Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Well, it’s been rather quiet this week, giving us time to consider all that needs doing to prep for Autumn. Those frosty nights sure had many worried and a few gardeners did lose some tomatoes and other tender vegetables and flowers. It seems that those in town were hit harder than those of us who live on the hills outside! The clear nights also gave us the opportunity to really see the Hunter moon in all its glory for several nights in a row, and at a time when you didn’t have to get up in the middle of the night to observe! So here we are at Thanksgiving! And as a nation and as its citizens, looking around at the nations close by and far, we have to count ourselves very lucky to be where we are. Yes, there are lots of things wrong, but we also have the means to correct these problems, like the need for food banks and people sleeping in tents in our major cities, drug abuse, and gun violence. Together with other people, these can be mitigated considerably.

Best wishes for their anniversary went out to David and LeeAnn Ball, who celebrated their 29th anniversary. Birthday greetings also to Nan Hill. We met a few days ago, congratulated each other, and vowed to live in our own homes for as long as possible. The wish of most folks our age, I am sure! Birthday wishes also to Mayor Dave Barton!

The Zephyr Scott/ Udora Lions laced up for a Diabetes walk and raised over $3020 for Diabetes Research. Big congratulations to this very energetic group. They are already planning for their Christmas Craft Show in mid-November. Also, they are assisting the Zephyr Community Association with their Yukyuks evening, Saturday, October 18th at Zephyr Hall, which includes Yukyuks, a Costume competition, and a dance. Tickets are $35! The Uxbridge Genealogy Group will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, October 16th, at 7 p.m. at the Library. Please inform Linda if you are coming. Cake is involved. No cake if you are zooming! That same evening, at the Seniors Centre, the Kinsmen will be inducting five new people onto their Wall of Fame, housed at the arena. The gathering starts at 6:30 p.m. Among them are Allan McGillivray, Ray Newton, and other notables. It’s unfortunate that such special events are scheduled at the same time! Fortunately, a third event originally scheduled for the same night has been changed so that the talk by historian, painter, and musician Walter Campbell will be held at the Uxbridge Scott Museum on Thursday, October 22nd, from 6 to 8 p.m! An evening of Silent Films will be shared on Saturday, October 18th at St. Paul's Anglican Church, $18. This program was in town earlier in the year, but I think the weather was inclement and few attended! The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society is hosting its convention at the Leaskdale Historical Church on October 25th and 26th. See their website for information on costing! The Uxbridge Seniors lunch will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd, and I understand there will be a special presentation.  The next Jazz at Leaskdale will be on November 7th with Tom Baker, James Warburton, and Doug Ferris, a dynamic trio!

Last Tuesday was the final play for the Horseshoe Club, with 10 hardy souls making it out. Come spring, they will be back again! On Wednesday, the Horticultural Group met. We learned about growing birdhouse gourds, how to preserve them, and then utilize them as birdhouses or other craft projects. The main speaker discussed Garden Disasters, a common experience we've all had. It ranged from insects to larger critters and the weather, and despite the topic, many laughs were had. My brother Jerry, from Hanover, visited me for a couple of days. We had supper with our sister Faye and Keith, and on Thursday, we went to Evans Financial's 65th anniversary drop-in party. We have known the Evans family all our lives, and I was probably one of Lawrence and Olive’s early customers when they started, in their house, back in 1965. Brian and Luanne have carried on and grown the business for many years since. Continued future success !

On Saturday, October 4th, at the Foster, a jamming session took place, featuring a group of 12 musicians who played and sang together for a couple of hours. Since the weather was lovely, they did this on the lawn with a few watchers. Thanks to Brian O’Sullivan for organizing. The Leaskdale Loop was again held this past Saturday.

Church today was led by Rev. Li. Next week, we look forward to hearing from our own Adele Boy. Please join us at 10 a.m., coffee and snacks to follow. On November 23rd, the congregation will belatedly celebrate their anniversaries. In years past, Sandford’s would have been this week and Zephyr’s next, but now we are one we have one date. Due to a number of factors, it is late coming this year, but no less important.

And finally, another date you have been waiting for, ta-da, the Santa Claus Parade will be held on Saturday, November 15th!