By Pat Asling
Well friends, we have had another lovely spell of summer weather which quickly came to an end. We can all hope we will get a few more days, even weeks of balmy weather before the real cold hits. This Sunday morning was really cold, at 4C, although we have had a couple of mornings in the minus side.
October ended with another full moon, this time the Hunter’s Moon and it was accompanied by a very bright Jupiter. Many parts of the world were able to see an eclipse but it was pretty well out of our vision. When the sky is clear of clouds it is a pretty bright scene all night. The Hunter’s moon signified to the Indigenous population it was time to begin the hunt, to stock up for the winter.
On Friday noon the ladies of my Epsom Girls Group met with almost all present, including our oldest member Dorothy Munro, inching towards 100 and still going strong. We do miss Doris Armstrong though. All day Saturday was spent at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Day at the Historic Church in Leaskdale. There was a very intellectual event to start where Ted Barris Interviewed Maud (Jennifer Caroll) about various aspects of her life and thought when she first arrived in Leaskdale and how her life progressed during her years as part of the communities.
Another big part of the session was the opening of a new Fund-Raising event with the object being $200,000! Kathy Wasylenky explained how the land for the parking lot was acquired and what had to be done in the following 2-3 years before it will be operational. Earle Lockerby talked about the many other projects underway and kicked it off by making a donation. The many new exhibit boards downstairs were unveiled. This is just a small part of the changes coming. Names of the many Honorary Chair people were listed. There was also a talk about the spelling of Ewan (Ewen’s) name detailing a lot of research. Following the usual delicious lunch there was a walk to the manse where a ceremonial tree planting dedication took place and then a 1½ hour. drive in the Town Trolley around notable places associated with Maud. All in all a very interesting day. I must say, I have never seen so many men attending one of these days.
There are not a lot of celebrations this week. Happy birthday to Luanne (Blackburn) Evans. Luanne has retired from her many years of nursing now just has to look after Brian. Greeting also to one of our up and coming young music stars, Julien Kelland, who celebrated 25 years. All the best Julien. Also 50th anniversary greetings go out to Ed and Pam Beach, a very busy pair of young people.
November promises to be a very busy month as so many Christmas activities take place. Of course, on November 11th, the Uxbridge legion will hold their annual parade and laying of the wreaths.
The Uxbridge Rotary Christmas tour takes place this year on Sunday, November 12th, the tickets are $40 each. It is a self guided tour. There will be seven professionally decorated homes and the amazing jewel of our community The Foster Memorial, so eight buildings all together. Each location will have live music by talented local musicians. You can check out their website at www.uxbridgechristmashometour.ca.
On November 4th the Pearls and Lace Craft Show will be held at Goodwood Community Hall. This is a fund raiser for the Foster which has been active for many years.
The Uxbridge Horticultural Group will meet November 8th. The speaker will be Roman Halkiewicz talking about gardening for Climate Change. You are also urged to bring something along for the silent auction which will take place as well as the plant show. The Uxbridge Genealogy group will meet November 16th with military subjects the focus.
On November 18th the Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade once again rules the streets. The same day is Leaskdale Loop day.
And on November 19th, Ladies of the Foster will present their version of Dicken’s Christmas Tale after several year’s absence, at 2 p.m.
November 21st is the Senior’s lunch takes place and on the 28th the Community Care Lunch is being hosted by Hope Church, in Port Perry.
Also on November 28th the North Durham Nature group meets, this time at the Scugog Library. On November 25th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Sandford Hall, will be 'Breakfast with Santa' Admission is by donation and breakfast consists of pancakes and sausages. Santa will arrive at the Zephyr Breakfast with Santa on December 9th, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $5 per person. Donations for Loaves and Fishes would be appreciated.
Church this week was again at Zephyr United Church, with Rev. Dr. Bill Fritz conducting the service. Sadly we were few in numbers. Funeral services for Peter Doling will be at Zephyr United Church on November 4th, at 1 p.m., lunch to follow. Next week we return to Sandford United Church and our Minister will be Rev. Carol Baggett. Carol is a retired Minister now and has been with us before, and will be again in the New Year. For any who took the Shoe Boxes home last week Linda would like to have them back to her for next Sunday, or November 12th at the latest.