Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

Except for one day, it was a very nice summer week. But for many, especially those in the Toronto area, Tuesday was a day many residents will want to forget. Here, we got plenty of rain but nothing in comparison, and it's surprising how quickly it dries up. It's probably not quick enough for our farming friends, but the haying is getting done, and the corn and soya bean crops are amazing in their growth each day!

Last week, I neglected to mention Wayne Rynard had a birthday, which his wife said he wanted to forget; wouldn't we all? Happy birthday to the wonderful Tish MacDonald, who, although retired from teaching, continues her teaching differently, leading tours to war sites. And enjoying her new role as a grandmother! Happy birthday to the irrepressible Eleanor Beer Todd, who has played multiple roles within the community for many years. Happy anniversary wishes go out to an up-and-coming young couple, Mike and Heather Moore, who are moving right along in their farming adventures! I had a fun note from Murray Blair, of the Risebrough clan, about the recent family gathering, where about 100 descendants, five generations, of Bryon and Jessie Risebrough met at the home of Sharon and Bob Cleverdon. This was the first since before the pandemic, so of course, several changes. I was fortunate on knowing both Byron and Jessie before they passed away.

Congratulations to one of our local songstresses, Julien Kelland who is engaged to Wes Clark. Best wishes to both. It's great to see Cathy Ellig out of the hospital and back home after a hip replacement. She is getting along very well, and it was nice to have her at church, one with our friend Janice. Congratulations to Kyle Meek, who won the Dr. Tim Henshaw award at the East Gen. Challenge at Markham for 2024. Dr. Tim was a well-loved veterinarian who checked on all the farms, and we have been watching Kyle show calves since he was a small child! Leeann Ball and her son Chandler enjoyed a trip to the Maritimes, where the weather was great, in contrast to others I know who went to Newfoundland and got rained on most days.

Condolences to the Herrema Family on the passing of their aunt Barb Heimstra. Her husband of 70 years also recently passed away. Barb was just shy of her 90th birthday. The Herrema farm also suffered a loss in the field when a tractor caught on fire and was destroyed. Condolences also to Wes Botham on the death of Betty Eileen Michell, 94. She was the sister of his first wife, Betty, and sister-in-law to his second wife, Sandra, nee Rynard.

There was a wonderful concert at the Foster Friday night when The incomparable Jane Loewen performed, along with three of her young and very talented students. I was pleasantly surprised that at least 50 in the audience braved the road closures to be there. Next week, we have a new performer who comes highly recommended. Please check if any road closures are in effect on that day as the 7th will be worked on for the next several months, not before time, but still inconvenient.

Sunday was also the decoration service for the Foster Cemetery. The Lucy Maud Society has plans for several events, lunches with special entertainment following, and the event in Uxbridge this weekend. Tours are available by calling the office. Fundraising is also ongoing to refurbish the displays downstairs in the church, finish the extended parking lot and make the small forest to the south into a park. Don't forget the Horseshoe pitching goes on every Tuesday evening at the Uxbridge Scott Museum, starting at 6 p.m., all welcome, including women. On August 8th, after a very successful venture last year, the Herb Harvest Festival will be repeated from 5 to 7 p.m. This will involve talking about, and using the herbs from their own garden. A special treat is forecast.

Coming near the end of August is the Durham Region Ploughing Match to be held at the former Bruce Harwood farm on the 4th, north of Sandford Road. Cheryl Timbers sent me the first note, and more info came from Heather Moore, whose parents, Jim and Norma Ferguson, are the secretaries/treasurers of the Durham Association.

Church this Sunday was well attended and we were happy to have Nancy Wolfe playing at the organ. It's been awhile!

There was a lot of reminiscing about the days when we had a full choir, occasionally more in the choir than in the pews. Nancy played and led the choir for over 30 years. Next week, we are still at Sandford before holidaying for the month of August. Hopefully, this will be a good week weather-wise as it is birthday week, my sister Faye on Monday, her husband Keith on Wednesday and mine on Friday. On Saturday, my brother Jerry and his wife Joan, nee Clarke, will celebrate their 60th anniversary, so many from here will be attending.

This weekend is a full moon weekend, extending over three days, lower in the sky than others and called the buck moon, when deer come out to play I suspect. It is beautiful.