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.
Full-service community
A new sign on Brock Street has had me puzzled - 'Handicapped Ministry'. Couldn't quite figure out if Rev. Bill Fritz, the new minister of Trinity United Church was admitting to a personal health problem or whether he was handicapped because he couldn't get enough parishioners to attend services.
Well, my confusion was cleared up thanks to Dianne Morris. It was neither one, and Dianne tells me this new group was formed back in the summer just after Rev. Fritz became the new interim minister.
The "Handicapped" Ministry connects men and women in the community who are developmentally challenged. They meet each Wednesday evening at 7:00 at the church and enjoy the company and fellowship of like persons in the community. After forming, this expanding heart-warming group jointly decided to call themselves 'FRIENDS' because everyone is closely touched by one another.
The weekly evening opens with some powerful singing. They are supplied with picture Bibles that enable everyone to follow the story read by Rev. Bill and then the story is acted out in costume. Participants all love to dress-up, and it forms a friendly competition to see who plays each character.
There is a short devotion followed by prayer and each evening ends with refreshments, many thanks and big hugs all around. And once a month they all enjoy a delicious pizza night. Many special events have been scheduled since the group was formed. There has been a Halloween costume party, a fun talent night, a delicious Christmas banquet complete with Santa and gift bags for all, and a fashion show with token awards for the best outfit.
During the summer two members of the Uxbridge Fire Department attended and gave a demonstration of how the pumper truck works, followed by an informative safety session complete with modelling some of the gear they wear to protect themselves when fighting fire.
There is no doubt these eager men and women are bursting with love and enthusiasm. It shows in everything they do when gathered together. And leaders and parishioners share equally in their joy, tears and life struggles and are proud of this new addition to the United Church in Uxbridge. Perhaps you know someone who would like to join this amazing group. It is non-denominational and is open to everyone. So far it has just not been for Uxbridge residents. The group has welcomed guests from Stouffville as well as Port Perry.
This is another wonderful service that makes living in Uxbridge so special. Our community, in my view, is a full-service community. If there is a need there is always an individual or group who comes to the front and fills that need.
If you know of a person who would enjoy and benefit from the Handicapped Ministry please contact Rev. Bill Fritz at 905-852-6213 or any one of his dedicated and caring mentors: Nancy Wood, Betty Catherwood, Tracy Karkheck, Nairn Robertson or Dianne Morris.
Or, if you find this program intriguing and would like to contribute your talents by playing an instrument, telling a compelling story or any other way that you think you can add to the evenings please call Rev. Bill at the above number. The support and assistance of all members of the community is always most welcome. And thanks, Dianne, for filling me in on another valuable service for our residents. I'm sure readers will find it as interesting as I did.
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This week a branch of the U.S. government wildlife department has reported, after a lengthy, and I imagine costly study, that they have discovered that parrots are left-handed or left-winged or left-legged. Not sure which - your choice. I was so pleased to read this, as I have been losing sleep for many years thinking about this mystery. Isn't big government wonderful? -----------------
The weather doesn't encourage one to think about golf on any of the Uxbridge courses but you may change your mind when you realize that the early bird registration for the 4th Annual Cottage Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament is fast approaching,
This fun tournament raises a lot of money for our valued Cottage Hospital and it is to the credit of the management of Wooden Sticks Golf Course who make their excellent facilities available for such a worthy cause. Early bird registration is March 31 and if you register early you get a chance to win an associate membership at Wooden Sticks carrying a value of $3000.
To register, call the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation 905-852-9771 ext. 5285. You'll have a fun day and you will help our valued Cottage Hospital to always be here to serve our community.
