Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

On Saturday morning, a short Indigenous Remembrance Day service was held at the Uxbridge Cenotaph. Rev. Karen Croxall opened the ceremony, and a wreath was placed by Jim Franklin, an 87-year-old, partially disabled, full Indigenous Veteran. Following this, each participant was given a pinch of tobacco, which they then placed on the wreath. Following up on this theme, at Sandford Zephyr United Church on Sunday morning, we had a short service of readings, including the placing of poppies on our wreath. Our great thanks go to Piper James Amundson, who played a number of tunes for us both before, during, and after our service, greatly enhancing our service. Since he is donating his fee to the poppy committee, those funds will go toward our new hospital and other Legion charities.

A few celebrations this week. Karen Maharaj Shreeve keeps busy with church, keeping Gord in line, schoolwork, selling goods, and cooking, which she loves! Big birthday wishes to Grant Evans, progressive farmer, actor, and keeping up with his wife in all her functions! Included is Jamie Elizabeth Cox, Trevor's lovely wife. I am sure her small students must love being in her classes. Best wishes to another young lady, Erin Blackstock. Erin grew up in Zephyr and started her singing career there, with her grandmother playing in church and her sisters singing along. Best wishes for continued success. Greetings to anyone else celebrating birthdays or anniversaries or other special events. Our sympathies to the large Brown family and the sudden death of Gary, brother, husband, uncle, and workman, and extended family man.

The Leaskdale Loop will be open on Friday, November 15th, and Saturday, November 16th, with fewer participants, so please call individual vendors to check if they are open. On the same days, in the greenhouse at Tindalls Market, many vendors will be promoting their seasonal products and gifts. Doors are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. There will be a repeat of this market on December 6th and 7th, just in case you haven’t found everything yet. The Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 15th, in Uxbridge.

The Ladies of the Foster will be presenting a reading of “ A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens on November 16th. A Carol sing will follow. Admission by donation.

The Uxbridge Genealogy Group will meet at the library (or online) at 7 p.m. on November 20th. The executive is still looking for volunteers to help find more information about British Home Children. Contact Linda Boyd if you would like to help. The guest speaker will be Ken McKinley, who will speak about his research on World War 2 veterans. North Durham Nature meets on November 25th, but at the Latcham Centre, not the library this time, as it is a dual meeting.

Church at Sandford next week will be led by Rev. Carol Baggett. It’s been some months since we heard from her, and in the meantime, she has retired again from a second full-time position. Please join us at 10 a.m. On November 23rd, we will be holding our first anniversary service as an amalgamated congregation. We hope that many who we have not seen for a while, from both congregations, will join us this day. The service will be at 11 a.m., not 10. We are hoping for special music from Ruth and her very talented grandchildren.