Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Only birthday celebrations this week! Firstly, a big congratulations to Fred Wilson, who conquered 93! Still active, driving and enjoying all his numerous children and grandchildren, he has survived most, if not all, of his many brothers. Greeting also to Fire Chief Mike MacDonald, who, in addition to fighting fires, helps his wife with her numerous veteran activities and travels. Another Mike, Risebrough, also celebrated. Mike keeps very busy running his family’s long-standing dairy farm and getting awards for his cattle! Birthday wishes also to my cousin Don Ross, who keeps busy at various jobs. David Lapp also enjoyed a birthday. The Lapp family used to live close to Sandford and still has relatives in the area! More big greetings go out to two ladies, Shirley Baster, a longtime sorority sister, and Joyce Brown, who was known for her prize-winning flowers. We miss her contributions. Wishes also go out to Peter Viney and, especially, to our own Tanis Smith, who was sung to in church on Sunday. She and Bruce had been traveling to farm shows, etc.

One death I missed a couple of weeks ago was Roberta Bone Baird. Roberta was a well-known singer who married another wonderful singer, Hugh Baird. Hugh was a member of the Junior Farmers Quartet, which won numerous awards. Roberta’s parents were Bob and Thelma, who lived in Zephyr for many years before moving to the Greenbank area. Both Bob and Thelma were deeply involved in Zephyr Church activities. Bob and my dad also worked together in local church activities.

This past week, the Genealogy Group hosted Catherine Wilson as their speaker. Catherine is the Director of the Rural Diary Archive, which contains many notes about past activities in our area, as well as other parts of Ontario. She spoke about many of the shared cooperative activities that used to take place in rural communities, such as threshing bees, barn raisings, and quilting parties. I well remember the excitement when our neighbour with the threshing machine showed up, along with other neigbour men. Sadly, at the same time, in the Quaker Hill Schoolhouse, Cyndie Jacobs was discussing the origin and history of Winnie the Pooh, presenting some little-known facts about a well-known creature. Unfortunately, this duo will happen again next month, when the guest speaker at the Museum will be the well-known artist and musician Walter Campbell. On the same date and time, the Uxbridge Genealogy Group will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a party and a show-and-tell of family heirlooms. It is also time to renew your membership for $25.

Once more, Zephyr Scott Lions Club held a successful spaghetti supper. They also collected a large number of items and hosted a free BBQ for the Scott Central Teachers, parents, and kids. Well done! On Saturday, October 18th, they will be working with the Community Association for a Yuk Yuk production at Zephyr Hall. There will also be a best costume prize and a dance. Tickets are $35. Andrew Heathcote, accompanied by his guitar and mouth organ, provided the entertainment at 'Friday Night at the Foster.' Andrew said he has lost count of the number of times he has performed at the Foster! Next week will be the final concert of the series, featuring Mike Burns and, typically, several other performers. In the works is a possible jam session for musicians, to be announcement.

On October 8th, at the Horticultural Group, Mary-Jane Pilgram will speak about “Garden Disasters.” Once again, it is time to renew your membership if you didn’t do it last month! On October 3rd, at the Historic Leaskdale Church, Tom Baker, James Warburton, and jazz singer Whitney Ross Barris will perform. Admission is by donation. The long-anticipated Bethesda WI Fashion Show and dessert will take place on Thursday, September 25th, at the Seniors Centre in Uxbridge, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Reserve ahead! Call 905-852-3925, 905-852-5284 or 905-985-3976. Funds are used to provide scholarships for local high school girls.

It was interesting to read, concerning the Michelin Guide, that one of our Uxbridge establishments was added to the list of ‘Bib Gourmand’ restaurants. Considering Sundays has only been in operation for a few months, and considering we are a small town, this must be some kind of record, so congratulations to all concerned!

At the Museum this past weekend was Art on the Fringe! Again, another diverse display of various handicrafts, including painting on different media, jewellery, woodcarving, and creations using found objects, as well as clothing, pottery, and more. The weather was probably as perfect as you might wish, except it was a little cool, sitting under the maples and listening to the bands playing. Congratulations to the organizers!

On Sunday, the Sanford Zephyr congregation held its first annual meeting as a unified entity. Following an abbreviated service, lunch and coffee, the meeting convened under the direction of Rev. Li, Tanis Pottage Smith and Cindy Finlay. Motions were made to generally increase our charitable donations and rehire Rev. Li Armstrong as part part-time minister for 2026. Suggestions were made to make our church more visible within our community. It was reassuring that there is a strong possibility Zephyr church will be rented out shortly.