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.
The value of a vote
When I see what is happening in Afghanistan as they go through general elections I get very upset with Canadians and, closer to home, many residents of Uxbridge.
Afghans value the right to vote to the extent that many risk their lives to be able to mark their 'X' for the candidate of their choice. In fact, the death toll has moved in to the high 20's as I write this, as rebels do everything in their power to disrupt the elections and destroy their right to vote and to live in a free country.
As Canadians, we have had the right to freely choose our governments since Confederation. Many Canadians, young and old, gave their lives in two world wars to guarantee that we would never lose that right and Canada would remain a strong and free country.
So how do we account for the lack of interest by more than half of Canadians, residents of this community included, when election time rolls around? Back in 2002, members of Uxbridge council decided to make it really convenient to vote by opting for the mail-in ballot. No more trudging to the polls in all kinds of weather. Just mark your 'X”, seal the envelope, drop it in the mail and sit back and wait for the results to be announced.
Everyone thought that this convenient way of voting would result in a huge increase of votes being cast. Not so; even with the ease of being able to send your ballot in a postage paid envelope, we are lucky if half of our residents have their say at election time. What a shame. It wouldn't surprise me if those people around the world who have never enjoyed the freedoms that we, as Canadians, take for granted look on in shock at the disinterest we show in being able to freely choose our leaders.
Here in Uxbridge we have 22 candidates seeking your support for a seat on council. As well as eight who are running for positions on one of the three school boards. That's 30 people who have taken an interest and show that they want to be part of making those decisions that are so important to the future of this wonderful community.
Would it hurt any of us to at least make the effort to vote?
You know as well I do the answer is 'no'. So do your part when you receive your ballot in the mail. Listen to what the candidates stand for then vote as you like - but vote.
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On the subject of elections, several election forums will be held around the community so you can learn firsthand what each candidate stands for. See the ad on page 13 for a list of them. Despite the fact that a large portion of our tax dollars goes to operating the schools in the Region, there are no meetings planned for you to hear from the school board candidates. But stay tuned and watch the papers as that may change.
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Great to see Julie Slater and Bill Kearley recognized at the start of the annual Terry Fox run in Uxbridge. The run has been going for 30 years and both Julie and Bill have taken part every one of those years, and they wanted to be part of this important anniversary.
Bill isn't enjoying the best of health, but thanks to friends at the Legion a wheelchair was supplied and President Jack Ballinger pushed Bill for a total of five kilometres and then Bill managed to leave the chair and do a short walk.
The Uxbridge run is organized by a large number of dedicated volunteers and is well supported by the community. Hats off for their efforts and a big pat on the back to residents like Julie and Bill for never missing a beat.
The memory of Terry Fox is alive and well in Uxbridge.
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The hard-working members of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary are at it again as they announce their Second Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser will be held on October 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the beautiful Wyndance Golf Club just south of town. This was a very popular event last year, but the changes planned for the October evening makes it one you just won't want to miss. The event plans to incorporate a Structured Wine Appreciation element, with wine donated by Diamond Wines, Foster's Group, Gallo, Diageo & Peller Estates.
Several area restaurants - Wyndance Golf Club, The Tin Mill, Frankie's & Steak Out - will prepare and serve food pairings. There will also be an opportunity to taste a selection of cheeses from Nature’s Emporium and an olive oil tasting donated by Sarafino.
During the evening, there will be a live art auction showcasing a variety of works by the talented artists from within our community. No doubt this will be one of the social highlights of the season and, besides having a fun evening, your attendance will help raise a lot of money for our Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. A win-win situation if you ask me.
So let your family and friends know all about it and tell them they can get tickets for only $50 from the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation Office, The Tin Mill Restaurant or Presents Presents.
