ZEPHYR & SANDFORD by Pat Asling

Sunday, May 31st was Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Christian church. All the services I watch basically used the same text, but all came up with a different slant, a different lesson. And there were many of my favourite hymns, including the following: Spirit of Life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion. Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice. Roots hold me close; wings set me free; Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me. This week was filled with anything but compassion as we listened to the news. But let’s hope, and pray that the rest of the song comes about, including the “shape of justice”! Speaking of services, last week I sent out congratulations to two of our local ministers and it seems I got a bit ahead of myself as my friend Betty Somerville tells me. In her words, “Stephanie Richmond was not ordained nor was Alex Jebson, Although Stephanie was booked until the Coronavirus changed everything. Stephanie has completed all of the requirements and is ready to be ordained. Last Sunday was to be her ordination along with others throughout Southern Ontario, at Pickering Village United Church. A new date or any plans have not been made known. Alex Jebson has now graduated from Emmanuel with his Masters in Divinity and has requirements plus his interview with the Council before he can be called for ordination.” We all know how important those pieces of paper are and there are thousands of students at all levels whose graduation has been postponed. That doesn’t mean their accomplishments are less. Congratulations and best wishes to all of them. When my age group graduated there was no such thing as a graduation ceremony for public school and our HS grad was not until November and called Commencement. Maybe we are back to that! Our sympathies to Linda Morrison (Robert) and her family in the death of her father Lowell Brown of Stouffville, May 18th, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife Lois, children Melody, Linda, Lee, and Brent as well as 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Linda works at the Uxbridge TD bank and also directs the very popular Pine Ridge Chorus. Condolences also to the family of John Weller, age 68, on Wednesday, May 27th. John was the son of Ilah (Hackner, sister to Bill and Bruce) and Ross Weller. He is survived by his mother Ilah age 90 and siblings Gina, Lisa, Blake and Jo Ann. His cousin Derek Hackner has put together a very nice remembrance on Facebook. For those who watch TV I guess the big news was that the series “Schitt Creek” won seven different awards this past week for an array of situations. This was shot in the Goodwood area so now the township can add it to its conquests after Ann of Green Gables, and Murdock Murder Mysteries, etc. Congratulations to the Uxbridge Legion Branch 170 whose members celebrated, with social distancing toast, the 90th anniversary of the organization. They do great work in keeping the memories of our veterans in the forefront and helping where needed. Happy birthday wishes go out to Sandi Bakaalar McMullen, kept track of by parents John and Wilma. Also to Joan Evans Wideman! Joan is the eldest daughter of Lawrence and Olive Evans, married to Dwight Wideman (who also celebrated on May 3rd) and is a great musician, besides many other things. As well as a birthday this week, on Saturday she hosted a small outdoor wedding for her youngest daughter Rosanna to her former fiancé Grant Cotton. Many congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds! Not so newly married are David and Judy (Warren) Risebrough, who were married 44 years ago. With 2 children and 4 grandchildren they keep very busy with this energetic bunch. Happy birthday greetings go out to Bob Blackstock from his daughters, grandchildren and many friends. A belated birthday wish goes out to Bruce Dick, who celebrated earlier in the month. Other birthdays this week are Carolyn Hicken. Carolyn has many hobbies including line dancing, drumming and singing and is great with the computer. Best wishes for continued activities. Amanda van der Gulik is also a busy lady and is now teaching a class to children about how to look after their money. Fortunate kids if they have some! Bryan Smith also celebrated this past week. Bryan has stayed closer to home than brother Les and still likes to tinker with machinery!