Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

The best news of the week is the warmer weather we enjoyed has melted a great deal of the piles of snow hedging us in, not good news for skiers or outdoor skaters, but for those trying to get around, it sure makes a big difference. Unless, of course, you are faced with a huge puddle in front of your house, or worse, water running into your basement. It seems here though, much of the water is disappearing, and my theory is the ground never really froze because it got cold so suddenly.

Hopefully, that’s the same for your yard as well. I was reading my notes from March 2024, and at this same time, my pond was wide open and had already been visited by a number of ducks and some geese taking advantage of the open water. I had already seen swans at Flumerfelt’s pond up Sandford Road (still frozen solid today), so it was wonderful to see our swans for Elgin pond have returned.

This week is supposed to remain relatively warm, so perhaps the pond water will be free and have more visitors! Some green plants are showing where snow has melted over the grass, too, and ends of twigs sport some fuzzy new growth. To top it off, Saturday I saw my first redwings blackbird as well as several grackles and a pair of robins. Robins are not really signs of spring since many only take cover in the bush or orchards, but still, it's nice to see. My 20 or so evening grosbeaks are still here, but I think they are misnamed because they never come in the evening. I also had a small group of pine siskins drop in briefly, but I had to turn to James Kamstra for ID, as my mind was a blank. I knew I had seen them before but…..!

Again, it’s been a fairly quiet week regarding events. On Tuesday, many fortunate people once more got to feast at The Villa in Port Perry for Community Care lunch. The entertainment was a group of musicians called The Northport Strings (this may not be entirely correct), but they were an excellent group, very relaxing to listen to (maybe too relaxing for some after a heavy meal). Congratulations should go to whoever it is (Jillian?) who not only organizes the gathering place but also finds such interesting entertainment as well.

On Thursday evening, anyone who belonged to Pickering Naturalist Group was treated to a very enlightening, informative and unusual presentation. The subject was nighthawks, particularly how much more common they are than believed. The presentation was given by a young man who, though young, certainly had a wealth of information at his fingertips. Nighthawks have traditionally nested, or roosted, in chimneys (chimney swifts), but these sites are becoming fewer, so other shelters are necessarily found. This video highlighted places where huge numbers can still be seen, particularly as they return to their nesting sites in the evening- a spectacular sight.

This Thursday, the Genealogy Group will meet at the library, downstairs (a week earlier due to winter break activities). The subject of this meeting is “Brick Walls”! Brick walls, for genealogists, are dead ends they come to in searching for a relative or related information. If you have one of those, you can inform John, and the group might be able to give you hints on what your next move could be. Meeting begins at 7 p.m. You can join in person or by Zoom if you are registered. There was a book sale of genealogy books no longer needed last Saturday at the library, and also a Seedy Saturday event upstairs.

Heather Moore informed me that the Yuk Yuks evening hosted over 200 people, amazing. The Zephyr Scott Lions held a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. There is no spaghetti supper this month, but it will return in April. Meanwhile, they are holding a raffle in aid of the Edwards Animal Shelter, just down the road on the 3rd. They are also raising money for a child’s chemo chair, at a cost of $1200. Meanwhile, they are still collecting several items such as eyeglasses, bread bags, etc. On May 24th, they will hold their Seasonal Market where you can sell your wood crafts, baked goods, paintings, anything handmade or plants. Contact a member to save a booth. There will also be things for the kids to do. And oh yes, they are trying to start euchre nights, the first one on Thursday, March 12th, 7-9 p.m., with $20 admission (is this for the winner?). They do keep busy.

A number of people had birthdays this week, including the energizing, picture-taking bunny, John Cavers. John manages to get around and photograph pretty well every event which happens in the area. I say, although he doesn’t wear his costume, at 81, he is still Superman! Diane Payne also celebrated. Diane was born and raised in Uxbridge but moved to Scugog when she married Randy. She continues to amaze me as she comes up with more unique crafts, which they sell at every craft/bazaar which comes along. Another amazing person is Dan Moore, who has never let his disability stop his abilities. Dan and family moved from Sandford a little while ago and are progressing well. Ken Maynard, another of those I knew from childhood, has spent his career with a fire department, and his future still seems to be burning brightly.

Another old timer celebrating is Eugene O’Beirn. Gene and Val moved from here many years ago, but many of the large families still reside in the area. Best wishes for many more good years to all these folks, and any others, like my dear friend Darlene Christie, who celebrated. One death I noted was that of Gloria Ryan. Gloria was the wife of Peter. Peter was a long-term, valued employee of St. John’s School. It was always a pleasure to meet Peter in the hall or dining room, as he was always cheerful and upbeat. Gloria was often around school activities, social events, etc. They lived just down the 6th, so not far. Amazingly, Gloria was 104

Coming events are the Seniors Lunch on March 17th. It seems like that is a special day, so Irish or not, don’t forget to wear green to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day. Tickets may still be available for a few more days. Contact Carolyn. Mary Evans and Co. prepared another delicious meal, even more so since I don’t have to cook. On the 24th, North Durham Nature meets again, this time at Scugog Library. Information about this meeting and other activities, such as walks, can be found on their website.

Friday Night at the Foster will commence again on Friday. May 1st. Most of your favourite entertainers are scheduled to return during the season, as well as a few newer groups. Admission is by donation, $10 suggested. All funds raised by these concerts are used for the maintenance of the Foster building. We really need some dedicated volunteers to join Friends of the Foster to assist each night. Volunteers get free concerts.

On Sunday, our church service was led by Adele Boy, LLWL. As we have been commemorating Women’s Month, her message combined the strength of the many biblical women with what women today have faced and conquered. One mention she made was of Rev. Lois Wilson, who was the first female moderator of the United Church. We have just had two more ladies in a row. It was a very meaningful and thoughtful message for both men and women to think about. Join us each week at 10 a.m., at Sandford Church. We are now into the Easter season, with each Sunday a special day in the life and coming death of Christ!