by Pat Asling
One of the things I often think about these days is getting rid of some of my stuff and I am starting with saved magazines from many years back and my hundreds of book! The magazines are mostly (so far) birds and garden magazines useful for crafts. With books I take a bunch of them from the shelf and one by one read or reread with plans to give away later.
Happy birthday to several people, first to my forever friend Betty Munro Sommerville, nurse, former homecare coordinator and keeping Len in line! Greetings also to Joannie Sine. Joan and husband Rod moved to Zephyr after both retired, one from the police force, the other from banking. Big birthday greetings as well to Karyn Tindall. Karyn and her family have enjoyed a wonderful trip to Africa. Best wishes also to Harry Paisley. Harry grew up helping his dad sell snowmobiles and is now selling much bigger versions of snow equipment.
Our sympathies to the Colby family on the passing of John, years ago better known as Johnny. His father, Howard, was instrumental in starting the Historical Society and putting together the museum, where his building skills were a big asset. On Thursday this week, our community said farewell to Bob Meek. The service was conducted by Rev. Rob Kennedy at Low and Low Funeral Home, with Richard Watson providing the music. Son David gave the only eulogy. The reception was at Sandford Hall, and, as usual, we saw a lot of people not seen for a while. Our sympathies also to Carol Meek (Midgley), married to Norm Meek (deceased). Carol's sister-in-law, Wilma McCartney Midgley, passed away about the same time. She had been married to Carol's brother Lawrence. Best wishes to all those involved in the serious vehicle car pileup between Leaskdale and Udora during one of our stormy days. We understand one person died as a result of the accident.
A number of people have been fortunate to be on holiday during our serious winter weather. Karen and Wayne Rynard enjoyed the southern sun for three weeks. Dwight and Deborah Clements had a fabulous trip to Antarctica, which took them from Toronto to Ushuaia, the tip of Argentina, in 27 hours, and then by boat. They were allowed a number of excursions on land, and although the temperature was not warm, it was warmer than here. They saw a huge variety of penguins, seals and whales, as well as hundreds of seabirds. Truly a memorable trip.
On Tuesday last week a smaller group than usual enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Seniors Centre. Two young men from the fire department spoke of the services provided and gave away a number of smoke detectors. Lunch, as usual, was catered by Mary Evans and her great staff. They also out did themselves at the reception for Bob Meek and accused me of following them around. I said "Who better to follow around?"
The Genealogy group met in person and zoom on Thursday evening. Guest speaker was Michele Jeannotte, a frequent presenter. This time she spoke on "Exploring English Records". A number of hand-outs were later relayed to members. Next month's meeting will be an afternoon session.
The second Chamber Music of this season will be on March 21st with the Mozart Flute Quartette. Jazz at Leaskdale returns on March 7th. On March 14th, the next Zephyr Scott Lions spaghetti supper will take place. Due to bad weather last month it was cancelled. On the 15th this very active group is holding a St. Patrick's Dance at Zephyr Hall. Tickets are $10 per person. It will begin at 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Email for tickets. The Cornhole games are also on each Tuesday evening. The group were proud to announce they had donated $500 to the Zephyr Library: good for them.
At church Sunday, we were pleased to have Rev. Bill Fritz with us again; it has been a while, but he always amazes us! Sadly, for the first time his lovely wife Joan was not with him as she is now resident in Douglas Crossing. We missed her smile. This month Rev. Li Armstrong will be with us on March 16th, Adele Boy on March 9th and Shelley Knott Fife on the 23rd. Shelley is a young Indigenous lady, and we look forward to hearing from her. A special treat comes on March 30th when the Group "Reflections" will conduct the service. The group consists of cousins Brian and Ron Evans and Ralph Sider. Their pianist is our own Ruth Baker, so she doesn't get a holiday. Incidentally, granddaughter Alayna was with us again, playing her violin, which is always a treat. Their rendition of "Sweet Hour of Prayer" was especially beautiful!
The above is from last week, so some events may have passed. I hope all were successful. Birthdays this week were celebrated by Kevin Smalley, who hangs out in the Cayman Islands. Now, Lucy guy. Steve Wilson, insurance salesman par excellence, Sarah Moore, horselady par excellence. Sunday, Superman, aka John Cavers celebrated his 80th birthday with a huge party at the Seniors Centre with Karyn Tindall catering. What an amazing life he has led with many different facets certainly a life to be remembered and treasured.
I mentioned in my last column about the passing of Michael Smalley, a three-generation potato farmer. His funeral included a 100-tractor procession to the Oldham farm with 500 people attending. What a send-off that would be for anyone! Sadly, our church community lost another member this week with the passing of Dorothy Baker. Dorothy and Stan moved to Sandford in the early 2000s, where their son Brad and family already lived, and immediately joined and took part in all church and community activities. Dorothy was president of the UCW for a number of years. They later moved into town, and after Stan's passing, Dorothy resided in Butternut Manor for several years. Our deepest sympathies to Brad's wife, Susan, and his family, and his sister, Susan, and her family.
Several people have returned from awe-inspiring holidays, including Adele Boy, who spent a wonderful time in South Africa and is recovering so she can conduct our church service next week. Lent and the Easter season are here. Dwight and Deborah Clements, who weathered Antarctica, saw countless sea birds, whales, seals, penguins, etc. Earle Lockerby and a friend from PEI spent two weeks in Mexico. Leanne Ball, with a friend, also had a great overseas holiday.
Chances Are, with a fresh face and bigger location with all that moving, on behalf of the Hospital Auxillary, was still able to donate $50,000 to the hospital foundation. Wonderful! Congratulations go out to Grant Evans and the Evans family of High view Holsteins was awarded excellence for being #6 in the Province having bred 201 Classified Excellent cows taken over 100 years. His grandparents farming on Marsh Hill Road would be amazed!
North Durham Nature met last Tuesday at the Uxbridge Seniors building, where we learned more about what is happening and why to our songbirds. Conducting the meeting was the president James Kamstra. I first met him years ago when I lived in Belize, and he was doing some research. Strange to find he lived quite close to my own home. Unbeknownst to most, James has become a star, and a big congratulations goes out to him from all of the members and friends. From the website we learn that James has been given the King Charles III medal. Here is what it says! "A Port Perry-based environmentalist will be among those receiving a special honour at Ottawa's Rideau Hall on Thursday."
Governor General Mary Simon will be handing out 52 of the 30,000 King Charles III Coronation Medals, which recognize various people's contributions to Canadian society.
James Kamstra is being recognized for his field biology work and private consulting.
He currently serves as president of the group North Durham Nature, which holds educational events and maintains birdhouses in Uxbridge.
He has also previously been involved with the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), which looks at the population levels of various wildlife and determines which species need special protection.
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