Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

Spring drew on... and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps." —Charlotte Brontë

The ice went out of my pond at the end of March, the latest I recall! My walk around the yard assures me Spring is slowly coming. Inside my flower room, several calla lilies are blooming, and a number of begonias are also well up, a couple of sporting buds soon to open. These are all kept over from last fall, although they are not known as perennials and probably wouldn't survive our winters. Big blessings!

Last week was busy. On Tuesday, the Community Care lunch was served at Douglas Crossing, and it was great to have two of my Sandford friends join after a very long spell away. We were entertained by four ladies who call themselves the Ukettes. And no, I didn't know ukuleles come in different tones! They also sang some old favourites.

On Wednesday evening the Uxbridge Horticultural Group met to begin the season. Members renewed their memberships and it was interesting to see many younger people signing up, just what every organization needs. The speaker was Guinevere Kern, whose topic was "Exploration of Health, Healing Gardens and Therapy." I expect all gardeners have experienced the 'feel better' emotion which working in the garden brings but this talk went beyond that emotion!

On Thursday afternoon the few "Friends of the Foster" members met to discuss the upcoming season. Our Friday night concert series is full, with some interested groups on the waitlist if someone has to cancel. We have so few volunteers, making it difficult to staff these nights from May 2nd, when the first concert starts, until September. We need more volunteers to welcome folks, man the admissions box and introduce the groups. If you are interested please call Bev Northeast. Perks of the job include free concerts and meeting interesting people.

The first presenters are Django Djunkies, a Gypsy swing and Jazz group, and on May 9th Scott Benson-Susan, on Flute and guitar, will be on stage. Incidentally, the 'stage' is in one of the most unique buildings in the country, and it is sad so many, even those living close by, have not been inside. Oh, about the road, Durham 1/7th, we have been assured it will be kept open for concertgoers and tour viewers, regardless of what some of the signs say! On Thursday evening Anne Irvine and I, along with a whole host of others, thoroughly enjoyed the concert at the Uxbridge Music Hall by Mary Frances Leahy and her musicians, including her brother. Near the end of the show, MF was joined by her mother, Natalie McMaster, in an incredible performance! This was in aid of the new hospital fund and the funding is adding up.

Celebrations this week include a very special greeting to Gwen Lyons who was 95. Gwen lives in Bridgewater now, but for all of her married life lived in Leaskdale on the farm with her husband and raised their family. Both were very active in church and community life all those years. Happy birthday also goes out to a younger lady, Mack Moore, a great barrel rider who seems to concentrate more on school these days. Once again birthday greetings to twin siblings Johnathan and Jacqueline Smalley and continued success to these progressive young people. Birthday wishes go out also to Ian Finlay with hopes the coming year brings no more accidents. Congratulations also go to some young men who I don't know, Rowan Cross, Andrew Neveu and Cole Harris who headed to Fiji to represent Canada on the USO men's rugby team. A GoFundMe has been set up for travel assistance! A big congratulations to a lady I know, Kathy Wasylenky, who has authored a book about Lucy Maud Montgomery and will launch a book on Sunday, May 25th, at the 9-by-Tin restaurant! The event is free but you need to register. Call 905-852-5284. Sad news: the Roxy is up for sale. Hopefully, there will be a quick sale, but thanks to the folks who have brought so much entertainment to the community for so many years.

Horseshoes will commence at the Uxbridge Scott Museum grounds on Tuesday, April 29th, at 6 p.m. and continue until October. Membership is $30, including membership in the Historical Society or $10 just to play. Call Bob at 995-852-9176 for more information. The speaker series for the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society begins on May 1st with Laura Peers. Laura was born and raised in Udora but has travelled the world as an archeologist, particularly studying indigenous art and artifacts. Well-known local historian Allan McGillivray will be speaking on June 12th. Membership is $25, with access to all speakers. The Chamber Group will be performing at the historic Leaskdale church on Friday, April 25th, conflicting with Foster unfortunately. On Sunday, April 20th, Easter Sunday, there will be an Easter egg hunt at the Zephyr Hall from 1 to 3 p.m., $5 for children. Register at: zephyrhallboard@gmail.com.

Church for the Sandford Zephyr congregation included our own Adele Boy leading the service on this Palm Sunday. There were palms for everyone to wave. Many thanks to Nancy Wolf who filled in on short notice as Ruth was sick. As no one else plays the organ, it is always a treat to hear! There will be a Good Friday service on the 18th commencing at 11 a.m. All are welcome to join with us! On the 20th, Rev. Li will be back, and on April 27th, we welcome Adrienne Grant as our guest speaker. Adrienne is the executive director of the local charity, Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation and will inform us about the work they do with families. May 4th will be the Decommissioning service for the Zephyr church with the service at 11 a.m.

There was an All Candidates meeting on Monday evening. I hope you were there to hear what the candidates said, even if you have already made up your mind. And vote! It's so important!