And we can thank John Wood for helping to keep them safe. Read this beloved crossing guard’s story on page 17 in the debut of our new feature, the Unsung Hero. Know of someone quietly doing good in our community? Email us at info@uxbridgetowntalk.com. Be sure to check out our four talented local students on page 6, modelling back to school clothes and accessories from local stores— you don’t have to leave town to stock up. This is also the month the arts and culture community that Uxbridge is so well known for really comes alive: Celebration of the Arts turns 25. Check out our Town Talk Tidbit on Flash Knitting (page 4), and the packed events calendar for lunch-hour concerts, street performances and more (page 10). Have fun perusing our biggest issue yet, for stories on genealogy (page 5), weight loss (page 14), teens (page 20) and why so many of you love Uxbridge (page 15). Enjoy!

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town talk tidbits

Ellen Sk inner (On the Lamb owner) and Knitwits Junne P a g e , C a r o l y n n e R o s s , C a r o l D r e w e l l a n d M u r i e l Ta i t playing peek-a-boo with their creations. Flash knitting is gaining popularity as a way to bring beauty and whimsy to otherwise everyday inanimate objects.

our eyes aren’t deceiving you: those trees really are wearing clothes! And come September 25, as part of the 25th anniversary of the Celebration of the Arts, the feisty ladies of the Knitwits will be flash knitting downtown Uxbridge. Intrigued? You won’t believe all that is happening as Uxbridge is transformed by this huge arts and cultural celebration. It’s all at www.celebrationofthearts.ca.

Breezy ha m l e t

Real-Mom Tips for Back to School

by Kirsty Kernohan Art Director & super mom to two super kids

1. Get organized. Create a filing system in the kitchen for the onslaught of papers coming home from school. For easy reference, create a file for each child for newsletters, calendars and other important information 2. Make lunches ahead. Creating healthy snacks and lunches the night before ensures enough time to properly pack and plan. The mornings are so rushed that having your lunch packed means one less thing to do 3. Peanut-free food. Peanut allergies are very serious to children who have them. Make sure you read the labels and stick to a non-peanut lunch; parents with highly allergic children will thank you. Try pea butter as an alternative to peanuts 4.Label, label, label. For all kids, especially young ones, labelling everything means that is just might make it home. We like www.mabels.ca or www.oliverslabels.ca or a good ol’ Sharpie works too 5. Get into a routine. Establish a set bedtime and wake-up time, and routine for each. Kids do well when they know what is expected of them and thrive on routine. Start practising a few days before school starts, such as getting up, brushing teeth and eating breakfast to make sure you get out of the house on time

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Ze p hy r, l o c ated 15 minutes nor th west of Uxbr idge, is a unique hamlet not only bec a u s e i t h a s t h e o n l y o t h e r l i b ra r y i n t h e Township, but because of its windy name. According to the M er r iamWeb s te r o n l i n e d i c t i o n a r y, Ze p hy r m e a n s “a b reeze from the west ” or “a gentle breeze.” I ts et ymology is from the Lati n Ze p hy r u s — g o d o f t h e we s t w i n d.

The business of...FA MILY TREES B y Car ly Fo s te r M anaging Ed i to r Who : Eileen Wi l s o n , c h a i r p e r s o n o f t h e Ux b r i d g e G e nealogy Group (UGG ) What: The U G G i s i nte re s te d i n t h e s t u d y o f f a m i l y h istor y. “Not just n a m e s a n d d ate s a n d w h o yo u r a n ce s to r s a re, but also their li ve s l i ve d,” Wi l s o n s a i d. G ro u p m e m b e r s volunteer their time to h e l p o t h e r s wo r k b a c k wa rd s : m o s t p e o ple k now who their gra n d p a re nt s a re a n d s t a r t d i g gi n g f ro m t here. I nfo is captured f ro m m a r r i a g e, b i r t h a n d d e at h re p o r t s, along with censu s d at a , a n d h e l p s c a p t u re w h e re p e o p l e l i ved, wor ked and d i e d

the group is indexing for their website. Local cemeter ies are being photographed and indexed as par t of an ongoing projec t, too Finders keep ers : I t ’s reason able to trace your family back several hundred years, Wilson said. I t all depends where your family is from. “S ometimes you have to rely on other people’s wor k , but you have to prove what you find,” she added. “ You can’t can’t just take what they ’ve found as gospel.”

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Why: Natura l c u r i o s i t y, Wi l s o n s a i d. Fo r s o m e, t h e re search bug hits wh e n a f a m i l y m e m b e r h a s p a s s e d away a n d sur viBiggest challenge : Keeping organized. “M ost genealogists vors were u n a b l e to a s k q u e s t i o n s b e fo re t h e y d i e d. O thers take it up at a yo u n g e r a g e a n d h ave t h e a d va nt a g e of speak- have a hard time keeping paper under control,” Wilson said. “Any flat sur face becomes a filing cabinet. We’re hunter gath ing with old e r re l at i ve s ers and puzzle solvers; we spend a lot of time sif ting.” By the num b e r s: Th e gro u p ce l e b rate d i t s 1 0 t h a n n i versar y in 2009, ma k i n g 2 0 1 0 i t s 1 1 t h ye a r. Wi l s o n h a s b e e n chair for Biggest reward : S olving the puzzle. “I wor ked on family con nec tion I k new intuitively was r ight, (but) the last piece fell the past 3 ye a r s, a n d a m e m b e r fo r 7 . Th e U G G h a s a round into place four or five years later.” 100 membe r s, 2 5 to 3 0 o f w h i c h co m e o u t fo r t h e group’s monthly me e t i n g s, w h i c h co s t $ 2 a n d fe at u re g u e s t speakers. M ember ag e s ra n g e f ro m m i d - 3 0 s to 8 0 s. Th e gro u p meets for Neat : S ome genealogists want a connec tion to the families they find. Af ter tracing her husband ’s family back through 10 months o f t h e ye a r, f ro m S e p te m b e r to J u n e an Amer ican grandmother, the pair have attended family reunions all over the U.S. This happens especi ally with only Where: The J o s e p h G o u l d ro o m at t h e Ux b r i d g e Pu b l ic children or members of small families who crave wanting to Librar y is th e g e n e a l o g y ro o m , h o u s i n g “o n e o f t h e better genealogic a l co l l e c t i o n s fo r a s m a l l e r l i b ra r y i n O nt a r io,” ac - be par t of a larger group cording to Wi l s o n . Th i s i n c l u d e s b i r t h , m a r r i a g e a n d death Contac t : The Uxbr idge G enealogy Group’s website is packed indexes fro m 1 8 6 9 fo r wa rd, a s we l l a s l o c a l h i s to r y b ooks full of resources. Star t your search at w w w.uxgen.net. and land re co rd s f ro m Ux b r i d g e, S c u g o g a n d B ro c k townships. The ro o m a l s o h o us e s n e ws p a p e r s o n m i c ro f i l m, which Contac t Eileen Wilson at 905-852-6973

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S t yl in ’ for S ch oo l Photography by Deborah de Vi l l e

S h o t o n l o ca t i o n a t B l u e He ro n B o o k s a n d i n Q ua ke r Vi l l ag e There’s no need to leave town for back to school clothes and accessor ies. Check out our favour ite all-Uxbr idge produc ts to send k ids and teens to the classroom in st yle.

J aycee R oth, 1 6 , s t a r t s G ra d e 1 1 at Ux b r i d g e S e co n d a r y S chool this S e p te m b e r. Th i s b u b b l y te e n wo r k s at M c D ona ld ’s and as a p a r t- t i m e s w i m i n s t r u c to r. N o t s u r p r i s i ngly, s he loves fa s h i o n , m a k e - up a n d s h o p p i n g. S h i r t, St rawber r y Threads, $79 . J e a n s, Ze h r s, $ 2 9 . N e c k l a ce, b ra ce l e t, M ar k ’s Wor k Wareho u s e, $ 1 2 . 9 5 .

O f f to K i n g s to n’s Q u e e n’s U n i ve r s i t y fo r p o l itical science this fal l, 1 8 -ye a r- o l d D e v i n Sto k e s i s co n s i d e r i n g a law degree. Yo u c a n o f te n f i n d h i m p l ay i n g s p o r t s, wo r k ing out and eating. S h i r t, Wo o d s & Wo o d s, $ 4 0 . J e a n s, St rawber r y Threads, $2 1 0 . Watc h , R u t l e d g e J e we l l e r s, $ 1 6 0 .

On D evin: K nit sweater, Zehrs, $29. Chinos, M ar k ’s Wor k Warehouse, $39.99. M essenger bag, Strawber r y Threads, $59. On Jaycee: Sweater, Woods & Woods, $48. Tube sk ir t, Zehrs, $19. S car f, M ar k ’s Wor k Warehouse, $14.99. Shoes are model ’s own.

Er i k Hend e r s o n , 6 , l i k e s h o c k e y, watching m ov i e s ( R at ato u i l l e i s h i s favour ite) , h o c k e y a n d t h e To ro nto Blue Jays. H e e nte r s G ra d e 1 at Uxbr idge Pu b l i c S c h o o l t h i s f a l l. Hoodie, Li t t l e Aco r n , $ 4 6 . 9 9 . J e a n s, Zehrs, $12 . R u n n i n g s h o e s, Wa l - M a r t, $17. Lunch b a g, L i t t l e Aco r n , $ 3 4 . 9 9 .

H o o d i e, $ 1 6 , Ze h r s.

B ro t h e r a n d sister. On Er ik : Jacket, Zehrs, $ 4 5 . Lo n g - s leeved shir t, Zehrs, $10. J e a n s, L i t t l e Acor n, $44. On Alyssa: Hat, $ 8 , l o n g - s l eeved shir t, $12, denim sk ir t, $ 1 6 , s o c k s, $3, Zehrs. Running shoes, Wa l - M a r t, $ 15.

You can find Alyssa Henderson, 9, swimming, playing soccer, colour ing and eating buttered popcor n while watching iCar ly. She star ts Grade 4 at Uxbr idge Public S chool in S eptem ber. Long-sleeved shir t, Little Acor n, $32. Leggings, Zehrs, $10. Back pack , Wal-M ar t, $15.

Hat, Little Acor n, $34.

back to School...at Home B y Car ly Fo s te r M anaging Ed i to r

uxbridgetowntalk.com

While m o s t c h i l d re n a re g e a r i n g u p fo r they see enough people? Are they social back to sch o o l, o n e Ux b r i d g e f a m i l y h a s a d i fized?’ Children grow up so quick ly, and I ferent clas s ro o m to re t u r n to. just want to enjoy ever y par t of it.” Amanda va n d e r G u l i k w i l l k e e p h e r t wo Xanthe and Q uinn take par t in many children, Xa nt h e, 8 , a n d Q u i n n , 6 , h o m e af ter-school ac tivities, such as ar t classes, on S eptem b e r 7 . N o t t h at t h e y wo n’t b e bowling and dance. D ur ing the summer, lear ning— t h e b ro t h e r a n d s i s te r a re h o m e they attend the Township camps at Elgin schooled. Par k . The family also spends a great deal “ We love to t rave l a n d we d o n’t l i k e s c h o o l s of time at the librar y among the books, in to tell us w h e n we c a n t rave l, a n d fo r h ow programs and using computers. long,” van d e r G u l i k s a i d, a d d i n g k i d s d o n o t “ There’s a preconception that children face the sa m e p e e r p re s s u re at h o m e a s i n a need to follow a cur r iculum, that they must school sett i n g. As i d e f ro m h e r d a u g hte r atattend school,” van der Gulik said. “But what tending k in d e rg a r te n fo r o n e d ay a we e k fo r a they need to be taught is up to you.” few month s a n d t h e o d d c l a s s ro o m v i s i t w i t h The Ontar io Education Ac t allows home Th e van der Gulik ’s enjoying schooling as long as satisfac tor y instruc cousins, bo t h k i d s a re co m p l e te l y t a u g ht o u t t heir outdoor classroom of the fam i l y h o m e j u s t o u t s i d e Ux b r i d g e. tion at home or elsewhere. Van der G u l i k l a u g h i n g l y c a l l s h e r s e l f “ t h e The van der Gulik ’s complete unit stud str i c ter one,” i n c h a rg e o f te a c h i n g t h e k i d s a b o u t reading, ies focused on topics that interest the k ids, with tools from wr iting and m at h , w h i l e h e r h u s b a n d, R o b, i s m o re about educational stores, online resources, the librar y and more. science an d a d ve nt u re s. Th e p a i r a re I nte r n e t m a r k e ters, Unlike a school setting, where all children must lear n spe focusing on te a c h i n g c h i l d re n a b o u t m o n e y. cific things and topics, van der Gulik focuses on topics her The fam i l y s p l i t s i t s t i m e b e t we e n Ux b r i d g e a n d New k ids like. Zealand, w h e re h o m e s c h o o l i n g i s ve r y m u c h a p a r t of the “ They should definitely lear n to tr y thing s” she said, culture, va n d e r G u l i k s a i d. I n t h e s m a l l tow n w h e re they adding they believe there is no sense to force something if live, there a re 8 0 o t h e r h o m e - s c h o o l e d f a m i l i e s. Th ey band the child is not going to follow that path in life. together fo r s u m m e r c a m p s, h ave t h e i r ow n s o cce r teams Van der Gulik would love to find more local home school and even h ave a cce s s to s c h o o l c l a s s ro o m s. ers to connec t with. R each her at “I n New Ze a l a n d, t h e y ’re ve r y o p e n m i n d e d [ a b o ut home amanda@teachingchildrenaboutmoney.com. schooling] ,” va n d e r G u l i k s a i d. “ H e re, yo u te n d to g et, ‘D o

Uxbridge's Fall Festival of the Arts - Sept. 16 - Oct 9

These are just some of the programs Full program information: www.celebrationofthearts.ca

Motley Theatre A live, professional playreading of Donald Margulies' "Dinner with Friends" drama where your mind creates the set Thursday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m. At the Music Hall, Uxbridge, 8 p.m. Tickets $20 (refreshments and cash bar) from Presents Presents, Blue Heron Books, or at the door

BOOKS & AUTHORS Three of Canada's acclaimed writers read from their work, and chat with the audience - Ken Finkleman, Lisa Moore and Trevor Cole. Thurs. Sept. 23, 8 p.m. Uxbridge Music Hall Tickets $15 (includes refreshments) from Blue Heron Books or at the door.

Ken Whiteley

One World Dance Concert

One of Canada's most respected "roots" musicians - already a legend - with a full band.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m., Uxbridge Music Hall Tickets $25 includes refreshments (with cash bar). Tickets from Presents, Presents and Blue Heron Books, or at the door if available

And check the three Saturday lunch-hour concerts, featuring some of the best in local talent.

Uxbridge Unplugged Four accomplished singers . . . four different styles . . . one evening of amazing music An evening of song from four Uxbridge singer/songwriters who are making music their career Friday, Sept. 24, 8.30 p.m. Uxbridge Music Hall Tickets $15 (cash bar) from Presents, Presents and Blue Heron Books, or at the door if available

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary . . . an evening of surprises (eight short works created entirely in the preceding 25 hours) . . . recognition of those who founded and nurtured the Celebration over 25 years . . . performances by two of the perennial favourites . . . and a party. Saturday, Sept. 25, 7.30 p.m. Uxbridge Music Hall Tickets $25 includes gourmet refreshments (cash bar) and dancing into the evening to Tom Baker and friends. Tickets from Presents, Presents & Blue Heron Books, or at the door if available

September Events Friday September 3

Perfect Office Cardi Ever shivered a little in the cool office or evening? Then this is the cardigan for you. Bracelet-length sleeves, gentle opening and not too long. $125. Time: 10:30 a.m. Where: On the Lamb, 53 Toronto St. N. Contact: 905 852 1944 www.onthelamb.ca Foster Memorial Concert Shimoda Family Ensemble. Solo & quartet with harpsichord, using authentic baroque instruments. Time: 7 p.m. Where: The Foster Memorial, 9891 Regional Rd. 1 Contact: 905-640-3966 www.fostermemorial.com

Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905-640-3966 www.uxbridgeregistrationfair.com Fundraiser Buffet roast beef dinner for regional councillor candidate Ted Eng. $50/person. Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: Sandford Community Centre Contact: 416-606-8333 www.electtedeng.com

Friday September 10

The 144th Uxbridge Fall Fair Tractor pull, youth entertainment, midway and buildings open. Time: 5 p.m. Where: Elgin Park Contact: www.uxbridgefair.ca

Hockey Uxbridge Bruins v. Port Hope Time: 7:45 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: www.uxbridgebruins.com

Foster Memorial Concert Sweet Adeline Chapter of the Pineridge Chorus singing barbershop style harmony. Nancy Hall guitar/singing. Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Where: The Foster Memorial, 9891 Regional Rd. 1 Saturday September 4 Contact: 905-640-3966 A Stitch in Thyme Quilt Show Featuring exhibits www.fostermemorial.com of antique and modern quilts, demonstrations, vendors, and a tea room Saturday and Sunday. Saturday September 11 $4, with men free. The 144th Uxbridge Fall Fair Want real advenTime: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ture, action and excitement? Try the all new paint Where: Historic Leaskdale Church ball tent! Animal shows and rodeo. Demolition Contact: 905 852 3517 derby 7 p.m. www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca Time: 10 a.m. Where: Elgin Park Wednesday September 8 Contact: www.uxbridgefair.ca 7th Annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge The Rotary Club of Uxbridge and Sunday September 12 Pace Credit Union invite you to this community The 144th Uxbridge Fall Fair Heavy horse show, fundraiser. See how close you can get to the pin! cruise-in car show, midway $1-$2, horse pull at Until September 12. 2:30. Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Time: 10 a.m. Where: Quaker Museum Hill, 6th Concession & Where: Elgin Park Brock Street Contact: www.uxbridgefair.ca Contact: www.uxbridgerotary.com Monday September 13 Graceful Glam Shawl Just the thing to toss ever Aromatherapy Level 1 An intro to aromatherapy so casually, but ever so elegantly, over your shouland essential oils. Discuss different methods, ders. 3 classes. $39. dosages and profile 10 different oils. $25. Also on Time: 10:30 a.m. September 16. Where: On the Lamb, 53 Toronto St. N. Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Contact: 905 852 1944 www.onthelamb.ca Where: Elemi Organics, 58 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 852 5575 www.elemi.ca

Thursday September 9

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Registration Fair Free to attend and it’s your chance for you to check out all the amazing programs, sports, leisure and other organizations in your town. Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Pineridge Chorus/Sweet Adelines We welcome women who like to sing to a guest rehersal. Come, listen and sing for the evening. Time: 7:15 p.m.

Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 905 852 6327 Page Turners Reading Clubs Book: The Factory Voice by Jeanette Lynes. Time: 7:15 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Library Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.ca

Wednesday September 15

Onstage Uxbridge AGM Looking for interested individuals to serve on the 2010/2011 executive. Come out to support community theatre. Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: 41 Maple St. Contact: 905 852 1900 www.onstageuxbridge.com

Thursday September 16

Motley Play Reading The Motley Theatre kicks off the Celebration of the Arts with this play in the Music Hall sure to tickle your funny bone. Time: 8 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. Contact: 905 473 3385 www.celebrationofthearts.ca

Friday September 17

Quilter’s Cupboard Open House Be surprised and encouraged...we can make a quilter out of you! We have classes to get you started and teach you all the basics with fast, time-saving techniques and no scissors required. Hundreds of beautiful fabrics to inspire you. Friday and Saturday. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: 202 Brock St E. Contact: 905 862 0666 www.quilterscupboard.ca Artificial Fall Wreath Add an instant welcome to any front door. Learn to create your own customized fall wreath to suit your taste and colour scheme. Time: 6-8 p.m. Where: La Petite Fleur, 42 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca Foster Memorial Concert Tommy Pullin’s songs are Americana and tell a story to the audience. Time: 7 p.m. Where: The Foster Memorial, 9891 Regional Rd. 1 Contact: 905-640-3966 www.fostermemorial.com

Where: Township office council chambers, 51 Toronto St. S. The 25th Annual Uxbridge Studio Contact: 905 473 3385 Tour and Sale Self-guided tour of 28 www.celebrationofthearts.ca local artists in their homes and studios Saturday and Sunday. View their creWednesday September 22 ations and where they work. As We See It Have an afternoon out Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to relax and enjoy adult programs on Where: Uxbridge and hamlets various topics, refreshments. Make Contact: 905 852 4033 new friends and learn something new! www.uxbridgestudiotour.com $2. Time: 1 p.m. Midwives’ Picnic Come meet your Where: Uxbridge Library local midwives. A time for past clients Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com and babies to reunite with their midwives. Potluck picnic in Elgin Park. Books & Authors Night Three Time: Noon-3 p.m. eminent Canadian authors (Ken FinWhere: Elgin Park kleman, Lisa Moore, Trevor Cole) read Contact: 905 862 3535 from their new works and chat with www.uxbridgemidwives.com the audience. $15. Time: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Lunch Hour Concert World Music Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main Hour with the Shimoda Family and St. S. Susan Luke. Free, with donations Contact: 905-852-4282 encouraged. www.celebrationofthearts.ca Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Where: St. Andrews-Chalmbers PresbyFriday September 24 terian Church, 40B Toronto St. Lunch at the Legion Members of the Contact: 905 473 3385 community, especially war veterans www.celebrationofthearts.ca and families, are invited to attend a luncheon featuring Jeanette Lynes, Ken Whiteley Concert Performing author of The Factory Voice. songs from his recent album with a Time: Noon 12-piece band and other greats in the Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin Canadian music industry. St. Time: 8 p.m. Contact: 905 852 9747 ext. 24 Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main www.uxbridgelegion.ca St. S. Contact: 905 473 3385 This Month in Bloom Explore your www.celebrationofthearts.ca own design ideas, challenging each while having fun! Bring a Sunday September 19 other container to fill with beautiful fresh Original 1984 Karate Kid Movie flowers. Okami Kai Karate and Aikido present Time: 6-8 p.m. the original 1984 version of Karate Kid Where: La Petite Fleur, 42 Brock St. W. movie. Demonstrations, giveaways. $8. Contact: 905 862 3697 Proceeds to the Gorgons. www.lapetitefleur.ca Time: 4 p.m. Where: Roxy Theatre Uxbridge Unplugged A concert Contact: 905 852 1521 featuring young local artists who are okamikai@gmail.com making music their profession, with a on pop, jazz and folk music. $15. Tuesday September 21 focus Time: 8 p.m. Seniors Club Meeting Monthly tea, Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main meeting, and entertainment. Bring St. S. your own mug! Contact: 905 473 3385 Time: 1 p.m. www.celebrationofthearts.ca Where: Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Saturday September 25 Contact: 905 852 7401 25 on 25 for 25 Street Celebration Community happening featuring 25 Aromatherapy Level 2 Discuss and artists, local stores and restaurants, profile different carrier oils and custom focusing on the five senses. blend three to take home. Pre-requisite Time: All day is Aromatherapy Level 1. $25. Also on Where: Downtown Uxbridge September 23. Contact: www.celebrationofthearts.ca Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Where: Elemi Organics, 58 Brock St. W. Shorts for Shorties Kids’ film festival Contact: 905 852 5575 www.elemi.ca movies and cartoons from the World wide Shortfilm Festival. Great for the Uxhibition ‘10 14th annual Uxbridge whole family! $3.50. juried and children’s art show gala Time: 9 a.m. opening reception. Exhibition runs Where: 46 Brock St. W. each day until September 26, 10 a.m.-6 Contact: 905 852 7966 p.m. www.roxytheatres.com Time: 7-9 p.m.

Saturday September 18

National Alpaca Farm Days Join Arriba Linea Alpacas for our 2nd annual open house Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with national Alpaca Farm Days. Meet the alpacas, spinning, weaving and felting demos, beautiful alpaca products and children’s activities. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: 755 Sandford Rd. Contact: 905-862-0222 www.arribalinea.com Outdoor Fall Planters Incorporating millet, grasses, kale, gourds and more, these planters are sure to dazzle! Bring a container to create some spectacular, instant curb appeal. Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Where: La Petite Fleur, 42 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca

Time: 2 p.m. Where: Ritchers Herbs, 357 Highway 47 Contact: 905 640 6677 www.richters.com

Tuesday September 28

Breakfast Networking Network and enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting. Time: 7:15 a.m. Where: Wooden Sticks Golf Course, 40 Elgin Pk. Contact: 905-852-7683 www.uxcc.ca

Fundamentals of Design This three-week series explores all aspects of floral design. Texture, colour, repetition, balance. Take home detailed notes and a tool kit to get started. Time: 1-3 p.m. Where: La Petite Fleur, 42 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 862 3697 www.lapetitefleur.ca Grand Re-Opening Join Interiors by Lorelei as they celebrate their new location. Enter to win a Ward 2 All Candidates Meeting Mayor, regional $500 window treatment. councillor, and Ward 2 candidates in the October Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 25 election will speak, followed by a question Where: 11 Spruce St. period. Everyone welcome. Sponsored by Zephyr Contact: 905 852 1732 Women’s Institute. Time: 7 p.m. Lunch Hour Concert Welcome back students Where: 310 Zephyr Rd. concert. Vocalists Meghan McKibbon and Travis Contact: 905 862 2282 Smalley accompanied by Jackie Crawford. Dona- tions accepted. Time: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: St. Andrews-Chalmbers Presbyterian Artists of Uxbridge Meetings Local art meets Church, 40B Toronto St. each week to draw, paint, present, demonstrate Contact: 905 473 3385 and have workshops. www.celebrationofthearts.ca Time: Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings Silver Gala 25-Hour Masterpieces The results Where: Zehrs Community Room (in music, poetry, theatre, video, short stories Contact: 905 852 6357 or 905 852 8831 and improv) of works created from scratch in the previous 25 hours, with a gala performance of Uxbridge Farmer’s Market Sundays until dancing, anniversary party. $25. October 10. Enjoy farm fresh produce and meats, Time: 7:30-10 p.m. home made preserves and baking, as well as Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S. hand made crafts and artwork. Contact: 905 473 3385 Time: 9 a.m.-1p.m. www.celebrationofthearts.ca Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 473 9867 www.uxbridgefarmersmarket.ca Sunday September 26 Family Fall Festival Come and enjoy fall heritage activities on the museum grounds. $4/child GURR Community Run A casual run with the Greater Uxbridge Road Runners, every Thursday, or $10/family. with a variety of distances. All runners welcome. Time: 1-4 p.m. Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 6th Where: Uxbridge Arena Parking Lot, 291 Brock Concession St. W. Contact: 905 852 5854 Contact: 905 852 7224 www.gurrclub.org www.uxbridgehistoricalcentre.com Bingo Great Jackpots every Thursday. Making Green Cleaning Products Cleaning made pure and simple! Learn how you can make Time: 7:30 p.m. Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. your own cleaning products without harmful Contact: 905 852 5293 www.uxbridgelegion.ca ingredients, and go home with a sample.

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Regular Events

Euchre Anyone who likes to play is invited to come out and play! Fun and prizes. Open to non Legion members. Where: Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St. Contact: 905 852 5293 www.uxbridgelegion.ca NRG 2 GO Bootcamp It’s called Bootcamp not because it’s intimidating but because it’s fast paced and results-driven. This program focuses on cardio, core, lower and upper body training. Time: 6-7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Udora Play Group For moms and their kids ages 0-6 years. Come out and have some fun with your little one. Repeats each Tuesday and Thursday. Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Where: Udora Community Centre, 24 Victoria St. Contact: 705 228 8716 Stroller Bootcamp Enjoy the outdoors in an interval program using bands and your own body’s resistance, this class is designed for the unique needs of moms and their stroller-aged children. Time: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays Where: NRG 4 Life Fitness, 85 Second Ave. Contact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.com Learn to Run 10 km If introductory running has become a comfortable routine, the next step in the journey is to master 10 kms. Clinic classes will consist of interval training, long-distance runs, workbooks and more. Tuesdays. Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: Elgin Park Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca Urban Pole Walking Pole walking combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of crosscountry skiing with walking. Mondays. Time: 6:30 p.m. Mondays Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W. Contact: 905 473 3888 www.bodydesign.ca

Reach thousands of readers in Uxbridge Town Talk’s monthly events calendar! Our print events calendar is FREE for non-profit organizations and current month’s advertisers. Listings are $25/ each, or three/$60. Our online calendar is always FREE, and updated regularly at www.uxbridgetowntalk.com/ event-listings. Email events by the 15th of the month for inclusion in the print calendar to info@uxbridgetowntalk. com. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

231 lbs:

Local fitness challenge contestants lose weight and gain a new life

B y Car ly Fo s te r M anaging Ed i to r

Photo : Ilmar Simanovskis

L - R G a r y B r o w n i n g , We n d y L e e , L i s a C r o s s and David Cromie six months and a makeo v e r l a t e r. I n s e t : T h e t r i o s b e f o r e p i c t u r e s .

Lisa Cross tr ied all the commercial weight-loss plans. She’d lose 20 lbs., then put it back on again. Nothing was wor k ing. The 32-year- old Uxbr idge mother of t wo young boys began a bootcamp class with local fitness instruc tor Wendy Lee, and star ted to see some progress—but not enough to combat the 247 lbs. she was car r ying on her petite frame. When she saw last Januar y that Lee was look ing for candidates to enter a r igorous but life - changing challenge called A New Year, a New You!, she hesitated. “I didn’t k now if I’d want the attention,” Cross said. “I didn’t think it would be for me.” At the last minute, she entered, and Lee picked her among a hun dred applicants. “I saw something in her,” said Lee. “She’s ver y dedicated.” At first, Cross had a hard time walk ing up a hill or mak ing it a certain number of feet. She struggled with Lee’s “prett y str ic t eating plan.” But there’s no arguing the challenge hasn’t wor ked. Af ter six months, Cross has lost

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61 lbs. (she wants to lose another 30). She now craves the gym and loves her wor kouts with Lee. Even af ter a miscar r iage and diagnosis of gallbladder disease, Cross said she didn’t did let the setbacks stop her. Lee’s other challenge par tici pants have had equally incredible transfor mations. A slim and muscled G ar y Brown ing, now 215 lbs., is hardly recog nizable from the 290 lb. man he was six months ago. I n a before and af ter shot on the challenge’s Facebook page, the 52-year- old jok ingly asked, “ Who is that old guy standing besi de the new me? I do not k now him anymore.” Lee said Browning’s letter—in which he pledged to dedicate ever ything to losing the weight, and wanting to be there for his grand children—really resonated. H is success is bittersweet: Browning has a ver y race ca ncer called T- Cell Lymphoma. “He has not had a cancer scare since this contest, and although he finds it hard emotionally at times, the wor kouts and the fr iends he has made help him forget what is

l ur k ing insid e h i s b o d y,” s a i d Le e. David Cro m i e, 4 8 , s t a r te d t h e p ro gram at 390 l b s. , a n d i s n ow d ow n to 295 lbs. “He could b a re l y b re at h e,” Le e s a i d, admitting wo r k i n g w i t h s u c h a d e gre e o f obesit y wa s a c h a l l e n g e fo r h e r. “ David could o n l y p e d a l o n t h e b i k e fo r t hree minute s b e fo re h av i n g to s to p.” Cromie n ow wo r k s o u t s e ve n d ays a week and re ce nt l y wo re hi s f i r s t p a i r o f j eans to his j o b a s a co m p u te r o p e rat ions techno l o gi s t. Lee will co nt i n u e to wo r k w i t h Cromie and Cro s s a s t h e y co nt i n u e to reach their g o a l we i g ht s. O n Au g u s t 1 4 , t he contesta nt s h a d a h u g e ce l e b rat ion par t y w i t h f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s, a n d received ma k e ove r s. “ You get co nt ro l o f yo u r l i fe b a c k , and the futu re s e e m s s o m u c h b r i g hte r,” s aid Cross, a d d i n g s h e h a s a to n m o re energy now. “ Yo u h ave to d o i t fo r yo u rs elf and not fo r a nyo n e e l s e.” Lee was s o m ove d a n d re wa rd e d w i t h t he t r io that s h e i s d o i n g a n o t h e r c a l l o ut for conte s t a nt s fo r a n e w c h a l l e n g e to begin in S e p te m b e r. Fo r m o re i n fo rmation, ema i l wendy1234@ s y m p at i co. c a .

Does your website need a facelift? Need help with web marketing? L a u r i e Br u n o a n d Ke l ly Young of VOS We b D e s i g n s ( for m a l ly Vi r tu a l Office Supp or t) know h ow i n t i m i d a t i n g t h e We b can b e from site de s i g n , to em a i l m a r ke t i ng and search eng ine op t i m i z a t i on to s o c i a l m e dia. What se ts VOS We b D e s i g n s a p a r t i s t h eir know le dge, pat ience a n d c u s tom er s er v i ce . VOS We b D esig ns takes t h e wor r y o ut of yo u r h a nds.

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Ge tt ing to know you and your indust r y is the cr ucial first step.“We consider this a ver y im p or tant par t of the pro je c t,” Laur ie says. “In order to t r uly create a site that is a refle c t ion of you and your business, we ne e d to ge t to know you.” T his appro a ch is uncommon in the te ch wor ld, but one that Laur ie and Ke l ly fir mly b e lie ve in. And it has he lp e d them create dy namic and client-pleasing sites for dozens of businesses in the past eig ht years, including the Uxbr idge Chamb er of Commerce, Scar b oroug h Family Golf and James~Camp b e l l Insur ance. Laur ie and Ke l ly can create a new site, update an exist ing one, and p er for m re gular site updates and maintenance. T h eir go al is to create a one-of-a-kind we b presence that lo oks g reat and search eng ines love. Conta c t VOS We b D esig ns for a fre e consul tat ion. Find them on Fa ce b o ok, and fol low them on Tw itter @voswe bdesig ns.

Helping you find your dream home

Cal l Cindy at (905) 8526143 at RE/MAX Scugo g Realt y Ltd. To se e Cindy’s renov at ion t ips, cur rent list ing s, mor t g age to ols and more, v isit www.cindywoodrogers.com.

Cindy loves taking out-of-tow ners around Uxbr idge, explor ing scho ols, businesses, daycares and t r ails. Most p e ople are amaze d at w hat Uxbr idge offers, she a dds. “I wor k w ith al l t y p es of buyers and se l l ers, from the first-t imers to luxur y homes, and there is always some thing ab out ea ch one that st icks w ith you,” Cindy says. “I t r y to make it as easy as p ossible, and remove as much st ress as I can.” T hat includes offer ing ser v ices such as professional stag ing and photo g r aphy to he lp showcase homes to their ful lest, or put t ing buyers in touch w ith g rea t lenders she has lear ne d from years of exp er ience are the b est in their fie ld. Cindy and her husband Guy have two children: Re b e cca, 1 6, w ho i s involve d i n figure skat ing and Gre g , 13, w ho plays rep ho cke y and la crosse. T he family has a st rong commit ment to Uxbr idge.

As a ch i l d , Cy n t h ia Wo o d-Ro gers l ove d h o u s e s a n d i n ter i ors. From an ear ly age, s h e wo u l d d r aw p l a ns and layouts of homes, m a pp i n g o ut co l o u rs and t y p es of wo o d. It n e ver o cc u r re d to her to go to scho ol for a rch i te c tu re or i nter ior desig n. Instea d, s h e g r a du a te d w i t h a law cler k desig nat ion. Af ter a s t i n t wor k i n g for family, she ma de t h e obv i o u s l e a p i n to real estate at the urg i n g of m en tor Ma r y Ho g g . Ten ye a rs l a ter, Cynthia—w ho go es by Ci n dy — h a s a ch i e ve d RE/MAX President’s Clu b an d R E / M AX Hal l of Fame, and has a j ob s h e wo u l d n’t g ive up e ven if she won a m i l l i on do l l a rs . “ I l ove h e l p i n g p e ople find that p er fe c t h om e ,” s h e s ays . “ It’s the b est fe e ling in the wor l d w h en yo u h e l p a first t ime buyer, b e it a s i n g l e p ers on or a young couple, throug h t h e pro ce s s of l en ders, lawyers and ne got ia t i on . It’s a lw ays i n terest ing and ne ver the s a m e .”

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Auto insurance has changed

33 Toronto St. N. Uxbridge 905-852-9191 or 1-888-354-6444 jamescampbellinsurance.com

Ma j or gover n m en t over hauls to auto in su r a n ce ef fe c t ive S ep temb er 1 mean you have m ore ch oi ce a n d f l ex i bi lit y to purchase covera ge t h a t b e s t m e e t s yo u r ne e ds and budge ts. Con su m ers n ow h ave choices to customize m e d i c a l a n d reh a bi l i t a t ion b enefits, cer tain de du c t i bl e s a n d i n com e repla cement cover age. Wa tch yo u r m a i l for a l e tter from your insura n ce prov i der. Ja m e s ~ Ca m p b e l l In sur ance st rong ly en co u r a ge s yo u to con t a c t your broker to d i s c u s s t h e s e ch a n ge s to make sure you make ch oi ce s t h a t b e s t su i t your family’s re quire m en t s . For qu e s t i on s , cal l our he lpful staff. We wor k w i t h m ore t h a n 20 financial ly stable i n su r a n ce p a r t n ers to offer al l t y p es of covera ge , i n clu d i n g :

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Auto • Prop er t y • Business • Re creat ional L ife Cr it ical i l lness & D isabilit y E mploye e B enefits Tr ave l • Invest ments We are not a dire c t insurer or voice on the phone, but pr ide ourse lves on hav ing a p ersonable, know le dgeable and professional team r ig ht here in our communit y. We’ve ser ve d residents from our Uxbr idge and Mt. Alb er t lo cat ions for more than 30 years , and are a c t ive ly involve d in communit y a c t iv it ies. Next t ime you re v iew your in sur ance ne e ds or have quest ions or concer ns, please cal l or v isit our inter a c t ive we bs ite to re quest a quote, find after-hours claims numb ers and more.

Un s un g H er o : J oh n W oo d

B y Car ly Fo s te r M anaging Ed i to r

There is a rg u a b l y n o t a s a fe r c ro s s wa l k in town wh e n J o h n Wo o d i s wo r k i n g. With a n e a r- s p l i t t i n g s c re e c h o f a whistle an d p u r p o s e f u l s t r i d e i nto t h e i ntersec tion , t h e 3 8 -ye a r- o l d i s h a rd to m i s s : decked ou t i n a f l u o re s ce nt o ra n g e a n d yellow shir t w i t h re f l e c t i ve s i l ve r b a n d s a n d a similar ly b r i g ht b a n d a n a , Wo o d i s a co mmanding p re s e n ce at t h e co r n e r o f B ro c k R oad and Q u a k e r Vi l l a g e D r i ve i n Ux b r i d g e’s west end. H e re, h e k e e p s h u n d re d s o f children fro m Q u a k e r Vi l l a g e Pu b l i c S c h o o l and St. Jos e p h Cat h o l i c S c h o o l s a fe fo r 1 0 months of t h e ye a r. “I like th e k i d s. I l i k e t h e l o c a l e,” s a i d Wood, who h a s f i l l e d i n at e ve r y m a n n e d intersec tio n i n tow n . H e f i r s t s t a r te d i n G oodwood f i ve ye a r s a go ; t h i s s c h o o l ye a r will be his t h i rd ye a r at h i s c u r re nt co r n e r. A talente d a r t i s t w h o at t r i b u te s h i s l ove of drawing to re a d i n g co m i c b o o k s a s a k id, Wood p e n s a we e k ly e d i to r i a l c a r to o n for The Cos m o s. Th e m u ra l i n s i d e t h e R ox y theatre dow ntow n i s o f h i s h a n d, fe at u ring iconic m ov i e c h a ra c te r s s u c h a s I n d i a n a Jones, D oro t hy f ro m t h e Wi z a rd o f Oz a n d M ar ilyn M o n ro e. H e a l s o wo r k s p a r t t i m e at Baldwin S a l e s, m o s t l y h e l p i n g w i t h s i l k screening. R o u n d i n g o u t h i s a r t i s t i c s i d e i s a 17-year vo l u nte e r c a re e r w i t h l o c a l va r i-

e t y s h ow Uxper ience, as well as helping w i t h t he R ox y K ids in Ac tion. As a crossing guard, Wood is ad m i re d by k ids and dr ivers alike — m o s t e ver yone waves or honks to h i m a s they dr ive by and children h o l l e r greetings. He can of ten be s e e n d rawing or reading in be t we e n k ids, his large stop sign re s t i n g at his feet. Eve n af ter his shif t is done a n d h e’s walk ing home down t h e B rock Street hill, Wood will o f te n j og back up to his cor ner to h e l p late parents and k ids. Wo od attr ibutes his givi n g n at ure to his parents, and “grow i ng up in a Chr istian envi ro n m e nt.” He is the proud uncle to n i n e n i eces and nephews, and has fo u r s i sters and one brother. H i s tips for dr ivers? “ Lo ok out for us,” Wood said. “ What i f i t wa s your k id? We’ll get you there on t i m e. J ust give us a few more minutes.” D o you k now an unsung hero? Email us at i n fo @uxbr idgetowntalk .com. J o h n Wo o d s k e e p s k i d s s a f e i n U x b r i d g e ’s w e s t e n d

faces of uxbridge

By Jonathan van Bilsen Special to Uxbridge Town Talk

uxbridgetowntalk.com

Wanda Stride playing her Irish flute. Por trait by w w w.studio4photography.ca

Celtic roots: East meets south with Poor Tom

The silence of the evening air is gently broken by the sof t sound of Wanda Str ide’s I r ish flute. Slowly, the music fills the atmosphere and at the precise moment Susan Luke lets the bow glide across her violin. This is how each of Poor Tom’s concer ts begins. Poor Tom is the Celtic duet of Str ide and Luke, t wo Uxbr idge la dies involved in music since their preteen days. The t wo have played together for eight years and just released their second CD, A D ream Like Yours . They ’re self- descr ibed on their website as “Celtic, folk , countr y rock , roots music. Poor Tom is Wanda’s Newfoundland roots meeting Susan’s Virginia roots in some happy place near Toronto, Ontar io.” Str ide first began playing the piano when she was seven years old. Her parents were encourag ing, and music became a major par t of Str ide’s life. This talented musician also plays the accordion, I r ish flute and guitar.

Luke, who was bor n in Virginia, moved to Canada in 1993 and now lives in Uxbr idge with her husband and three children. She began playing the violin— or fiddle as she prefers to call it—at age 4. She then took voice les sons, continued her music career and today teaches music at a local public school. “ We were both ex tras at M usic M ania in Stouffville and met through casual conversa tion,” Str ide explained. “I t was just one of those things where we hit it off.” Along with t wo acquain tances, Str ide and Luke for med a quar tet in 2002. I t did not last long and a year l ater the t wosome began singing and playing. “ The name, Poor Tom, comes from K ing Lear,” Luke enlightened. “He is a poor beggar who is ver y loyal and seemed to personify the music we wanted to create.”

Aside fro m s i n gi n g, St r i d e wor ked as a j o u r n a l i s t, t a u g ht music and p l aye d t h e o rga n i n her church. L a s t ye a r s h e wa s orda ined a m i n i s te r a n d n ow s er ves in th e Wo o d v i l l e U n i te d Church. She l i ve s w i t h h e r husband an d t wo c h i l d re n i n Uxbr idge. “ We both l ove Ux b r i d g e,” Luke and St r i d e e c h o e d s i m u lt ane ously. “ Th e co m m u n i t y i s s o ac tive in t h e a r t s a n d we l ove the sm a l l tow n at m o s phere.” B ot h a gre e d t h at t h e M usic Hall wa s a n a s s e t to a l l per for mers a n d w h e n t h ey play there, t h e s o u n d s s e e m to resonate fro m t h e wa l l s. The duo’s f i r s t C D, A M i g h t y Fine D ay , wa s re l e a s e d t wo years ago an d h a s d o n e ext remely wel l. Th e i r n e we s t o n e, A D ream Like Yo u r s , j u s t c a m e out in Augu s t at a g a l a re l e a s e par t y at the M u s i c H a l l. Co p i e s are availabl e o n l i n e at i Tu n e s and at Blue H e ro n B o o k s i n downtown Ux b r i d g e.

As k e d w h e re t h e i r i nspiration co m e s f ro m , b o t h a greed it ’s a n ex p re s s i o n o f t h eir life and t h e p e o p l e a ro u n d t hem. “ N o t a d ay g o e s by that we d o n’t s e e o r ex p e r i ence some t h i n g wo r t hy o f a s ong,” Str ide s a i d. “ I t i s a way to ex press our fe e l i n g s,” Lu k e a d d ed. Po o r To m h a s p e r for med in co f fe e h o u s e s a n d c hurches, t h e Fo s te r M e m o r i a l and at s t re e t fe s t i va l s. Wh erever their Ce l t i c s o u n d s a re h ar monized t h e e n j oy m e nt w i l l fulfil you. H e a r a n d l e a r n m o re at w w w. p o o r to m . c a ____________________ Jonathan van Bilsen is an internationally traveled photographer and author. He is co-owner of Studio 4 Photography. Faces of Uxbridge is a regular series profiling interesting people in Uxbridge Township. Send your profile ideas to info@uxbridgetowntalk.com.

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Susan Luke playing her fiddle. Por trait by w w w.studio4photography.ca

O’CONNOR gerrI LYNN

MAYOr TOWNSHIP OF

UxbrIdge For information please call 905-852-7147 email: g.l.oconnor@sympatico.ca

Leadership - Experience - Honesty - Integrity 19

T e ens today

B y Vanessa Slater S p ecial to Uxbr idge Town Talk

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D o you re m e m b e r w h at i t wa s l i k e to b e a te e n a ger? R e ally reme m b e r ? Even if i t wa s a w h i l e a g o ( w h o’s co u nt i n g ? ) , yo u may have foun d i t i m m e n s e l y i r r i t at i n g w h e n s o m e o n e older, and there fo re w i s e r, wo u l d s t a r t a s e nte n ce w i t h t h e phrase, ‘ When I wa s yo u r a g e…’ Th i s s t ate m e nt wo u l d t y p i cally be followed by s o m e e p i c t a l e a b o u t wa l k i n g 1 2 k i l o m etres uphill (bo t h ways ) d u r i n g a b l i z z a rd to a s c h o o l. This would be followe d u p w i t h a c r i t i q u e o f h ow l a z y a n d e nt itled the youth of to d ay a re i n co m p a r i s o n . OK , I ex a g g e rate j u s t a l i t t l e. What I a m t r y i n g to s ay i s — u n l e s s yo u a re u n d e r 30, chances a re t h at yo u r te e n ex p e r i e n ce wa s q u i te d i fferent to many o f t h e yo u t h wh o to d ay co m e t h ro u g h t h e doors of The Uxbr i d g e Yo u t h Ce nt re. Yo u n g p e o p l e to d ay h ave a lot to conten d w i t h . Th e y a re o f te n ove r- ex te n d e d w i t h par ttime jobs, at h l e t i c s, c l u b s, ex t ra - c u r r i c u l a r a c t i v i t i es and homewor k , a s we l l a s a my r i a d o f d y n a m i c re l at i o n ships in their lives. Youth re ce nt l y re p o r te d to u s t h at t h e b i g g e s t difference in today ’s te e n a g e s o c i e t y i s a l l t h e s o c i a l - n e t wo r k ing technology invo l ve d i n t h e i r l i ve s. Th i n g s s u c h a s M S N , M ySpace, Facebook , Tw i t te r, tex t i n g a n d ce l l p h o n e s h ave b e come an essential p a r t o f m o s t te e n’s l i ve s. One yo u n g wo m a n g o i n g i nto G ra d e 8 p u t i t t h is way : “M y mom d o e s n’t u n d e r s t a n d t h at w h e n I c a n’t tex t or Facebook my f r i e n d s, I g e t l e f t o u t o f s t u f f t h at i s ac tually really imp o r t a nt to m e.” I f p a re nt s c a n a cce p t t h e s e for ms of social net wo r k i n g, t h e y m ay f i n d t h at t h e y c a n co mmunicate more with t h e i r te e n s, i n a fo r m at w h i c h m ay wo r k better for both.

Unfor tunately, bullying and exclusion have always existed and will continue. Teaching youth strategies to cope with and identify bullying behaviour is cr itical, but in this technology-based age, it becomes even more complicated. Parents don’t k now where to tur n for help and educators are of ten scrambling to keep up. Parents mean well, but some are not equipped to deal with some of the cur rent situations which youth are exposed to, as one 17 year old repor ted recently : “ When I was being c yber-bullied by this group of gir ls at my old school, my parent ’s solution was to take away my laptop so I couldn’t read what they were saying about me.” Obviously more needs to be done to get the word out to k ids, parents and educators about this of ten unrepor ted realit y in the lives of many youth. The teens of Uxbr idge I have met in the past t wo years are a great bunch. The vast major it y are cur ious, creative, energetic and a great many of them are ex traordinar ily com munit y-minded. Among this same group, I could say that many of these young people are, at times, angr y, confused, over whelmed, anxious, frustrated, and wor r ied about their futures. All in all, a prett y healthy and nor mal pic ture of “ the teen exper ience.” As you send your pre -teen or teenager back to school this month, a grade higher and step closer to adulthood, take a moment to remember the complexit y of your own teen years, ack nowledge the differences today, and ask yourself if you’d like to retur n there. I k now I wouldn’t! ____________________ Vanessa Slater is direc tor of the Uxbridge Youth Centre. She lives in Uxbridge and has t wo scho ol aged children.

SLOW COOKER BUT TER CHICKEN Th i s i s o ne of those dishes that, when you make it and ser ve it to fr iends they M U S T h ave! This recipe reminds me of O ttawa and universit y. I was luck y enough to s p e n d my ear ly 20s in Canada’s capital while studying communications. This b u t te r c hicken was first made by a school fr iend and I now make it for dinner p a r t i e s. I t ’s simple, delicious and savour y. I ser ve it over basmati r ice with naan b re a d to my t wo small children, who adore it. ~Kirsty S te p O n e Co m b i n e the following in a non-porous glass dish or bowl. Toss to coat, cover and re f r i g e rate one hour. - 4 c h i c k en breasts (boneless/sk inless) cubed - 1 t a b l e spoon lemon juice - 1 t a b l e spoon chili powder - p i n c h o f salt S te p Two Co o k t h e chicken in a fr ying pan with: - 2 - 4 g a r lic cloves chopped or minced - 1 o n i o n, chopped - 1 t a b l e spoon chopped green chili pepper - 1 t a b l e spoon chili powder © William Berry | Dreamstime.com

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S tep Three When cook e d, p l a ce i n s l ow co o k e r w i t h t h e fo l l ow i n g ingre dients - 3 t ablespo o n s o f a l m o nd p owd e r - salt to tas te - 1 t ablespo o n c h i l i p owd e r - 2 t ablespo o n s b u t te r - 1.5 tables p o o n s o f g a ram m a s a l a * - 2 t ablespo o n s o f gi n g e r p a s te * - 1 can of d i ce d to m ato e s ( o r t wo c u p s o f c h o p p e d tomatoes with 1/2 cu p o f wate r ) - 4-5 cardam o n p o d s *

S tep Four Let cook in slow cooker on low for 3.5 to 4 hours. S tep Five Just before ser ving, add 250ml of whipping cream and 1 cup of yogur t. I f the cur r y is too runny for your taste, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of cor n starch or flour to the yogur t (mix well as you do not want lumps of flour) before adding to the cur r y. I f you like your cur r y more spic y, leave out the yogur t. * I t is the garam ma sala, ginger pa ste and cardamon p o ds tha t give the butter chicken its flavour. I alway s put in a little ex tra garam ma sala and ginger pa ste. Chili p owder is to ta ste.