by Pat Asling
Its official! 2023 was the warmest year on record and the first three months of this year are breaking all records as well. Sunday, there was a break in the warmth but the rest of the week will make up for it.
The pond is ice-free more than a month earlier than last year and wood ducks and mallards have tried it out. Crocus and snow drops are coming up, my magnolias bloomed and I have another bunch in the house waiting for them to unfold. As usual only one male redwing seems to have stayed and only one grackle as well out of that huge horde. It’s tempting to start work in the garden but there are multiple reason not to yet, but my seeds are sorted and a couple of pots of calla lilies are already 6” out of the pot.
In my news last week I neglected to mention our congregation was pleased to be joined by one of Rev. Bill and Joan Fritz’s daughters, Elizabeth, it was the first time we had the pleasure of meeting any of their six children. This Sunday we were happy to have Carol O’Neil and husband Mark Clarke with us again and they will be with us next Sunday.
Earlier last week we learned of a serious traffic accident near the John Deere dealership, in Alliston, in which local men Peter Robinson and Bryant Hulshof were involved. Bryant was not seriously injured but Peter may be hospitalized for some time. I noticed at the corner of the 6th and Sandford Road, the corner of Peter’s land where a similar accident occurred about three weeks ago, there is now a cross and wreath planted in the reeds on Ball land.
Bruce Smith was able to chat with Bryant at the Lindsay Farm show. Bruce told me of a combine being built by John Deere which is 50’ wide, with two cameras at the front, the mechanism/computor of which can tell whether it is a light crop or a heavy one and adjust. The driver is just along for the ride it seems as the machinery makes the decision.
Our deepest condolences go out again to the family of Robert (Bob) Archibald of Zephyr. Bob passed away on March 4th. Bob and his wife June were very involved in community activities such as the gateway sales to help the Library, other activities for kids and adults at the Hall etc. June passed away almost two years ago now. They have two sons David and Michael as well as some grandchildren. Bob was a firefighter.
While at the reception for Ross Risebrough there were many people I had not seen for some time, especially the younger ones. One young man came and put his arm around me and I looked up, up and said “who are you?” to which he replied, David Meek”. David was the younger son of Bob and Sally Meek. Sally passed away many years ago and years later Bob married Evelyn Cox, both being widowed for some time, and they lived in the house at the front of the Cox farm. Later they moved to Butternut Manor and when Evelyn past away, Bob went to live with David and wife Dorina in Verner, Ontario. Sadly, life became difficult and Bob moved to a long term care facility, a half hour away, a year and a half ago, something I did not know. Sad! David’s sister Carol was also in attendance. Derek Kokkinen, who married Sylvia Risebrough, is older sister Ruth Ann’s son. Ruth Ann, who sadly, passed away many years ago.
Birthday greeting go out to Diane Payne. She is the former Diane Pugh, married to Randy. Between them they come up with the most unusual lawn ornament and craft articles which they display and sell at various craft shows around the country. Born in Uxbridge, they now live by the lake outside of Port Perry. Birthday greeting to an exceptional young man Dan Moore, who in spite of what life tossed him, forges ahead with what need to be done.
Ken Maynard is another Uxbridge boy who has done well and spends a lot of time fighting fires, hopefully not this year though.
A slightly older Uxbridge-born boy celebrating a birthday is Eugene (Gene) O’Beirn. Gene and Val have lived quite a piece north for many years but there are still many relatives around here.
Greetings also to Rhonda Wagner Tennent, son of Ron and Sandy Wagner, and wife of Jamie Tennent. She works as an administrative assistant at Lawnscape Property maintenance, their business.
Birthday wishes also to Jacob Stewart, a young man already following his father’s footsteps, in the Legion Pipe and Drums band.
Best wishes also to Joel Speers. Joel seems to be everywhere volunteering his expertise and time for all sorts of community events. He is a real role model for other young people. He also has a special sister, Leah Daniels, who maybe sings birthday wishes to him.
Although this is March break, a couple of families went on holidays without their kids last week. Wayne and Karen Rynard spent some time on both sides of Florida, ending with watching the Blue Jays. Doesn’t sound like it helped though.
Also on vacation were Karyn and Ryan Tindall who were enjoying Jamaica. They were celebrating 30 years of being together while daughter Jessie ran things at home, the shop and some baking. She is definitely following in her mom’s footprints, a baker, as well as a motor mechanic. Our snowbirds will soon be returning to this unpredictable weather.
The by-election in Durham riding was not very exciting. People who heard of it that day were asking where they could vote, even though they lived in Uxbridge. If you don’t know where to vote how do you know who is running? Only 22 percent were interested enough to vote and only 27 percent of those voted for the PC winner. Shame on us. Just look south and see how things are going there. Voting is a privilege not given to many in the world, use it.
On the opposite side, congratulations to the Scouts of Uxbridge who have asked to be given the privilege of Adopting Elgin Park. This means they periodically want to clean it up and look after the space, like the program, Adopt a Road. These young kids have great initiative.