ZEPHYR & SANDFORD by Pat Asling

What a shock to our systems as it has suddenly turned cold! We have been blessed so far in having such lovely weather past weeks, and although some people have had frost and a bit of snow, nothing serious has happened, and my flowers are all blooming away still. I have started moving them inside, but trying to get everything in is a mind-boggling, juggling task.

The begonias are in full bloom, but they will soon tire and then be put in a cold dark place to rest until closer to spring. My amaryllis is already away and will soon be coming out of hiding so that they might (possibly) bloom at Christmas. I try each year without much success. The dahlias should not be dug until we get a hard frost, so that may be a while yet, much as I hate working out in the cold.

I will start with a death that I am sure was a shock to most people, that of Gary Hill, only 60. Gary was a local auctioneer who made history in that world many years ago and has been continuously busy both in his own business and auctioneering for many fundraising events, which included calling at tractor pulls at the Uxbridge Fair and other such events. Gary’s parents, Grant and Nan Hill, farmed in Zephyr and raised their family of Gary, Janice and Doug there. Our deepest sympathies go to Nan, his siblings, his children, his wife and many friends and associates.

A celebration of life will be held at his favourite place, the Uxbridge Sales Barns, on Sunday, November 14th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. All COVID restrictions will be in place.

In happier news, Dan and Sarah Moore celebrated their anniversary. They are a great team, and we wish them continued success at farming and working with horses. Next weekend daughter Mack will be competing in a very big rodeo tournament in Orangeville.

Also celebrating an anniversary were Brian and Brenda Moore, who have been married for 43 years! They have a son and a daughter. Hard to imagine when you still recall them as little kids! Many more great years folks, and I hope that you see your wee granddaughter again soon.

Tawn and Craig MacDonald are celebrating 25 years of marriage. Tawn grew up in Uxbridge. Her dad Dr. Don was the local veterinarian for many years and was known throughout the area. I know her mom always answered telephone calls from worried farmers and pet owners, and I am sure Tawn also got to do some of that. Until the school at Epsom closed several years ago now, she taught there and really enjoyed her time although they live in Orangeville. They have two daughters. Best wishes for several more silver years!

Happy anniversary wishes also go out to Jamie and Rachel Risebrough, who have been married for nine years already. Jamie co-farms with Michael Risebrough at Maplebrough Farm on Davis Drive, the farm Mike’s late parents Gordon and Dorothy owned and ran for many years. Jamie is Mike’s older brother David’s son.

Rachel is better known as Dr. Rachel Stadnyk, a veterinarian at Pet on Main. Nice to have an expert close to hand when you are farming since Rachel started treating large animals.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Mike and Susan’s oldest daughters, Hannah and Megan, who are now 25 years old.

Congratulations to two young men who received their G2 drivers’ licenses this week, Coalton Leppard and Ray Edwards. Coalton managed on his 17th birthday too! Best wishes guys, and drive safely.

Happy birthday wishes to Lisha Van Nieuwenhove. Lisha is a busy girl putting out the Cosmos each week and helping out on the farm. Likely she and Grant will soon be back on stage now that theatres and different venues are allowed to open with capacities.

Birthday wishes also go out to Katie Bottomly, formerly Katie Wilson, daughter of Phil and Jennifer Wilson of Sandford. She is married to Phil, and they have two lovely little girls. Katie studied American sign langue and is a great music teacher!

Augusta Winder is well known around the area and has been active and church activities for all the years she and Dr. Winder had lived in town, which is a good many since I was a patient of his when I was in high school. Happy birthday Augusta, and many more.

Happy birthday also to Lisa Harrison. Hope it was a great day with many more to come.

There was a lovely service at Zephyr today celebrating the church’s 135th anniversary. The minister was our own Carol O’Neil with a guest musician, Laura Kay. Laura is from Zephyr, was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 2011, working on both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s of Arts, and is currently serving as chaplain at Salvation Army Harbour Light Mission.

The guest soloist was Brian Reynolds, who started singing with the Markham Men of Harmony, then joined a quartette called Second Time Round and now sings with a quartette called For Heaven’s Sake. A remarkable voice and beautiful additions to the service!

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