Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

First, I would like to thank all the people, friends, and family who helped in any way to make my 85th birthday a success. Many people said they couldn't come for various reasons, but I worried a bit; however, there was a great crowd. Thanks to my friends and family who helped set up, to the wonderful Melinda Delorme for her beautiful singing, to Dianne Bennett and Bruce Benson for all their help, to my brother Jerry as Master of Ceremony, to John Cavers for taking pictures, Mary's Country Kitchen for the great food and Karen Tindall for the delicious and beautiful cake, and for the many cards, emails and several gifts etc. All in all, a wonderful day!

We are back in the heat again. There was a bit of rain, but not nearly enough. Saying that, of course, you have to think again of people a little further north who were getting washed away by too much rain! There are concerns that our farmers may not be able to plant a second crop of hay, which would be a challenging situation. I have noticed several fields of grain have been harvested and the straw baled. It seems early until you figure it is already almost August. Growing up, our summers were spend in the hay or grain fields with bales and sheaves. Not like that anymore!

There were quite a few other birthdays this week. We will start with Eleanor Beer Todd of Goodwood. Not long ago, Eleanor was known as the Dandelion Lady, as she was a connoisseur of all things dandelion, creating various foods and drinks from every part of what is generally considered a weed. Several times, she gave lessons on using this herb, which was intentionally imported from Europe for its medicinal properties. Eleanor also wrote the book entitled "Burs and Blackberries," some years ago, about the Goodwood area. Eleanor is still sharp at 93. Birthday greetings also to Stephen Hackner. Steve was the second son of Bruce and Ona and grew up on the family farm on the 5th. He now runs his own business.

Happy birthday also to Earle Lockerby on the 26th. Earle and I share a birthday, July 26th, 1940. So we say we are twins. Earle has just returned from a three-week holiday in the Maritimes. Greetings also to Jim Corrigan. Jim presently lives in Port Perry but grew up and went to school in Uxbridge. Birthday wishes also to Rick Bagshaw, who also grew up in Uxbridge but now lives a little further away. Janet McTavish Morton also lives in Uxbridge with her husband, Floyd, but has lived in several places while her dad, Dunc Sr., cared for various cattle herds in the area. Happy 20th to Jessie Tindall, who is such a great help to her parents as they run Tindall Market, especially in the baking department. Happy birthday also to Jennifer Peers Moore, sister of Laura, daughter of Gail, married to Roger Moore, who was raised at the mill in Udora and attended high school in Uxbridge. A big birthday greeting to Conrad Boyce, who is celebrating by performing in more plays in their newish town. Congratulations to Jane MacAulay and Ted Barris, who have been married for 50 years. Congratulations also to Mike and Heather (Ferguson) Moore on their 18th anniversary. They have two boys and an updated, very modern barn in which to work. Councillor Willie Popp and his wife, Elaine, are also celebrating their 21st anniversary.

August 9th is the date of the next Leaskdale Loop. Check to see if each venue you plan on visiting is open. On August 23rd, the Zephyr Lions, along with the Zephyr Hall Board, plan to hold a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a lawn mower rodeo, pony rides, games, races, and vendors. Contact: zephyrhallboard@gmail.com to reserve a space. The Summer Market has been postponed until September 27th because Art in the Park will be held August 16th and 17th. Zephyr Scott Lions are holding a Spaghetti supper for the artists, volunteers, etc., on the evening of the 16th. The cost is $10 per person. Contact them to reserve a place. The Art exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More volunteers are still needed.

The Uxbridge Horticultural Group will next meet on Wednesday, August 13th, at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre. The guest speaker is Ron Plaskin speaking about Lavender. The performer at the Foster this Friday, August 1st, is Tamara Williams. As far as I recall, Tamara has not performed before at the Foster but is well known from other venues such as the Uxbridge Music Hall. Don't forget the horseshoe pitching at the Uxbridge Scott Museum every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. This Wednesday at the Lucy Maud Montgomery teas, Momo Yoshida will demonstrate the tea Ceremony and on August 6th, the topic will be Montgomeries "Emily Climbs" 100 years. At the end of August, there will be a Supper and Theatre event followed by two afternoons of Theatre. Call for reservations for any or all events.

Church at Sandford this week was led by Carol O'Neil, LLWL and was about prayer and how to do it. Following the service, Carol gave a talk on Dementia, signs and symptoms, treatment (not medical) but social, statistics on rising cases, etc. There will be no services during August. Pastoral Care will be given by Rev. Karen Croxall of Uxbridge, if necessary, during this time!