Thank you for all the support the Epsom-Utica church family received for the 'Ham and Scallop Potato Supper' last Friday evening.
Thanks to John Molanaar for conducting the Palm Sunday service.
An invitation is extended to all to attend the 'Canadian Foodgrains Breakfast' at the Epsom Church, on Good Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Note the change of venue from the Utica Hall. This is a large community mission project that is in it's 36th year for this area. A free will offering is appreciated. We are honoured to have Doug Ferris conduct the church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend each service.
Happy to know our snowbirds are back home for the summer season. We missed you. A belated Happy Birthday wish goes out to Hudson Blake, and Ashton Lane from Epsom on April 13th. Hudson celebrated with his friend Simon, of Epsom, and then to Great Wolf Lodge for an awesome birthday. Happy Birthday Hudson. Happy belated birthday wishes go out to Norma Cornelius of Utica, whose birthday was on on April 8th. She is 94 years young. Norma resides with her daughter Judy, and with Doug and Andy Taylor. Happy birthday to Elva Kerry who celebrates a special birthday this year. Elva shares her birthday with Queen Elizabeth on April 21st.
There was an amazing music night at the Port Perry High School. The family of schools came together to share their talents in voice and instrument. Congratulations to the students and to their teachers, who guide and direct our youth. A huge thank you is given to all. Congratulations to Leah Daniels for receiving three nominations for Female Artist, Album, and Music Video of the year from C.M.A.Ontario. Congratulations also go out to Robyn Ottolini for her nomination for Rising Star. The award show this year takes place in Ottawa. We are very proud of your accomplishments.
The Greenbank Minor Ball offers T-Ball for children born between 2013 - 2014. There is also softball for youth born in the years 2008 - 2011, and senior slow- pitch for those born in between the years of 2000 - 2004.Youth from Epsom and the area are welcome. Space is limited ,but some spots are still available on most teams. To register contact Kerri-Ann Taylor at (905) 985-9499 or email her at:j-k.taylor@sympatico.ca.
The Sandford U.C.W. extends an invitation to all ladies to attend an afternoon get-together on May 9th,  at 1 p.m. at the Sandford church. Dwight and Deborah Clement will be showing interesting slides of their 23 day trip through the Southern American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Chili.
A delicious meal was served to a large crowd of ladies at the WI's Spring Luncheon. The fashions were provided by Woods and Woods of Uxbridge, and were beautifully worn by several models who encouraged all of us to get ready for spring. The Bethesda-Reach WI will be meeting on Wednesday, April 24th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Epsom United Church. This is the annual meeting and will be an excellent way to catch up on the activities of the branch during the year.
Mark your calendars for May 10th, for the Epsom-Utica Church Roast Beef Supper at the Utica Hall.             The Uxbridge Genealogy Group meeting is on Thursday, April 18th, at 7 p.m. at the Uxbridge Library. For everyone battling colds, flu and even pneumonia, I hope you get well quickly. Spring is just around the corner.
Send your news items to faye.eaglesnest@gmail.com, or phone at (905) 852-5389.

Tulips and daffodils are sprouting up in my flower beds as spring starts to settle in, and the lawns are becoming greener.
The Greenbank/Seagrave Mission Team returned on Sunday night, April 14th. What a gift of time, teaching, sharing, and helping that went into the work of the eleven member Mission Team that were away the week of April 5th to the 14th in Guatemala. The School of Hope Community was the main focus for the projects which were; Build - A - Home, Barbering Workshop, Sewing Co-op, an Introduction to Science, (a Science Fair) with Kathy, and Brian's English lessons and teachings. There was also the distributions of shoes, backpacks, food hampers, hockey bags of clothing, hats, goody bags, games, and music recorders for the sponsored families. Stephanie and Juli's messages of Jesus' and God's love for all people was shared. It was an amazing week of activity that filled the days of the “Team” who said, “We are so blessed to be here and have this experience”. In giving, others have been blessed too, and in such a short time. Our Greenbank/Seagrave Pastoral Charge thanks the team, and all who supported this fourth Mission to Guatemala in conjunction with the “Loving Arms Team”.
The Mission Team stayed in a hotel in Antigua, and they noted all the preparations that were being made through Holy Week for the Annual Easter Festival and Parade.
Locally, the Good Friday Service is on April 19th, at 7 p.m. at the Seagrave Church, and it is open for all. The Good Friday Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. in Palmer Park, Port Perry, and is presented by all the churches of the community. All are welcome to attend. The Easter Sunday Sunrise service is on April 21st, at 6:30 a.m., at the Greenbank Bethel Cemetery on Cragg Rd.West, and will be followed by an 11 a.m. service at the Greenbank United Church. At 9:15 a.m., there will be a service at the Seagrave United Church. The Port Perry/Prince Albert United Churches will present “A Living Last Supper,” on Thursday, April 18th, at 7:30 p.m., at the Port Perry United Church. It will be one hour long, and admission is free; no offering will be asked.
On Palm Sunday, we welcomed guest speaker Darlene Hallett, as Minister Stephanie was in Guatemala. Doug Ferris lit the Christ Candle and extinguished the 6th Lenten Candle. Valerie Hunter played the piano and Wilma Smith played the organ. They joined together to create lovely music for the service, and Valerie accompanied the choir's anthem, “Come Walk With Me”. Darlene's message to the children was about parades, and Jesus' parade on the donkey to Jerusalem. The children distributed palm branches to the congregation, and then they were all were placed on the cross, symbolizing that earlier parade long ago. The scriptures were read by Ted Smith.
On Sunday, April 28th, the Greenbank Public School choir, with director Denise Bell, will bring special music to Greenbank's 11 a.m. church service. Please come and enjoy this special event.
The Greenbank Public school is also doing a school yard, park, and street clean-up on Thursday, April 18th. The church will be serving them refreshments at 12:30 p.m. Call Ann at (905) 852-5184 for inquiries, or to help.
Please remember your Food Bank donations for Scugog, and/or other communities, during the April/Easter drive. Please also remember your Lenten Calendar, and Mission and Service donations.
On Saturday, April 27th, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., at the Greenbank Hall, there will be a Pancake Breakfast (by donation) in support of two local youth; Caitlin Finley of Saintfield, and Liam Maisonneuve of Seagrave. They are members of the Canadian Equine Team and are going to Wales in July. Please phone (905) 261-6944 for more information or to register by Thursday, April 18th. 
Saturday, April 27th, at 8 p.m. The Greenbank Folk Music Society presents 'Major Love-Pop-Rock Collective', with Colleen Brown. Opening the show will be Master/singer/songwriter Campbell Woods. Cost for this event is $25. To reserve tickets, phone (905) 985-8351 or go to www.greenbankfolkmusic.ca, and/or check them out on Facebook.
Remember to order your fertilizer from the Greenbank Lions; lawn 21-7-7, and garden 18-18-18, for $28 per 55lb bag. Phone (905) 985-3723, or email larrydoble@hotmail.com to order. Delivery is free after April 15th.
Scrap metal/electronics collection is Saturday, May 11th, at the Greenbank Hall, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Hall is available for rent. It has a new kitchen, air conditioning and outdoor patio. Call (905) 985-3723 for more information.
Saturday, April 27th, 'The Joy of Music' concert will be held at the Brooklyn United Church at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Call (905) 985-8559 to purchase tickets or for more information. Participating in the concert will be soloists Curtis Hadden, Adam Hunter, and Jackie Stickwood, with musicians John Foster, Karl Higeli, Doug Watson.
Wednesday, May 8th, 9:30 a.m. Registration for the 'Spring Rally', Kawartha Highlands Presbyterial U.C.W. The theme will be, “A New Home” featuring guest speaker Fabiola Contreras Carrasco from Mexico. It will be held at the Bethel United Church. Lunch is $12. Please RSVP to Carla, by emailing her at cpuckrin@hotmail.com.
June 1st, at 7 p.m. 'Dan Clancy in Concert', will be at the Greenbank United Church. He is the lead singer of the band “Lighthouse”. Tickets are $25.
The Greenbank Hall and the Park Board fundraiser, with Otter Greenhouses, begins April 15th and ends June 2nd. Just mention to the cashier at Otter's that you would like your percentage of purchase to go to the fundraiser. Every little bit helps, and is much appreciated by the Board.
Happy Birthday wishes for April go out to young Adrianna Parsons, Susan Duivestyn, Audrey Baylis, Joanne Olivero, Wanda Foster, Valerie Hunter, and all the others who may be celebrating.
Happy Belated Anniversary wishes go out to Lester and Audrey Baylis, who celebrated on April 4th.
Please call me at (905) 985-0535, or drop off your new items at 20018 Hwy. 12 , for the next Greenbank column, by April 29th       
“Happy Easter to all”.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and an enjoyable long weekend.                                                       
Services at the Blackstock-Nestleton United Church include; Maundy Thursday on April 18th, at 1:30 p.m.; Good Friday Service on April 19th at 11 a.m., and Easter Sunday Service on April 21st  at 9:45 a.m.
Cartwright Central Public School is hosting a 'Take-out Chicken Dinner' fundraiser. Advance tickets must be purchased by Monday, April 29th. Each take-out meal includes: quarter chicken, baked potato, roll, coleslaw, and dessert. Tickets are $15 per person. Orders will be available for pick up on Thursday May 9th, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Blackstock Recreation Complex. For tickets contact Angie Fairfield by calling (905) 986-4133, or emailing her at: angief@ffmltd.com. All proceeds will go directly to the school's playground fundraiser. All three of the school's current playground structures are set to expire this year, which is a significant loss for our community's children. By law, all three structures will need to be removed. Replacement costs are 100% the responsibility of the School Community Council (SCC). No school board funding is available for such projects. The fundraising goal of several ongoing efforts and events, is to generate $50,000 to cover the cost of replacing just one of the units so that students can continue to have interactive, physical activity during school breaks. That quote only covers the cost of the preparation and installation of one playground structure. The funding must cover removal of the three current structures, adding a base layer on top of pea gravel, and covering in the now required engineered mulch. The hope is to be able to find a local company to assist with costs pertaining to moving the gravel and preparing the site. Volunteers will rake in the mulch to save an additional $1700 in costs.
The Blackstock Co-op Nursery School is hosting a 'String Art Fundraising Workshop' on Saturday, May 4th  from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn String Art with Andrea Ryan from Blissful Day Designs. There are two designs to choose from; “Wish” or “Mason Jar” (flowers included). Both designs are 7” wide x 12” high. All materials will be supplied, including a wide selection of string to choose from, to personalize your design. Light refreshments, including wine and appetizers will also be served. The cost is $50 per person. The event will be held on Mountjoy Road in Blackstock. Address details will be provided at the time of booking. For more information and to view the designs, visit the BCNS Facebook event page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/844426552574888/?ti=icl.
To register, please email BCNS at  blackstocknurseryschool@gmail.com.
Euchre winners for Tuesday, April 9th. George Wind finished in first place, Phil Sibbert was second, Audrey Mahaffey came in third, and Eileen Nelson was fourth. Jannie Van Schagen, Chris McCardle and Lorna Edgerton tied for fifth place, and Lorna Edgerton had the most lone hands. Alma Manns and Pat Allemang tied for the mid score. Blackstock euchre is held every Tuesday evening (except holidays) at 7:30 p.m. in the Blackstock United Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.
Blackstock Shorelines runs every two weeks. Please keep this in mind by submitting items early. For consideration, email items to:link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication date.

March 28th, Euchre results: Alma Manns finished in first place, Pat Currie was second, Gail Crawford came in third, Jim Tucker finished in fourth place and Marg Cayer finished in fifth place. Marg Cayer, Bryan Allemang, and Alma Manns had the most lone hands and Hazel Coates had the low score. Dianne Norton and Heidi Kreig tied for the mid score.
April 4th, Euchre results: Mary Lou Breward finished in first place, Judy Westall was second, and Doreen Sheehey, Roy Bradburn and Rick Fink tied for third. Heidi Kreig finished in fourth place, and John Kay came in fifth. Carter Roberts and Judy Westall tied for the most lone hands, and Barb Blue and Ann Mastin tied for the low score. Craig Paisley had the mid score.
Nestleton Euchre is held every Thursday (except holidays) in the Nestleton Community Centre, at 3971 Hwy 7A. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.

What a difference between this weekend, and the last one in March. The lion did not sleep last Saturday night when we got 6” to 8” of heavy, wet snow to clean from our cars. Some folks just looked and went back to bed, I think. In comparison, this weekend almost felt like Spring with temperatures close to 15°C, in spite of there being no sunshine. I discovered I have a number of spring bulbs peeking though the grass where I have naturalized a few dozen. The birds seem slow to arrive back, but I think they know what they are doing. Swans, blue herons, and song sparrows are back even though most ponds are still mostly frozen. We live in hope.
 Some of these notices are several week old, but best wishes go out to Jeanette Herrema Ehinger on her birthday. George and Jenelle Harwood not only celebrated the birth of their daughter Mia, but also their first wedding anniversary. Great granddad Bruce, and grandmother Barb Harwood celebrated their 62nd anniversary last weekend so they can almost celebrate together, from a distance.  
 Congratulations to Mim Harder who was presented with the Governor General’s Award/Medal for volunteerism. Mim was one of the ladies that facilitated our Blanket Exercise, over the last years, among the many other things she is involved in.
Some very notable birthday congratulations go out to Bill and Violet Kirton, who have both reached the age of 100 within a few weeks of each other. Both of them were born close to this community and lived their lives here. A celebration was held on Sunday, April 7th, at the Egypt Hall, which I’m sure was a great occasion. It’s rare enough when one person to reached that milestone, but two at the same time is phenomenal.
Reports are that the Scott Central Grade 8 Spaghetti Supper was a lively affair. Certainly the students looked quite professional in their white shirts and pants as they served up a great and  tasty meal.
Big congratulations go out to our young musical stars. Robyn Ottolini was nominated, for the first time, for a Rising Star award by the Country Music Association of Ontario. Leah Daniels has been nominated by the CMAO for Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Music Video of the year. What a fantastic achievement for both of these young ladies, whether they win or not. Not to be outdone, Julien Kelland is releasing a new single on April 19th. Well-done ladies.
Last Monday our Xi Epsilon Upsilon Sorority met for the first time since Christmas. Some of our members are still ensconced in Florida but will be back for our Founder’s Day lunch on April 25th.
North Durham Nature met in Scugog Public Library on March 26th, with a large crowd eager to hear Jay and Bev Theibert talk about their hike across Auyuittug National Park on Baffin Island. This was a very extreme trip over difficult terrain but they made it, as they always do. Our next meeting is at the Uxbridge Seniors Centre, on April 23rd, at 7 p.m. Note that the meeting night has been changed to the last Tuesday of the month.
The Uxbridge Genealogy Group meets at the Library, lower Hall, on Thursday, April 28th, at 7 p.m. All are invited to these informative meetings. Admission is $2.
On Friday evening the Epsom/Utica Church is holding a Ham and Scalloped Potato Supper at the Utica Hall from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Adults are $15, youth $8, and children under 5 have free admission.
Church last week was in Sandford with Reverend  Eiko conducting the service, and Nancy Wolfe playing the organ. We were also treated to a couple of special numbers when Nancy was accompanied by Bill Richardson on his mouth organ (harmonica). Surely we must have that combination again, especially as a number of people were absent due to the storm.
This week, and all subsequent April Sundays, the services will in Zephyr with Reverend Eiko conducting and Ruth Baker accompanying at the piano. Reverend Eiko taught us a new song which we sang at the end of the service as a choral blessing. The Minutes for Mission discussed human trafficking. We usually think this is something that goes on far from here but an article, in the Toronto Star, this week makes us aware that is can be happening quite close to home.
There will be a Good Friday service in Sandford at 10 a.m. All are invited to attend this service, and every other service this Easter season. The last Sunday of April will be Holy Humour Sunday, and also the day that we say goodbye to Reverend Eiko, and Ron, as she will no longer be our Minister.
On May 5 there will be a fund-raising concert at the Sandford Church. The “Bach to Blues” company from Stouffville, under the direction of Ann Gage, will present their spring selections for us. They are a great group with an excellent accompanist. Cost for tickets is $20 for adults, and $10 for those aged 16 and under. Snacks will be sold following the concert.
The following Thursday, May 9th, the UCW will meet at 1 p.m. at the church. Deborah Clements will show slides, and talk about their latest trip to South America. All are invited to attend, including men.

We are getting great weather, with double digit temperatures lately, although it is a little windy. It seems as though there is always a wind, not just a breeze, but at least the snow has disappeared, and we can look for those little buds peeping through the soil. About one year ago the tragic bus accident in Humboldt occurred, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that lost a family member.
The River Street bridge has come home. It has been repaired and is sitting on its base, but there is still back fill and other work to be done before it will be open to traffic.
The Greenbank Lions are selling spring fertilizer 21-7-7 in a 55 lb. bag for $28. Proceeds are going to the Oak Ridges Hospice. Call Don at (905) 985-3595 to order. The Seagrave Church is fundraising with Otter Greenhouses, located at 315 Medd Road, in Epsom from April 15th to June 2nd. Simply purchase your flowers, and let the cashier know that you would like your purchase to go toward our fundraiser, and tell others if you can.
The Guatemala Mission Team arrived safely on Friday, April 5th. You can follow their adventures by going to: https://facebook.com/GreenbankMissionTeam, or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/greenbank
seagravemissionteam.
Anyone wishing to place an Easter lily or flower in the sanctuary, in memory of a loved one, for Easter Sunday Service, please contact Dale Goddard at (289) 355-8979 or email him at: goddarddv@gmail.com with the names you would like printed in the bulletin before April 14th.
Happy birthday to Eleanor Sturman whose birthday is on April 19th.
Snowbirds, Teri and Howard Payne have arrived back from Florida. Texas snowbirds, Maple and Maarten Mantel, have returned home and were our greeters at church. The Christ Candle was lit by Rick McAskill and he also extinguished the 5th Lenten candle, as Barb Martyn read the Lenten reading. The scripture reader was Richard Charron, and Jane Pettinger read the Minute for Mission report entitled, “Fighting Human Trafficking”. Terry Taylor visited the birthday box. The Ministry of Music anthem was entitled, “There is a Palm”.Our guest speaker was lay person Darlene Hallet. The question was asked. "what is the best gift you have ever received". Darlene opened her message saying, “I am Martha. What is your name?” She explained that Martha was the practical one, and that her sister Mary was the spiritual one who was always listening to the stories from their friend Jesus. Their brother Lazarus had been dead for a length of time, and one day Jesus lifted his eyes to the heavens and Lazarus came back to life. The news spread quickly of this miracle. Jesus was preparing to travel to Jerusalem, even though he knew it was dangerous and knew that his time was limited. Mary purchased a very expensive small vile of perfume, and Martha was confused why she would be so frivolous. Mary proceeded to pour the expensive perfume over the feet of Jesus, and the dry his feet with her hair. This was the greatest gift that Mary could give Jesus. We can all serve like Mary to give the ultimate gift.
April 13th - 8:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast Group. All are welcome.
April 14th- 9:15 a.m. We welcome guest speaker Darlene Hallet on the 6th Sunday of Lent.
April 17th - 7 p.m. Affirming Meeting at Seagrave.
April 19th -7 p.m . Good Friday Service at the Seagrave Church.
April 21st - 9:15 a.m. Easter Sunday Party Celebration. You are invited to wear your Easter bonnet. All are invited to attend.
April 25th - 7 p.m. Let's Talk About.
April 26th - The 13th Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee Fundraiser for the Georgina Public Library in Sutton, Ontario. Looking for participants and cheerleaders for the team. If you are interested, contact Howard at (905) 985-6934 for details.
The Park Committee would like you to keep them in mind as you start your spring cleaning. They will be collecting scrap metal, e-waste, bottles, cans, and new this year, gently used clothing and bedding. Please bring your donation to the Seagrave Park for the Earth Day event on April 27th  from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. While you are there, you can enjoy a pancake breakfast. For the adult portion, the cost is $7. Child portion is $4. All proceeds going towards park improvements. They are also looking for student volunteers. Please e-mail seagrave.park.on@gmail.com for more information.
April 28th - Extreme Balloons with Jungle Jack. Lunch will be pizza and refreshments. A free will offering is requested. Mark your calendars and details to follow. Please contact Rick at (905) 985-8383 if you are planning to attend. More information to follow. If you wish to rent the hall, please call Rick at (905) 985-8383 or email to: barberick@sympatico.ca
If you gave any news for this column, please call Jean at (905) 985-9921, or e-mail to: grammiejean2010@hotmail.com

Caesarea Nestleton Euchre: Marg Cayer and Judy Westall tied for first place, Ben Crawford came in second, Heidi Kreig was third, Linda Carder finished in fourth place and JoAnne Wind, Val Preibe and Willie Houthys tied for fifth place. Judy Westall, Brigitte Moase and Heidi Kreig tied for the most lone hands, and Delaine Dyer had the low score. Nestleton Euchre is held every Thursday (except holidays) in the Nestleton Community Centre, 3971 Hwy 7A. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.

Blackstock & District Lions Club: Last chance to pick up your tickets for our March Madness Dance at the Blackstock Recreation Centre this Saturday, March 23rd. If you are in town, just drop by Penny's Mini Mart for tickets. Otherwise, contact Connie Ashmore at (905)926-4913, or Karen Waters at (905) 925-4389 to arrange for tickets. The doors open at 8 p.m., the dancing starts at 9 p.m., and we eat at 10:30 p.m. We are also accepting donations for our silent auction that night. The proceeds will support the Operation Scugog Food Bank, and the Lions Clubs Camp Kirk Foundation. Hope to see you there.

A Spring flood arrived on Medd Road on Friday. The water came in, and was level to the road. This was the 2nd  runoff this year. As a child, before the Township raised the road, my Dad would be called to pull cars out of the three feet of water that was across the road. It was good skating when we were kids.
Congratulations to brand new grandparents, Pat and John Sutherland, on the recent arrival of daughter Andrea and Tom's baby boy Myles Thomas, and daughter Rachael and Graeme's baby boy Simon Jonathon. Blessings to all.
The March meeting of the Bethesda Reach Women's Institute will be held on Wednesday, March 27th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Epsom United Church. The theme for March is health, and we will be exploring this topic with the 'Fitness of Life' talk. Our speaker will feature fitness techniques appropriate to different ages and abilities. Meetings are open to all.
The Bethesda Reach 'Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show', is Tuesday, April 9th, at 12 noon at the Trinity United Church in Uxbridge. Fashions will be from Woods and Woods, located in Uxbridge. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased by calling (905) 852-3925, or (905) 985-3976. All profits from the luncheon will be donated to various charitable causes.
Get well wishes go out to Barbara Weese this week.
Wishing the Warrior Atom Hockey team a great season final in the next 2 weeks. You have the first game won, so on you go. Levi Scott and his dad Jason are a part of this team, as some youth from Greenbank are too.
The 4H exchange club is busy hosting a sign making event at the Sunderland Co-op on Sunday, March 24th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the Durham West 4H's facebook page to sign up.
Hoping Arthur Powell is feeling much better following his unfortunate vehicle accident last week. Good wishes are being sent your way Art.
Pastor John Molenaar led worship this past Sunday. There is always an invitation for all to worship at Epsom each Sunday at 11 a.m.

Sunday was quite a day for the kids, big and little, who love to make snowballs and snow people. The rest of us weren’t too happy to see that layer of white stuff on the ground. Anyway, by evening, it had mostly melted away. But that is just a taste of what is yet to come according to the Almanac.

There are several happy occasions to mention. Allan and Caroline McGillivray welcomed another grandchild, Devlin Merril McGillivray, on October 15th . He is the son of Matt and Jody, and is little brother to Elija. Megan and Hannah Risebrough both celebrated their 22nd birthday this week and Brenda Harwood Moore’s birthday was on Sunday October 28th.  Ed and Pam Beach celebrated their 45th anniversary, and congratulations to Pam as she was also re-elected last week as Councillor for Ward 1.

Les and Erin Smith’s 12th anniversary was on Sunday. Apparently on that day it was sunny during the service at Wick, but soon after the wind got up and a major snowstorm blew in. Bruce said he could hardly get his antique car home through the snow, so today was not that bad.

Our sympathy goes out to Tanis Pottage Smith on the passing of her former father-in-law, Aubrey Eugene Pottage, October 25th at Southlake Hospital. She said he had been like a father to her.

Last Tuesday was the Celebration of Life for Olive Wilson Evans. The Uxbridge Baptist Church was filled with people coming to pay their respects. A good many of them, of course, were extended family members as both the Wilson and Evans families are large. Olive’s immediate family has 113 members including 34 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 5 more babies on the way. Olive was a wonderful lady, and will be a part of my life forever.

It’s all over but the hard work is done now. The election saw a few surprises, and with several new people on council now it will take awhile to get things moving again. It’s never as easy as people on the outside may think. Thanks to all those who gave their time and effort on Council for the last 4 years, but were not re-elected this year. Your dedication will be rewarded somewhere down the line. With something like 50 per cent of Uxbridge residents voting, we were better represented than most of the rest of the Region.

On Monday night several people from here attended the high school where Andrew Robertshaw was a guest speaker in The Vimy Series. Andrew talked about what he has been working on  identifying bodies of WW1 soldiers who went missing and were presumed dead but recently have been found. The many ways of identifying bodies now is much easier than in early years, but is still not foolproof. Some soldiers get identified and others don’t, but all are buried with honour. This Monday, Ted Barris continues with The Vimy series and will be speaking about his book entitled ‘The Dam Busters’.

On Tuesday evening, the Sandford Church council met. Unfortunately, with no minister present, several of our decisions had to be postponed. We will meet again on November 20th, which is before the Official Board meets at Sandford.

Lorraine Ottolini, Eve-Lynn Swan, and a friend took a road trip to the Catskill Mountains to visit another friend. They enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and several very interesting tourist spots. One of the most interesting thing they did was ride the Cycle Rail at the Empire State Rail Museum. The Cycle Rail looks  like bikes, in twos, attached to the tracks. They peddled these bikes along the tracks, but had some help when going uphill.

On Wednesday evening at Epsom Church the Bethesda Reach WI held their monthly meeting. The speaker was Steve Rensick from Greenbank. Steve creates native style flutes and had a number of them on display. These flutes are made of various types of wood, and each piece, no matter how small, have to be bored out and then glued together. Even such things as burls can be used. Some were carved, some were painted with native designs, and some were wood-burned. It was a wonderful display, and was viewed with much amazement by the ladies. Next month Kate Johnson will speak about her Junior Farmers sojourn in Austria.

On Thursday evening, North Durham Nature met at the Scugog Public Library in Port Perry. The guest speaker was the well-known naturalist and photographer, (who was one of the earliest to use digi-scoping) Jean Irons. She spoke about the shore birds of the arctic, and the  study she has been involved in for several years. The area being studied is not accessible except by helicopter. Water is provided from a stream which flows through the area, and it is populated only with animals and birds, which Jean observed.

Over 300 people, many from around here, attended the “Celebrate Agricultural Gala” in Port Perry on Friday night. A well-known figure for many years, Harvey Graham, was presented with the Spirit of Agriculture Award. The Bowmans of Gallery on the Farm, were presented with the Family Farm award, and the Leadership Award was given to Mitch Morawetz. Tim May, of Mayhaven Farms, was the guest speaker. Mary Evans catered the scrumptious meal.

Saturday was the all-day conference of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario, which was held at the Historic Church in Leaskdale. The Maud Squad outdid themselves once more by putting on a great day, with very interesting speakers and a great meal.  Lucy Maud will never be forgotten as many of the attendees were researchers and authors who, each year, come out with new research and write books and novels based on the stories.  Melanie Fishbane and Benjamin Lefebvre had the opportunity to launch their new books on the subject.

Another thing that was officially launched was the new lift/elevator. On hand for the ribbon cutting were MP Jennifer O’Connell, Mayor Pat Molloy and the builder. The lift is built into the north east corner of the church and is not covered. Part of the back pew in the church was removed to make room, but from downstairs it is barely noticeable. Funding for the construction was attained from a grant, and the cost is estimated to be close to $70,000. Thanks to Carol Ditamaso for writing the successful proposal for this well done job.

Debbie Siertsems was the guest minister for the joint service at Sandford. She will also lead next Sunday service in Zephyr, at 10 a.m.. The Zephyr community will hold their Christmas Craft show next Sunday at the Hall. The church will be selling baked goods and peameal on a bun for lunch, shortly after 11 a.m. Please come out.

Saturday, March 23rd, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., The Lions Club is serving a Pancake Breakfast at the Greenbank Hall to support the Chicken Coop Bakery/Restaurant family: Shankar, Uma, Mithra, and Shanya Meegunthan. The Meegunthan family’s building was damaged structurally by a truck on March 4th, and their business will be temporarily closed, tentatively, for four months. They moved back in their home on Sunday, March 17th . If you are planning to attend, please call (905) 985-3723, or email larrydoblehotmail.com by Wednesday or Thursday so food planning may be arranged.
The Lions are taking orders for Lawn and Garden Fertilizer, in 55 lb. bags, for $28 each, with free delivery in April and May. Phone (905) 985-3723 to order. May 11th, the Lions are collecting scrap metal and electronics from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesdays during Lent, from 11:50 a.m.- 12:50 p.m., a light lunch will be served and guest speakers will be hosted by the St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Port Perry. On March 20th, the speakers will be Heather Haliburton-Smith and Eyad Mousa to talk about the Port Perry Syrian Refugee Reunification Support Group.
Saturday, March 30th - First Aid and CPR Training at 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. will be at the Greenbank Church. Cost is $70 per person, and it will be hosted by the GS Mission Team.
On April 12th, a Food Safety Handling Course is being offered at the Greenbank Church from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The cost is $25. Contact Barb at (905) 985-3903 to attend.
Next Sunday, March 24th, the Third Sunday of Lent, we welcome special music with Adam Hunter and accompanists John Foster and Jackie Stickwood. All three have been a part of the church music programs over past years, and it will be a special treat to have them back on Sunday.
Marita’s Mission Minute on Sunday morning included this phrase, “Only learning to appreciate others on a human level, can we do away with hatred”; a wise thought. She told of the annual integrated community ministry of the Art Show depicting hope and healing in pictures of the Indigenous Community, by Indigenous people. This is held in Riverbend, Saskatchwan, and is an M&S supported event.
Keith and Carol Bacon attended the 100th birthday of Keith’s cousin, Lily Hope, with many friends and relatives. The party was at the Goodwood Hall for this special occasion and reunion.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Terry Crawford and his family with the death of his youngest brother’s wife in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She had been struggling with cancer.

Despite some cooler temperatures and potential for snow in the forecast, Spring is definitely in the air.
Welcome back from March Break to teachers and students, as well as family members and others who took the week off.
Congratulations to Dolly Lee, who is turning 90 yrs old. Family and friends are hosting a birthday drop-in on Saturday, March 30th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blackstock United Church.
Congratulations to Jeff Kane and Alaina Malcolm on their recent engagement, while on vacation last week in Cuba.
This week's euchre winners are: Eileen Nelson came in first place, Jocelyn Bradbury finished in second place, Marg Cayer came in third place, Phil Sibbert came in fourth place, and Larry Doble finished in fifth place. Eileen Nelson, John Kay, Jocelyn Bradbury, Larry Doble and Phil Sibbert tied for the most lone hands. Don Trunks had the mid score. Blackstock euchre is held every Tuesday evening (except holidays) at 7:30 p.m. in the Blackstock United Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.
To submit items for consideration in the Blackstock Shorelines, please email them to link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication date.