Harry Stemp July 9, 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.
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Proud to be a Canadian
How could you help but be if you were in Ottawa celebrating Canada's birthday on July 1. I have always suggested that any Canadian who has not been part of the celebrations in Canada's capital should try and do it at least once.
Besides the thousands who roam the downtown streets, many of which are closed to accommodate the crowds, there are numerous events to attend.
One of these was Unisong 2009 presented by the National Arts Centre and the Arts Bureau for the Continents Festivals Inc.
Unisong, started in 1997, gathers together 10 choirs from across Canada who join together to form a 350-voice choir on the stage of the National Arts Centre as part of the Canada Day celebrations.
This year the show opened with a small native dance group and 5-year-old Theland Kicknosway, dressed in native warrior costume, stole the show and set the stage for what was to be a wonderful tribute to Canada and Canadian composers.
In front of a backdrop of a huge Canadian flag the singers, all dressed in yellow t-shirts and white slacks, completely mesmerized the full house as they performed one Canadian composition after another opening with the popular Newfoundland song “I's The By”.
The choir itself was a mosaic of life in Canada as we know it today. Members ranged from young to old, male and female and every race and colour imaginable. Most important they were all Canadians, and so proud to be representing their part of our country in this beautiful national theatre.
Co-founder of Unisong, Don Harper, said it all: “They come as strong representatives of their cities, regions and provinces. After five days rehearsing, eating, sightseeing and performing together, they return home as musical ambassadors of a united Canada. Unisong demonstrates vividly that Canada works best when Canadians work together”.
Canada Day is such a wonderful holiday and, each year, wherever you happen to be on July 1, we all celebrate the fact that we live in the greatest country in the world.
Hope you had a good one.
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Times sure change!
A few years ago a group of young men from Toronto arrived in Uxbridge to enjoy a game of hockey with Uxbridge friends.
Late in the evening, following the game, they wanted to grab a bite to eat before heading home. They arrived at the Texasburger, which, unfortunately, was closed at that late hour so they decided to begin their trek back.
Before heading out one of the men went behind a dumpster at the side of the restaurant to discreetly relieve himself. It was then that a police officer spotted this, arrested the young man and charged him with indecent exposure.
This incensed his Uxbridge friends but their protests fell on deaf ears. Memory fails, but I think he eventually paid a fine and the matter was soon forgotten.
Fast-forward to 2009 and the Gay Pride Parade in downtown Toronto. Walking proudly in the parade was a group of about 15 men completely naked except for some leather decorations to make them look chic - I suppose.
They did not try to hide anything, and marched along in front of women and children openly displaying their wares for all to see.
They also marched past several hundred Toronto police officers on duty handling crowd control. Not one officer stepped forward and charged these men with indecent exposure, although I am sure the law is still on the books.
But this is 2009, and these men are part of a minority group and as we all know minorities have all the rights in Canada. The majority has to sit back and swallow their comments in fear of being called bigots and racists.
As I said, times have changed. For the better? I'll let you be the judge.
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Lots of fuss over the death of Michael Jackson and everyone seems to playing up his famous 'moonwalk'.
You may be interested to know that M-J was really copying performers who perfected the 'moonwalk', some before he was born.
Go into YouTube to “Bill Bailey from 1955” and “Ronnie Hawkins from 1959” and take a look for yourself.
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Hope you have your calendar marked for the 2nd Annual Ribfest, which the Uxbridge Legion presents July 17, 18 and 19 in Elgin Park.
Lots of those finger-licking ribs to fill you up, a midway, local businesses along 'Uxbridge Ave.' and great local entertainment for your enjoyment. Plus a Car Show and Shine Show being added on Sunday this year.
Don't miss it. Fun for the whole family.
