July is on! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. The weather was a bit iffy but not enough to spoil many plans. The numerous smoke days may have impacted some people, although it seemed the cities were worse than we were. While we were, and still are, living with smoke from fires hundreds of miles away, it is interesting the note the Caribbean is being impacted by sand from the Sahara desert thousands of miles away.
What a busy month July is going to be. First, though, let’s celebrate many things which have happened in the past week or so. Dwight and Deborah Clements spent three weeks in Greece and then came home to have their daughter living with them for a couple of weeks while she awaited the birth of their second grandchild before moving on to settle down with her husband in their new community. D and D also had the experience of taking their three-year-old granddaughter on a short camping trip. My friend Zelda (from Zephyr) Stentiford had her nephew and wife visiting from British Columbia for eight days; Zelda is 94. Happy 20th anniversary to Michelle and Peter Viney, a young couple going places. Happy birthday to Karen O’Leary. Karen is the daughter of Eleanor (Beare) and Bill Bagshaw. Birthday greetings also to Dan Shreeve, who had his 15th birthday recently. Birthday wishes also to Emily Gibson, 23, who just a few days ago graduated with distinction from university. Birthday wishes also to Gary Edwards, also known by his wife Jen as the crazy cat man. He loves caring for all their stray cats as much as she does.
Major best wishes go out to my lifelong friend, the awesome Corinne Croxall, who celebrated her 98th birthday. I am sure there was a family party for this very special lady. Happy 31st-anniversary blessings to Don and Kathleen Kennedy. Don was with the Markham fire department for many years and now drives a school bus and caretakes at the Foster.
The “Run for the Diamond” took place last weekend and raised a great deal of money for the Hospital Auxillary. Several members of the Barnett family participated in the ASL walk to raise funds for that cause in remembrance of Jack.
The Gardens of Uxbridge Tour took place on the 24th. It was a rainy day, but this did not discourage many of the participants, who enjoyed the displays of the eight very different gardens. Leaskdale Loop also took part this past Saturday, but I have not heard how that went. The weather would not have been a factor. Scott Central held its graduation at Mill Run Golf Course. Co-valedictorians were Adeline Clark and her friend Michael. Adeline is the second daughter of Brad and Marcie, and of course, they are immensely proud of her and all their daughters, who love the farm. Congratulations to all grads from Scott Central.
A huge congratulations to Gloria Eng, who was in Newfoundland in part to accept a certificate of Lifetime Membership in the Legion membership as a volunteer. We all know how hard she works for that organization and several others as well. Congratulations again to Mike and Jamie Risebrough, whose cow Maplebrough Ashlar Rhoda is Holstein Ontario’s “Heart of Herd” winner for 2022. A Holstein Twilight meeting was held at Herrema farms on Saturday evening, a great night for a party. Last week I mentioned the Uxbridge-Scott Historic Society would be holding a meeting in July with Allan McGillivray as a guest speaker. Well, this date has been changed to September 21st. Unfortunately, at this point in time, there will not be any Heritage Day activity, although there is a kite flying day quite soon for those interested, and the Horseshoe pitch is open every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society has geared up for summer. The Play, “Anne of Green Gables”, will be performed at the Music Hall from July 14th to 17th, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. As well as at the Historic Church, July 21st to 30th, Friday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for those under 16. Special Dessert and Tea Show will be on July 23rd and 30th at 12:30 p.m.. Tickets are $35. Call 905-862-0808 to RSVP.
As you might expect, I am greatly in favour of girls getting into vocations and careers which have been considered for men only, and it is exciting to see our local girls doing just that. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned my great niece Hayley Ashton who graduated from Ridgeway Agricultural College. Besides being selected to represent 4H in a wide district, this week, she was interviewed by an agricultural paper and is the front page story. Periodically Karyn Tindall of Tindal Farm and Market has shown pictures of her daughter Jessie and her truck. Her parents bought her this old truck, but Jessie spent quantity and quality time fixing it up and drove it to her graduation at Uxbridge Secondary last week. As it turned out, Jessie was awarded The Alex Williamson Award for her work in the Automotive class. Wow, how great is that? Then there is also Paige Cassibo, who graduated from the Auto Tech Services class with the highest marks and is already a Level I Apprentice. Way to go, girls! You are definitely great examples.
This past Friday, The Foster had some great songs by Melanie Hebert, whose voice filled the dome. Next week Justin Kerswill will be the guest performer. Justin plays several instruments and many ethnic-type songs and instrumentals. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the program starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is a donation at the door.
Church this month is at Zephyr United Church. Pastor Gord Shreeve ministered Sunday, and Laura Kay will be on for next week, with “Reflections” the following week.