Zephyr & Leaskdale news

by Pat Asling

The first long weekend of summer. It seems like we have had some spring/summer weather for some time but Sunday was really hot. The possibility of some rain is predicted for midweek but it looks like an idea weekend for cottage opening and planting all those beautiful flowers you bought at our incredible local greenhouses. Strange how money can just melt away when you are in there among all that beauty. My garden is still un-rototilled at time of writing but most of what I bought will go into pots. My many begonias are already outside on the stand and four callas already have flowers. Most of my geraniums I tried putting in a big paper bag and putting in the dark are actually putting our greens shoots and leaves, much to my surprise.

Uxbridge does not have very many long time businesses outside of Low, the furniture store and the Funeral business. Furniture you might buy more than once in your life but no one wants to go to the Funeral parlour very often. However, when you buy a car from Williamsons, you might do that half a dozen times if you start early enough. The last three weeks I have spent considerable time there, particularly with Mike Kelland, who I have known for many years. Mike in particular, but also Connor right up to Todd, the boss, went out of their way to find the right car and the right deals etc. That’s why people come back year after year. Some rather sad news this week that, once more, Conrad and Lisa Boyce will be leaving Uxbridge and moving to Washago Beach, since they were unable to find a suitable rental accommodation here.There they will be 35 minutes from their daughter and grandchildren. I am sure they will be back and before they go Conrad will be presenting his 2 person concert on June 22, at the Foster, 2 PM and 7 PM. There will be more after that I am sure.

Birthday greeting to Carol Johnson who celebrated earlier in the week, after being sung to in church last Sunday. Congratulations to Chris Leppard, eldest son on John and Jackie, who turned the big 21. Birthday wishes also to Frank VanVeghel. Frank has had a few careers, first as a carpenter then as a log house builder than along with Donna, ran the restaurant in town and made a good business out of gluten free baked goods. Continued success to both of you. Birthday greetings also to Susan Pegg Risebrough, wife to Mike and mother to 3 girls and still has time to help on the farm and be with her girls when needed. Good wishes also go to Sherri Siegrist. Sherri was born and raised in Uxbridge and still lives close. Her dad Tom and grandfather Les owned the 5c-$1 store in town as well as several apartments and my dad spend a lot of time painting and decorating for them as tenants came and went. Happy birthday also to Jenny VanMaurik. I hope she is feeling much better and like celebrating the big day with hubby Cor. Birthday wishes also to Stan Smalley. Usually it’s one of the kids but they turned the tables and wished their dad a great day, as we do.

Best wishes for continued improved health to Yvonne Harrison. They have determined to cause of her fall and the treatment so she is on the way to her normal happy self. Last week I mentioned about Norm Goodspeed moving to Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and this week the legion held a party to honour him and his 61 years as part of the Legion. Norm came to town to work with the hydro office. We wish him all the best as he settles into his new home.

This Friday at the Foster Wayne Madder on his guitar will be the star attraction. His single release “Crack in the Wall” was on the winning 2022 album in the Oshawa Music Awards. The following week there has been a switch and Ferrport Jazz Ensemble will be the entertainers. Great group. North Durham Nature Group will meet at Scugog Library on Tuesday May 28. Guest speaker will be Jay Thibert who will be talking about one of his many hikes he and wife Bev have taken on the Bruce Trail. They have tackled some pretty strenuous trips over the years whether by foot, or kayak. Meeting starts at 7PM. On May 30 there is another opportunity to see the acclaimed, one woman play “Maud of Leaskdale” This was written by Conrad Boyce and its star is Jennifer Carroll. There is a new play entitled “Anne, Older and Wiser” in which Anne Shirley Blyth, now in her 60s, looks back through her diaries and memories, and ponders her life. This will play June 2 at 2PM with actress Maja Bannerman and musician Rusty McCarthy. Tickets are $25. This will be at the church.

WindReach Farm presents the RCMP Musical Ride at the farm on June12 at 6PM and June 13 at 12:30 PM. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for child and $65 family rate. Tickets can be purchased through www.starticketing. Parking included in ticket price. Food trucks and refreshments available on site. Before the show you can visit with the Super Dogs and afterwards, you can visit with the horses and officers. Northern Trails Vocal Connections, the newest venture of Jennifer Neveu-Campsall, will present their spring concert on June 8, 7:30 PM and June 9, 3PM, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Uxbridge, Tickets are $20 I think and can be purchased from Jennifer or Threads Boutique. On June 15 the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society presents its 25th Gardens of Uxbridge Tour. Tour tickets are $25 but if you wish to have a lovely lunch as well as hear a well known gardener speak about native plants, a major topic these days, the tickets are $50.

Church this week was at Sandford with our worship leader Darlene Hallett. Again, the last time we will see her in the foreseeable future. Our thanks to her for her wonderful messages. Next week Dr. Rev. Bill Fritz will return once more. All are welcome, 10AM.