ZEPHYR & SANDFORD by Pat Asling

Another hot week, in so many ways! The Federal election kicked off; the COVID numbers have doubled, fires are still burning, hurricanes are in the wind, fanning the flames. And we are again thirsty for rain! Parts of British Columbia are expecting a cooling and some rain, a welcome relief!

Another calendar cycle has passed, and we are again experiencing a full moon. Here are some of the names given to this season moon by our Indigenous people: Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes region call this Moon Manoominike-giizis, the “Wild Rice Moon,” or Miine Giizis, the “Blueberry Moon.” Cree peoples of the United States and Canada call the August full Moon Ohpahowipîsim, the Flying Up Moon. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) of eastern North America call it Seskéha, the Freshness Moon. The Sandford- Zephyr Pastoral charge met over Zoom this past week. After some discussion regarding the sale of the manse and dispersal of funds, talk turned to in-person worship, with these results as indicated by chairperson Karen Rynard.” Sandford-Zephyr Pastoral Charge plans to reopen for in-person church services on Sunday, September 12th, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Sandford United Church.

All church services for September will take place at Sandford United Church. COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Please bring a mask to wear. Physical distancing measures will be in place. Follow the signs for entry, undertake the self-check list for COVID-19 symptoms before entry and please sit in the designated areas. A contact list of attendees’ names will be completed for each service. Carol O’Neill, Licensed Lay Leader for East Central Regional Council, will be the guest speaker. “Carol, of course, has been bringing us services every week almost since the beginning, and we thank her very much for that.

Happy birthday to Vanessa (Cox) Rose. Vanessa has been living in her grandmother Evelyn’s house almost since Bob and Ev moved to Butternut Manor, but I was unaware for some time. Birthday greetings also to Lynn Roach-Bernier, famous in the township for leading ladies-only trips around the world!

Our own Melinda Delorme celebrated a birthday as well. She is ready to head back to school, but this time, still in Stouffville at a high school and, sadly, will not be teaching music. They don’t know what they are missing!

A special birthday greeting to Ona Hackner! Ona still lives in her farmhouse, but one of her granddaughters lives with her for company. Ona has always been a wonderful friend. Greeting also to Keith Doucette, who celebrated with his sisters and mother Wilma! The family suffered a loss this past week when Wilma’s nephew passed away.

Anniversary greetings go out to two wonderful people who lived much of their lives in Zephyr; Don and Shirley Hewlett celebrated 66 years of togetherness! Also celebrating a smaller number were Karen Bagshaw (daughter of Bill and Eleanor Bagshaw) and husband, Dennis O’Leary

Another birthday girl is Emily MacDonald, the daughter of Tish and Mike. Speaking of Tish, she never forgets to organize special days for veterans celebrating birthdays through the “Honour Our Veterans Banner Programme Committee.”

This time it was Ron Downs and Betty Dalrymple. Ron served five years on the HNCS Crusader, a destroyer escort ship, the fastest ship in the navy, at the time. On the HMCS Shearwater, he repaired airplanes and later on the HMCS Wallaceburg, a great lakes minesweeper. An exciting life!

Betty is also a WW2 veteran from the Woman’s Auxillary Air Force. She was stationed in England and worked as part of a medical team responsible for x-raying prisoners of war. She served until 1946!

Big congratulations go out to our friend Bob Kirvan, mover and shaker. He was nominated as 2021 Senior of the Year, Province of Ontario, Township of Uxbridge. Bob keeps very busy with Trinity, the Seniors group, Museum and Uxbridge Scott Historical Society, including the horseshoe pitching sessions and golf! It’s hard to keep up with him as a “young” 86!

Sadly, I have been informed that our friend Dennis Trowse is leaving us and heading off to Newfoundland, somewhere up the west coast, where his granddaughter lives. She has arranged for him to abide in a Seniors Residence. We will miss his dry sense of humour and goodwill to all and hope that he enjoys his new home with no obligations.

Please note that there is a correction for the times of the “Maud of Leaskdale” production starring Jennifer Carroll and written by Conrad. Dates and times are Thursday, August 26th at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 28th at 3 p.m. and Sunday, August 29th at 3 p.m. That’s this week, folks, the 10th anniversary of the very first! The Lucy Maud Montgomery Day will not be celebrated until Saturday, October 30th!

Art on the Fringe is planning to hold their event on Saturday and Sunday, September 18th and 19th, with a huge number of artists represented. Of course, like all other events, COVID protocols apply and will hinge on the status of COVID in the province.

#patasling #shorelines #Zephyr