Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

There were several celestial events happening this week, but I missed them all. Smoke and early morning cloud didn’t help. It was a non-stop week. After a short visit with my brother and sister-in-law last weekend, the sorority girls, 10 of us, met at WoodenSticks for lunch on Monday. On Tuesday, the Community Care Uxbridge group enjoyed a bountiful and delicious lunch at Douglas Crossing, after which we engaged in a few exercises to learn by doing. We could have done those all afternoon and not used up those additional calories! Speaking of DC, there will be a car show on the grounds, featuring a BBQ and live entertainment, on Wednesday, August 27th, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. All donations will go to our Food Bank.

On Wednesday, my sister and I went for tea and crumpets at the Leaskdale Historic Church. When they say five courses, it’s five courses, and you will not go away hungry! This was the first time I had visited it this summer, so it was great to see several ladies, like Nina Elliot, whom I had not seen in some time. The afternoon speaker was Dr. Vi Tu Banh, who discussed his book about his family's experiences as boat people. I urge you to get a copy and read it for yourself.

Friday, for the second time, I had Uxbridge Tree Service cut up and chip a number of trees, hopefully preventing future storm damage, and tidying up from the last one. It's disheartening to know that many of the fires consuming our cottage country are fueled by debris from the last ice storm. On Friday afternoon, my cousins Wayne and Lynda Ryall, from Oakwood, visited as we tried to track done various relatives they hope to visit in the future. It’s sad how families get separated. My mother’s three older siblings all went west and are now scattered all over.

Friday night, of course, was the Friday Concert at the Foster! This week featured the Shimoda family from Stouffville. They play a number of very different instruments, flutes of sizes ranging from 6-7’ tall to 6”. They also carry a piano, which is disassembled after each show. There was a very large crowd. Regarding the Foster, Friends of the Foster, a very small group, is facing some difficulties regarding parking. Since the highway has been completed, we are now being told that patrons should not park on the grassy boulevard, specifically designed for that purpose, nor on the roadside, as there are bike lanes. The suggestion is we buy more land and, as the song says, “put up a parking lot”. Have any of you visitors noticed any vacant land by the building or cemetery? Next week another favourite is schedules, Chris Saunders, and probably some friends. Saturday and Sunday were the Lions-sponsored “Art in the Park” days. Saturday was a beautiful day, with a large crowd, many of whom were waiting at the gate by 10 a.m. for the opening. As usual, there was a tremendous amount of things to purchase, and I am always amazed by the talent of all these artists in such varied fields. Some did say that sales were lower than in other years. That wasn’t last year, of course, because last year was almost a washout with so much rain. Sunday had rain but not enough to stop anything.,

Early in the week, I noticed a GoFundMe set up for a young couple and baby, whose house and all contents were burned up. The mother was the granddaughter of the McKight family, who lived on the 6th, the ones who put up the great Christmas light display. Our deepest sympathies to this young family, and we hope they receive lots of support.

Congratulations to Dwight and Deborah Clements on the birth of their third granddaughter, called Noura. Of course, they are delighted! Happy birthday wishes to Mary Anne Herrema, who is busy with Jennifer Ashleigh's business and keeping Ron out of trouble. Big birthday wishes to Ed Evans, who turned 86 and still sits all day doing Lions business. Zephyr Scott Lions cooked up a big spaghetti supper Saturday after closing, and vendors, volunteers, and the public greatly enjoyed the delicious food prepared! The Uxbridge Lions were more than grateful for the assistance with their weekend and other events, especially since they have younger members.

I was sorry to read that Stewart and Jan Bennett have sold the Wee Tartan Shop in Port Perry and are moving to Scotland. I hope the Scottish Festival will continue for those who remain. We wish them well. Also, I learned Joan and Rodney Sine have moved from Zephyr to Lindsay. Rodney had resigned from the Police department and Joan from her bank executive position when they moved to Zephyr and took part in our church activities!

The Horticultural group met on Wednesday evening. The first speaker was from the library and provided information about the seed-saving program the Library runs throughout the year, not just on Seedy Saturday. Then, president Simon, filling in for his father, gave a great talk about growing lavender. I was fortunate to win a plant in the draw. Next month’s special speaker is Mark Cullen! The hospital has asked the group to revamp the flowerbed in front of the building, which has been neglected.

Remember the 150th Decoration service for Siloam Church on Sunday, August 24th, at 2:40 pm. Special music and refreshments to follow! Also, remember the Horseshoe pitching every Tuesday night at 6 p.m., at the museum. Art on the Fringe will also appear there from September 20th to 21st! The Uxbridge Historical Society will sponsor a speaker mid-September!