Report on Lakeridge ski accident will take time
Transcription
Report on Lakeridge ski accident will take time
Volume 7 No. 3 YOUR UNIVERSE Thursday, January 20th 2011 LEADING THE CHARGE - Wyatt Little, 7, leads his Uxbridge Firefighters novice troops into battle during a recent Uxbridge Youth Hockey Association game at the Uxbridge Arena. Expect to see Wyatt in a similar position on our Olympic team in about 15 years’ time. Photo by Lezley Woodhams. Report on Lakeridge ski accident will take time by Roger Varley It will take longer rather than sooner for a report to be issued on an accident Friday evening at Lakeridge Ski Resort that sent a young Whitby boy to hospital. Bernadette Celis, a spokesperson for the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, a body that regulates ski lifts, said the TSSA has already started its investigation of the accident and it is continuing. Ms. Celis said the investigators have to examine the ski resort's equipment and operating procedures, as well as interview the people involved and other witnesses. She said it is likely to take some time before the TSSA issues a report. Thirteen-year-old Kyle Armstrong was taken to Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto suffering seven fractured vertebrae, two broken ribs and a punctured lung after he fell about 10 metres from a four-person ski lift. He slipped under the lift's safety bar. His friend, Josh Brown, also 13, desperately held on to Kyle for several minutes before he slipped from his grasp. The boys said Josh's ski pole somehow lodged beneath Kyle as he sat down in the lift, thereby sliding him under the safety bar. An unsettling aspect of the incident is a report that two adults sharing the same lift did nothing to help Josh hold on to Kyle although he asked for their help. The two men apparently skied away after they left the lift. Durham Police did not respond to inquiries about any investigation they may be conducting into the accident. John Tustian, Lakeridge's director of operations, said Friday's accident is only the the four-person bench. Mr. Tustian said he received fourth such accident in the 12 years he has been there, noting calls from Kyle's mother and the resort serves about 80,000 grandmother on Tuesday to let him know of Kyle's condition. visitors a year. Mr. Tustian said the lift was The boy is expected to make a about three-quarters of the way full recovery. to the top of the hill when the boy fell. “What we've Goldfinch, Testa Heights by Renee Leahy determined is he hadn't quite got into the seat and he slipped forward,” he said. “This was an accident, not a mechanical fault.” He added that Kyle was on the right-hand side of The Uxbridge Cosmos Goodwood News with Bev Northeast There is lots of news this month to start off the New Year, so please mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on anything. Wed. Feb. 9 from 6:30-8:00 at Uxbridge Arena is the Registration Fair where you can register for all sports, organizations, clubs, etc. under one roof - one evening for the whole family! At the Goodwood Community Centre: Fri., Jan. 21 Lions Skating Party 6:209:00 with free hot chocolate and hot dogs and lots of fun guaranteed. Mon., Feb 21 Family Day at the ice rink, all day for the whole family to enjoy. Mon., Mar 7 International Women's Day 7-8:30 p.m. Register to hear our special speaker and the men will serve the refreshments. Please RSVP. Thurs., April 7, 7:00-8:30 Information Night with TRCA, police, fire dept, libarary, Road Watch, ORM and others. Come out & ask your questions or just for information. Wed., May 11 Talent Night 7:00 An entertainment night (not a competition) open to all forms of entertainment and all ages, Please register with me. Sat., May 28 Recycling Craft Show & Antique Market 10:00am -3:00 pm Come out and see everything made from recycled products or buy products you can reuse and check out the antiques. The Goodwood United Church will hold its luncheon the last Thurs. of the month at 11:00, so come out and have a delicious nutritious lunch and fellowship as well. And don't forget to check out the library at the United Church for that latest book or to just meet your friends for a chat. Tuesdays the ladies are still holding their craft day from 12noon to 3 pm so 2 T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 come out and learn a new craft. You never know you might be that budding artist or a fantastic quilter and didn't know it... Also if you haven't already donated towards the Magic Carpet Ride to purchase a new carpet for the basement of the Church then please check it out and remember there is a tax receipt issued for your donation... The Goodwood Baptist church will hold regular Sunday service at 11:00 am with music on Jan 23 with Dave & Pauline Streeter, Jan 30 with Joan Allen, Feb 6 with Jean Liew, Feb 13th with Don Kennedy. A special Valentine’s family dinner will be held at the Church on Saturday Feb 12th at 5:30 pm... If you have any news or ideas for programs at the hall please contact me at 905-640-3966. Our Hall/Community Board will be in place shortly and if you are interested in joining to be part of the revitalization of Goodwood, then please contact me. I am checking out the setup for a farmer’s market here on Friday nights to take advantage of the high volume of cottage and commuter traffic. So if you know of a farmer that would be interested, please pass this along so he/she can get in touch with me to register... And I also hear through the grapevine there are cooking classes going to be held at the Goodwood Community Center with registration possibly April 7 the night of the information evening so come out and find out what is happening in your community and surrounding area... Please drive at the speed limit through the village, and thank you to those who show their respect for our children and pets by driving at the speed limit. And with all the snow the birds need food to keep them warm, so please fill up those bird feeders. 3 The Uxbridge Cosmos T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 UXBRIDGE’S WATER: Sources and Threats It might seem as simple as turning on a tap. But the journey from underground to your glass is more complex. Uxbridge has four municipal wells that supply water to the town. Two are located in the Uxville Industrial Park west of Goodwood, primarily serving industrial and commercial needs. The other two, one near the hospital and one near Bonner Fields off Reach Street, serve the urban area's drinking water needs (residences through the rest of the Township all have individual wells). These wells obtain water from underground aquifers which are replenished when rain and melting snow seep into the ground. Beata Golas is a hydrologist with the Region of Durham and has studied the ebb and flow of water throughout the region. She considers Uxbridge's wells to be productive and well-protected. “The wells obtain water from very strong aquifers,” Ms. Golas said. “The water quality is very excellent... Uxbridge is one of the best water supplies that we have in the Durham area: an abundance of groundwater and very good groundwater quality.” The town's water is tested regularly and closely monitored. But the province of Ontario was served a wake-up call after the Walkerton tragedy in 2000, where the well-water was contaminated with e-coli bacteria. The resulting inquiry by Justice O'Connor set forth many recommendations, the most significant being source water protection. Where in the past, the main focus was to ensure clean output, source water protection offers a multi-barrier approach, beginning straight at the source. The goal is to protect the water supply from overuse and con- tamination, for now and for the future. The province was divided into 19 regions based on water systems, not traditional political boundaries. Thus, the Uxville wells fall into the CTC Region (Central Toronto Region) and the Uxbridge municipal wells are in the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Region. Committees were formed in each region, consisting of stake- holders in areas such as municipal, agricultural, industrial and the general public. The first step was to create an assessment report, which identifies vulnerable areas and potential threats to the system. Susan Self chairs the CTC committee, and has a background in both conservation and municipal politics. “Uxbridge is probably ahead of the game compared to other municipalities, because Durham Region was always very proactive,” Ms. Self said. “Virtually all of the township is Oak Ridges Moraine. So we had to do a lot of the protection measures long before anyone else did.” But problems with well systems can arise when contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides or chemicals seep into the ground, contaminating the aquifer. The province identified 21 threats, including fertilizers, pesticides, fuel and waste disposal sites. The largest threat for Uxbridge's water is septic systems; there are approximately 3000 septic tanks in the township, with 800 of those considered significant threats. With proper servicing and inspection septic systems are safe. But anything that enters the septic system can potentially seep into the ground and into the aquifer, contaminating the water. Chemicals can be Kick off the New Year with breakfast and inspiring guest speakers Tanya Geisler, Professional Business and Life Coach Tanya is committed to inspiring greatness in those who want it, and encourages embracing joy. TOPIC: Creating an advisory board and how to structure it David Cohen, Dynamic Speaker, Business Coach and Facilitator David has taught over 1500 clients through various government sponsored small business development training initiatives and programs. TOPIC: The power of masterminding and mentorships DETAILS: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 7:15 am to 9:00 am Wooden Sticks – 40 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge $ 10.00 Uxbridge Chamber Members $ 15.00 Guests (Future Members) (Please pay cash at the door and make sure to RSVP in advance) RSVP: Randy Loewen at 905.852.7683 or by e-mail: [email protected] We are very grateful for the sponsorship of Stay connected! Join us on Facebook and Twitter! www.uxcc.ca 905.852.7683 B2B BRIDGE TO BUSINESS by Veronica Blake dropped off for free at the depot in Port Perry, instead of going down the drain, into the toilet or in a storm sewer. As a result of the Walkerton inquiry, Uxbridge decommissioned three wells over 100 years old. Construction began on a third downtown well in 2005, which will be linked up to the system by this spring. “Because they were so shallow, the old wells were classified as potentially under risk of contamination. Even though the water quality we tested was really good, we didn't want to risk it,” Ms. Golas said. “This new well will provide the capacity to grow for Uxbridge.” Meanwhile, in Port Perry, commercial fill is being dumped into a gravel pit, located within the Oak Ridges Moraine. This fill has tested positive for petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Thus far, the municipality hasn't been able to stop the dumping. Ian McLaurin heads Lakeridge Citizens for Clean Water and says that many of his neighbours have stopped drinking their private well water. “When it comes to the dumping of clean fill, that's in the jurisdiction of the municipalities. When it's unclean fill, the Ministry of Environment gets involved,” Mr. McLaurin said. “ Bu there's not a clear definition of what's clean and what's dirty.” In fact, commercial fill isn't even listed as one of the 21 potential threats to water. But Ms. Self would disagree. “Here's where the legislation overlaps,” Ms. Self said. “Because, what do you call it on Highway 23? They don't call it a waste disposal site, but in the truest sense, it is.” In the meantime, the Lakeridge Citizens for Clean Water want the dumping to stop until they can be assured the fill is free from contaminants. “It's a violation of the spirit of the Oak Ridges Moraine act,” Mr. McLaurin said. THE UXBRIDGE WATERSHED COMMITTEE The Watershed Committee acts as an advisory body to Uxbridge Town council. Members are appointed, and various stakeholders sit on the committee, including a Township staff person and representatives from the Conservation Authorities. The committee is committed to watershed management within the community and supporting environmental sustainability. Past projects include tree planting and the yellow fish project, where yellow fish are painted beside storm sewers to remind residents that anything that enters a storm sewer, exits back into the water system, untreated. The committee is currently working on the downtown flood alleviation project, with the environmental assessment set to be complete in 2012. The Uxbridge Cosmos 4 T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 our two cents Green and green He doth protest too much, perhaps. In our story on page 9, we report that a certain Mr. Politi came to Council on Monday with a very ambitious project: to put a whole mess of solar panels in place of the greenhouses on the old White Rose property on Concession 4. They would, he claims, generate enough wattage to power the entire township. The hydro companies, he said, were excited about the project, and delighted that the site was less than a kilometre from the power distribution station near Roseville. Just one small problem: in order to eliminate shadowing on a very hilly site, and in order to strengthen the soil to solidly anchor the panels, he would have to bring in a bit of fill to even out the land - 2.8 million cubic metres of fill, give or take. A considerable pile of fill, indeed. There ensued some disagreement around the table about how many trucks that would mean rumbling up the Fourth. The mayor and CAO seemed to think your average dump truck carries about 10 cubic metres, meaning the project would require 280,000 return trips. Mr. Ballinger thought the figure was closer to 25 cubic metres, which is a healthy discrepancy. Mr. Politi didn’t know, but thought the job would take eight months or so; hard to know where he got that estimate, if he’s not sure how much dirt goes in a truck. But we quibble, because whatever the capacity, it translates to a huge amount of soil, and a large army of trucks on a road probably not designed, as the mayor pointed out, to carry them. All of this, however, is beside the point, since the mayor also told Mr. Politi that her council was not about to approve even a single truckload of fill until the province clarifies the regulatory environment surrounding it. No doubt traumatized by Scugog’s sad experience with the operation on Lakeridge Road, Council doesn’t want to touch such operations with a ten foot shovel until some senior government takes legal and financial responsibility. But just out of curiosity, they mused, how much money was Mr. Politi anticipating making for this fill? “We are not a pit operation,” Mr. Politi assured Council, about a dozen times by our count, “and have no interest in this business. Our needs are simply to prepare the grounds for our solar project.” When pressed, however, he thought he might be getting about $6 a cubic metre - a cool 17 million bucks, if you do the math. Not bad, for someone who’s not in that business. Now of course there are some alternatives to bringing in the fill. Mr. Politi could level the land by removing soil rather than adding it (although that doesn’t solve the truck problem, and could further weaken the sandy soil, and he wouldn’t get the $6), or he could just even the panels by varying the heights of their support shafts. Since he seems determined to make the project happen, that may be his ultimate route. And since we’re all in favour of green energy (we still lament the loss of that family of windmills a few years back), we wish him well. Too bad about the 17 million, though. 8,900 copies of the Cosmos are published each Thursday in the Township of Uxbridge: 8,200 delivered by mail, 700 available in stores and boxes. Publisher/Editor Advertising Coordinator Conrad Boyce Christine Wetzel 905.852.1900 905-852-1900 38 Toronto Street North, Unit One, Uxbridge Ontario L9P 1E6 e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.thecosmos.ca Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EDITORIAL POLICY: Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of the The Cosmos. Letters must be signed and the telephone number provided (number will not be published). Requests that a name be withheld will be honoured only if there is a compelling reason. Errors brought to our attention will be corrected. The Cosmos reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish unsolicited material. ADVERTISING POLICY: The Cosmos reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. The Cosmos is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors in advertisements or any other errors or omissions in advertisements. All material herein, including advertising design is copyrighted, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Am I Wrong? Time to streamline council meetings Attending Uxbridge council meetings – or, more specifically, meetings of council's committees – can often be a test of one's stamina and Monday's committee meeting was a case in point. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., those in attendance sat through the agenda for the parks, recreation, culture and tourism committee, followed by public works, then sustainability, watershed and conservation (which, thankfully, had no agenda), planning and economic development and, finally, finance and administration. Before getting to the committee agendas, however, councillors hear deputations. Deputations are normally limited to 15 minutes each, but often they go on much longer, especially when they result in numerous questions from members of council. And at the end of the session, when all other business is done, the mayor invites questions from the media and then from the public. On Monday, there were five deputations before the committee agendas started. Somewhere along the way, council took a 10-minute break and then, around one o'clock, broke for lunch, after which they went to Glasgow to mark the opening of the column by Roger Varley new bridge before returning to finish the day's business. I did not return after the lunch break: I had other things to do. It is not unusual for Uxbridge council meetings and meetings of committees of the whole to go on for three or more hours. It's an indication of how much work our councillors have to do and, in my opinion, of why they are underpaid. But that's another column. What bothers me about these lengthy meetings – or at least they way they are structured – is that the process does not encourage residents to attend, even if there is something on the agenda that is of particular interest to them. For example, if the author of one letter to council requesting a waiving of Music Hall fees had attended Monday to hear how his request was dealt with, he would have sat through three-and-ahalf hours, gone to lunch, and then returned for however long it took to discuss his letter. He then would have had to sit through 14 departmental reports before being given an opportunity to ask a question about council's response to his letter. I don't imagine too many people have that kind of time to spend. If council wants to encourage people to attend its meetings, there is a way to make it less time-consuming for those who have an interest in one or two spe- Letters to the Editor We are two years new to Uxbridge. I just read your column "Ohhh... that’s not good" (Jan. 6) and found it very moving. I too have been through my own neurological events in the last couple years, including brain surgery last summer in Arizona. Although my situation was somewhat different from your wife's, I can empathize with what you both went through, as my diagnoses also left me with a questionable future with few choices. I just wanted to say that I am so glad that you were able to get some answers. I'm sorry that little can be done to prevent a recurrence of TGA, except lifestyle changes. Which in itself is probably something we should all do try to do in a positive way. That is, to slow down in life. All the best and thanks for sharing. Linda Neale Uxbridge The new 2011 Uxbridge map arrived recently stuffed inside the Times-Journal. After reading it I was a bit dismayed and thought, at my age, maybe Alzheimer’s was starting cific items of business. It's not often that the Vaughan council is held up as a shining example, but they have a process that could easily be followed in Uxbridge. At the beginning of Vaughan council meetings and meetings of the committee of the whole, the clerk asks members of the public what items on the agenda they are there to hear. Those items are then dealt with first - after deputations – thereby not forcing the interested parties to sit around for hours. One thing Vaughan council does not do is invite questions from the public, unlike Uxbridge. It seems to me that a combination of both approaches might generate a little bit more public attendance at the council chambers. Ask the public in attendance what items they want dealt with first, deal with them, invite questions on the items when they have been dealt with and then get on with the rest of the business, much of which is mindbogglingly boring, even to councillors and the press. It seems to me that such an approach would make council more accessible to the public, something several candidates touted during last year's municipal election. Tell me, am I wrong? to creep in. I could have sworn we had an election last year and some changes were made on council. But not according to the map. Bob Shepherd is still the Mayor. Howie Herrema is still the Regional Councillor. Ted Eng is still on council. What a shock. Chatting with Howie Herrema I mentioned that I knew the Herrema name was popular in our community, but to get elected when you didn't even run that's amazing. I would suggest an explanation and a reprinting is in order. Harry Stemp Uxbridge 5 The Uxbridge Cosmos T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 a blonde moment the barris beat column by Lisha Cassibo column by Ted Barris HRH... Moi? The gift of serving I'm convinced that I am a princess. A real, true princess. I've always been convinced of this, ever since I was a child. Of course, you say, every little girl is sure she has a royal background at some point in her little life, but that notion fades over time. I've done my checking, however, and I know I have roots that go way back to at least 15th century Belgium. Baron von Nieuwenhove somehow found his way to a tiny corner of this tiny country and claimed it as his own, building a small empire and even... wait for it... a castle. I've seen it! Well, the remains of it, at least. The tiny museum - yes, museum! - on the site of this tiny baronage bears witness to the fact that Baron von N. traveled extensively to the exotic lands of China and India. Surely someone who had traveled so much in the 1400s and managed to build a small town around his lands that still bear his name had some money and royal backing behind him! Surely a castle and a museum and a town name must mean I can add some sort of “ess-ness” to my last name baroness, marchioness, viscountess... princess? So now, how to style myself a princess? Let's look at our role models, shall we? Modern day princesses have a tendency to end up divorced, dead, mercilessly pursued by the media and never having a moment to themselves. I don't want any part of that. To be a princess in my world means to make life easier, not more difficult and insufferable. The only other princesses I can think to try and relate to are celluloid, or rather digital, versions spun from childrens' fairy tales. Which one would I like to be? I shall have to come to this through process of elimination. For I can tell you right off the hop who I wouldn't want to be - Snow White. Insipid is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Snow White. She's too sweet, too warble-y, too gosh darn cute. And let's face it. She looked after seven, SEVEN, little men, and whistled while she worked. I begrudgingly look after one man, and three small people, and don't do a whole lot of happy whistling while I'm at it. Snow White is not for me. Next I think of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I don't think I can be her either. She's a little insolent, she doesn't listen to either her father or Beast, and is a little like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, always searching for her heart's desire other than where it really is. I've no great life search to embark upon, other than life itself. No, Belle is to unsettled for me. The Little Mermaid? Ariel is boy crazy and got married at 16. I can't be her, I'd be a crappy role model for my girls. Sleeping Beauty - if anyone can give me an in-depth personality analysis of this princess, I'd be interested in reading it. She sleeps most of the time, and sings the rest. Vapid comes to mind. Not my kind of gal. Pocahontas and Mulan fall into the same category of not-really-princesses-but-really-great-female-rolemodels, and I'm going for the full princess title, so I'm not even going to consider them. Let's see, who's left? Ah, yes. Only the princess that I have dreamed my whole life of being. Only the princess whose very name invokes images of royal dreams that are always perfect. The one, the only, Cinderella. I get Cinderella. I can relate to her. I think I'm living her life. She has three beastly semi-relations that she has to wait on hand and foot. I have three children under the age 10. She loves to daydream, long for something other than what she has. That's what I'm doing right here, isn't it? Best of all, I love her personality the best. She's a bit of a feisty one, she is! Think of when she's waking in the morning and is happily going about her business, only to be interrupted by the clanging of the clock. She gets her dander up, calling it a Killjoy (one of my favourite terms) and having a bit of a go at her stepsisters behind their backs. She's never disrespectful, though, and knows how to keep it together in order to keep herself out of trouble. Best part of her story is, though - she ends up getting what she wants! So I've still got something to look forward to! She got to be a princess, maybe, just maybe, my tiara is on it's way! Even better - a pair of those shoes. The girl must've had a shoe fetish, carrying one around in her pocket like that. I own more shoes than is decent - I tell you, she's my match! I am sure that a bit more research will reveal my royal heritage. I'll have prepared myself dutifully for the role by watching Disney films over and over and over (no hardship in a household with three girls). The best part is, I've not got to look for Prince Charming. I've found him already. Now about that happily ever after business... Like many of you, this week, I found myself drawn to the real-life drama of two families coping. In the aftermath of Sgt. Ryan Russell's senseless death in the streets of Toronto, last Wednesday morning, I watched the policing family try to come to terms with the loss of one of its own. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, I listened and watched his widow Christine Russell put her mourning into words in front of 12,000 people. “Ryan always put others before him,” she said at the Toronto Convention Centre funeral Tuesday. “On Jan. 12, it cost him his life.” Again, like so many of you, I thought about the pain and the loss that both she and Sgt. Russell's policing fraternity have experienced over the past week. For all of them, there's now this huge hole where once was a vibrant human being. But above all else in this tragic story, I was drawn to something one of Russell's working partners said about the 35-year-old officer. Craig Peddle spoke to the Toronto Star this week about the duo's work on the guns and gangs task force. Peddle praised Russell's dedication above and beyond the call of duty. “There are some people who run towards the sound of gunshots and others who run away,” Peddle told the Star. “Ryan died a hero.” It may well be heroism. It might be a greater sense of dedication to a job than most people feel. It might even be called martyrdom, given the incredible attention that's been paid the young officer since he died last Wednesday. I prefer to call what Sgt. Russell did on a daily basis, the purest form of service. Further reading of what Const. Peddle observed in his partner Russell reveals the man's passion to make a difference every shift of his career. Peddle explained that he was struck by Russell's insights in the Flemingdon Park area of Toronto - knowing all the streets, all the business owners and even the usual suspects. Peddle said he thought if Russell could, he would have stayed on the job 10 hours after his shift was over. That's dedication to the Toronto Police Service's motto - to serve and protect. I've seen service in so many forms over the years. Of course, as a sometimes historian and author, I have had the opportunity to interview perhaps 3,500 men and women who have served in Canada's armed forces in wartime and in peacekeeping missions. All those veterans have given me a greater knowledge of what it meant to put their lives on hold and dedicate themselves to the greater good in a distant corner of the globe. But I've also met clergy who practise what they preach, service club members who do more than carry their membership cards around in their wallets, volunteers who fulfil every promise they make and more, and retailers who sow as much into their communities as they reap in profits at the till. But what makes this kind of service distinctive and notable, I think, is that it isn't always noticed. I've watched Rev. Newton Reed help people in this community without any recognition. I've watched Chuck Gullickson devote time via the Lions Club that many never see. I've admired the round-the-clock dedication to community that only volunteer Barb Murphy can exhibit. And I've admired the extraordinary commitment retailer Pat Higgins exhibits whether it's a kids hockey team in need of prizes or the hospital in need of campaign organizing. These are people for whom service is not an inconvenience or a sacrifice, but a reflex and a sense of satisfaction. I have utmost respect for anyone who serves others - whether it's part of the job (as in the case of Sgt. Ryan Russell) or part of one's makeup (when members of a community give up their most precious possession their free time). And it is perhaps the most appropriate time of the year to acknowledge public service. On Monday, Americans paused and celebrated one of their own. Jan. 17 was the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Few members of U.S. society have lived the service ethic more often or more completely than the former Baptist pastor from Georgia did. Rev. King served his church. He served several U.S. presidents. He served his African-American brothers and sisters (turning over his Nobel Peace Prize of $54,123, for example, to the civil rights movement in 1964). And he served humankind - from soup kitchens, to nonviolent protest marches to a podium on the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial where he inspired a nation with his actions and his words. “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” King said once. Clearly, the likes of Ryan Russell and those who serve others selflessly know the answer. When was the last time you had your dentures checked? We have a denturist on-site and she would be happy to accommodate all your denture needs. Other locations to serve you: 25 29Church TorontoStreet, StreetSunderland Uxbridge STOUFFVILLE NORTH PORT SUNDERLAND 705-357-3161 905-852-7382 [email protected] [email protected] www.thedentalcentre.ca www.thedentalcentre.ca 15 Ringwood Dr., Stouffville 15930 Old Simcoe Rd., Port Perry 25 Church Street, Sunderland 905-642-5777 905-985-7777 705-357-3161 The Uxbridge Cosmos 6 T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 The Uxbridge Cosmos 7 T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 Meanwhile, Back at the Manse by Barb Pratt A tribute to another Leaskdale notable My top 5 resolutions for 2011 2011 Include TFSA in my investment goals Make sure my family is financially secure Be on track for retirement Ensure adequate estate documents and plans Lose weight WE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE FIRST FOUR! ȱǯȱ ȱȱȱ Let us help you with your New Year’s resolutions... řŞȱȱȱǰȱȱŘǰȱ¡ǰȱȱşȱŗŜȱ ǻşŖśǼȱŞśŘȬřŗŞŚȱȱȱ ǯǯ Let us help you put your vehicle in tip-top shape for trouble-free winter driving. Lube, oil & filter change, all for only $43.95 plus tax, most vehicles. INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING Leaskdale News A “Seniors Only” community in the picturesque town of Uxbridge, Ontario providing independent and quality Retirement Living in a non-denominational Christian atmosphere. Walking distance to shopping and doctor’s offices! We Currently haveAVAILABLE a 2 bdrm :unit 2 1/2 baths,units. walkout to 1 available. and 2 bedroom CURRENTLY large patio, bright rooms. Listed at $329,000.00 To view floor plan To view floorand plans or forinformation more information, visit our for more visit our website at website at: www.shobrookgardens.com or our Sales Office at 1 Elgin Park Dr. mon-fri 9-3; sat-sun 2-4. Or call 905-852-4156 1 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge ON L9P 1Y7 Phone: 905-852-4158 Email: [email protected] Lucy Maud Montgomery was not the only creative person to be extraordinarily prolific while living in Leaskdale. Arnold Hodgkins moved to Leaskdale in 1952. At that time he was an established portrait painter in Toronto, and a well known artist with a huge portfolio of war paintings produced in Europe during World War II (some of which have been hung in the National War Museum). At the opening of his studio and gallery on the banks of Sucker Creek in 1953, Group of Seven members A.J. Casson and Fred Varley were in attendance. For the next thirty-five years Mr. Hodgkins painted (and also wrote poetry and novels) in his Deerfoot Studio. He painted the fields, woods and streams around Leaskdale. He conducted summer art classes, and influenced and guided a large number of aspiring artists. His students, who include local artists John Pryce and Allan McGillivray, remember him with great respect and fondness. Arnold Hodgkins is buried in the Foster Memorial Cemetery. His epitaph reads “A lifetime is a silver cup off balance on the rim of dawn”. Mr. Hodgkins produced the large portrait of L.M. Montgomery that now hangs in the front hall of the Leaskdale Manse. It was commissioned by the Uxbridge Historical Society and sponsored by the Toronto Dominion Bank. The portrait PECK BROS. LIMITED with Helen Harrison UXBRIDGE SHELL January is progressing and bringing lots of cold, stormy weather with it. Think positively folks - just two more months until the first day of spring... Leaskdale W. A. is preparing a new cookbook of favourite recipes which will include highlights of their activities over the past 70 years. Due out in the spring, the proceeds from this book will go to support the 'Kids to Camp" program at St. Paul's, Leaskdale Church. Watch for further information... 83 Brock St. W. 905-852-3011 was unveiled at the Uxbridge Music Hall by Dr. Stuart Macdonald, L.M. Montgomery's son, with a number of people who knew Montgomery in attendance, including Margaret Leask and Isobel (Mustard) St. John. It seems very fitting that during the year we celebrate L.M. Montgomery's life in Leaskdale we should also give tribute to another citizen of the same village who was gifted and influential, and who also was inspired by the Leaskdale countryside. Hodgkins left behind a huge collection of paintings. His work has been displayed in the National Gallery and in Paris. Many people in the area own pieces of his work. In October about 75 of his paintings will be on display in Leaskdale, most from his daughter Carol Smith's personal collection. We will be inviting everyone to come and admire Arnold Hodgkin's paintings at the Historic Leaskdale Church, October 6 to 15, 2011. Pleased to see that Helen Snell is making a good recovery from further knee surgery. Best wishes for complete healing, Helen... Grief Share - a 12-week support group for those who have experienced the death of family or close friends will begin again on Feb. 3. If you feel need in this regard, please attend these weekly meetings, and be among friends... Our best wishes to Gwynneth Haynes who marked her birthday last week. She would enjoy hearing from you with a card or letter at Box 748 Fenelon Falls, On K0M 1N0. 8 The Uxbridge Cosmos are some hills. Meet at the trail entrance on the west side of Conc. 6, 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Russ Burton 905-830-2862. Coming Up This Weekend... Jan. 20-22 Kiss Me Kate! Cole Porter musical presented by OnStage Uxbridge at Music Hall. See pages 8 and 11 for more. Thurs., Jan. 20 Uxbridge Genealogy Group 7pm at the Uxbridge Library. Guest Speaker: Allan MacGillivray. Topic: United Empire Loyalists. New members always welcome. $2.00 donation at the door. Check us out online www.ungen.net or contact Eileen for more details. 905-852-6973 Fri. Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a 2 hr., 8+ km moderate to fast and hilly hike or snowshoe in the Walker Woods. Meet in the parking area on the east side of Conc. 6, 2 km south of Durham 21 at Albright Rd. Joan Taylor 905477-2161. Sat., Jan. 22, 7:00 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a hike or snowshoe on the Al Shaw side Trail. This is a 1.5 hr. 4.5 km moderate pace hike. Meet at the trail entrance on the west side of Conc. 6, 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Joan Taylor 905-477-2161. Sat., Jan. 22 Snow Sculptures! 1:00pm, Siloam Hall. Hosted by Uxbridge Arts Association. If you can imagine it, the artists of the Uxbridge Arts Association will help you to make it from snow. Big or small, real life or imaginary, come and see what will rise from the snow. Sat., Jan. 22 Uxbridge Burns Supper at the Uxbridge Legion. Address to the Haggis, roast beef dinner, Highland Dancers, Pipe Band & DJ. $40 PP, for tickets call John Hill @ 905-8521817. Next Week... Wed., Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a 14+ km, 4 hr. moderate to fast pace loop hike or snowshoe in Walker Woods. There are hills. Meet at the parking area on the east side of the 7th Conc., 2 km south of Durham Rd. 21, at Houston Rd. Bob Comfort 905-473-2669. Wed., Jan. 26 Healthy Eating and Student Achievement Parent Workshop 6:45-8 PM at Uxbridge Public School with speaker Dr. Patricia Longmuir, Sick Kids Hospital. Research shows that there is a positive link between healthy eating and indicators of student achievement. Please e- Tiger Talk by Sean Wetselaar and Sarah Rogers A rare English teacher For 12 years, Uxbridge Secondary School has had the pleasure of having Charlotte Adams, a wonderful English teacher, walking its halls. She is funny, intelligent, and "...really helps you work more independently! It's great!", says senior student Madelaine Duffy. Mrs. Adams is known as a well-read, innovative teacher who likes to have fun with her students. Mrs. Adams grew up in the London, Ontario area and attended the University of Waterloo where she acquired multiple degrees in Professional Writing. She began her career writing professionally for many things, but what led her to teaching was a job writing a curriculum. She became interested in the profession and began teaching English as a Second Language to adults. She and her husband travelled teaching in foreign countries, like Denmark and Egypt, in the late 1990's. Since Mrs. Adams' husband got a teaching job in Ajax, she's been working and living in T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 mail [email protected] to preregister. Fri., Jan. 28 PD DAY FREE Curling! 2:00-4:00pm, Uxbridge Curling Club. Hosted by Uxbridge Curling Club volunteers. Little rocks make it easy for you and your child to learn to curl. Register in advance to ensure you will have a spot. Call 905-8527831. Fri., Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting 2 hr., 10+ km, moderate to fast pace loop hike or snowshoe on the Glen Major Brock Track. There are some hills. Meet at the parking area on the east side of Conc. 6, 0.6 km north of Uxbridge Town Line or 5.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Russ Burton 905-830-2862 Fri., Jan. 28 Uxbridge Networking Group Luncheon - Motivating our youth & adults. 1:30pm, Tin Mill Restaurant. $20 covers lunch. Speaker Monique Howat on strategies to build confidence and motivation in youth and adults. Sat., Jan. 29, 7:00 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a hike or snowshoe on the Al Shaw side Trail. This is a 1.5 hr. 4.5 km moderate pace hike. There Uxbridge with her two daughters, dog, and cat. Mrs. Adams is involved around USS, through heading Prom Committee, Creative Words Club, as well as introducing a Spanish language course to the subjects list. She took Spanish all through high school and university, and her interest in it is what has fuelled her to want to teach the language. "Watching these kids develop through high school, over four years [is my favourite part]," said Mrs. Adams of what she loves about teaching. She said she can relate to the students and likes the atmosphere at USS. Mrs. Adams helped start the Creative Words Club two and a half years ago. The club has been producing the school’s monthly news- KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE/ REGISTRATION JUNIOR & SENIOR KINDERGARTEN up to Grade 8 REGISTER NOW for the 2011-2012 School Year All day, every day kindergarten program offered Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Open House 9 a.m. - Noon & 6:30-8:30 p.m. School Tour • Meet the Staff • Refreshments Special Event at 11:15 a.m. 14480 Old Simcoe Road, Prince Albert 905-985-3741 Sat., Jan. 29 WINTERFEST! 10 am to 3 pm, Windreach Farm. Enjoy a winter wagon ride, feed the farm animals, crafts for kids and more. Bring your toboggan and skates and play in the snow…then warm yourself at the outdoor fire. Donation of $10 per car, proceeds to the farm. 312 Townline Road, Ashburn. Sun., Feb. 6 Music Fest @ 10-11 a.m. at Reachview Village. You never know who will show up and what the entertainment will be. A wonderful venue for children to perform! All ages most welcome. For more info please contact Jo at 905-852-6487. Sun., Feb. 6 A small act Film about random acts of kindness, 1:30 p.m., Mount Albert United Church. More in next week’s paper. Sat., Jan. 29 A Community of Character - A Community with a Global View Workshop on getting involved in the world. See page 12 for full details. Ongoing.... Upcoming... Shuffleboard for Seniors Until Apr. 27, Mon. & Wed. 9 a.m. Ux. Seniors Centre. All welcome. Sat., Feb. 5, 7:00 a.m. The Oak Ridges Trail Association is hosting a hike on the Al Shaw side Trail. This is a 1.5 hr. 4.5 km moderate pace hike or snowshoe. Meet at the trail entrance on the west side of Conc. 6, 1.5 km south of Durham Rd. 21. Joan Taylor 905477-2161. Indoor Farmer’s Market Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Uxbridge Seniors Centre, 75 Marietta St. Uxbridge Youth Centre Hours Monday to Friday 3 - 9pm. Saturday 12 - 5pm. Hospital Auxiliary “Chances Are” Store on Bascom Street accepting good winter clothing. Proceeds to Cottage Hospital. Sat., Feb. 5 Pond Hockey Hosted by the Uxbridge Youth Hockey Association. 2pm – 4pm, Elgin Pond. Hockey as it was meant to be played - outside on the ice. Join us for a fun afternoon, even if you have never played (or skated) before. If you have a community event you’d like us to mention, please contact us at [email protected] or 905-852-1900. The deadline for our next issue is 6 p.m. Sunday. paper for half a year now, and also encourages creative writing among students. An easy way to tell if a teacher is well-liked by her students is if she has visitors during her classes. A really beloved teacher has students popping in during lessons, independent work and everything in between, because the students genuinely want to spend time with that teacher. Mrs. Adams is one of these rare cases. Students pop in to say hello, to catch up, or to grab some of the famous candy which Mrs. Adams always seems to keep hidden in her desk. Who says high school students are too old to be bribed with candy? All in all, Mrs. Adams isn’t just a teacher; she’s an integral part of the school. She adds life and excitement to the halls, and her class is always full of laughing students, ones impressed with her directness in teaching, or both. Mrs. Adams always spices up even the boring topics (yes, grammar, we’re looking at you) with flavour from her own distinct sense of humour, and does it well. Which is why she’s always got students coming back for more. 9 The Uxbridge Cosmos T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 Council denies fill to solar project Bruins edge closer to title by Veronica Blake by Roger Varley Mayor O'Connor and Township Council are holding firm on their stance against commercial fill, perhaps at the cost of a major green energy project on the Fourth Concession. On Jan. 17 Council heard a delegation from Paul Politi. Mr. Politi owns the property at 6449 Concession 4 near Goodwood, the former White Rose Nursery. He wishes to build a solar farm on the property, capable of generating 30 megawatts of energy for Ontario Power Authority. “We can light up the entire town of Uxbridge from this farm,” Mr. Politi said. “I really want this to be a community project. I want the community to feel proud.” Mr. Politi bought the property three years ago. He grew up in Montreal and studied business administration at Dalhousie University and farming at McGill University. He also studied aquaculture while in Florida. He has lived in numerous cities, but his time in Europe got him interested in green energy. He moved to Willow Beach in Haliburton in 2004 and bought the White Rose Nursery property in 2009. Initially, he tried to farm on the land. “I was impressed with the beauty of the surroundings... I love the beauty of the lakes, the countryside. It was almost like heaven on earth here,” Mr. Politi said. “I never had the money when I was young to go ahead and pursue my farming dream.” The property is hilly, and ranges in elevation from 290 ft to 360 ft. The soil is very sandy, unsuitable for farming. Mr. Politi wants to bring in about 2,800,000 cubic metres of fill to flatten the land, as well as to make the soil stronger. But Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor is steadfast in her stance against fill. “My fear is what can happen, being that it's in the Oak Ridges Moraine, it's our source for water,” she said. “You don't need very much to go wrong and you have another Walkerton on your hands.” Council was also concerned about the number of trucks required to transport the fill and the length of time it would take. While Mr. Politi was unsure of the logistics, Regional Councillor Jack Ballinger calculated the amount to be 450 trucks per day over a year. Ultimately, the Township will not budge on their stance until the Province sets forth clear regulations on fill. “You'll have astronomical sums of trucks going up and down a road built for cars,” Ms. O'Connor said. “Who's going to be responsible for building that road? Who's going to be responsible for regulating what's coming in and where it's coming from?” Nothing, however, will apparently stop Paul Politi from building his solar farm. Without the fill panels will have to be higher and their anchors deeper, but this will all come at a higher cost. “I see solar energy today where computers were in the 1980's - the best is yet to come. The technology keeps getting better and better every year,” Mr. Politi said. “We have to have our energy independence.” Concession 6, the Durham Region Public Works Department will be going ahead with the township’s first roundabout this summer. In a letter to Council, Region officials said the roundabout will be reconfigured at a location somewhat south and east of the current intersection. Although a traffic signal had been considered as a fall- TOWN HALL Notes from Jan. 17 committee meetings by Conrad Boyce ROUNDABOUT TO PROCEED THIS SUMMER: Despite frustration at not being able to acquire land at the northwest corner of Hwy. 8 and With a home win and a road loss on the weekend, the Uxbridge Bruins moved to just two wins away from securing the OHA Jr. C Central Division title. The Bruins downed Lakefield Chiefs 4-1 at the arena on Friday and then were edged 3-2 by the Merchants in Little Britain on Saturday. In the process, Steve Posteraro moved a couple of places up in the scoring race by registering five assists. Matt Allen, assisted by Posteraro, opened the scoring Friday with the only goal of the first period. The Chiefs answered in the second with a powerplay goal and then, as they have done several times in the past few games, the Bruins charged back with three goals in the third. Adam Szwed, assisted Nick Kucera, scored what proved to be the winning goal, followed by Jordan Heydon, assisted by Derek Davis and Posteraro, and Callum Lynch, with assists going to Posteraro and Evan Haga. In Little Britain, the Merchants took an early lead with two power-play goals in the first period. The Bruins came back to tie the game in the second with two goals by Haga, the first a power-play marker, assisted by Davis and Posteraro, and his second also assisted by Posteraro. But Little Britain put one more in the net before the period ended and that is how the score remained to the end of the game. The Bruins now have 49 points on 24 wins and one overtime loss, 11 points ahead of second-place Port Perry MoJacks. Two more wins by the Bruins will put first place out of reach for the MoJacks. In the individual scoring race, Davis remains atop the field with 56 points on the strength of 18 goals and 38 assists. Scott Van Allen is in third place with 48 points and Posteraro moves up to fifth with 39 points. Also in the top 10 in the scoring race are Haga and Mike Ramsey, tied for 10th place with 32 points each. The Bruins have a home-and-away series with Georgina Ice this weekend. The home game starts at 7:45 p.m. tomorrow and then they travel to Georgina for a 7:30 p.m. game Saturday. back, feedback to the Region strongly supported the continuation of the roundabout project. In conjunction with it, utilities will be relocated and the highway repaved as far as Quaker Village Drive. NORTHEAST APPOINTED TO HOUSING COMMITTEE: At the rerquest of Anne Kewley of North House, Council decided to participate in a committee focussed on strategic planning for affordable housing in North Durham. Ms. Kewley told Council current programs are failing the poor and homeless north of 7. Ward 1 Councillor Bev Northeast volunteered to sit on the committee. LEGION TO STAGE WINTER CARNIVAL: Blair Emmerson of Branch 170, Royal Canadian Legion, apprised Council of plans to make the Family Day long week- end, Feb. 18-21, into a four-day Winter Carnival, with an abundance of family-oriented activitiews both inside and out. This would incorporate a series of new events as well as those already planned by other groups, such as the Kinsmen’s family skating party on Elgin Pond. Watch for details in next week’s Cosmos. Lisa Ritchie Brooks Certified General Accountant • Personal & Corporate Tax Returns • Financial Statement Preparation • Bookkeeping and Accounting 905.862.3393 Cemetery Road, Uxbridge [email protected] Interior Design Services ~Colour Consultation ~Space Planning ~Blinds and Shutters ~Custom Draperies ~Furniture and Finishes ~Kitchen and Washroom Design Ashley Armstrong 416.671.3249 [email protected] UXBRIDGE MEMORIAL COMPANY 108 Brock Street West, Uxbridge L9P 1P4 Dave & Lori Tomkinson Tel: 905-852.3472 • 1-888-672-4364 • Fax: 905-852-0085 [email protected] 10 The Uxbridge Cosmos T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 Cosmos Business Bulletin Board PROMOTE your business here! ONLY $20/week STAN - Your Local Handyman Tree Service Tight on money? Need repairs? 905-852-5313 Call Give me a call - No job too small 905.852.6970 or (cell) 416-705-6970 [email protected] F&R We fix only what is needed, with the lowest shop rate around. F&R Exhaust and Auto Specialists 5272 Aurora Road, Ballantrae 905-640-1044 Early Style Canadian Handcrafted Pine Furniture 905-852-2275 www.gilldercroft.com Garage Doors SHOP LOCAL SHOP GILLDERCROFT WERE 100% CANADIAN 9269 3rd Concession Helping you be ready for life! Best 5 year GIC rate UPRIGHT DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOORS•ELECTRIC OPERATORS Fast dependable service & repairs Sales & installation of quality doors and operators 905-852-1981 www.uprightdoorservice.com We offer a 10 year pro-rated warranty on spring & cable repairs ϯ͘Ϯϲй ;^ƵďũĞĐƚƚŽŵŝŶŝŵƵŵƐͿ ĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞ:ĂŶƵĂƌLJϭϳ͕ϮϬϭϭ RRSP OR TFSA? We can help you make the right choice. Call today. E VANS FINANCIAL SERVICE S 38 TORONTO STREET NORTH, UNIT #2, (905) 852-3184 www.investsmart.ca HANDCRAFTING CUSTOM PINE FURNITURE SINCE 1973 LowFUNERAL & Low Limited DIRECTORS 130 Years in Business – 5 Generations Honesty • Integrity • Fair Prices Since 1875 Uxbridge Chapel - 23 Main St. S. 905-852-3073 Port Perry Chapel - 1763 Reach St. 905-985-7331 ARE YOU CELEBRATING: • the birth of a child? • a wedding? • a landmark anniversary? • coming to a new home in Uxbridge? You may qualify for a unique, personalized Keepsake Gift, compliments of community-minded sponsors. “Community is an important Safety Net” For information, contact Tamara McKenney at 905-862-0796. THE WORD OF THE WEEK “ The Lord plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 UXBRIDGE BRANCH 905-852-3162 www.biblesociety.ca ISA Certified Arborists Established 1981 - Fully Insured • Bucket Trucks, Professional Climbers • Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding David Watts, B.Sc. (Agr.) www.uxbridgetreeservice.com Classified FOR SALE: Twin bed with headboard, Eureka upright vacuum, Maple table with leaf and 4 chairs, 1940"s Singer sewing machine with bench, complete 8 place setting of Noritake Normandy dishes. 905-862-3096. FREE TO RIGHT HOME: 5 yr old unneutred male Great Dane. Needs love and attention by a knowledgable dog owner. Raised with other dogs, cats and older children. Call Cara after 6 PM: 416 857 7042. FOR SALE: 2006 Ford F-150 4x4. 4 Door Crewcab. Auto, a/c, power locks and windows, tonneau cover. Brand new snow tires. Summers in good condition. Well maintained. 138,000 km. $16,700. 905 852 9088, Ken. WANTED: Double bed frame metal or wood -- free or cheap-- for son’s residence. 647-400-1520 . FOR RENT: 1 bedroom cozy cabin with fireplace, privacy plus. Rent negotiable. In Ashburn. 905-655-3004. FOR SALE: Fish tank good size with fish and all equipment $100 . 905-4733636 Jeff. FOR RENT: Four + bedroom home, five minute walk from downtown, steps from Hospital. Large kitchen and backyard. Gas Fireplace. Require references and deposit. $1595/month plus utilities. Avail March 15th. Jeff or Lisa 905852-0276. FOR SALE: DP Fitness recumbent cycle, magnetic resistance, on-board computer, and more, excellent condition, $120. Student/computer desk, glass top, 20” x 30” with monitor shelf, $25. Waterhome 5 aquarium, fully equipped with canopy, light, filter, more, 19 litres, never used, new in box. $45. 905 852 3409. ADULTS! EARN CREDITS towards your high school diploma. Class meets Mondays in Uxbridge. Call Durham Continuing Education 905 440 4539 or 1 800 408 9619. WINTER TIRES: Yokohama Studless Ice Guard size: 205/70/15, only used one season on mini van. $350 firm (compare at $800 new). 905-862-0941. WANTED: Treadmill or for teenager. In working order, free if possible. Will pick up. 905-852-2851. WANTED: Pinball machines or Arcade games in any condition, working or not. I am looking for a few to restore for my recroom , will pick up and pay fair price. 905 852 5481. FOR RENT: DAYTONA BEACH CONDO, 1 bedroom, 2 bath, sleeps 4, Ocean view with balcony. Available April 9-16 and/or April 16-23. $600 per week, Wayne (905) 852-7517. FOR RENT: Uxbridge bachelor apartment available. Clean, quiet, well maintained building downtown. Stairs. References required. 905 852 7559 or 647 339 4566. FREE PICKUP of working or not working appliances. Fridges, Stoves, Washers, Dryers and Freezers. Also any aluminum, copper, brass and car batteries. 905985-6625. STYLIST WANTED: Uxbridge salon looking for a stylist with clientele to work in our beautiful salon and spa, great commission, good hours. For more details 647-407-9196. FOR SALE: Inglis Gas Clothes Dryer. Used, in good working order. Best offer. (905) 640-4376. DOGS FOR SALE: Bernese Mountain Dog cross, $150-200. 905-852-4078. FOR RENT OR SALE: RV on site in Florida, luxury 40-ft fifth wheel with four slides, site adjacent to airport, access to Kissamee River, hour from Vero Beach. $900/mo. to rent. 1-863-605-1928, Gerald or Don. FOR SALE: Antique oak table, 3 leaves, extends to 6 ft., 6 pressback chairs, $600. Antique solid pine desk, $200. China tableware and crystal, $125. All in exc. condition. 905-852-2112. DAYCARE AVAILABLE: Looking for a childcare provider? I provide a fun and safe place for your child while you are at work. Flexible hours and reasonable rates. Close to schools and can provide trasportation to after school activities. Please call Linda at 905-852-9740 for an interview. FOR SALE: Back and seat massager, deluxe with seat warmer, new in box, $55. 905-862-0946. CAR FOR SALE: 94 Mercury Sable Immaculate condition,family vehicle. Lots of TLC given: Recent Transmission; new exhaust; undercoated every yr. $1,795, 905-852-7515. FOR SALE: Dining Room Table with 4 oversized chairs & 2 leafs 5.4" to 7.8". Only used twice. 5ft 4" long without a leaf and 3ft 8" wide. With 1 leaf 6ft 6" and 3ft 8" wide. With 2nd leaf 7ft 8" and 3ft 8" wide. 905-649-7617. MYRON'S MARK-BOOSTING TUTORING: Grade 9 and 10 Science and Grade 11 and 12 Chemistry. Just in time for exams or the new semester coming up! 905-852-3999. CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE: Experienced, flexible,reliable, reasonable rates, call 905-852-1790. FREE TO GOOD HOME ONLY: Nice old gelding, would make a great companion, well trained, very amicable,able to do light riding. 905-852-5615 POTTERY LESSONS at Cynthia Cupples' Studio (Sandford area) starting in Feb, wheel-throwing beginners to advanced. Times to be determined. 905-852-5615. EXPERIENCED CHILDCARE available in my home in Goodwood. Over 10 years experience with many local references. All ages accepted, from newborn to school age. Full days - $30, half days - $15, or before and after school $15. Pay only for days attended. Healthy home-made meals & snacks included. Safe, clean play room, huge outdoor play area. Trained in CPR and First Aid. Tax receipts provided. Joanne - (905) 642-5689. FOR SALE: Elliptical Fitness Cross Trainer EFX 5.21 SI. State of the art. Orig $4000. Selling for $2000. 905-852-9755. FOR SALE: Beautiful wooden crib with mattress and dinosaur sheetset, comforter, padding, and curtains. Orig $600. Best Offer. 905-852-9777. HOME DAYCARE AVAILABLE: Full or part-time. Snacks and hot lunches provided. Lots of room to play. Early arrival or late pick-up available. Call Lori at 905-852-2349. FREE to loving home, a beautiful bunny. 905-852-4774. FOR RENT: 1 Bedroom basement apartment. $800/ month all inclusive. Large living area, TV and laundry. Close to downtown Uxbridge. Call 905-8526663. FOR SALE: 2 Arctic Cat Pantera Snowmobiles, (1979) Low mileage, good condition, trailer included. 905-640-1836. MUSIC LESSONS: Guitar, bass and drum lessons available. 3+ years teaching, 10+ years playing. Your home, in studio or my home. Call Steve 905 852 7398 for more information. ROOM TO RENT in luxury condo. 575 per month (inclusive) with use of wash- er/dryer, dishwasher TV and own bath. Working female would prefer same. Call cell during evening/weekends 416-885-0125 or e-mail either [email protected] or [email protected] FOR SALE: Makeup table with the top that opens up with the mirror for $100 firm, side board $200 firm, small desk for $75 firm. 905-862-2429 if no answer leave a message. CARS WANTED ON CONSIGNMENT: Will sell your car fast. If needed will fix and Certify, E-Test. 416-705-9993. FOR SALE: Pool Table, $350. 416-705-9993. FOR RENT: Uxbridge 2 Bedroom apartment. $850 p/mo. Recently renovated with laminate floors. Big bright picture window overlooks park. Storage and parking. Hydro is extra. Kim 905-852-4540. LOCAL HANDYMAN,/ CONTRACTOR experienced in all trades, basements,additions, kitchens,bathrooms etc.ref. avail., call Doug at 905-706-3816. HOUSECLEANING: Available weekly or bi-weekly. 27 years experience working in the Uxbridge area. Dependable, hard - working and honest. Excellent references available upon request. Reasonable rates. 705 -333 3871. FREE PICK UP OF YOUR SCRAP STEEL & APPLIANCES WORKING OR NOT: Fridges, Stoves, Washers, Dryers, and Freezers. Also scrap metal, lawnmowers, hot water tanks, boat motors,car parts, batteries, wire, copper and aluminum. Call cell phone # 905-960-5480. SHARED ACCOMMODATION: Large furnished bedroom for single person. shared accommodation in Uxbridge includes phone,satellite T.V. internet option.,parking, access to kitchen,laundry and bathroom. Share whole House $495.00 monthly 905-852-4454 email: [email protected] UXBRIDGE HOUSE FOR RENT: Must be seen. Very Clean detached home. 4 bedrooms, walkout to deck from kitchen, private drive, 1.5 car garage, trees, patio and in ground pool. Family room includes stone fireplace with gas insert. Close to schools, restaurants and shopping. 905 642 0030 for appointment. WORK WANTED: Small drywall jobs and painting. 705-228-8759. WANTED: Ride to Mount Albert, once weekly, 905-852-4703. FOR SALE: Saint Bernard puppies, $1000. Jack Russell puppies, $500. 905473-1249. FOR SALE: 5000-bushel and 1100-bushel grain bins, full floor, fans, augers. $5000 for both. 905-473-1249. FOR SALE: Firewood, seasoned maple hardwood, $100 per face cord delivered. 905-640-5977. FOR SALE: KAWAI Organ and bench. Apt size. $50. Call 905-985-8027 after 6pm. WANTED: Full time, live-in caregiver for senior couple; $10.25 per hour for 40 hours/week. Must be able to work flexible hours and weekends. Related experience an asset. Applicant to reside in private household in Uxbridge for duration of employment. $85.25 per week for room and board will be deducted from pay. Please email resume to [email protected]. WESTERN RIDING LESSONS on some of Canada's top Reining Horses. Safe, quiet, been there-done that animals. Great for building confidence. More info [email protected] or (905)642-5145 Randy or Monique. PRIVATE SALE Student Rental House for sale in Peterborough, great location. Four bedrooms and a small apartment easily rented to Trent students. On the Rotary trail and very close to 2 bus routes and downtown. Open House on Saturday Jan 22 noon till 4pm. $219 000. 905 852 3972. WANTED Wooden TV stand. Must be able to support a 46" TV. 905-852-1899. CHINCHILLA FOR GOOD HOME: Niko was rescued as a baby from a local animal shelter. She in now two+ years old and is looking for a new home. She comes complete with her cage, food, and all accessories. Serious inquires may call to meet her. Brenda 705-228-1186. GENTLE YOGA Wednesday afternoons from 1:15-2:15PM at NRG4Life, 85 Second Avenue. Give it a try! Everyone welcome. For info, 905-852-1099 or [email protected] PILOGA CLASSES Thursday evenings from 7-8PM at Goodwood Community Centre. Friday mornings from 9:30-10:30AM at NRG4Life, 85 Second Avenue. Enjoy this unique and gentle class combining pilates and yoga. Beginners welcome! Bring your yoga mat. For info, 905-852-1099 or [email protected] LIVE-IN NANNY AVAILABLE: Full-time (40-44hrs/wk); already has visa to work in Canada. Over 2 yrs experience within Canada, looking to stay in the Uxbridge area. Lori at (416) 201-2647 for further details. BELLY DANCING CLASSES: Tues 10:15-11:15AM, Tues 8-9PM, Wed 8-9PM, Fri 5:30-6:30. Testa Professional building suite 100B 647-444-1828 or e-mail [email protected]. FREE CLASS TUES FEB 15 10:15-11:15AM & 8-9PM. FOR SALE: 1995 Polaris 440 indy, 40th anniversary edition, 2900 orig. miles, electric start, liquid cooled, reverse, studded, heated grips, rear hitch. $1650, 705-228-8234. FOR SALE: Sears pull out sofa bed. About 8 years old & rarely used. In new condition, no signs of wear or stains. Light blue and white square pattern. Comes with cushions as well. Paid $1200 sell for $150 firm. 905-852-7442. FLORIDA RENTAL: Two bedroom villa in beautiful quiet Englewood. Located in nature sanctuary with boat docks leading to the intercoastal. Two kms to Englewood beach and close to shopping and restaurants. Sleeps 4, two bathrooms, heated pool, wireless internet, all you need are clothes. Available April. $2000/month. 905-852-2524 for details. FULL TIME LIVE-IN CAREGIVER required for an elderly, mobile woman in lovely Uxbridge accommodations. Please send your resume to: Box 66, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1M6. FOR SALE TO A GOOD HOME: White male Shi-poo puppy (shi-tzu/poodle cross). One year old, needs to go to a new home very soon. Has all shots and vaccinations up to date. Very affectionate, excellent with children and has a good temperament. 905 852 5666, or 416 526 3241. FOR SALE: Corner office/computer desk with large work station. Wood grain, 2 drawers with filing cabinet and shelves. Easy to assemble. Can e-mail picture on request. $150. 905-242-0908. FOR SALE: Glider rocking chair and matching gliding foot rest, oak with green cushions and padded arms. Used in nursery asking $75. 905 862 0648 FOR SALE: Large 3 seater sofa, green with oak, ball style feet. Solid wood frame. $75, 905 862 0648. FOR SALE: Sony stereo system STR - AVW1070 tuner, dual tape deck and CD player) with speakers $50 905 862 0648. L. MARTINS PAINTING Interior & Exterior Wallpapering, drywall & plaster repairs Crown moulding Home renovations 905-852-7129 Snow Clearing RIGHT HAND MAN Uxbridge - Cell 647-333-7746 SNOW CLEARING Your Best Man for the Job! www.myrighthandman.ca Complete esthetic services at Vikki’s Hair Studio 114 Brock St. West (in back) 416-997-2703 FREE: Chest freezer (HotPoint) in good working condition. You pick up. 905852-0158. FOR SALE: Beautiful lady's kunzite and diamond ring. With written appraisal of $2400, asking $700. Perfect condition. Call 905-852-9222. FOR SALE: Mustang Floater Jacket 2XL Red/Black/White $79. Hall Tree w/lift up seat $150. Antique Wall Mirror - White $75. 905-852-4653. AFTER SCHOOL CARE REQUIRED: I am looking for someone to pick up my children from QVPS after school, bring them home and stay a couple hours 3 days a week. High school student or retiree. Must be good with kids and have references. Kathy at 416-628-1041 for more details. WANTED: Plastic chair mat for use on carpet, Comfortable reading chair, Juicer. Sean at 416-689-8980 (Uxbridge). HELP WANTED: Uxbridge Retail Furniture Store looking for responsible and mature Full time/Part time sales staff. Some evenings and weekends required. Please mail resumes to: P.O. Box 640, Uxbridge, ON. L9P 1A0. WANTED TO RENT: Apartment in the Uxbridge area. One or two bedroom, in town or within 15 minutes. We have a very well behaved black lab dog who would come with us. We both work full time, no kids. Dog will go to work with me every day. Around $800/month. Ready to move in now! Contact Yvette 905-490-8064 (days) or Jeff 905-955-7690 (evenings) FOR SALE: Portable fish finder (Eagle Ultra) with ice fishing adapter. Exc. Cond. Asking $60. 905-852-9235. FREE TO A GOOD HOME: Used stove and TV in working condition. Pick up required. 905-852-5115. FREE RIDING LESSONS! Springwood Stables is offering a "pay for three, get one free" deal. We teach beginners right through to advanced on well trained horses and ponies. 6 years and upward. We have spots for all levels of riders available, including spots on our 2011 showing team. For more information or to book your lessons please contact Dee 905-852-4000. CLEAN SWEEP CLEANING: Residential/Commercial. Free estimates, references and bonded. "A clean environment says it all!" 905 960-0523/905 4731907 or email [email protected] HELP WANTED: Local private horse farm seeks barn help for Saturday mornings. View details at www.horsejobs.ca JOB ID#645. COMMERCIAL OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT on second floor in Sunderland. Completely renovated with up to 960 sq ft available. Separate entrance, will renovate to suit. Great exposure. Suitable for lawyer, real estate, accountant etc? Includes private kitchen and bathroom. 705-357-3238. FOR SALE: Women’s black leather jacket, never worn. Size medium. $100 obo. 905-852-6835. FOR SALE: 6 ft. sliding door, new condition, never installed. Also pool cover new in package, 16’ x 32’. 905-852-7395. WANTED: Dry firewood - got any stockpiled you’re just never goiung to use? 905-852-7395. FOR SALE: Stairmaster exercise machine. 1-705-357-2895. FOR SALE: Farm machinery and truck health and safety welding books, c. 1978. 905-852-4703. CLASSIFIEDS FREE FOR 3 WEEKS! [email protected] or 905-852-1900 Deadline: Monday 5:30 p.m. 11 The Uxbridge Cosmos Kiss Me, Kate calculated to please The goon who almost stole the show said it best: "It's vivacious, entertaining and calculated to please the most discriminating theatre-goer". He was talking about the play-within-a-play that forms the basic structure of Kiss Me, Kate. His remark might well apply to the entire production. The OnStage Uxbridge production of Cole Porter's classic musical opened last weekend at the Uxbridge Music Hall, and continues for another four performances January 20-22 at 7.30 p.m., and Saturday Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. The play revolves around a theatre troupe rehearsing for and performing a musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Some of the Tom Doherty BA, MDiv Counselling and Psychotherapy Individual, Couples and Family [email protected] www.dohertycounselling.com 905.640.4839 416.910.7284 One Stop Shopping www.deanwatsonchrysler.ca • New • Used • Service • Parts action takes place behind stage, where the actors get involved in some complex relationships, with a good dose of farce thrown in. Other scenes are "on stage", in costume and in performance of the Shakespeare play - but with some decidedly nonShakespearean ad libs and variations resulting from the off-stage shenanigans. The OnStage production, directed by Carey Nicholson, was indeed "vivacious and entertaining", as the goon said. A word of explanation here: the goon was one of a pair of mobsters who are sent to claim payment of a gambling debt, and get hilariously involved in the Shakespeare production. Goon No. 1 (Tom Skrzeszewski), with his authentic Brooklyn accent, had the character role that often steals the show, as it almost did in this production, along with his goon side-kick (Don Frigault). Pistol-packing mobsters in floppy hats and colourful flouncy pantaloons are a sight to behold. But stealing this show would not be easy. There were other scene-stealers, including the two principal female roles, the two sisters in Shakespeare's play, Kate and Bianca, played by Joanna Megraw and Rita Jackson, resplendent in flowing blonde locks. Ms. Megraw gave a lively performance as the high-spirited Kate, with a voice that ranged from sweet and melodious to plain down-and-dirty. Her comic timing was impeccable, and her rendition of "I hate men" displayed her talents as a comedienne with a serious voice. Rita Jackson vamped it up both as Bianca on stage, and as her backstage character Lois. She displayed a host of talents, including her voice (excellent, as always), her legs (shapely), and a range of sensual moves to make Madonna blush. The two leading female roles were balanced by a strong male cast, led by Alan Blenkinsopp, who, as Petruchio on stage and Fred backstage did double duty in trying to "tame the shrew" (Kate). He became more comfortable as the first act progressed, and gave a solid performance, projecting a convincing love/hate relationship with Kate/Lilli, who also happened to be his former stage wife. Two other actors played their character roles to the hilt: Roger Varley as father to Kate and Bianca, and desperate to get Kate married off, with eye-rolling humour and perfect comic delivery; and John Jackson, as an American general - a convincing General MacArthur lookalike who thinks he's about to marry Kate, and tries to impose his martial law on the relationship, to Kate's dismay and their eventual undoing. Strong performances were also given by James Buren and Carlos Finch, T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1 a review by Wynn Walters both with good vocal leads in ensemble numbers. Kiss Me, Kate is a musical, and without a good orchestra, it would flop. This production had an excellent orchestra, under the direction of Steffan Brunette. They were tight, right in tune, with precise entries, and a good balance of keyboards, brass, woodwinds and percussion. It was about the largest orchestra we have seen at work in the Music Hall. One downside was the balance between orchestra and vocalists. As in any Cole Porter musical, the words are fast and clever, and it was a pity that some got lost in the accompaniment. But that's more a technical than a production issue. A tribute to the director, and to the vocal director, Ann Gage, was the tight coordination between singers and orchestra even when visually divided by the stage scenery. This suggests lots of rehearsal, and implicit trust between singer and conductor. On the subject of scenery, the simple staging used painted draw-string curtains that were raised or lowered to distinguish between on stage and back stage. Carey Nicholson was a Jill-ofall-trades in this production, handling choreography (great dance sequences) and set design as well as the director role. The overall production was a snappy, fast-paced musical comedy that was "vivacious and entertaining". The goon was right, so don’t miss it. Dean Watson Auto Sales 253 Toronto Street South 905-852-3313 VIEWPOINTS H BOLSTER ow well do you know the highways and byways of Uxbridge Township? The first person each week to call into our office number, 905-852-1900, and correctly identify the location of our photo, will receive a prize; this week, it’s two tickets for Kiss Me Kate. Last week’s viewpoint (below) is the sign of Wooden Sticks Golf Club; it was guessed by Wendy Tims of Uxbridge. We’ll have the answer for the upper photo next week. Photos by Conrad Boyce and Renee Leahy. Limousine Service [email protected] 705-513-1222 Travel in Luxury! Weddings, Special Events, So Much More! GAME NIGHT WITH THE BRUINS START YOUR PET’S NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH NUTRITIOUS ORGANIC PET FOOD. TRY IT! • • • • • Free Range Poultry Farm Fresh Beef Ontario Lamb Preservative-Free Deli Meats Hormone-Free Meats 3 Brock Street West OPEN SUNDAYS 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Support Uxbridge’s Team! Hockey Night in Uxbridge 7:45 p.m., Uxbridge Arena Sports Entertainment At Its Best! Fri., Jan. 14 BRUINS vs. Georgina Check out all things Bruin at: www.uxbridgebruins.com The Uxbridge Cosmos 12 T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 t h 2 0 1 1