Zephyr & Sandford news

by Pat Asling

"O what a beautiful morning,

O what a beautiful day!

I have a beautiful feeling

Everything's going my way!"

That was Sunday morning, Mother's Day, 2025.

Our Asling Ashton family got ahead of the games by celebrating on Saturday afternoon with some 20-plus attending.

Being held at the farm, mothering was brought to light. My niece, the farmerette of the day, went to the barn to check on a cow they knew was going to birth soon. She had, but the calf appeared lifeless. Hayley knew what to do, upended the calf and gave it a few quick whacks, just what the doctor ordered, and a new life entered for a happy mother!

I hope it was true for you and all the "mothers" of whatever type. Adele Boy, leading our service on Sunday Morning inventoried all the many styles and types of mothering there can be and the many family types and family disconnects there can be and have been, ever since the first family mentioned in the bible was formed.

Of course we also know everything is not going well in the world, in fact horribly bad in many parts, and we need to do our best to alleviate the pain other families are feeling. There is plenty of that right here at home which we CAN do something about!

It was a rather quiet week. On Tuesday, a huge crowd of folks filled the lunch room at The Port Perry Villa for their monthly delicious meal. The entertainment was provided by well-known painter/singer Walter Taylor. It was also nice to have his wife, Lynn Rhodes Taylor, along, too. Lynn has been a Brock Township councillor for many years now. She also writes articles for magazines. Many years ago, she was one of those young patients of mine.

"Friday Night at the Foster" held its second concert of the season with returning artist Scott Benson and friend on guitars and Susan with voice and flute. The flute music was particularly beautiful. There were about 35 in attendance. Some folks are still uncertain about the status of the road, but the south end is open. Work is being done to repair the ramp at the entrance to the building and it is hoped the pillars and gates might soon be replaced. Next Friday, May 16th, our guest will be Wayne Madder playing Jazz, blues, country and folk. Wayne has also played many times in this venue! Doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., admission by donation at the door. The Zephyr Scott Lions Club held another successful spaghetti supper on Friday night with maybe a smaller crowd, but I think, judging from the amount of traffic heading north on 23, that many treated it as a holiday weekend and headed north to the cottage. On June 14th, in conjunction with the Community Group, there will be a Family Fun Day at the Zephyr Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And before that, don't forget the Market on May 24th with crafts, food, and maybe plants etc. Call to reserve your booth. On Wednesday, May 14th, the Uxbridge Horticultural Group meets at the Seniors. Building, at 7 p.m.

Join Carly McDougall as she speaks about Whimsical Garden Designs. After an award-winning career as a journalist working at the Toronto Star, Canadian Press, Metroland Community Newspapers, and co-creating the lifestyle magazine Uxbridge Town Talk, Carly suffered a catastrophic mental health breakdown in 2014. She spent a decade navigating the complex world of psychiatrists, therapy, and multiple medications, clawing her way to recovery and stability. A gardener since childhood, the incredible healing power of plants became an essential piece of Carly's coping toolkit, alongside conventional medicine. Carly started selling pots of her famous flavoured honey as a way to make money during recovery. Neighbours and friends engaged her gardening, seed-starting and indoor plant advice, swooning over her whimsically upcycled outdoor spaces and huge food garden. Carly began to cultivate the community she missed so much from her decades as a journalist and small business owner. In January 2024, she incorporated Bounty from the Boonies and began formally running the business.

Thursday, May 15th will be the regular meeting of the Uxbridge Genealogy Group (UGG). David Joiner, Genealogist and Geographer will be the speaker.

The presentation will demonstrate how family history details can be mapped using a free computer program. David will use his family's history to show how knowledge of their ancestral home, migration routes and even how their military experience can be enhanced using Google Earth Pro. All are welcome. Meeting are at the library, at 7 p.m. Memberships are $20. You can be in person or on line if you are a member.

If you wish to use the computers in the genealogy department or need assistance on a Tuesday, please make an appointment at uxlib.com.

UGG is having a Find Your Roots Open House on Saturday, May 24th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is to promote the genealogy department and assist people wanting to know more about genealogy/family history and how to go about it.

The Uxbridge Horseshoe Club meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., at the Museum. Cost is $10 per game or $30 for the season, which then allows you to hear all the upcoming speakers. Recently the pitch was open for a wedding, which must be rather unique entertainment! Incidentally, the next speaker at the Uxbridge Scott Museum will be Allan McGillivray, always an interesting and informative evening.

On July 1st there will be an old style picnic and games day on the Museum grounds. Bring your own lunch and young people and participate in some of the games we played as kids. For more information call Bob at 895-852-9176. May 23rd there will be Chamber music at the Historic Leaskdale Church, at 7:30 p.m. Admission by donation at the door. Proceeds will go to help pay for the new piano.

Best wishes went out this week to longtime Williamson employee Mike Kelland. Always good to see his smiling face. A big congrats to an amazing couple, Conrad and Lisa Boyce, who have been married for 28 years. They brought music, drama, travel and fun wherever they lived. Big birthday wishes also to Carol Johnson who is 88 and had the birthday song sung to her in church. Carol no longer lives in Uxbridge, but her son lives in Port Perry. Bill Richardson, 87, a man of many talents whether it's woodworking, machinery or piping, always belying age.

A reminder the Horticultural group will also be holding their annual plant sale on May 25th, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Sharpes Farm Supply, at 125 Brock Street, in Uxbridge.

For those who have been asking, the Spring service at the Pine Grove Heritage Church will be held on May 25th, at 3 p.m. Leading the service will be the ever popular group Reflections! This is a busy day as Kathy Wasylenky also has her book launch that afternoon.