Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Here we go on the rollercoaster again, weather-wise that is. So hot, and then suddenly drops 10 degrees in an hour, staying cool for a day, and then goes back up again, and still no significant rain. However, when I see clips of the devastation caused by all those flash floods in many parts of the United States (US), perhaps we are not so badly off. Of course, we do have those forest fires, which caused a couple of days of poor air quality, but the US is not immune to this either. Quite a joke for some congressmen to suggest Canada should control their smoke from wildfires, as if they didn't have even more. Not to mention volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, Alaska and other areas. No smoke or ash there, of course!

Since July 11th, there has been a fire ban issued by the township.

Last Sunday evening (July 20th), I attended the service at Glen Major church, conducted by Rev. Bill Fritz and his Friends Handicapable Group. Quite a lively hour with Bill getting the message across with a skit on "The 3 Little Pigs". There was a large crowd enjoying the evening. It's an interesting drive down there, and it always surprises me just how far it is, but the scenery is lovely, and it was once a thriving tourist area with well-off Torontonians summering there. On July 27th, one of my favourite groups, "Reflections," will be conducting the service and bringing beautiful music. Services continue, 7 p.m., until the end of August!

Our condolences again to the family of Roger Snodden. His visitation will be held at Udora Hall on July 30th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with service to follow at 1 p.m. I think, but am not sure, that his wife, the former Gloria Foote, was from over this way. Our sympathies also to the Wagg family, Donetta and Bruce, in the passing of their daughter Kristi Lynn. Congratulations to Ted and Wilma Smith on their 46th anniversary. Ted was on the Brock Council for many years while farming. Wilma spends her free time constructing some very beautiful quilts. A big belated birthday wish to Tish MacDonald on her 60th. Tish continues to come up with great ideas to ensure our veterans are never forgotten, even as she enjoys her young grandchildren. A big congratulations also to Yvonne and Garry Harrison on becoming first-time GREAT grandparents! Best wishes to Cheri and Matt on the birth of Hunter Douglas Harrison on July 4th.

A number of events are still ongoing as we get closer to August. Don't forget the Horseshoe Pitching every Tuesday evening, 6 p.m., at the Uxbridge Scott Museum. The first night is free. After which, it's $10 each game, or $30 for the season, which also includes membership in the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society. Michael Howett was the musician at the Foster Friday night, with a good crowd enjoying his interesting voice. This Friday, one of my favourites, Jane Loewen, will be performing. What a treat that always is. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m. Talks are underway among the artists for a "jam session" to be held later in October. That should be interesting. This past Sunday at the Foster was the annual Decoration service. The few times I have walked that cemetery it surprises me what families are buried there, many who now have no other connection with the area. And as any Lucy Maud Montgomery fan knows, her second son is buried there, in the far south-east corner. At the Historic Leaskdale Church on July 23rd, Uxbridge's own Kathy Wasylenky will tell about how she came to write her book "Mistress of the Leaskdale Manse". This will follow after their usual delicious "tea". Cost this year is $35. Call to reserve your ticket.

On August 16th and 17th, the Uxbridge Lions are sponsoring their annual "Art in the Park" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a great lineup of musical performers to entertain you when you have admired all the fabulous crafts. On the Evening of the 16th, the Zephyr Scott Lions Club are hosting a spaghetti supper for the members of the Uxbridge Lions and their volunteers. I think it is at 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds; the cost is $10. Contact Bob Armitage at bobarmitage1@gmail.com to reserve your ticket for supper. The Zephyr Scott Lions have cancelled their Summer Market, which was to be on the 26th, but they are still having a BBQ at the hall, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funds raised by this effort will go towards the Scott Central Breakfast Program. The Market has been rescheduled for September 27th. The next Uxbridge Horticultural meeting will be on August 13th with the presenter Ron Plaskin talking about lavender. I noticed today a large number of cars at the lavender farm on the corner of Reach and the 9th, so they must have had a special day. Lavender farms are quite popular now.

The Scottish Festival is returning on July 26th at Elgin Park in Uxbridge. I really wanted to go this year, as I missed the last one, but it also coincides with my 85th birthday celebration at the Seniors Centre, from 3 to 5 p.m. Friends and family are invited to drop in. Church at Sandford this Sunday was communion, celebrated somewhat differently. I had to leave before it was over, as I wanted to attend the celebration of our dear friend Dorothy Munro's 99th birthday in Epsom. In addition to taking care of herself at home, she also continues to drive her car. If only I would be doing the same in 10 years' time. There will be no church services for the Sandford Zephyr congregation during August.