Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

"June is busting out all over!" and isn't it wonderful after what May had to offer! To start with, there is a full blue moon, a rare one which will not be seen for several years again. I was awake one night earlier in the week, and the brilliance was blinding, and it wasn't even full at that point. Of course, it has been quite windy, with the result that many of our blossoms have blown away, such as the apple and cherry, but still a richness of multicolour lilacs and other large shrubs. Boy, are the grass and weeds growing!

First off, before I forget, I want to ask a question I asked on Facebook: Do any of the readers remember a very tall metal arch which stood at the entrance of the Foster Memorial? I don't know what years, nor for how long, nor for sure why it was removed, but it has sat at the far southeast corner of the lot for many years. I doubt many people have even seen it. Please let me know if you or any older relative has memories of it. If you do, please email me at orchidaepma@hotmail.com. Speaking of which, the musician for this Friday night, "Friday at the Foster," is Rob Wakelin, guitarist. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., admission by donation with a $10 suggested donation.

Quite a few celebrations this week, and we will start with a big congratulations for their 50th anniversary to David and Judy Warren Risebrough, quite a celebration for sure, as they spent it in Tasmania, Australia! Joan Evans Wideman celebrated a birthday, and I am sure her several children will have given a big party. Also celebrating was Carolyn Hicken. Carolyn is a very busy lady with her work with the seniors, giving various lessons and working with the churches. Big birthday wishes to these ladies. Also celebrating a birthday was Amanda van der Gulik. Unfortunately, Amanda and Cindy are searching for a new home in the Uxbridge area, if possible. Anyone with a 2 or 3-bedroom available, please contact them. The only male is one of my young friends, Bryon Smith. Best wishes for many more great years to everyone celebrating.

The North Durham Nature meeting last week at Scugog Library was well attended, and the subject, Flying Squirrels, was intriguing. Next month, on June 26th, the meeting will be at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. All are welcome. Check the website for other activities during the month.

The Uxbridge Horticultural Group reported a very successful sale last Sunday. The sale of plants raised $1900, and bake goods $116, a very good income. The Horseshoe group meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the museum. With four pitches, there is room for all, and both men and women are invited to take part. Cost is $30 for the season, first one free, and it also gets you into any talks at the museum. Unfortunately, I understand the talk last week was poorly attended, and the speaker is a fantastic historian, too bad to miss!

The Zephyr Scott Lions Club reported a very successful Spring vendors show with some new vendors and lots of other entertainment for both kids and adults, as well as a BBQ. Hopefully, I will get some more specific details later, and about other upcoming events. They always have something on the go.

Congratulations to Earle Lockerby of Sandford. Few know he is a multi-published writer with several books to his credit, either alone or co-written. This weekend, he was in Nova Scotia, where another of his co-written books was being unveiled. A couple of his books can be found in the Uxbridge Library. Big congratulations on these many accomplishments.

This past weekend was the first time I have been at a social event in six weeks. My sister took me, but by sometime next week, I should be my own driver once more. We first attended the 100th birthday party for Evelyn McGuckin. We arrived well before 2 p.m., and there was already a crowd coming to congratulate this lovely lady. Of course, I met several friends I have not seen for some time. As we were going to another function, we left early, but I am told Evelyn played several songs on the piano for the guests. Evelyn, at one time, was the pianist at Sandford Church. The other function we attended was the church service at Pine Grove church, always a pleasure. As usual, the service was conducted by Helen Munro Johnson, even though she and her sister Betty have been very busy helping their mother Dorothy (almost 100), who fell twice and has been in Oshawa for several weeks now. The guest speaker was Rev. Dean Bursey, who works at the large jail in Lindsay. He told us of how he came to minister and what it is like in one of our largest prisons. It brought to mind my 25 years working in Corrections. He lived with his family in Epsom about 10 years ago before moving to the Seagrave area. Thanks to Shirley Elson and Heather (Bell-Ashton) Card for their lovely music. The Sandford Zephyr congregation held their Annual General Meeting Sunday, although it is usually not until the end of September!