Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Hasn’t it been loverly! I suppose we can’t expect it to last, but it would be nice if it did. Because it’s so nice, I keep putting off gardening jobs, but one day we will get hit. I go out intending to work, but I often just sit on the tractor and absorb the sun and surroundings, as messy as some of them are! So, besides the gorgeous weather, it’s been a busy week with special events.

Friday night was Jazz in Leaskdale, at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Church. Participants were regulars Tom Baker and James Warburton, and songstress Whitney Ross-Barris, who can really belt out a song with emphasizes! The crowd this week included many I had not seen before, and it was nice to catch up with some friends I had not seen in a while. The church is undergoing several construction projects, including new entry walks and major upgrades to the basement area, all of which are scheduled to be completed by the big celebration conference on October 25th and 26th. Check out the website for information about speakers, meals etc.

Next Friday, October 10th, the last of this series will be provided by Tom and James, and Doug Ferris! Admission by donation, at 7:30 p.m.! On Friday evening, there was a major event at the Baptist church in town as part of Evans Financial's 65 yr anniversary. Three gospel singing groups participated, two of which I had never heard of before. The Chief was in Reflections with Brian and Ron Evans, as well as Ralph Sider, with Brian hosting the event. The other groups were quartet “The Watchmen” and quintet “Master’s Four” with five! Each group was distinctly different in its singing style and choice of songs. The evening ran to three hours!

On Saturday afternoon, a two-hour Jam session took place at the Foster, where musicians could gather, sing, and play together. The report on the outcome will be available later. Then, on Sunday, Rev. Dr. Bill Fritz led the autumn service at the newly renovated Pine Grove Heritage Church. He featured his Handicapable Friends Ministry by having them participate in a skit about Goldilocks and the Three Bears, relating the story to the concept of caring for others. He also introduced Randy and Skye Wilson (the same Randy who recently won two more Emmy Awards) as the present leaders of the group formed 20 years ago by Bill and John Wilson, Randy’s dad! Music was provided by Shirley and John (on mouth organ), and Heather (BellAshton) Card on her lovely flute!

Birthday greetings this week go to Peter Viney, husband of Michelle, who no doubt partied with him! Best wishes also to Jean Scott Sopel, who got sung to for the second time. Happiest birthdays, also Kate Johnson, a lovely young lady, once Queen of the Fair and adept at whatever she attempts. Birthday greetings also to Heather Missent Wilson. Don's wife, they moved north to their cottage, where she commuted to her job at Uxbridge Hospital. However, she tells me she is now fully retired, a loss to the hospital, I know. Wishing Lori and Steve Robinson a happy 32nd anniversary. Lori is one of Fred Wilson’s lovely daughters (and sister to Don), and they used to live just down the road but recently moved a little further away. She works for Dr. Mike Banh. Best wishes to Mike and Kim Kelland, married for 41 years, both busy businesspeople, and Ron and Ellen Smalley, coming up to 46 years. And then there is Augusta and Dr. Vince Winder, who, on October 8th, will celebrate 65 years of marriage! Congrats to all!

One sad note, not local but relevant to anyone interested in nature, was the passing of primatologist and naturalist Dr. Jane Goodall at the age of 91. And she died while on one of her many speaking tours. Now that is what I call a real hero! Her work with chimpanzees is world-renowned! The world is poorer for her passing, but richer in knowledge!

Horseshoe pitching at the museum is officially over, but any hardy souls are invited to play at 5 p.m., until cold or snow drives you all away! Bob was at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre drumming up future players! Gather your crafts, etc, for another great day! October 16th is the 25th anniversary of the formation of Uxbridge Genealogy Group, and there will be a party at the library at 7 p.m. Please let Linda know if you plan to attend. It will also be zoomed, but no cake for you, doing that. A few of the present members were around then, but it will be interesting to hear their stories! Also, that night, unfortunately, the Kinsmen are holding an induction service for six individuals at the Seniors Centre. Since the inductees are well known, I wanted to go but can’t be in two places, a dilemma for others as well. Fortunately, the other function planned for that evening, the talk by Walter Campbell at the museum, has been postponed to Wednesday, October 22nd, from 6 to 8 p.m. Walter will discuss Canadian History, drawing on his search for heritage historic houses to paint. On October 18th, Zephyr Community Group is sponsoring a YukYuk's show. As well, there will be a costume competition and a dance. This is an over-19 event. On the 21st, the Seniors will once more lunch together. Please plan to attend, as special events are planned for the occasion.

At church today, communion was served by Rev. Li, and she will again take the service next week, which is Thanksgiving. All are invited to join us at 10 a.m. Another special event, the Hunter full moon high in the sky as I write, a super moon, which man has plans for! Let’s just enjoy!