Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Well, half of July melted away, just like your ice cream cone did on any of those continuously hot days. Thank heavens for the rain Sunday morning, it was a good one, but not nearly enough after weeks of drought. Of course, I prefer that to the amounts which fell not only in Texas but other US states, causing severe flooding. At least it’s making officials sit up and take notice of what could happen in various parts of Canada. Fires seem to be the worst offenders, but floods could also be, in certain areas, under the right conditions, and Ontario doesn’t have any water bombers. Climate change is real, and mitigation will not be helped by many of our governments’ plans, whether Provincial or Federal.

It’s been quite a number of years since I started writing this column. I have lived most of my life within a short distance and know or know of many of the citizens. Occasionally, someone will say to me, “You know what you wrote last week was wrong?” Usually, it refers to names. Like one week, I apparently said my young friend, Lynn Rhodes Campbell, was married to Walter Taylor. Well, of course, she is married to the wonderful artist and musician Walter Campbell, as I knew. Slip of the mind. A couple of days ago, someone called to say the parents of the lovely and talented Clark girls were Brad and Marcie, which, of course, I knew, but apparently wrote Hugh, all in the family. Sorry, no offence, great family friends.

Some special events to celebrate. Congrats to Jamie and Janet (Cox) Rose on their anniversary. Janet was one of my favourite little kids. It is so hard to believe she is a grandmother. Les Smith is another of my little kids who used to help me out when he got bigger. He is now 47 and deep into machinery like his dad. Happy birthday also to well-known Sheila Richardson, beating me by a year. Young Mason Schevers turned the big 16. Although his name is Mason, it’s the Lions he probably helps his dad out with. At church this morning, we sang Happy Birthday to Wayne Rynard, who hit the big 75. Wayne still farms the family farm on his own and keeps fit and strong. Birthday wishes also to Lorene Ashton, whose husband, Dale, celebrated not long ago. They lived in Uxbridge for many years. Best wishes also to township councillor Willie Popp. Not sure how old he is, but he has probably aged considerable since taking on that job. Huge congratulations on their 62nd anniversary to Ron and Doris Stewart, still able to do their walk around town most mornings and entertain all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It was announced that diverters had finally been placed over wires around Elgin Pond to prevent our swans from killing themselves or from serious injury as they show up, and keep them from running into the wires. Bob Kirvan and Nancy Melcher were celebrating, along with all the local swan watchers, because they got this going and made it happen. Thanks to everyone involved. Unfortunately, there will be no cygnets (baby swans) this year since there is a new young female. Hopefully next year. I was happy to see, a couple of times now, there were a pair of swans on what is known as the Flummerfelt mill pond, on Sandford Road. Long before they settled on Elgin Pond, I used to see a pair every spring, but somehow they got diverted to Elgin Pond. For the first time this morning, I saw someone besides myself standing on the roadside photographing them.

A sad note as word came that a well-known gentleman of the area, Roger Snowden, had passed away. Our sympathies to all his family and friends. On another sad note, the third accident this year happened at the intersection of Sandford Road and the 6th concession, where an elderly lady and gentleman, driving from the south, were killed as they ran into a dump truck travelling east. Those trucks travel this road constantly, at a good pace, but they have the right of way. Most people around cannot figure out the problem, as there is good visibility and signage, not as much as at Davis Drive and the 6th, so maybe lights should be added, as this can’t continue.

The scheduled speaker at the Uxbridge Horticultural meeting Wednesday night cancelled at the last moment, and member Marina van der Hayden showed excellent photos and described her beautiful personal garden. Next month’s speaker is Ron Plashkis, speaking about growing and cultivating lavender. There are several lavender farms in our area, so it should be very interesting. Hopefully, he will bring samples. In September, the famous Mark Cullen will be the special guest. On Friday night, David Donor performed at the Foster. No guitars were in evidence, and he played two different-sized and toned accordions, as well as sang, quite a different evening. I was pleased to see Rev. Bill Fritz there, and he had brought visitors, a couple from Florida who were leaders in his Handicapable Group, which he had formed there before doing the same in Uxbridge. This group will perform Sunday evening in the pioneer church in Glen Major. Services start at 7 p.m. and will happen there every Sunday evening until the end of August. Next week, July 18th, Michael Howitt will perform at the Foster with guitar and voice, and the following week, the fantastic Jane Loewen will perform for us. Don’t forget the Horseshoe pitching taking place every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., at the Uxbridge Scott Museum grounds. Both men and women are welcome. First night free, $10 per game or $30 for the season, which gives you membership in the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society as well.

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society (LMMS) will have its first tea on Wednesday, July 16th, with entertainment by Art Lajamba with Musical Nostalgia. On July 23rd, LMMS member and author Kathy Wasylenky will be recounting what it was like to write her book entitled “Mistress of Leaskdale Manse”. Tickets for teas are $35 but are usually quite filling. Call to reserve a ticket. The Zephyr Scott Lions Club will be hosting a spaghetti supper for Uxbridge Lions members, volunteers and artists on August 16th as part of “Art In The Park”. Cost is only $10. Contact them to reserve and pay for tickets. Art in the Park, Uxbridge runs Saturday, 16th and Sunday, 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sandford Zephyr church worship on Sunday, previewed by a most welcome rain, was conducted by our own Adele Boy, who based her scripture and songs around the attributes of a bee colony, and we sang many of my favourite songs. Next Sunday, Rev. Li will be back with a non-traditional Communion Service at 10 a.m.; all are Welcome.