Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

It is Easter Sunday as I write this. The world is in turmoil with a number of natural catastrophes here at home and on the other side, genocides and land grabs in Europe and elsewhere, millions displaced from their homes by wars, floods or drought, cast into prison for their views against so-called "leaders of the free world"! The number of hungry and homeless continues to rise along with lawlessness from many types of theft and killings. Yet Easter Sunday arrives after Good Friday, promising better things to come.

We must believe in that! I found this statement the other day: "It is deeply deceitful to pray for a solution while doing nothing to fix the problem. Prayer can be a source of strength, comfort, and reflection, but without action, it becomes a shield for inaction. Throughout history, people of faith have not only prayed for justice, peace, and healing, they have fought for it. They've marched, protested, built coalitions, opened their doors, and risked everything for a better world. Today, too many sit in silence while injustice spreads, believing that prayer alone will change what only action can."

Good Friday morning, I went for breakfast at Epsom United Church. It is an annual event now to raise funds for the Canadian Food Grains Bank project which the Epsom-Utica community has been doing for some 40 years. My nephew Rob Ashton, organizer, told me how much last year's project had raised but that, since USAID was no longer funding many or most of the projects it had, the need for more food to be sent overseas would be much greater. This is only one of the charities where we can put our faith into action! Another action: VOTE:

Happy birthday to Bruce Brandon who I am told has hit the eighth decade. Welcome to the club! David Ball has moved into his sixth decade. Best wishes to these hard working men. A special lady who, with her husband and family spent many years in Zephyr, Shirley Hewlett celebrated her 90th birthday.

Karyn Tyndall spent some days with three friends in Panama, making the most of a little free time before the market season gets in full swing.

It was with sadness I heard of the passing of Mary Harrison. Mary and her husband Gord farmed in the Leaskdale area, where Mary also taught for many years, especially at Scott Central Public School in later years. They moved into Uxbridge on retirement, and I used to see them at various events. After 65 years of marriage, Gord passed away. The last time I saw Mary we sat together at a Lucy Maud Montgomery event in the Leaskdale Historic Church. Congratulations to some local curlers, Olivia Gibson and her brother Braden, who have only been curling professionally for three years, along with much more experienced hands, Roger and Margaret McKnight. They were Champions of the Uxbridge Club's mixed tournament.

On the 15th, the Seniors enjoyed a very bountiful chicken dinner with all the trimmings. The speaker was the assistant curator of our museum, and she talked about a project they are working on entitled "Strong Women of Uxbridge." Two of the three she mentioned were Lucy Maud Montgomery and Nellie Kydd. This is only a part of their collection.

Following this there was an Easter Bonnet Parade in which about 15 ladies took part with quite a variety of hat embellishments. The lady who won had sparkly lights on her hat.

On Thursday, the Genealogy Group, meeting in person and via Zoom, listened to a talk by Linda Corupe entitled "Paying Dearly For Free Land." Many people wishing to become settlers in Canada were given free land only to find out it was covered with forest, rocky, swampy and not suitable for farming. Some were fortunate, but even the best land took a great deal of work. Some went back to where they originated, others died trying to make a living.

On April 29th, at 6 p.m., the Horseshoe Club starts kicking at the Uxbridge Scott Museum. Both men and women are welcome. The season runs until October. The cost is $10/night or $30 for the season and includes a membership in the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society. You will note that I emphasize "Uxbridge Scott" because that's what it is historically, and many newcomers probably don't know that information.

On May 1st, we welcome Laura Peers as our special guest speaker at the Uxbridge Scott Museum. Laura grew up in Udora but has since worked in several parts of the world. I am looking forward to hearing about her international work. On April 22nd, at the Seniors building, the North Durham Nature group will meet at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is well-known John Sabean, who will tell us about Canada's earliest Naturalist, Charles Fothergill. It is bound to be interesting. Another clash of special events when One Voice Choir perform at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Uxbridge ($25) and a Chamber Music Group (by donation) at the Historic Leaskdale Church (St.Paul Presbyterian).

Rev. Li had an interesting Easter Sunday service helped by Ella and Luke. Next Sunday I will be leading the service and having, as guest speaker, Adrienne Grant, Executive President of the local charity Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation. All are welcome to attend this service and all others start at 10 a.m. Remember, on May 4th the service will be at Zephyr United Church for the decommissioning of that church building. Note: This service will be at 11 a.m.!