Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

In church today, the candle of Joy was lit! It’s hard to be joyful when so many horrible things are happening around the world and suffering is so great. It is hard to be joyful when your friend had died, another is diagnosed with a stroke, or has only a short time to live as diagnosed by doctors, an unbelievable number of countries around the world are war-torn, hundreds driven from their home by war, floods and other catastrophic natural disasters, all created by the hand of man, acknowledged or not. People are frantically out searching for gifts for family and friends while millions are starving, without food, water, clothing or education, medicine and medical care! Where in the world is there actually true peace? If it’s not one country waging war against another, it’s a country waging war against its own people, against those who sought refuge within its borders. It’s the rich fighting to get richer at the expense of the poor. None of this is new, but at Christmas, it becomes particularly noticeable because none of it is the reason we celebrate Christmas!

Yes, looking outside it certainly has the feeling we associate with the Christmas season, all that pile of snow, which, if you are like me, you are already wondering where you are going to put the next big dump! We are used to getting a big thaw, but the forecast doesn't mention it at all! The snowmobiles are out in full force, and the ski resorts are happy, but that might change if it becomes difficult to reach them!

Birthday greetings this week go out to Murray Wilson. Murray was born and lived on the family farm just down the road, but a while ago, he and Heather moved to their cottage, which seems to be a thing these days! Best wishes also to Janey Johnson, the winner of prize dahlias and other garden goodies! Long-distance greeting goes to Glenn Ball, who was born and raised close by me, too (Jim and Eva), but became a Presbyterian minister and spent a number of years in Brandon, Manitoba, where he recently retired! At the recent Community Care lunch, I was introduced to a young man named Lloyd Weiler. Lloyd celebrated his 96th birthday on December 6th and is a bona fide member of the Horseshoe Pitching Club! As Bob Kirvan says, “ never too old”! At this same Community Care lunch, Irwin Smith once more provided the musical entertainment, his Christmas repertoire. I am not sure if he believed me when I told him, afterwards, that I had seen and heard him perform since he was a teen! He is 72 now! It was also very sad to learn that a friend, Janet (McTavish) Morton, had passed away quite suddenly on Tuesday, sick for just two weeks. She and her husband, Floyd, had just moved into Butternut Manor! Our deepest sympathies to Floyd, their three children and grandchildren. A visitation is planned for Wednesday! The McTavish family was well known for showing their cattle, but when I first met them, they lived in Brookdale, where their father Dunc, looked after those cattle. Janet was the older sister of Mayor Barton’s mother! As another aside, I think I am right that Floyd is the last of those fellows who knew how to run the printing press that is now at the Uxbridge Scott Museum ( there may still be one more, I can see his face but no name) and belonged to Harry Stemp and the Uxbridge Times Journal.

On Saturday Afternoon, I attended the One Voice choir Christmas concert, where there was almost a full house at St. Paul’s. This, in spite of the fact that there was also a concert on Friday night as well! I know many look forward to these seasonal events. After the concert, I was pleased to have a chat with Rodney Sine. Rod and Joan moved from Zephyr to Lindsay some time ago, but travel back and forth for the choir and also help out at the Port Perry Presbyterian church. Northern Connections also played to a full house the week before, so much so that another is planned for January 31st, 2026, for those who couldn’t get in, or just want to hear it again! On December 17th, there will be a Christmas party at the Seniors Centre for the group “Friends” Anyone is invited to attend and see these folk in action at 7 p.m.! Also, in the new year, it was announced that Yuk Yuks will be returning to Sandford Hall on February 28th, 7 p.m., $25 tickets, available from any board member or contact Heather Moore!

The Salvation Army is again asking for donations for its work in Uxbridge. There is a Zehrs station with both a donation box and a tap machine. At the LCBO, there is also a tap machine. You might not think so, but many families need help with clothing, food, and other essentials. School backpacks are given in September, and other help is provided during the year. Right here at home! Remember, the Fantasy of Lights is open for viewing every night until January 3rd. Gates open from 6 p.m to 9:30 p.m. This is the 18th year the Optimists have sponsored this, and donations at the gate would be welcome. It’s hard to imagine how it can get any bigger given the size of the park, but every year so far, it has! And don’t forget the presentation of “The Living Nativity” by the Baptist church on December 19th, 20th and 21st, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m., in Centennial Park. It’s ready and waiting!

Church today was led by our own Adell Boy, who delivered an enlightening message for our time and place, using an excerpt from “Song of Faith on Scripture”! Next week Rev Li will be back with a different service for the Sunday of Love, called Taize Prayer Service. Check it out!