Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

It seems a lot has happened over the week, but nothing earth-shattering. Oh, but there was an earthquake which shook and cracked and was heard and felt over a great deal of southern Ontario. Apparently, I slept through it while others were truly frightened. I think they said it occurred 5 miles underground, so I wonder how it would feel if you were in a mine or some other deeply dug space?

There have also been some spectacular photos on Facebook of what are commonly called “sun dogs”, which are normally only seen in very cold but sunny weather. And we certainly have had plenty of both! The saving grace for our extraordinary cold temperatures has been the sun, blue skies and only light wind most days. It has certainly been a boon for snowmobiles, skiers of all levels, and tobogganers!

We have had the snow moon, whose light on the snow makes for very bright nights. Sunday it was full, and close (relatively speaking) but earlier in the week I watched it set, a huge fiery ball snuggling into my pasture field, having washed its feet in the pond and hiding behind some trees. Most spectacular!

Lately, there seemed to be a shortage of black oil sunflower seeds (like sand and salt), so I had to buy something else. It was obvious my birds did not fancy the new feed, and much of it lies on the ground. Although I have now sourced black oil again I am sad because it seems many of my birds have deserted me for someone else’s feeders. I sure hope they get the message and return. One happy note, this morning I saw a bunny and a black squirrel sharing breakfast under the feeders. And my hibiscus are blooming!

Several gentlemen have birthdays this week. Chris Mustard is one, and, of course, since he is a twin, his brother, Craig, also got to celebrate. It doesn’t seem long since the neighbourhood learned Rosemary and Grant would be parents to twins, and those boys have kids of their own now. Dale Ashton also had a birthday. Dale recently retired from a job he had held for many years, but then took up another where he can still drive trucks! Birthday wishes were also sent to Shaun Schevers. Shaun is the chief mover and shaker of the Zephyr Scott Lions Club and is involved in a great many community activities. In case you missed it, the Zephyr Scott Lions Club recently presented the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation with a cheque for $3000! This came from their spaghetti suppers. Shaun informs me there will be no spaghetti supper in February because it would fall on Valentine's Day.

But there is an event at the Zephyr Hall, a Valentine's Dance, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, (over 19) with a DJ, cash bar, light snacks and a silent auction (donated items can be given to Colleen McBroom). Tickets are $15. Proceeds will go to the Edwards Animal Sanctuary located on the 3rd.

Jen was a nurse for many years, and after many stressful times, she quit. She and her husband decided to turn their home into an animal shelter and have since nursed many lovely creatures, mostly cats, back to health and rehomed them! Donations are also welcome to support their work. At the end of the month (28th), don’t forget Yuk Yuk's is coming to Sandford Hall, although it may be too late for tickets. Call Heather Moore, and she may be able to put you on a list if someone has to cancel.

May seems a long way away (much too far), but the time always goes quickly, and Friends of the Foster are tuning up for another concert season at our fabulous Foster Memorial building. If you haven’t been there, you are missing a marvellous site/sight! This is a unique building; there is no other like it in Ontario. Not only is its architectural beauty acclaimed, but also the excellent acoustics produced by the central dome. Anyone who has performed there notices that immediately and almost every soloist, group, or choir which has performed wants a return date! However, like too many community groups, we are in dire need of volunteers to assist with welcoming our guests and patrons each Friday night. That is from the beginning of May until the end of September. If you volunteer to assist, you get a lot of free Friday night entertainment. Please call Bev Northeast at 905-640-3966 or email beverlynortheast@gmail.com if you would like to help us out at 905-640-3966, or email beverlynortheast@gmail.com. I've been involved for about 10 years and have greatly enjoyed it, but I need some help! I also need help in finding a home for an Uxbridge piano. This piano is in excellent condition, has only had two owners, both from Uxbridge, who lived close to the factory in years gone by, but needs to be moved for home renovations and is FREE for the taking away. Please contact me on Facebook or Messenger. It should be at the museum but they say there is no room. A rare chance!

Dwight and Deborah Clements have a daughter and two sons. Their daughter lives reasonably close, but both sons live in BC. Recently, they have been able to find fantastic air prices and have managed to visit both boys. Not only is it great to spend time like that, but there is no snow where they are!

Next Sunday, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Cunningham will be back with us at Sandford Zephyr United Church. All are welcome. Service starts at 10 a.m. Coffee and chat to follow!