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.
We should all be proud
If the feeling that, as a Canadian, you are privileged to live in the best country in the world ever starts to weaken, then a disaster such as what is happening in Haiti will bring you back to reality.
Sure we have high taxes, rough winters, and lots of snow along with ice storms making driving dangerous. And when the beautiful summer weather arrives we bitch and complain about the mosquitoes and the black flies.
Seems like serious stuff until one looks at the living conditions in a large majority of world countries, then we realize we have it made. There was one moving moment during a TV interview that brings this home in spades. A young student, part of a study group, had just arrived in Toronto after being rescued from the horrific death and destruction in Haiti.
There was a tear in her eye as she chokingly told the interviewer that we are all so lucky to be living in a great country like Canada. She mentioned that many Canadians don't appreciate what they have, but said she would never have any of those feelings ever again.
Fortunately we don't have to go through what this young girl did to learn this valuable lesson. Thankfully we can learn through her and her fellow students. Don't let this valuable lesson be wasted.
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Always love the way some people can see the humour in even the most serious of moments or events. I think of the recent controversy over full body screening at airports.
Oh, the hue and cry that some stranger might see your body in an almost nude condition. The usual human rights thingy reared its ugly head.
Not sure about you, but I would sooner have someone take a peek under safe conditions than to pick up my body parts spread all over the ground after the plane crashed.
But that's just me. I have always seen the practical side.
However, I laughed out loud when I caught an airport interview with a woman who said she was 83. Throwing her arms wide, and with a big grin on her face, she said, “Honey, if there is still a man out there who wants to get a good look at me in the nude, then I welcome him with open arms”.
In the background you could hear the interviewer and the cameraman breaking up with laughter. Gotta love those seniors. ---------------------------
Speaking of seniors, it was good to see Don Harron (Charlie Farquharson) back in Uxbridge for a short visit. Many will remember the wonderful Easter Seal dinners held in the Uxbridge Arena, and the ton of laughs that Don brought with him to help raise a lot of dollars for Whipper Watson's children.
Don has now reached the golden age of 85, and was in town for a book-signing at Blue Heron Books and to attend Anne of Green Gables - the Musical at the Music Hall.
Don is the lone survivor of the team who, 44 years ago, put this musical together for the second year of the Charlottetown (PEI) Festival, and based on a novel written 100 years ago.
Don has lost a step or two, but still possesses his quick wit, and broke the crowd up with Charlie's patented loud guffaw.
Come back again, Don. You are always welcome in Anne's country. --------------------------
There are many big holidays throughout the year but Valentine’s Day has to be one of the biggest. Have you ever tried to get a last minute seat in a restaurant that night?
A few years ago we were at a convention in Toronto. It was the February 14 weekend so three couples decided to go out for dinner.
After a half-dozen phone calls we ended up ordering in pizza in our room.
Having said that, fellas, if you don't want to get into trouble with the little lady, make your plans early.
There will be lots going on around Uxbridge, but one event you may want to take a look at is the gala dinner-dance to be held at the Uxbridge Legion on Saturday, February 13. Legion member and chef, George Steele, will be donning the whites and serving a delicious dinner including chicken supreme and poached salmon.
Tickets at $50 per couple are limited, so if you are interested better hurry. They are available at the Legion clubrooms on Franklin St. ----------------------------
The annual Robbie Burns dinner was a huge success Saturday night and I understand Jack Ballinger, in his toast to the lassies, got a huge response from his opening remark.
“We all know that Robbie Burns was a big womanizer”, said Jack. “But in doing my research I learned there was one difference between Robbie and Tiger Woods. Robbie didn't play golf”.
'Nuff said.
