Harry Oct 29, 2009
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.
Meeting is a Hoax!
Too bad people's mouths weren't controlled by the same rules the media applies to columnists and reporters. Check your facts and sources first.
This came to mind when I was asked Tuesday morning at a local coffee shop if I would be attending the important meeting being held at the Town Hall this Sunday.
Meeting? What's this about, I asked?
Couldn't believe my ears when I was told that Mayor Bob Shepherd intends to set an annual fee of $500 on every home computer. Home care of children and babysitting would be tightly controlled and banned in a lot of cases. People who own motor homes or recreational vehicles won’t be allowed to park in their laneway, and the list went on.
My first reaction, and I expressed it, was this was the biggest load of B-S to hit Uxbridge in my lifetime. Reminded me of that saying many farmers had - “don't lick your bottom lip because that brown stuff isn't chocolate - it's B-S”.
How was this to be policed, I asked?
Oh, the by-law officer would have the right to come on your property and inspect your home or your garage.
Without a search warrant? was my next question, fully realizing that this is one right Canadians still enjoy. Can't count the number of cases thrown out of court because law enforcement officers didn't have a legal search warrant.
The conversation went on, and it bothered me that these people actually believed the news they were spreading, so I decided to check it out, as per the first paragraph.
First call went to Councilor Jack Ballinger who was as flabbergasted as I was.
“I was at council meetings all day Monday, Harry, and this was never mentioned. I have no idea what they are talking about,” said Jack.
Next call went to Mayor Bob Shepherd, who immediately replied, “What? My God, how do these stories get started? There isn't a grain of truth to any of this, Harry.”
However, Mayor Bob did mention there seems to be a lot of confusion with the 'home business' by-law, which is before council. He did say that he would be speaking to the next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to explain the by-law in detail.
Mayor Bob said that people seem to think this is a negative by-law when, in reality, the by-law is designed to encourage more home businesses. He also ended the call with a thank you for making him aware of this rumour, and added that residents should call himself or the municipal offices anytime to get the correct information on meetings being planned.
So, if you show up at the Town Hall Sunday afternoon expecting a meeting, you may well be standing there alone and you will not have Mayor Bob Shepherd or any member of council greet you.
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Recently I was pleased to be invited to the variety show performed by residents of Shobrook Gardens, Toronto Street S.
Great to be with a lot of people I haven't seen in a few years, but even better to see friends and neighbors taking the stage in a fun performance.
Directing the show was Pat Rattray who, along with a lot of residents, gave us a couple of hours of entertaining skits and musical numbers.
Highlight for me was the surprise presentation to my good friend Jack Moore, a World War II veteran who moved into Uxbridge from Toronto about six years ago.
Jack, in his early nineties, is a tall, friendly guy who soon endeared himself to everyone he met, so it was a nice surprise when he was welcomed to a huge chair on the stage. After a short interview by the MC, Jack's 'harem' was called to the stage.
Surrounded by several female residents of Shobrook Gardens, Jack was asked why he had a harem. Without missing a beat he broke up the crowd with his reply, “Oh, it's so difficult to choose only one. I hate to hurt people's feelings.”
That's our Jack, and he wasn't the only one with a bit of tear on his cheeks. Those who know he is moving and will miss his cheery personality, also had a tear of sadness.
We'll miss you, Jack.
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Just a reminder that the annual Poppy Drive starts this Friday and you will see veterans and Legion members around the community asking for your support for this very worthwhile campaign.
Funds raised go to help the many veterans we still have amongst us, as well as those who were widowed because their loved one made the supreme sacrifice to protect the wonderful life we enjoy as Canadians.
So please give generously, wear a poppy proudly, knowing that you are helping those who gave so much in the wars in which our country has been, and still is, involved.
The campaign ends on November 11, when I hope that everyone will turn out at the Cenotaph on Brock Street where we will remember those tragic events.
