Category Archives: The business of…
Q & A with Jamie Lindsay
February Issue – Uxbridge Town Talk
It is a bitterly cold winter day as I’m writing this, with the wind snapping outside and angry snowflakes hitting the window. Thank goodness in February we have two reasons to celebrate: Valentine’s and Family days.
Both are about love, which brings much-needed warmth to these long winter days. It’s been interesting to watch how holidays change once you have a family. February 14 is no longer just about my husband and I, but about decorating the house with pink and red streamers, heart window clings in our living room and cinnamon candies in a dish at the kitchen table, all for our wee girls. Still love, just in a different form.
This month we did a different take on our local products, and instead wrote about free or low-cost ways to show your loved ones you care. See page 21 for our ideas, and thanks to the fans on our Facebook page for suggesting the idea. You’ll also see their thoughts on what an ideal Valentine would be on our Tidbits page.
Then you must read the charming story of Ernie and Yvonne Stokes, our Faces of Uxbridge subjects who share their secret to lasting love, 43 years into their marriage.
Read on for the Ice Man’s story, a group of ladies weaving milk bags for street children, a local business owner bringing a taste of Hollywood home, and much more. Be sure to see all the events planned for Family Day in town, too!
Next month we will celebrate spring and also the seniors of Uxbridge. We’d love any story ideas you have – local seniors doing great things, challenges and photos – so please email me at carly@uxbridgetowntalk.com or call our office at 905 862 3747.
Enjoy! Carly
The Business of…Squash(the sport, not the veggie)
What: Uxbridge Squash Club
Who: Jonathan Gladstone, chairman of the executive committee
Why: This volunteer group of squash enthusiasts runs the club out of Uxpool’s one court. Members are all ages and both sexes, Gladstone said, from homemakers to construction workers, and lawyers to retirees. One needs little more than non-marking shoes and goggles to play. Racquets and balls can be borrowed at the court.
How: Box-league format, round-robin style groups players in four by quality, in three different leagues, offering variety. The club plays Monday to Thursday evenings and a new daytime Saturday time slot
By the numbers: Started around 1972, the club usually sits at 40 members ranging in age from 16 to 74. Each match is approximately 40 minutes, and plays to 9 points. The club’s website—with schedules and private members’ area—has operated for almost 10 years. The North American-style court at Uxpool is 18.5”x32”. The club costs $20 to join, plus a membership to Uxpool. The club runs youth clinics for ages 10 to 16
Biggest reward: “It’s great exercise, and really good stress relief,” said Gladstone, who started playing the sport 30 years ago. “You can hit that little ball as hard as you can. I really got to love squash while in engineering school where it was a great way to unwind.”
Biggest challenge: Like any sport, you have to have the discipline to come out and play. “That’s what the club is really good for: they schedule the games for you with people you know you’re going to have a good competitive match with,” Gladstone said
Neat: Gladstone’s wife, Liz Williams, won the level D championship when she was five-months pregnant; son Simon is now 16
Contact: 905 852 4489 www.uxsquash.ca
The Business of…Big Brothers and Sisters
Who: Sharon Murdoch, director of mentoring for Big Brothers and Sisters of North Durham
What: With chapters across the country, Big Brothers and Big Sisters matches volunteers over 18 with kids ages 6 to 14 in two programs. The in-school mentoring program is very defined: you meet once a week for one hour on school property. A great fit for busy people who don’t want or have time for a long commitment while still making a big impact in a child’s life. The traditional program is much more flexible and happens in a volunteer’s home or doing an activity in the community. Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds encourages active living, healthy eating and positive self-image for girls 12 to 14, while Mentoring Through Literacy encourages youth risk taking in the classroom via educators such as teachers and students.
Where: With a head office in Port Perry, the north Durham chapter serves Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge townships.
How: To help make great matches, volunteers and kids are screened for things like why they want to participate, what they hope to achieve, interests and general life info. One myth Murdoch wants to debunk is that the children are troubled. “Kids can utilize our services for anything, whether they are new to the community, or shy, having difficulty fitting in and struggling to talk with family, experiencing personal loss or change in family dynamic,” Murdoch says.
By the numbers: In 2009, there were 94 active matches, with 76 in-school mentoring and 18 traditional match-ups. More than $120,000 was raised last year via grants, fundraising and donations. 2011 marks the club’s 35th anniversary, while the North American organization was founded in 1909.
Yearly events: Chicken wing night, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Red Knights Motorcycle Ride, Halloween Dance, 50/50 draws.
Biggest challenge: Not enough funding. Securing volunteers, especially men. Little Brothers are waiting for matches in Sandford, Beaverton and Port Perry, while facilitators are needed for Go Girls! and the literacy programs.
Biggest reward: Seeing the impact in not only the kids’, but also the volunteers’ lives. The north Durham chapter has several mentors who’ve volunteered for 10 years or more. “You should never underestimate the power of an hour focused on an individual child,” Murdoch says. “When someone that does not have to be there or get paid to be there but is choosing to be there with them? That makes them feel special.”
Contact: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/northdurham/ or call 905 985 3733
