Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

Can you believe it’s almost the end of May? It’s been a mixed bag of weather with some beautiful summer days and some rather cool ones. And just when you think it’s drying up, along comes another rain. Already my rain barrels are full and I am happy to use them for most of my potted plants rather than the well water. I suspect those people in provinces both east and west of us would like to have some of this water to quench the fires still raging. At least it seems those towns once threatened are a little safer now but how tired the firefighters must be. The season has only just begun. A little poem to start off:

May

May is the month off sunshine and flowers,

Birds in their nests, and one or two showers.

Games to play and kites to fly, or just looking at the sky!

We could spend a year this way, if the year was made of May!

Happy birthday again goes out to one of the lovely Clark girls. Sylvie this time, who had hit the teens and is now 13. Wow, hard to believe. Hard to believe Chandler Ball is 20. These kids grow up so fast it seems, at least to adults, but we know for them, mostly it seems a slow process. Congratulations and continued success. Happy birthday also to another young lady, Lynne Tindall. Now Lynne is probably at the stage where she would like time to move a little slower but life seems to be going well for her as one of the four talented and lovely Walker sisters.

Earlier this past week we got word our friend Marilyn Dobie had suffered a serious fall and was hospitalized. We can only wish her well and hope she has a quick recovery as she has always done.

This week there have been several deaths among local families. First our condolences to the Herrema Family in the passing of Harold Heimstra. Harold was the husband of Gary’s (former mayor etc) oldest sister and therefore an uncle to Ron and Howie Herrema. Our sympathies to all the extended family. Sympathy also to the family of Frank Pinguet. I didn’t personally know him, nor his late wife JoAnne, but they were both household names in the town and township with all they were involved in. Frank was Chairman of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Board for many years back in the day and shepherded it through various changes. He was 94.

Another man who was very well known throughout the town and township was Keith Davidson. Keith was known by most people for his business, Keith's Flower Shop, which he operated for many years and still carries his name. Keith was also very involved in aspects of the town and township for most of his life. He also had a farm and I recall he raised sheep at one time. His parents were Clifford and Elsie and they too were very active in municipal affairs as is his wife Shirley. Together they had two children, Colleen and Ian, several grandchildren and sister Marilyn Doak and brother John. He will be greatly missed by many.

On the third weekend in June, Zephyr will hold what has become their annual driveway garage sale where you can put your unwanted item at your gateway and hopefully someone will want them for their own. Also for the Zephyr people, the Decoration service for Zion United Cemetery will be on Sunday, July 7th, 2:30 p.m., on the cemetery grounds unless it rains, at which time it will be at the church. Prior to that, the Decoration service for Sandford will be on Sunday, June 23rd, at 2 p.m. If it rains it will be held at the church. As usual I expect the ground will be open earlier in the day for placement of flowers etc.

This Sunday our wordship leader was Rev. Dr. Bill Fritz, who was in his usual fine form. It was so nice to see Steve and Sandi Harwood, along with sister Brenda, again. They have been staying at the farm, which is now sold. Another family farm bites the dust. Next week we move back to Zephyr for the month, which will be the final time for this exchange as we will be having an appointed minister beginning July 1st, Zephyr United Church will be closed except for special occasions such as the anniversary, and all services will then be at Sandford United Church. A sad day for many for whom Zephyr is home. Laura Kay will be the leader for the next two Sundays followed by Pastor Gord Shreeve for two Sundays.

On Friday, May 31st, Ferrport Jazz Ensemble will be the entertainment at the Foster. This group has a very busy schedule but has switched with another entertainment group. Check out all the events happening by the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society, including the Garden Tour on June 15th and other dramatic presentations. Northern Trails Vocal Connection is holding its third concert on June 8th, at 7:30 p.m. and June 9th, at 3 p.m., at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $20.

Don’t forget the RCMP Musical Ride at WindReach Farms 35th anniversary on June 12th at 6 p.m. and June 13th, 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adult, $15 for child and $65 for family and are available at starticketing.com. Tickets must be purchased in advance.