Uxbridge Information & Events

Uxbridge, Ontario - B.A.D. - Ride 13

What A great day for a road trip, traversing over rolling hills, passing along side rivers and canals, by market gardens and through the picturesque villages of Kettleby, Brown Hill, Zephyr and Udora. Last year 1150 bikes and almost 1500 people joined in for B.A.D. Ride XII, this event raised almost $210,000 dollars to support Distress Centres.

One rider we spoke to estimated there were in excess of 2,000 bikers on the B.A.D Ride today as it Passed through Uxbridge. He also said we just missed about 30 who had stopped to fill up at the Local Gas Station in Udora.

There were only a few left by the time I arrived with my camera

The Stragglers Headed Through Udora

The ride paused at various spots along the way such as the the Belvedere Cookhouse Saloon in Pefferlaw, and the Udora General Store and The local Gas Bar before heading south through Uxbridge to The Markham Fairgrounds for an afternoon filled with great food, music and entertainment.

About the Distress Centres

Since 1967 the Distress Centres has provided 24-hour telephone support, 365 days a year. They continue to offer round the clock response to those experiencing emotional distress or in need of crisis intervention in addition to face to face support and counseling for people dealing with the effects of suicide and homicide.

Distress Centres

• have 600 volunteers who operate at three locations across the GTA (Downtown, North Toronto and Scarborough)
• respond to approximately 120,000 calls each year on the Distress Centres Helplines.
• after hours and on weekends, when other services are closed, is when more than half of their calls are received.
• provide consultation and outreach to other organizations across Ontario on suicide prevention.
• provide a "Resource Library" accessible to families, volunteers, staff and interested members of the community.
• provide assistance, in person, to persons dealing with a homicidal death through their "Homicide Bereavement Programme".
• through face-to-face "Survivor Support Programme", they counsel 500 families and friends annually who are suffering from the pain of bereavement caused by suicide.

Distress Lines are open 24 hours, 7 days a week 416-408-HELP (4357)

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 MAKE IT A GREAT DAY

Uxbridge, Ontario - Moving To Uxbridge? - A Musical Community

Uxbridge is blessed with a wide variety of Musical Talent and Groups for you to join or enjoy. This weekend is a prime example of the variety that is available.

The Uxbridge Youth Theatre Presentation Of Godspell

May 27th, 28th and 29th 2010 at 7:30 pm
June 3rd, 4th and 5th 2010 at 7:30 pm
with Saturday matinees at 2:00 pm

At the Uxbridge Music Hall - Tickets available at Presents, Presents, Presents

Conceived and originally directed by John_Michael Tebeleak
Music and new lyrics by Stephan Schwaretz
Originally produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury / Stuart Duncan / Joseph Beruh

Movie Trailer for Godspell The Movie

Fridays At The Foster

This Friday features Erwin Schack an amazing local fingerstyle guitarist and "The Amabile Singers" a Choir visiting our area from Pau, France .

7:30 pm - admission by donation - 9499 Concession 7

Music With A French Connection

Make It A Great Week End

For More Of The Series On Moving To Uxbridge

For More Local Uxbridge Information and Local Web Directories
For The Communities of Uxbridge, Port Perry / Scugog Whitchurch / Stouffville and Georgina

Have You Been Carded Yet?

Roughly six million or 2/3 of the estimated 9 million people who enjoy Canadian waterways each year have failed to be carded.

Are you one?

With the ever increasing popularity of recreational boating the federal government introduced new requirements in 1999 under the Competency of Operator of Pleasure Craft Regulations that now require all operators to have taken a competency test and to retain and carry a proof of competency card.

There are approximately six thousand boating incidents with 150 fatalities and hundreds of injuries across Canada each year.

Everyone who "operates"

a motor powered (boat) craft (under power or not), including non residents who have a pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 days in the year, is required to have one. Not having one on you could cost you a $250.00  fine or more

In General

The transport Canada web site contains the following information

All operators of Pleasure Craft fitted with a motor are now required to have proof of competency on board.

Proof of competency can take one of three forms: 

•  
  • proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999
  • a Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued following the successful completion of an accredited test
  • a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats, valid for the rental period)
    

source Transport Canada

For further information and frequently asked questions visit the Transport Canada web site

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY

To learn more about what housing options
Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just give me a call or

Muskoka Beckons

Remember to wear a certified personal flotation device and don't drink and boat.  

This week is the beginning of Safe Boating Awareness Week and the OPP Marine Unit will be out on the waterways to help prevent drowning and other incidents on Ontario waterways this long weekend.

Drive Safe

Traffic on north bound highways is already starting to build as the first long weekend of the summer driving season gets under way. The Ontario Provincial Police will be using all available resources to ensure that Ontario's highways, trail, and waterways remain among the safest in the world.

"Safety on the highways, waterways and trails is not only a concern for the OPP but for all citizens of Ontario and our visitors. The OPP aircraft will assist officers on the ground, watching for aggressive drivers and speeders". said OPP Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Highway Safety Division.

As in previous years, the OPP will be working with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to ensure that vehicles are safe, loads are secure and towing attachments are properly installed.

Remember - Drive Safe - Arrive Alive

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEKEND!!! 

To learn more about what housing options Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms
Check Out Homes For Sale On My Listing Web Site

Uxbridge,Ontario - On Your way To The Cottage - Or A Staycation Destination

Some will scramble to beat the traffic others will get caught up in it and still others will stay home or take local day trips. Regardless of your destination remember to slow down and Live. Durham Regional Police program CRUSH THE RUSH along with the OPP and other police forces will be out on the weekend targeting Jumping in and out of traffic (aggressive driving), speeding, and impaired drivers. 

For those staying, visiting,  or passing through Uxbridge this weeked here are a few things you can do or see:

Tonight May 20th The Cruise In returns to Living Waters on Reach Street with entertainment by singer Chris Johnston. FREE Photos from the last cruz Sept 09

Friday May 21st Fridays At The Foster at 7:30 with The One Voice Choir DONATIONS About the Foster Memorial

Saturday the 22nd The Uxbridge Historical centre opens for the season ADMISSION

To learn more about what housing options Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms
Check Out Homes For Sale On My Listing Web Site

Uxbridge, Ontario - Events - Annual Spring Tour Of Homes

It`s time once aging to gather some friends for a day trip to Uxbridge to take in the Annual Tour of Homes presented by the

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH WOMEN, UXBRIDGE

The doors of over 200 homes have been opened over the last forty years generating thousands of dollars for charities and special projects thanks to the United Church Women. This dedicated group of volunteers along with the gracious homeowners who open their doors have enabled this years tour to offer a delightful selection of homes once again. 

This Years Tour Takes Place

Saturday, June 5, 2010
12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
$15.00 per person
Tea and cookies included

Tickets are available before June 5th at
Uxbridge Pharma Choice (Brock Street at Main)
Shopper's Drug Mart (Elgin Pk, Dr.) 
 and
Trinity United Church
20 First Ave Uxbridge, Ontario
or
Tour Homes
on June 5th
For additional information call the church office at 852-6213

Adults only please!
Slippers must be worn in the homes!

.... More - Last Years Homes

To learn more about what housing options Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms
Check Out Homes For Sale On My Listing Web Site

Uxbridge, Ontario - Moving To Uxbridge? - Everything Equine

The Uxbridge Horsemans Assocation is once again presenting The Everything Equine Expo in Elgin Park. This years show Takes place on Sat, May 15th - 9am to 6pm - Admission $10.00

About the Trade Show

• The trade show Everything Equineis an annual event hosted by the Uxbridge Horseman's Association
• Vendors come from all over the province to share great deals, products, and information on everything equine!
• The event features a variety of demonstrations, lectures, and educational sessions from professionals.
• Kids 12 and Under are FREE to the Trade Show!
• The first 100 kids 12 and under at the kids tent will be able to paint a pony. 
• Connor from the Saddle Club Serieswill be at the tent to sign autographs from 11:30 am  to approx. noon and again from 1:30 pm to approx. 2:00 pm.
• Sideroad (the band) will provide evening entertainment on the stage from 5:00pm till 8:00pm

Thinking of locating in Uxbridge

There is a growing number of equestrian properties in and around Uxbridge

To learn more about what housing options Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates, farms or equestrian property
Give Me A Call 905.852.6143

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!! 

BEB ... What Is It?

Benign Essential Blepharospasm

"The term blepharospasm ['blef-a-ro-spaz-m] can be applied to a forced, sustained, and involuntary closure of the eyelids. It stems from a number of causes, beginning with dry eyes, and, may progress to a state where the person is "legally blind".

The blepharospasm referred to here is officially calledBenign Essential Blepharospasm(BEB). "Benign" indicates the condition is not life threatening, and "essential" is a medical term meaning "of unknown cause"." www.blepharospasm.ca

Injecting a Deadly Poison into your face provides short term relief.

Currently the most common form of treatment is periodic injections of botulinum toxin. You can learn more about the toxin and it's use at   Botulinum Toxin: A Deadly Poison Sheds Its Negative Image

Yes Grandma Wears Funky Glasses

More often than not you will see me wearing what my grandchildren call funky glasses ... not to be cool or to be told they look like Elton John's but because Grandma has this very rare eye condition, called Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB),

This movement disorder of the eyelids affects an estimated 5 out of every 100000 people, mostly women, with the average age of onset being 56. 

Benign Essential Blepharospasm Week

Toronto May 16th to May 22nd

Hopefully this post will help raise awareness of this disorder which in turn will help in raising funds for research into the cause to help find a cure. 

Help Raise Awareness

Help spread the word

REBLOG THIS POST

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!! 

Is The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) A Harmful Tax Grab?

REALTORS® are often asked how the new HST will affect the real estate transaction. When it comes to purchasing your new home there still seems to be some confusion as to what is taxable or how much more tax you will pay depending on when you purchased and when the deal closes. 

You may surprised to find that we will be paying additional taxes on our heating and hydro bills starting July 1st.

In an attempt to put a positive spin on the New HST The Province claims about 83% of the goods and services we purchase will see no new tax ".  While this sounds good it is only because most if not all are already double taxed and the new HST simply blends those taxes together.

That leaves about 17% of the goods and services we consume having an additional tax (grab) levied against them. Things like personal and professional services such as hairstyling, lawyers fees and real estate commissions as well as hydro and home heating fuel will all go up by 8% on July 1st

Here are just a few of the "little" things you will be paying 8% more for thanks to the HST.

Chart Information Obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Revenues web site,
you can download the full Provincial PDF version of the chart HERE.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!! 

To learn more about what housing options Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just
Check Out Homes For Sale On My Listing Web Site

The Toronto Real Estate Board has published the Housing Market Stats for April. It shows an active market, with most of the Stats showing improvement over April 09. Take a look at the charts to see how the market is doing.

These charts offer a snapshot look at trends across the board. To discuss today's local market conditions, the current value of your home or the marketing of you Home please give me a call

Toronto Real Estate Board Statistics April 2010 Just Click On Any Graph

To discuss today's market conditions,
the current value of your home
or the marketing of you Home
please give me a call at 905.852.6143
or better yet
Text Me from my web site.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!!!

Random Thoughts ... I Hear The Thunder

When We Drum We Are One Put somewhere in the neighbourhood of 400 Young K to Grade 8 students in an arena, all with Djembe Drums. Add an assortment of other African Drums along with their instructor, friend and mentor Ron Cross and you could hear the thunder. As I sat in the arena listening I could not help but think what a wonderful opportunity for all the children to participate in a non competitive way. Children from 12 different schools participated with other children they did not know before this event. It was amazing to watch the children as this "pied piper" of the drums led them first as individual classes then enmass through their drum sequences. The thunder threatened to bring down the roof as they all drummed in unision. Teachers and parents both see long-term benefits to their children: reducing stress, increasing self confidence and breaking down barriers between cultures and ages. Ron's involvement has led to permanently funded youth drumming programs in schools.

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In My Mothers Eyes

She held the wee bundle close, gazing into the tiny face just moments old; speaking in a soft voice, she welcomed her long anticipated first daughter. Two big school aged brothers waited at home to greet their baby sister, but for a short time it was just the two of them, alone together. The birthing room was a quiet diminutive space, tucked away up on the second floor of the local nursing home. With the infant at arms reach, she passed the hours either watching her sleep or cradling her close, loving every moment of this peaceful time, alone with her daughter.

The babe was cuddled in the newly hemmed pink flannel receiving blanket, one of the 3 that she had lovingly hand stitched in preparation for this longed awaited occasion.  Mom smiled as she continued to explore, gazing on the pink wrinkled infant face; she felt exhausted, but was now content. She hummed her favorite lullabies, inhaling the new baby scent, gently rocking her soft tiny bundle. Welcoming her newborn she began to explain to the gently resting baby about life, telling her solftly how much she was loved, how as mother she would always be there to protect and support her, that she would watch over and educate her, how much she was welcomed, and how the family had waited for this great day.

The baby's dark partially opened eyes looked up, not that she could see distinctly, but still looking up, searching towards this loving voice. Somehow she seemed to grasp and understand the strong trust and love bonding them together as mother and daughter.

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 A Time To Let Go

 As Mom lay on her bed in the nursing home she looked at peace, the twinges of pain that had crossed her face since the stroke earlier were now gone.  Sometimes her glassy opaque eyes would open and with a vacant stare she appeared to be looking at those around her.  I am sure Mom  could hear the soft voice's singing surrounding her and seemed to be looking to see who was there. Her daughter's hand gently stroked her arm, always the warmth of her hand touching, soothing, the comfort of knowing she cared, that she wanted to be by her side.

The days wore on, Mom never regained consciousness, but the calming voices continued to sing and speak gently.  Mom, it's OK to go now, just relax and let it be.  You have been an amazing mom, I love you.  You have trained us well and now it is time for you to go on to your great reward.  I remained within arms reach and continued to hum softly, gazing into the road maps on the face of the woman who had given  me life, welcomed me into her world and cherished me each day of her life. 

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Happy Mothers Day Mom 

I Know you watch over us still

Especially on Mothers Day

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A Time To Remember

Mothers hold a special place in the hearts of their children and my mom is no exception. As Mothers day approaches and I prepare for my "children" and grand children to come for dinner I know I will be remembering My Mom, all that she taught me, all that she stood for and all that she was. In time the memories of her illness will fade but not the blessings she bestowed on all who considered her a friend, mother, grandmother, mother inlaw. She was an inspiration to many

Mothers Day

A Time To Remember

For all the Huck Finn Fans in Uxbridge .....

Following up on the heals of Uxbridges Huck Finn Day Sotheby's International announced, on the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's death, an Auction Of some 200 items to be put up for Auction in June.

Uxbridge, Ontario - 72 Hours To Survive - Are You Ready For It

Almost twice a year Ontario residents are faced with a disaster. From 1900 to 2005 there have been 185 disasters in Ontario. 

Emergency Preparedness Week May 2 to May 8th 2010 is coordinated by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and other partners. You are encouraged to be ready to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency. This will allow the focus to be on those in urgent need by first responders.

What are the risks in Ontario

Some of the natural risks here in Ontario include flooding, severe storms, and forest fires. Some other risks may develop as a result of these or non natural events. A Transportation accident as simple as an automobile hitting a hydro pole could result in a power failures. A train derailment or tractor trailer accident could cause you to face evacuation due to the escape of toxic chemicals. The possibilities are numerous depending on where you live.

Severe Storms

Severe or sudden storms are possibly our most common threat as they can cause wide spread property damage and power outages as well as cause personal injuries. While we do not receive a lot of Mother natures worst storms in large numbers we have had ice storms, tornadoes and hurricanes affect areas of southern Ontario,

Power Outages

Perhaps our greatest threat with the combination of our aging transmission lines, severe weather conditions and a myriad of other factors that can suddenly leave us with out power. We depend on power to operate the various units in our home that keep our food fresh, our homes warm, and to power life giving equipment. The loss of power can very quickly turn into a personal disaster for those who depend on it for life giving equipment. An additional item to consider for your "emergency kit" would be a generator, and a short term fuel supply for it, capable of supplying at least the minimum amount of powere you would require in an emergency.

Flooding

We have passed the Spring Thaw Threat for flooding around Uxbridge, but flooding still remains a possibility due to heavy rains. Several Articles in the local press of late have commented on the concerns of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority involving the possibilities of flooding in the downtown core.

While it does not happen often we have had occasions where property in and around Uxbridge have been subjected to flooding. At risk is the downtown core and homes located on valley lands near local streams and rivers.

Forest or Grass Fires

The local risk is minimized by the controlling of outdoor burning by town bylaws and the ability of our first responders to act quickly to put down any threat.

BE PREPARED

Have a Basic Emergency Kit ready for use in case of an emergency. Your kit should contain the following in sufficient quantities to last "72 Hours"

Food and water - remember to replace them at regular intervals - minimum intervals once a year. Food that won't spoil, canned food, energy bars, dried foods and at least 2 liters of water per person per day

Power may be off for a while so include a manual can opener, flashlights and spare batteries along with a wind up or battery powered radio.

A first aid Kit including special needs items such as prescriptions or other medications, special bay formulas and special equipment for people with disabilities.

Extra Keys for your car and home.

Cash in smaller bills along with change for pay phones if required.

You need to include an Emergency Plan, make sure it has in town and out of town contact information.

Last but not least have it packed and ready to go in case you should have to evacuate your home. A suitcase on wheels is an ideal container for your "Kit"

For additional Information Visit Emergency Managment Ontario or Public Safety Canada

 The following is courtesy Emergency Managment Ontario