Epsom & Utica news

by Faye AshtonWe were privileged with a very clear Saturday evening to witness the last supermoon of 2024. We all have enjoyed this open fall with such mild weather, little rain and no white stuff yet, but how is it affecting the moisture of our land?

I have more sad news: our former neighbour Lynda, whose parents, Harry and Norma Geer, farmed the land bordering ours to the west, passed away. Lynda Geer Kendry, wife of the late Bill Kendry and late daughter Patti shared recipes in the Port Perry Star back in the 90s along with her many other amazing talents and was a wonderful friend to all.

Our former neighbour Frank Millman, son of John and Jean Millman, whose farm bordered our home farm to the east, passed away on Thursday morning, November 14th. Frank was a great car guy and was the first son of six boys to John and Jean, husband to wife Diane and daughter Heather.

Norman Gourlie, son of Faye and Jim Gourlie of Epsom, passed away on Wednesday, November 13th, at Oak Ridges Hospice. Norman worked for his Fathers' business and took over following Jim's retirement.

Lynda, Frank and Norman attended Epsom Public School in their young years and went on to Port Perry High School. Many Epsom kids spent their school years with them. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to their families, and we will miss you, but memories of each of you remain.

Just a reminder, a celebration of life for Bill Anderson will take place at Epsom United Church on Saturday, November 30th, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Durham West 4H held their annual Awards Night at the Sunderland Legion on Saturday night. The 4H members recapped their year as each club was called to the stage to be recognized. Hayley Ashton and Dawson Ball were celebrated for their many years as a member, they both have aged out of the program this year. A fun auction was held to end the evening; thank you to all the donors and purchasers.

The Epsom Utica Canadian Foodgrains Project recently completed harvesting 53 acres of corn, 35 acres just north of Epsom and 18 acres in Manchester. This year’syears' crop yielded 226 tons of excellent corn, which will be sold with the proceeds sent to the Canadian Foodgrains in Winnipeg. The funds will be matched 3 to 1 by the Canadian Government, which will be used to fight hunger worldwide. Thank you to the Parish, Evans and Ashton families and our crop input partners, Jim Roefs of Pioneer Hybrids and Reesor Grains for your dedication to this project. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project financially as well.

Join the congregation for communion this Sunday at Epsom United Church at 10:30 a.m., followed by fellowship together. There will be no church the following Sunday. The next service will be on December 8th in Epsom.