No were not talking about a Chip and Dale event but we are talking about a business that recognizes times have changed and so has who we market to. They recognize that what once worked well is no longer enough. Like today's web savvy real estate professionals they recognize that it is not enough to open a store front do a little newspaper advertising and sit back and wait They recognize the importance of getting involved in the community and paying back with a variety of programs such as their Huck Finn Youth Fishing Day. They recognize the need for a corporate social conscience. TIMES HAVE CHANGED!! There was a time when the male members of our species dominated the aisles of this local haunt. It was almost their exclusive domain with little to attract the average female. Over time it ... 04/18/2009

Ah!! The days of our youth, the days of building a raft and floating it on the pond in the field, pretending to be Huckleberry Finn, your head filled with dreams of being on the raft as it lazily drifts down the meandering Mississippi River.   Ah!! Those carefree days, filled with memories to be shared with your children. Share some of those memories on Sat April 25th. Bring your youngsters out to Elgin pond in Uxbridge and reminisce about those days. Teach your kids the fine art of fishing as you join in this Uxbridge Youth Fishing Event. No Fishing Gear No Problem There is free fishing rod and reel loaners and  free bait. One of the first things you do is line up for your poles and cup of worms....always a challenge to get the wiggly worms on those little hooks, but there is usually a... 04/18/2009

Uxbridge Blugrass Concert to Support the ArtsCan Circle Once again Silverbirch, a five piece Bluegrass band, hosts an evening of acoustic music at the Uxbridge Music Hall.  In the past this fund raiser has provided funds to worthy causes such as The Stephan Lewis Foundation, The Cancer Society, The Uxbridge Youth Centre and other local causes. This year's focus is on at risk youth in Canada's native communities with the funds raised being given to The ArtsCan Circle . The ArtsCan Circle was inspired by the work of Mike Stevens, a multi-talented harmonica player who had been traveling to Native communities in Labrador, at his own expense, to share his music and distribute hundreds of harmonicas in an effort to help his young listeners discover music for themselves. An independent, volun... 03/22/2009

Keep Your Children Away From Swollen Streams and Rivers Almost 8 weeks earlier than last year the rivers and streams around Uxbridge are swollen with the early thaw. Near record temperatures have melted all but the piles of snow around the edge of driveways roadways and parking lots. With the ground still frozen the water quickly forms into rivulets running into the streams and rivers that abound in and around Uxbridge. Water in local rivers can rise overnight into dangerous torrents as can be seen in Dangerous Waters Abound.   02/14/2009

Homebuyers Helped by the Federal Budget It is great to see a Federal Budget that puts more money in the pockets of home buyers and owners. One of the most important announcements in the new budget is the change to the Home Buyer's Plan that proposes to increase the maximum amount that individuals can withdraw, tax free, from their RRSP to put towards the down payment on a home.  It has now gone from $20,000.00 to $25,000.00. Another important announcement for home buyers is a tax credit that will help to offset the closing costs associated with buying a home.  Closing costs include items like legal fees, and land transfer taxes.  The Federal Budget includes a first time home buyer's tax credit of 15 percent on up to $5,000.00 of the closing costs associated with a home purchase. This me... 02/12/2009

Napoleon Hill, born in 1887, made this statement in his ground breaking book, Think and Grow Rich written in 1937; where he established and shares the principals of success.  He went on to become America's most beloved motivational author. He has been quoted since that time by most motivational speakers throughout the world, his books have inspired thousands, his words still ring true to this day. His work stands as a monument to individual achievement and is the cornerstone of modern motivation. Sometimes we just need a reason to make change, to take stock of where we are in life at a given time, take stock and make the time to investigate and implement ways to improve.  For many New Years is the time for reflection, looking back, taking time to analyze and looking to the future. "Live... 01/24/2009

As Barrie drove home from work yesterday he was very impressed to see that the bridges along the Highway of Heroes were lined with people. Standing in the freezing cold, they were there to pay their respects to 3 more members of the Canadian Military who gave their lives trying to bring a little peace into the world. As we approach the New Yearit is important that we think of thosewho stand in Harms Wayto ensure we are able to enjoythe peace that we do If I could wish one thing for all next yearPeace and Goodwill to all.     12/31/2008

Never has there been such a quest for Truth, such a yearning for Peace, such a longing for Love Never such a striving to understand and to be Understood Never has there been such a need for the Spirit that is Christmas   At this beautiful season let us all remember that the greatest gift of all is love. My you have a loving Christmas surrounded by family and friends. From our House to YoursWe wish You all the Blessings of Christmasand A Super New Year   Kathy and Barrie 12/20/2008

The Nutcracker Comes to Uxbridge The original Nutcracker Ballet was based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Today each choreographer adds their own spin so it is different in detail from the original story, but generally the basic plot remains the same; The story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads. In 1891, choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet and in 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre, home of the Kirov Ballet. The Nutcracker arrived in Western Europe in the 1930's and made its way to America by 1940. The first American full length Nutcracker was choreographed by W. Chr... 12/14/2008

As our economy slows down many local volunteer groups that provide support to our community are beginning to notice a reduction in the financial support they receive. One such group is Sunrise A group of dedicated volunteers who provide support to Young Mom's in our community. As their resources begin to dry up they are faced with the potential cutting of the educational and practical support they provide. You can help make a difference in the life of a child by supporting this small group today with a one time contributation or an on going one.   Below is an email that was sent out to their mailing list today     Uxbridge Pregnancy Centre Sunrise — Support for Young Moms P.O. Box 1807, Uxbridge, ON 905-852-4192 www.uxbridgepregnancycentre.com  www.sunriseuxbridge.com   Sunrise is makin... 12/14/2008

Just How Old Do You Think I Am? I was born before: Television, Penicillin, Polio Shots, Contact Lenses, the Pill or the Patch, CT Scans and MRI's, Frozen Foods, SUV's, Road Rage or Xerox. Man had not invented:pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and man hadn't yet walked on the moon. There were no:credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens. Mac's were a type of apple, but you ate them, and PC's were a political party In my Youth: We had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. You could buy a... 12/14/2008

Hydro One Customers We received a little notice with our hydro bill showing the new rates and thresholds for those rates for the winter period running from Nov 1st, 08 to April 30th, 09. Under the old rates a residential and/or most farm users would have paid $50.00 for the first 1,000 kwh or 5 cents a kwh under the new regulated price you will pay $56 for that same 1,000 kwh or 5.6 cents per kwh. and for all usage above the 1,000 kwh you will now pay 6.5 cents a kwh instead of 5.9 cents per kwh That increase of $6.00 represents a 12% increase for the average consumer who consumes 1,000 kwh monthly The notice states that the increase is only 2.3% if you consider the change in threshold as well but that threshold will change back in the spring and the rates won't so your real increrase i... 12/09/2008

Uxbridge Residents along with the rest of Durham Region are expected to put out less garbage, or at least recycle more, starting March 30 2009. We received a flyer in the mail spelling out some of the changes that are supposed to bring Brock, Clarington, Scugog and Uxbridge in line with the other lakeshore municipalities in Durham Region that have already achieved greater waste reduction rates. Starting March 30th 2009 only four bags of garbage will be picked up on a biweekly basis, That is down from the 3 bags currently allowed weekly. Bag Tags For residents who wish to put out more than the allowed number of garbage bags they will be able to purchase bag tags for $1.50 to put on the additional bags. In Uxbridge the tags can be purchased at the Town Offices, the Library or the Zephyr L... 12/02/2008

  Don't Forget! You can purchase your holiday decorations, hostess gifts, Christmas candy, holiday jewelery and more from the Christmas Store. Benifits to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Auxiliary With all proceeds going to the Auxiliary this is a win win for our community. You can give back to the community through this worthwhile effort by the auxiliary and save on fuel (reduce your carbon footprint) by shopping locally. The store is located at 20 bascom street across from the fire hall and they are open five days a week Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm ...  till December 20th 11/29/2008

The Ladies of the Foster Present a reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"  Sunday Nov. 30 @ 2:00 pm At The Foster Memorial 4 km north of Uxbridge on Durham 1 Directed by Celia Smith Music by Jane Loewen With French Christmas Carols by Marie Lynn Hammond and Brian O'Sullivan   " A Christmas Carol" was the first of the Charles Dickens five "Christmas books" and was instantly successful, selling over six thousand copies in one week.  First published on December 19th 1843 the tale has become one of the most popular and enduring Christmas stories of all time.   from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For those unable to attend the above reading in Uxbridge there is another reading in Stouffville in support of the York-Durham Aphasia Centre ... at Christ Church Anglican Church ... 254 ... 11/27/2008

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Saturday November 29th 11:00 am Downtown Uxbridge The annual Santa Clause parade takes place this Saturday with other Christmas related events also taking place around the parade schedule. During the parade the BIA (Uxbridge Business Improvement Area) Members will be handing out shopping Bags with a chance to win a photo with the jolly old fellow him self or your share of the give away, $10,000 in coupons redeemable at BIA Member Businesses. Take advantage of this opportunity to show support for the local business people, the people you rely on to provide support to the various groups you or your children belong to throughout the year, by doing your Christmas shopping while you are in town for the parade. After the Parade there will be a Carnival in the vac... 11/26/2008

In his post You and "YOUR" Uxbridge Property Tax Bill -- OUCH!!!!! Barrie talks about the impact the new 2008 Property Assessment will have on your 2009 Property Tax Bill. If you were wondering how much more taxes you will have to pay check out his post You and "YOUR" Uxbridge Property Tax Bill -- OUCH!!!!!  You may also want to read some of his other posts on property taxes and assessment while you are there. Remember the formula for calculating your tax bill "the Mill Rate x The Assessed Value = Your Property Tax Bill" Read Barrie's post for the details but to give you and idea if the mill rate remained the same as last year a home assessed at $300,000 prior to the reassessment would pay roughly $3,886. After reassessment the taxes on that home would be approximately $4,614 if that re... 11/26/2008

Announced in the 2008 Budget was a new Tax Free Savings Account that comes into effect January 1st 2009. While some of the banks have started mailing out information to lure your money their way there are other options available that may be better suited to your particular level of comfort in investing. While it is called a Savings account you can actually put your money into any RRSP eligible type of savings vehicle. How The Plan Works you can contribute up to $5,000 per year (to be indexed in future years to the consumer price index) -indexing is to be rounded to the nearest $500 - if the rate of inflation were 2% the first increase would occur in 2012 -you can contribute $5,000 per year from 2009 to 2011 and in 2012 you can contribute $5,500 based on the above scenario. contribution... 11/12/2008

Lately this question is the one almost everyone I meet asks. The answer is not a simple one as it depends on your perspective. If you look at the overall GTA market from October of last year to October of this year the number of sales is down 35%. Uxbridge shows a similar drop in comparing October 2007 to October 2008. GTA Average prices from October 2008 are down 10% from October 2007 while in Uxbridge the average price in 2008 is up almost 15% from 2007.  While this may seem to be good news for Uxbridge the low number of sales and the mix of sales could be distorting the overall picture. In reality, a property for sale now is also showing a drop in price in the Uxbridge area, in the same percentage range as the overall GTA price drop. How Is The Uxbridge Market Doing? While statistics... 11/10/2008

  The Eleventh Hour Of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month This Remembrance Day is the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. It was at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 that the guns of the First World War went silent. In remembrance of all who put themselves in Harms way so that we could,and continue too, be able to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.   In Flanders fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we th... 11/08/2008