Zephyr & Sandford News

By Pat Asling

Firstly, I want to send out a big “Thank You” to all those who remembered me in the almost two months I have been on the sick list. I received many telephone calls and emails, as well as gifts of food, flowers, and other special gifts. All were much appreciated! Thanks to Adele Boy for driving me to many medical appointments. Also to Deborah Clements and to my son Ivan, who took time off work to take me to appointments at Newmarket Hospital. Also to Jenny, who accompanied me on many hospital visits, without whom I might still be wandering around hospital corridors! Not well yet, but getting there!

We finally got some heat. Complaining already, no doubt. Grass is growing, weeds are growing, my baby phoebes have fledged, etc. and every day I am given a performance of ducks on my pond. One morning, I counted 21 mallards and 16 wood ducks. They fly out during the day but come back to spend the night. One thing I don’t want is a big raccoon already dumping out a bird feeder and the water bowl. Lilacs and other perennials balance it out.

There are three important dates I want to mention: the Decoration Day services for our three local cemeteries. On June 21st, a service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Mission Church, Zephyr, at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Gord Shreeve conducting the service. Sandford Cemetery is scheduled for June 28th at 2 p.m., unless the weather is inclement, in which case at the church. Rev. Li will conduct the service. Zephyr Zion Cemetery will hold its service on July 5th at 2:30 p.m., with Pastor Laura Kay conducting the service. This will be at the Zephyr Church if the weather is inclement. Before that date comes, Pastor Laura and her hubby will welcome their second child.

There were quite a few celebrations this week. Ron Brown Jr. has recovered sufficiently from a serious case of pneumonia to go fishing again. Gloria Ewen (Cox) celebrated another good year with family and friends. Best wishes also to Stacey Kearley, who has one of the most successful real estate businesses in the area. A big double congratulations to Rev. Karen Croxall! Rev. Karen has not only retired but will be celebrating that, as well as her first birthday, not on call. However, I am sure she will not be sitting around doing nothing. There is a retirement party for her at the Uxbridge Legion (she is a chaplain) on Sunday, June 14th, from 12 to 2 p.m., to which everyone is welcome. Karen was our supervising minister at Sandford Zephyr when we had no posted minister. We are grateful for that connection.

Best wishes to Karen Rynard, who recently had a knee operation and is slowly but surely recovering. Best wishes to Norma Scott, who has sold her property and moved into Douglas Crossing. So far, she is enjoying her newfound freedom.

The Uxbridge Horseshoe Club had 19 members last week. With warmer weather and four pitches, they are hoping to attract more players (one of the regulars is Lloyd Weiler, who will be 99 in August). The cost is $30 for the season, which also gives you access to activities at the museum. One coming on the 10th is by local former teacher, poet Bruce Brandon, who will be reading from his latest published book. At the schoolhouse, doors open at 6:30 until 8 p.m. All are welcome, and memberships in the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society are available for purchase. Unfortunately, on that same night, the Uxbridge Horticultural Group will meet at the Senior Centre at 7 p.m. I had planned to go, but I can’t be in two places at once. Erwin Shack and his guitar will be the performer at the Foster this Friday night. Erwin has been coming for many years and has a great following. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert at 7:30 p.m. We are always looking for volunteers to help out on Friday, so speak to one of the volunteers if you would like to help. Enjoy a free concert. The North Durham Nature Group meet again on Tuesday, June 23rd at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. James and Linda Kamstra will be telling us all about their recent African Safari at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Memberships available!

At church Sunday morning (my first in almost two months), we were delighted and uplifted to listen to the trio “Reflections”. Such beautiful harmony, and so many of the older hymns and songs have beautiful meaning. Of course, the piano playing by our own Ruth Baker is simply marvellous. If you haven’t heard them yet, look for them. I know they will be at Glen Major Church in July.

Big congratulations to Colleen and the Green family on their new, enlarged and improved headquarters. Something must be working right.