Roger Varley has been in the news business almost 40 years with The Canadian Press/Broadcast News, Uxbnridge Times-Journal, Richmond Hill Liberal and Uxbridge Cosmos. Co-winner with two others of CCNA national feature writing award. In Scout movement over 30 years, almost 25 as a leader. Took Uxbridge youths to World Jamboree in Holland. Involved in community theatre for 20 years as actor, director, playwright, stage manager etc. Born in England, came to Canada at 16, lived most of life north and east of Toronto with a five-year period in B.C.
A paean to Uxbridge
This being the Canada Day weekend, my sweetheart suggested I abandon the kvetching for a while and write something positive. Since I have already done a little griping in my Canada Day contribution elsewhere in this edition, I'm inclined to agree with her.
Also, when thinking about Uxbridge – the town and the township – it really isn't difficult to compose a feel-good column, despite the few things that might be improved. So this will be my semi-regular paean to Uxbridge.
Now that the good weather is here, I spend a considerable amount of time walking about and enjoying the downtown area. Having plenty of time on my hands, it's easy for me to while away the hours sitting on the benches along Brock Street or at one the several chair and table sets that merchants along the west end have put out on the sidewalk. My coffee intake has jumped a little recently as I watch the world go by, shaded by colourful patio umbrellas, chatting with passersby and enjoying the profusion of blooms in the flower beds. Scott Rutledge has turned the corner of Brock and Church into a delightful little oasis with large flower pots surrounding the bench under the clock. Across the way, Sue Fumerton of Little Acorn has popped two small children's windmills into her sidewalk flower pot. It's not a lot, but it makes a delightful little addition to the colourful scene.
The whole downtown is ablaze with colour. Different hued umbrellas also grace the patio in front of the newly renovated Texas Burger – now called the Urban Pantry – and down the east end of Brock Street, Frankie's Ristorante has set up an umbrella with table and chairs.
Despite the fact that some decry the commercial sector on Toronto Street South, with its car dealerships, fast food restaurants and box stores – all, by the way, contributing nicely to the township's economy - one has to admit that stretch of road is neat and tidy and well landscaped.
But it's not just the urban area that is a delight. Driving to Zephyr a couple of weeks ago, it was impossible not to marvel at the beauty of the countryside along the township's rural roads. And it is obvious that most homeowners take a good deal of time to maintain their properties with lush lawns and flower beds.
The Zephyr Library is an example of this pride of ownership, The grounds surrounding the library are neatly kept and the flower planters well cared for. A picnic table under a shade tree makes an ideal spot for locals to spend a little time taking it easy and talking with neighbours.
Delivering the Cosmos door-to-door in Sandford the last two weeks gave me an opportunity to get a close-up look at some beautiful homes. At one house, I simply had to stop and talk with the owner about the amazing array of roses, lilac bushes and English-style flower beds that surround his home. Sure, they enhance his property, as do all the other carefully tended gardens, but they also provide enjoyment to anyone passing by.
As for colour, I never cease to marvel at the inside of the Foster Memorial, where I attended a couple of concerts this month. Listening to music while wrapped in the amazing hues in that edifice with its wonderful acoustics is always a joy. (As an aside, somebody in this township should really stop putting off the inevitable and fix the interior of the dome. The longer it is put off, the worse it is going to get and the more expensive it will be to do the job.)
Last weekend, I spent a delightful afternoon at an Optimist barbecue on a large property owned by one of the members. This breathtakingly beautiful property is rather well hidden, but it is only a stone's throw from the downtown area. On Monday, I went golfing (don't ask how I did!) on a golf course that is just a couple of good tee shots from the downtown core. And it should go without saying that we are blessed to have something like the Countryside Preserve, where you could swear you were miles from the hustle and bustle of daily life and yet it sits immediately behind WalMart.
This town, this township, is so chock full of beauty and amenities within steps of anyone's front door, it is little wonder that I meet so many fairly recent residents who all have roughly the same story: they were looking for someplace new to live, saw Uxbridge and stopped looking.
Of course, it's not just the beauty of Uxbridge that amazes me. What other municipality of our size can boast about having three weekly community newspapers, plus a monthly newsmagazine? Or boast about having the number of theatre groups, choral groups and service clubs that we have? I'll warrant there aren't many.
But a word of caution. No matter how terrific this community is, like most things it has a fragility. If we take it for granted, if we don't all do our part to make sure it continues to work by volunteering, patronizing our local merchants and businesses and supporting our numerous sports and cultural organizations, it could easily slip away. I've seen a couple of examples of towns that died: it's not a pretty sight.
It seems to me that it is not too much to ask that, in order to keep our beautiful township the way it is, we all try to do most of our shopping in Uxbridge, even if it does occasionally cost a couple of extra bucks, and offer up a couple of hours a week to help our community.
Tell me, am I wrong?
