Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

It has been said that the Brrrr months are coming. Well, they are here already! Sunday morning, it was only 6C at my house, and during the past week, the morning temps have only been a bit more than this. I guess it's preparing all our beautiful flowers for some really cold weather, but I expect warmer weather will stay with us for at least a couple more months since many flowers are just at their peak. At least for part of the weekend, it didn't rain, although it did rain on the tractor pull at the Uxbridge Fair Friday night, while Saturday and Sunday gradually warmed but were really windy.

It's been a busy week or so for celebrations. We start with Ron Stewart, husband of Doris (Brandon), father of Jayson, Jeff and Susan, grandfather and great-grandfather to several. Ron and Doris walk around the town most mornings, keeping fit. Another gentleman, Alex Williamson, lives in Port Perry and went to high school there with me but married Gail Shier. Gail was born and raised on the farm, along with siblings Carol, Ron and Linda, just down from here on the 7th. Birthday greetings also went out to Eva (Gray) Ball Griffin, who turned 92. Eva once lived just north of me on the 7th with her family, was a nurse and worked when I knew her best, at St. Johns, before moving into town. One son, Glenn, is a Presbyterian minister who just retired from a long-term service to a church in Manitoba. Eva now lives in Kanata, close to her daughter Beth. I miss seeing her at Horticultural meetings. Laura Ross also reached the venerable age of 90 and is doing well, keeping up with her sons and their families. Laura is also a cousin of mine through her father's Weir family. Birthday wishes also go out to Sharon Doucette, wife of Keith. Keith's parents were Bud and Wilma (Card) who were attendees of Sandford church until their passing. Leeann Ball also celebrated a birthday. She and her younger son recently returned from a trip to the Maritimes. Greetings also to Barb Peck. Barb and Tony must be enjoying their retirement, and since most, if not all, of their grandchildren are in school, they should be travelling the world. Catherine Jane Smalley celebrated another birthday, but this beautiful and talented young lady never ages. Birthday wishes also to Ted Smith. Although Ted and his wife Wilma live in the Sunderland area, Ted was on the Brock Township council and is well known here in the farming industry. Best wishes also to my friend Anne Irvine who lives closer up the road to Leasdale. She and her husband John have an antique business as well as growing and selling two of my favourite plants, hostas and daylilies. Anne and three friends are enjoying an Alaska cruise, leaving John at home to recuperate from their trip to Venice. And finally, the congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to Darryl Rush in church Sunday morning. We were pleased to hear Laura Kay's beautiful music.

Then there are the anniversaries! Happy 50th anniversary to Ron and Sandra Wagner. They live in town now but once owned the business on the corner of Scugog 9 and 23. Ron's grandparents owned a farm just south of where I grew up. An aunt married into the Wilson family, and his parents once lived in the farmhouse vacated by the Shiers, just down the road. Happy first anniversary to Gerrit and Sarah Herrema. Gerritt seems to be following in the path of his relative, Howie, being involved in the Fair and such activities! Cousin Jeanette and her husband, Brandon Ehinger, are also celebrating their third anniversary. Anniversary wishes also go out to Jillian(Howsam) and their husband, Chris Adomeit, who celebrated 10 years. Jillian is the young lady who coordinates the Community Care lunches and looks after everyone so well, always so upbeat and ready with a hug. And finally, happy 47th anniversary to my friend and sorority sister Laurie and husband Mike Bond. May there be many more happy years for all these folks.

September is a very busy month with lots of upcoming events. Church was held in Zephyr on Sunday morning and will be for the rest of the month. Service starts at 10 a.m. with Rev. Li Armstrong leading worship. October will be busy with our two separate anniversary services. Further notices later. On Wednesday, September 11th, the North Durham Nature Group will meet at the Seniors building, at which time Bryan Malley of Udora will be talking about raising garlic. I saw some beautiful examples at the Fair. Doors open at 7 p.m., meeting begins 7:30 p.m. On the 13th, the Zephyr Scott Lions Club will be holding their second spaghetti dinner at Zephyr Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults $15, ages 5-12, $5 and under 5 free. This Friday at the Foster the entertainer is Laurelie Augustyn, with vocals and guitar presenting folk, rock, gospel and more. Incidentally, the music at the Foster this past Friday was phenomenal from the York Harmony Chorus, a group of probably 30 ladies singing barbershop harmony! No mikes and no equipment, but beautiful harmony just filled the building. I know the Tractor Pull was on at the Fair, but if you weren't there, you missed a rare treat!

On September 19th, the Uxbridge Genealogy Group will meet at the Library as usual, likely also on Zoom. I don't know the topic as yet, but to participate, you must pay your membership of $25 before the meeting date. North Durham Nature will meet at Scugog Library on Sept.24, 7 p.m. The speaker is Dr. Eric Nol of Trent U, talking about "Will Our Songbirds Survive." The October meeting will be about the Queen Elizabeth 2 Wetlands Provincial Park, venue not determined as yet. Phil Careless will be the speaker wherever we meet. On September 26th, an event many ladies have been waiting for, the annual Dessert and Fashion show sponsored by the Bethesda-Reach WI. It will be held at the Uxbridge Seniors building at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, and you can call 905-852-3925, 905-985-3976 or 905-853-5294. Outfits will be courtesy of Woods Clothing and Threads Boutique. Funds go to two local scholarships.

Looking ahead, Sandford Church's anniversary is on October 20th, Zephyr's anniversary is on October 27th and a Comedy Night at the Zephyr Hall on October 19th. Email zephyrhallboard@gmail.com for tickets. Tickets are $35 each. An over 19 event!