Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
Anything can happen
Whether or not you were a fan of Jack Layton there is no doubt that he will be greatly missed in the daily lives of Canadians from coast to coast. Jack was a colourful, dedicated Canadian and his political career had a lot of ups and downs, but he was always a fighter and had the knack to make news at every opportunity.
I did not agree with his political views, but admired his approach and was impressed with his conviction to his platform. He was a lightning rod to his party and certainly at 61 should be entering the heyday of his life, not leaving like this. Ironic and sad that he brought the NDP to the level of official opposition and will not be around to take a seat in Parliament this fall and battle the governing party.
Without Jack, where does the NDP find another star? His death is a loss for Canada and a major loss for the NDP. Who will take over and try and fill his shoes? You don't suppose that opportunist Bob Rae will return to the fold? In politics anything can happen, so stay tuned.
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Great to see the new head office of First Leaside heading skyward and, when completed, will add a beautiful touch to the corner of Brock Street and Victoria Drive. This company will be a wonderful addition to our community and one can already see how they are involved as they already contribute to many community projects.
And I love the signage around the construction site. One that caught my eye - “We used to live on Bay Street (Toronto). Soon we will be on Victoria Drive.”
We welcome them and trust that construction will go well and we look forward to the ribbon cutting in 2012.
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Good news for the handicapped in our community. Following a very successful first year of the “Handicapable Ministry” at Trinity United Church, 20 First Avenue, Dianne Morris informs me that the mentors are eager and enthused to begin their second year of this wonderful, caring community program. The opening day of the second season will be Wednesday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in attending or assisting this worthwhile group of treasured women and men, please call the church office - 905-852-6213.
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Do people ever learn? Immediately after 19-year-old Japanese student Ayano Tokumasu fell off a fence and was swept to her death over the Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls police were puzzled at how few learned a lesson from this unfortunate accident.
The very next day police officers were constantly warning tourists and removing young children from the very spot that Tokumasu met her fate. Authorities are at a loss of what to do to guarantee public safety. No one wants a large fence placed along the side of the falls. The beauty of seeing this natural wonder is to see it unobstructed.
But, as often happens, the carelessness of a few often imposes a major penalty on the masses. Let's hope this does not happen.
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Enjoyed working in the Uxbridge Township/Durham Region booth at the CNE in Toronto last Sunday.
The booth was well designed and informed the large number of visitors all about Lucy Maud Montgomery and her connection to Leaskdale and the Uxbridge area. We also let every visitor know what a wonderful, active community we, who live in Uxbridge Township, enjoy on a daily basis. And what it has to offer for those who would like to visit and take part in the many community activities.
Not everyone visiting the booth was a stranger to Uxbridge Township. Many have visited or driven through on their way to the cottage. One couple told me of the happy memories they hold of visiting the beautiful farm of Ed and Dorothy Brown a few miles north of Sandford.
“I don't think we were actually related,” they said, “but we knew them as Uncle Ed and Aunt Dorothy and we were always excited when we learned a family trip to their farm was planned.”
The Browns were actively involved in community activities, so I relayed some fond memories I had of visiting the farm for various committee meetings.
The shocker came when one man told me he really wanted to live in Uxbridge but was afraid to make the move. This twigged my curiosity and I asked why.
“The Pickering Airport plans,” he replied. “I was worried about the flight lanes as there could be a large amount of planes on a descent path right over Uxbridge so I bought elsewhere.”
With the airport lands located well south of Uxbridge, this is something that few have thought about, but maybe we should be concerned. Sure gives one something to think about.
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Great to see local businesses do well and get recognized for the dedication and hard work of the owners and, once again, Shelley Macbeth of Blue Heron Books has brought honours to our community. In a recent poll conducted by the CBC to acknowledge and choose the top 10 book stores across Canada, our Blue Heron Books made it to the top 10 out of a field of 300 independent booksellers in Canada.
Wow! What an honour for Shelley and her Blue Heron Books Store and to our community as well. Congratulations Shelley - we are all proud of you.
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Hard to believe that the Uxbridge Fall Fair Board will soon present the 147th annual version of this popular event. Just three more years and we will all celebrate 150 years. What an amazing community accomplishment - one to be very proud of.
The annual show runs September 9, 10 and 11 in Elgin Park, and checking over the activities and competitions in the entry book there is something of interest for every member of the family regardless of age.
Theme this year is “The Place to Bee” with emphasis on bees and the many products derived from this industrious little insect. So why not 'buzz' on down to Elgin Park for a fun time?
