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.
A tip of the hat
Have been writing “Stemp’s Stew ” for over 40 years and it never fails to amaze me how readers can get their shorts in a knot over something I didn’t write.
Case in point is the letter to the editor last week by Sean Fife. Sean got his hackles up and grabbed the opportunity to sing the praises of “The Good News Bible”, a book I must admit I had never heard of and, after reading Sean’s letter, not sure it is one that I want to add to my book shelves.
No doubt those who believe everything written by the ‘Good News’ author will see it as good news. But, for those who see it in a different light and do not wish to live the lifestyle proposed, it is not good news. It really boils down to how you interpret the written word.
And speaking of interpretation it befuddled me how Sean could read what I wrote and fire off a long, drawn out letter spreading his disgust, and maybe even hatred, of the homosexuals of this world.
He was quick to ask “What Bible are you reading, Harry?” Well, after reading Sean’s letter, I might ask “What column were you reading, Sean?” I was not reading any Bible. In fact, I haven’t read the Bible since it was shoved down my throat as a child. I was quoting the words of the nuns involved in the controversy of the Pope asking these hard-working ladies to ignore the poor and downtrodden and take sides in the long, drawn out presidential race in the U.S. This suggestion upset not just the Nuns, but many right-thinking people around the world.
However, this isn’t what Sean read. He ignored my message and quickly saw an opportunity to let the world know that his way was the right way, the only way, and if we questioned it, or failed to agree, we would all go to hell in a hand basket.
He was quick to let us know that ‘GNB’ stood for ‘Good News Bible’ not ‘Gay Nuns Bible’. In fact, he was so proud of that shot at the nuns he used it twice, even though there was no mention in the ‘Stew’ about gay nuns. But it does indicate that Sean has a sense of humour – as cruel it is.
Obviously no sense in getting into an argument/discussion with Sean re this. His mind is made up. He knows what is right, not just for him, but for the world. Hopefully we won’t meet in Heaven – if either of us makes it. Can’t imagine a worse fate than spending an eternity with Sean. --------------------
Mentioned the wonderful Jumpstart program sponsored by Canadian Tire and assisted by the service clubs of Uxbridge and other interested helpers. Also mentioned that all the funds raised stay in the community to help those families who can’t afford to have their children involved in the many sports and recreational activities that most of us take for granted.
Like most I didn’t realize there is a big need for this kind of program until I learned that one in every three children in Uxbridge cannot afford to take part. I was shocked. That is a lot of kids left standing on the sidelines when their friends are having fun, enjoying organized sports and staying in shape.
In 2005 the program helped 32 kids participate at a cost of $3881. As the public became aware of this problem the program has grown to 161 kids being helped at a cost of $20,000. So far, through the generosity of our residents, the program has raised $65,000.
With the increased financial support more programs will be added. Playground programs that will concentrate on fun and fitness at Elgin Park. Free watersports programs at Uxpool. Free fitness programs for stay-at-home families. Free skating parties at the arena. It is estimated there will be over 300 participants during 2012.
The Optimist Club has a slogan that goes something like this: ‘No one stands as tall as when they bend down to help a child’. Pleased to say we have so many ‘tall’ residents who donate to this wonderful program. Keep it up. ---------------------
The North Durham ‘Relay For Life’, the huge event that raises a ton of money in the battle to beat cancer, is being held right here in Uxbridge this year – June 8-9 in Elgin Park.
This disease I am sure has affected every resident of our community. Doesn’t matter who you talk to, they have lost a family member or a friend to cancer. If you have never been part of this fun event you don’t know what you are missing. It starts Friday night, June 8 and goes right through the night with relay teams walking the track around Elgin Park. Meanwhile there are a lot of games – even Jack Ballinger calling bingo at 2 in the morning – as well as other contests that add to the fun.
`Relay For Life` moves around North Durham and it is our turn this year. Port Perry and Sunderland have attracted huge numbers of participants and we hope to show them that Uxbridge can beat those numbers.
However, the main purpose of this event is to raise money for the battle against cancer. If you can’t attend please sponsor someone who will. You can get all the information you need by calling 1-800-668-7830 or going online at relayforlife.ca/northdurham.
Whether running, walking or just showing your support hope I`ll see you there. ------------------
A tip of the hat to the Bonner Boys who got behind the ‘Splash Pad’ project in our community and, through a lot of tough slugging, find themselves within a whisker of seeing their dream become a reality.
The event that could push this project over the top financially takes place in the Uxbridge Arena on Saturday, June 16. You and I can help give it that final push by buying a ticket, attending and having a good time. Can’t be easier than that. And you could drive away in a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze or Sonic (value $17,000) or one of the other cash prizes totalling $7,000. Plus you get to mix with all your friends, enjoy the live entertainment, dancing and then dine at the great buffet.
Easy to get a ticket! Just call 905-852-1374 or 905-852-3331. Do it today.
