Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

Can you believe more than half of November has passed? Unfortunately I have little to show for it since the weather has been so unpredictable and unfavourable for work outside. Like many gardeners I was hoping for a few days of “Indian summer”. I wonder where that phrase originated? I know it has been a long awaited period of autumn which many look forward to. Weather forecasts do not look all that promising! Did anyone see the spectacular phenomenons in the sky the last few evenings? I saw many pictures on FB but none showed in my sky, too much cloud I expect! They certainly were gorgeous colours and memorable for any who saw them!

Tuesday of course was the Remembrance Day celebration at the cenotaph in Uxbridge. The ground was snow-covered and minus 1 degree. The crowd was somewhat smaller than usual possibly due to the cold, possible due to fewer people feeling the need to thank our veterans for their services. And of course fewer veterans as several have passed away and others are not capable of spending the time in the cold. Surveys I have read claim as these men and women pass away and are unable to tell their stories, fewer people will know what their services meant to our freedom. Looking around at the world, especially next door, it seems this forgetfulness has already happened and the mistakes of the past are already being repeated. Of course the Legion Pipes and Drums were wonderful, a number of wreaths were placed and the kids of Montessori school, after walking all the way down Main St., read a poem they had composed. It was a lovely service but there was a lot of foot stamping as folks tried to keep warm! The other big event of the week was the Santa Clause parade. Of course, no snow for Santa and the misses, a bit warmer to the point that later it rained, but the parade was extra long with many floats entered by companies I never heard of, huge transport trucks pulling decorated large machinery. Most impressive to me were all the big beautiful red and white fire truck we have. Hard to believe we have so many. I still love our little old antique engine though! Once more pipes and drums were spectacular and there was only one other, a cadet band. One float All in all a terrific accomplishment getting everyone in order! It started to rain as we left town and we did some travelling through rain as we shopped. When we got home our decks were covered with hail while thunder and lightning played!

Sadly, due to the weather our sorority luncheon on Monday was cancelled. Some of our sisters do live at a distance. The silent auction for the Horticultural Group was held Wednesday evening and I am told a good number of gardeners turned out with a great selection of articles for purchase. The results will be available at the next meeting in December, which will be our potluck supper where friends are invited.

Happy birthday to Lynn Barry Gibson on her birthday this week and to Al and Jean Scott Sopel on their 34th anniversary on Sunday. They were married in Sandford Church. Our sympathies go out to our dear friend Zelda Stendiford on the death of her brother. Gord had sold his home further north after his wife passed and came to live with Zelda, his sister. Condolences to all his family.

This was a busy weekend. Some of the Leaskdale Loop people were open for Christmas craft sales on both Saturday and Sunday. The greenhouse at Tindalls market was a very busy place with many crafters selling their items both days. Of course fresh farm veggies were also available so it could be one stop shop. They will also be open on December 6th and 7th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will pay a visit to Zephyr hall on December 6th, for breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m. with Santa arriving about 9 a.m., if he can get the reindeer out of bed! Cost is $5! He is scheduled to visit Sandford Hall November 29th, from 9 to 11 a.m. Come and get a photo with Santa, some pancakes and sausages. Admission is by donation!

On Monday, December 1st, at 10 a.m., at Epsom Church, there will be a gathering about the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Henry Reinders, long time Regional Rep. is retiring and will be honoured. All are welcome to come and hear about the work of this great organization. Sandford Church has participated several times by contributing funds.

This past Sunday “Ladies of the Foster” were scheduled to give their artistic reading of “A Christmas Carol” at the Foster. However, on arriving it was discovered the propane had run out and it was icy cold in the building. Sadly it was decided to cancel and the presentation has been postponed until next Sunday, November 23rd, at 2 p.m. A warmer welcome awaits you! Our Friends of the Foster committee send out our sympathy to Brian O’Sullivan on the passing of his mother. Brian and his group have been performing at the Foster for years and lately he has been organizing the May performances as well as the Jam Sessions. His mom was 96 and passed on his birthday, doubly sad!

Church today was lead by Rev. Carol Baggett. It was good to have her with us again and she gave a message which presented a new way of thinking about one of Jesus’s parables, we have known since childhood. A thought provoking message! Next week we will hold our 1st anniversary as an amalgamated congregation. The service is scheduled for 11 a.m. rather than 10 and food and friendship will follow! All are welcome!