Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

It is mid-August, and more than half of 2025 has slipped away, and we have had a real diversity of weather. This heat continues to fall on us, and rain does not.

I had a wee holiday with my brother and sister-in-law on Pearl Lake over the weekend. That’s near Hanover, getting into the Bruce Peninsula. Although it has been just as hot there, the foliage and grass are noticeably greener than those we have here, as they have received many good rains, which we have not had. However, their smog results were just about as bad as ours, although I was shocked to see in a newspaper earlier in the week that Uxbridge was among the cities with the worst smog, along with Toronto and a couple of others. Not something to be proud of, but I suspect it has something to do with being in a hollow. During the week, there was an opportunity to view the sturgeon moon in all its phases, but you would have noticed that, even directly above, the moon was red or deep orange, a result of the particles in the air.

Early last week, I had a visit with Doris and Ron Stewart, who were also hosting the Mortons, Janet and Floyd. Long ago, Doris worked in Dr. Carl Puterbough's dental office and often assisted me at the same time. At about the same time, the MacTavish family lived in Brookdale, where Dunc looked after the farm cattle. I used to pick up the three older girls and take them to Epsom. Later, when Janet and Floyd got married, it happened in Epsom, and I was there, so we've been going back at least 60 years. On Wednesday last week, I hosted a Birthday party for my son Ivan Clarke, who is now 61. Eight friends and relatives enjoyed the hospitality of Wooden Sticks.

On Thursday evening, the Herb Fest was held at the Uxbridge Scott Museum. Sadly, there were only about a dozen participants. One of the summer students did an excellent job of describing the 26 herb species planted in small spaces and enumerating what each type was used for, mostly for medicinal purposes or as a seasoning for other foods. She also talked about some pests that had damaged or decimated certain crops, including rabbits and Japanese beetles. It was unfortunate that more people didn’t attend. If you have ideas to make it easier to attend, please contact Bob Kirvan. And while you are at it, ask about the Horseshoe Pitching games, on at the museum every Tuesday night starting at 6 p.m., for both men and women. If you are new, the first game is free. If you only want to play horseshoes, the cost is $10. However, $30 will get you the games, plus membership in the Uxbridge Scott Historical Society and its activities, such as lectures. The next one is in September. A few birthdays to note this week, including my neighbour Sandi Bierma 0tt. Sandi has not moved far from where she was raised, and although I often think of her as a teenager, I know she is a grandmother. Best wishes to the lovely Amy Smalley, who has shepherded their five kids to great careers. Greetings also to Paul Broad, who was born and raised in Uxbridge and still hasn’t moved too far away. Speaking of Paul makes me think of his father, Jack, one of the funniest and nicest guys I knew when we worked at St. John’s. Another happy birthday to Norma Scott, whose family threw her a surprise 90th birthday on Sunday.

Our community was saddened earlier this week to hear of the passing of Dale Feasby, who farmed on the long-time family farm on Davis Dr. No details are known as yet. The Feasbies have lived and taken part in the Sandford Community for several generations. There are also connections with the Hockley and Risebrough families.

This Wednesday, at the Historic Church in Leaskdale, Dr. Vi Tu Banh will discuss his book, which details his family's migration to Canada, specifically to our area. On August 20th, there will be a replay of the story, “Maud of Leaskdale,” written by our own Conrad Boyce and performed by Jennifer Carroll. There is a dinner theatre on the 21st at 6 p.m., with the play at 7:30 p.m. The charge is $60 for dinner and theatre, and $25 for the play only. Call 905-862-0808 for reservations. On Saturday, October 18th, there will be a “Celebration of the Arts Short Plays Festival”, and October 25th and 26th will be LLW Days, Vision and Commemoration 1965-2025.

August 15th at the Foster, the Shimoda Family will perform. This family has been coming for years and has a very different and interesting collection of instruments and music. On August 22nd, the very well-known local artist, Chris Saunders, will usually be performing with some friends and/or his son. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated. Don’t forget Art in the Park this weekend, August 16th and 17th, it is open until 5 p.m. The Zephyr Scott Lions Club is hosting a spaghetti supper for the Uxbridge Lions and their volunteers, who are helping out on either day. Tickets for this are $10.