Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

Well, July is half over. It was rather a hot week with, again, some rain showers. I know our farmer friends and relatives are working furiously to get the hay crop cut, dried, baled and into shelter before the next downpour. A very loud boom and lightning preceded the one we had Sunday afternoon, it wasn't as intense as some but probably stopped progress for the day.

The flowers are loving the moisture, and my lilies, as well as other blossoms, are doing great. Unfortunately, so is the grass, mostly in the flowerbeds and veggie garden. I have noticed a number of plants seem to be doing exceptionally well this year. My old cherry tree, reachable only by the birds, is absolutely loaded. So are the honeysuckle bushes and others like the cranberry. A winter feast for the birds. Several other flowering shrubs are also flowering far better than normal so I suspect the early spring had something to do with that, along with hot temperatures.

Last week, I said Keith Profit conducted the Zion Zephyr decoration service. Keith was there but brought the music while Pastor Laura Kay conducted the service for about 50 people.

Congratulations to Scott Miller, son of Debby Jennings Wilson, who recently became engaged to Chelsey. Best wishes! Happy belated birthday to one of our historians, Ted Barris, whose constant activities certainly belie his 75 years. Birthday wishes also to Lorene Ashton, whose hubby Dale recently celebrated as well. It was noted that councillor Willie Pop also had a birthday. Happy anniversary wishes go out to Bruce and Elaine Brandon who, on July 5th, celebrated 44 years of marriage, the teacher/historian and musician. Best wishes also to Jeff and Arlene Stewart after seven years of marriage. Jeff's parents, Ron and Doris (Brandon), certainly beat them in that category, as they have been married for 61 years. All best wishes to these folks and any others celebrating in the last week. A big congratulations also goes out to Jessica Phoenix, who, for the fourth time, has been chosen to go with the Canadian Olympic team to Paris. We will all be cheering for her.

Sadly, it wasn't all good news! Mike Kelland informed us that he and his brother Rick had lost another brother, Rob. A fourth brother, Barry, is predeceased. Our sympathies to the Kelland family and friends. It was also noted Darlene Taylor Graham had lost another son, the second in five months. I know Darlene slightly but more in association with her brothers, who operated Taylor Milk Transport many years ago. Our deepest sympathies to Darlene and her remaining children in this second loss! Word came early in the weekend about the sudden passing of the eldest daughter, Kendra, of Melanie and her husband, Pastor Elgin Whitfield, due to a heart attack. Kendra, her husband Peter and two children live in Floradale where Kendra was also a pastor in the Waterloo Mennonite Church. She and her siblings all went to Scott Central School. As you know, Melanie is president of the Lucy Maud Society, and they are extremely busy with special events commemorating 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery's birth. This, of course, now includes the presentation by Canada Post of a new $1 coin. Our deepest condolences to Melanie and her large extended family for the traumatic loss.

Saturday, July 7th, was kite flying day at the museum. Katlyn Jones, the curator, said there were 300-350 people in attendance. That's a lot of people, although I think many were observers. There was also some lightning, not a good combination. On Tuesday, July 9th a good number attended the Community Care luncheon at The Villa in Port Perry. After the usual delicious lunch we were entertained by Michelle and David Adams and their marvellous collection of drums and other rhythm instruments in which everyone got a chance to participate.

The Horticultural Group met on Wednesday 10th, with guest speaker Jillian Bishop talking about growing vegetables. She actually made it sound like fun.

This week at the Foster, the entertainer is Jane Loewen, one of my personal favourites. Jane has been entertaining and teaching for years and always gives a great performance, as well as involving her audience. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert is at 7:30 p.m. Donations at the door fund the upkeep of this historic and unique building.

Coming soon is the Region of Durham Plowing Match on August 24th. The site is the former farm of Bruce Harwood, (4th Concession of Uxbridge, north of Sandford Rd.), now owned by Ron Thompson (also owner of a couple of other farms in the area). They hope to begin by 9:30 a.m. and a lunch will be available at 1 p.m. Mark your calendars. The Queen of the Furrow will be in attendances!

This Sunday was the second one for Rev. Li Armstrong as our minister. An expert was able to adjust the sound system, so we were all able to hear her softly spoken words of wisdom better. After two Sundays, we were still not able to demolish the delicious cake, so some went home with her. Please join us at 10 a.m. It might seem a bit early, but the church is looking to hire someone for snow removal, which would entail ploughing the driveway and in front, as well as shovelling the sidewalk and front steps. If interested, please call Adele Boy at 905-852-8894.