Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

Aren't we fortunate? December certainly has made its arrival known with snow and cold weather, but in our corner of the world, the amount of snow is so far negligible. However, friends and family further north have been inundated with several feet of snow. That's good for those who like skiing, snowmobiling, etc, but not great for those who never got around to getting their snow tires on yet.

Best wishes for better health and quick healing to Janice Risebrough as well as her daughter Cindy. Kudos to Cathie Ellig who has had an amazing recovery from her hip operation. Happy birthday to Ron Herrema, enjoying grandparenthood. Our sympathies to Caroline McGillivrey and her family in the passing of her mother. Too much of that lately.

Only a few I know with celebrations this past week that I know of, but lots of activities past and coming up. On November 26th, the North Durham Nature (NDN) Group met at Scugog Library. The dates for the Christmas Bird Count were announced: December 27th for the Uxbridge Circle, for which Derek Connolly is responsible and the Beaverton Circle for the 30th, I think. The Uxbridge count has been in operation for 20 years. However, the Beaverton one has been operational for 50 years. John McLean is responsible for this and has actually taken part in every one of those 50 years. What a record! John is also President of the Uxbridge Genealogy Group! The guest speaker at this meeting was Geoff Carpentier. Geoff has an amazing record of achievements with a number of environmental groups, has written a number of books and leads tours worldwide. He has also been the newsletter editor for NDN since its inception. He spoke about several of his activities, in particular, the Breeding Bird Atlas and how it works. We are fortunate Geoff is part of our organization.

This past weekend was a busy one, starting on Saturday with the funeral of Bill Anderson at Epsom. Of course, being in the community he grew up in, many more of his friends were able to attend. It seems sad these occasions are the ones in which we get together.

In the evening I attended the Lucy Maud Montgomery Kitchen Party at the Leaskdale Historical church. It was in celebration of her 150th birthday. There was fiddle playing, piano, guitars and several step dances filling the air with sound. The church was basically full, and people loved it. Guest for the evening was Megan Follows, the actress who played Anne in the original movie. She gave a discourse on Maud and why she wrote her diaries and gave orders they should not be destroyed. At the beginning of the evening, councillor Todd Snooks presented the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society (LMMS) group with a certificate from the town. Councillor Gord Shreeve was also in attendance.

On Saturday morning the Sandford Breakfast with Santa was held at the hall. It is estimated about 180 children and adults attended for a great meal and entertainment. There were also six vendors on site.

At church on Sunday morning, we celebrated the beginning of Advent, the first Sunday representing hope. An offering was taken for Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, and we also participated in a greening of the church where participants placed cedar boughs and holly around the rooms. There was also an opportunity to hang socks, mitts and gloves on one of our trees. These will go to Mount Albert Food Bank.

Please join us next week for the second Sunday of Advent. In the afternoon, Port Perry United Church was the venue for a fabulous Christmas Concert put on by Jennifer Nevue Campsall's Northern Trails Vocal Connection Choir and Mark Caswell's Northdale Concert Band. Mostly Christmas songs, the combination of band (of about 30) and choir (about 30) was amazing to hear and a wonderful way to start the Christmas season!

On Friday, December 6th there will be a final Jazz session at Leaskdale Historical Church, starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission by donation! That same evening, one Voice Choir will once more perform at St. Paul Anglican Church in Uxbridge. Admission of $25 from members or at the door.

Leaskdale Loop will hold its final days of the year on December 7th and 8th. Please check with their website to verify which locations will be open. On Saturday, December 7th, the Zephyr Breakfast with Santa will happen from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., with Santa arriving at 9 a.m. Food Bank donations are welcome. Looking ahead, on December 23rd, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Leah Daniel and company will be performing their Christmas concert. Tickets are through ticket master!

Driving from place to place one sees a great variety of Christmas decorations and lights on lawns and houses, sometimes almost covering every surface. It's worth an evening drive around. Best of all, the Optimist's Festival of Lights will open on Saturday evening, December 7th, and will continue until January 4th. Gates open at 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. nightly. Don't miss it, it gets bigger and better every year!

Congratulations to the Zephyr Missionary Church who on Sunday, December 1st, celebrated their 135th anniversary! Best wishes to pastor Gord Shreeve and the congregation.