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.
Bad news and good
Bad news and good news for Uxbridge seems to be the norm at present. The bad news is what's happening with the development of the former Co-op property on Brock St., and the good news is the possible redevelopment of the Williamson Pontiac-Buick property on south Toronto St.
The First Leaside Corporate head office slated for the former Co-op property is one that has caused tremendous excitement with us all. Finally the eyesore would be turned into a beautiful structure with a LEEDS designation and improve the entire business district in that part of town. Everyone was anticipating the completion and grand opening sometime this year. Add to this the company, already operating in Uxbridge in another location, has established itself as a strong supporter of community events. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to realize if the major problems facing the company are not satisfactorily settled, then it would be a double whammy for our community.
The fact that there is little, or no information, forthcoming, about the future leaves a large degree of doubt in our minds. Hopefully there will be an announcement soon that will bring a degree of good news, the structure will be completed and the owner and employees of First Leaside can get on with their lives. We all wish them well.
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The good news comes with the announcement that the Forest Group is looking at the former Williamson Pontiac-Buick property as the location of a Seniors Retirement Centre featuring 145 living units plus an 81 unit seniors apartment/condo project featuring 1 and 2 bedroom units. Plus underground parking. Add to this amenities such as dining facilities, fitness rooms, an indoor swimming pool, library, dance hall and a small theatre and one can understand why Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor said she is really excited about this proposal. I'm sure she is joined by the majority of residents who would like to see this kind of attractive development for that property.
Naturally, there is still a great deal of negotiating between the developers and council as well as other government bodies which become involved in a project of this size.
Uxbridge already has several excellent facilities for our senior population, but there is always room for more as seniors eye Uxbridge as a wonderful community to establish roots. Many arrive from other communities wishing to be close to their children who now live in Uxbridge. One can only hope that negotiations will go well and it will not be long until we see shovels going into the ground. With the positive reception the developers received from Uxbridge council it should be safe to assume this will happen.
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One has to hand it to Kathy and Mark Christoff. Ever since they took over the Roxy Theatre and renovated it into a wonderful two-theatre operation they have served up the latest movies and come up with some wonderfully unique events - Oscar Night being one of them. Over the years Oscar Night has become a 'must' see event and one hears rave reviews from many of those who attend and have a ball.
Like most special events the Christoffs organize, there is a charity that benefits and, in this case, it is the Cottage Hospital Foundation. In seven years, the event has raised over $41,000 for the hospital.
This year the big night will be held on February 26th, and if you want to attend, you’d better act fast to get a ticket.
According to the promo… folks get all dolled up (black tie is optional) and enter the theatre on the red carpet with television cameras and a celebrity host just like the real show in Hollywood and you see yourself on the big screen being interviewed and then watch the Oscars on the big movie screen.
As an added treat this year you can hold an actual Oscar (I'm sure thanks to Christopher Chapman) and be filmed giving your own acceptance speech. Only 20 seconds long which may be a problem for some of my friends.
There are a limited amount of the $50 tickets available so don't be disappointed. Get yours soon at the Roxy Box Office, The Hospital Foundation Office at the hospital, Presents, Presents, Presents or call 905-852-9771 Ext 5286 to reserve.
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Being in Florida during the run-up to the Presidential elections is an interesting experience, and watching the Republican candidates debate made me think that “Laugh-In” was back on television. There is no doubt that if you intend to stand for election you had better have a very clean family closet, as your opponents will expose every wrinkle and wart and there are no holds barred.
This may not interest a lot of people, but being a political junkie it is non-stop entertainment for me and some of their lines are priceless. When they attacked candidate Newt Gingrich re his asking his wife for an open marriage, and accused him of being an adulterer many times, did he run for cover? No way. He took the high road and on TV he did not deny the accusations but reminded voters that this gave him valuable life experience which he felt was a plus if you wanted to run the country. He mentioned his opponent Milt Romney, who has been married for close to 30 years, asking “what does he know about life?”
Following these antics I thought of a couple of famous quotes….
“Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” - Ronald Reagan.
And thanks to Will Rogers - “There ought to be one day - just one - when there is an open season on politicians”.
