It's Garbage Day - finally!

15.8 degrees and blustery.

Fresh from WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! Blowing and drifting snow, colder temperatures, and lake effect snow will be with us today and tonight. Some improvements for Saturday, more light snow on Sunday, and a bit of a breather heading into next week. Details below...
An upper level low pressure system, which has been part of our weather for the past several days, is now lifting to the north and east. We will still be under it's influence as we head through the day today. Colder air is wrapping around the back end of this storm system, and that colder air moving over Lake Ontario is creating lake effect snow. Winds will shift ever so slightly into a more northerly direction as we head through the morning hours. The lake band, which has been parked over Northern Oneida County for much of the overnight period will shift south and set up near or just to the north of the NYS Thruway this afternoon. Some snows may even drift into the hills of Madison, Southern Oneida, and Southern Herkimer County at times. Winds sustained from the west between 15-25mph will create a wind chill in the single digits. In addition, the winds will create blowing and drifting snow, with poor visibility and driving conditions in open areas.
Lake effect snow will continue tonight, and gradually weaken heading into tomorrow morning. Conditions will slowly improve, as winds die down and snows lighten up. By tomorrow morning, some light snow and a bit of a breeze. Here's a look at total lake effect snow through Saturday morning:

**************************

THE WCS BOYS' VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM

meets W. Canada Valley at 7:00

in the Section III Class C-2 Playoffs.

**************************

ALSO AHEAD

Fish Fry tonight at the Deansboro Fire Department

******************

Pancakes Tomorrow at Sanger Lodge

8:00 - 11:30

$6. Under 10, free.

*******************************

CHICKEN BARBEQUE

in N. Brookfield at noon on Sunday

**************

and

Pancakes again next Tuesday

at the Grace Episcopal Church Annual

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Details to follow.

No racing required.

****************

It was a typical day on Main Street.

Because the morning snow had been so "packable," I scoured the village looking for any resulting projects:

these were the only snowmen that I found - both at the same residence on White Street!

Later in the day, the wind picked up and "snow devils" danced in fields next to Fuess-Cleary Road.

Passersby noticed that the flag at the High School was at half-staff

for Tony, we hope.

***************************

Unfortunately, I've lost the letter that I received several days ago from a gal who remembered that the Youth Center - a.k.a. "Brother Jonathan's" - was in "an old building on East Main Street."

This is what that building looks like now!

More about Brother Jonathan's in the future!

***********************

In the meantime,

Have a Great Weekend, Everyone!

Thursday

****************************

Today is Recyclables Day!

It's 33.6 degrees and melty.

It did it again!

Squalls of huge flakes left a three-minute frosting on cars.

Considering the forecast and having been out in a couple of brief snow squalls yesterday, I wasn't surprised to hear snowplows on Route 315 several times during the night and see the "sidewalk plow" come down the hill a few minutes after 5:00, but I also expected to see something more than the TWO INCHES of new snow on my front porch! Not good for snowmobiling, but great for snowman building!

WKTV says there's more to come!

"Temperatures are above freezing this morning in the lower elevations. A mix of rain and snow will continue through 9 AM, before colder air moves in and changes any rain showers over to snow showers. Snow showers and flurries are expected this afternoon and evening, with little additional accumulation. Temperatures will fall a few degrees heading into the afternoon, with a breezy west wind developing.

Lake effect snow develops late this evening and tonight across the North Country. This band of lake effect will slowly shift to the south as winds slightly shift tonight. Expect heavy lake effect snow across the Thruway corridor and to the north on Friday morning. This lake band will stay in place for most of tomorrow, with a general 4-8" of snow in areas with the most persistant bands. A brisk west wind tomorrow will cause some localized whiteouts, especially in areas prone to blowing and drifting snow. The lake band will slowly diminish Friday night and into Saturday, as drier air and lighter winds move in to the region.
Snowfall expected through Saturday morning:

*********

Today at the Library

Family Movie Night

"The Rocker"

at 6:00 p.m. FREE

**********************

SATURDAY

ROUND & SQUARE DANCE

sponsored by the Town of Madison Historical Society

8 pm to midnight Saturday, Feb. 21,
at the Historical Museum on South Street in Madison.

**********************

IN THE MAIL

Harold W. Hoener

1935 - 2009

A letter from Shirley Bynum Smith noting the death of Harold W. Hoener and citing a tribute to him on the website of the Dallas Theological Seminary.

She wrote, "He grew up on the farm that is the first on the left (I guess that would be south, i.e., turning left from Hanover and continuing down the hill towards Deansboro) from the Hanover/Shanley corner. He and his family were friends of many of us. (His dad was Swiss, his mother German.) Harold was the permanent class president of the WCS Class of 1953. I think he was valedictorian and his sister Trudy salutatorian that year; my sister Esther Swarthout graduated in that class."

"Some of us (Sally Zweifel, Kurt Schactler, my mother, my cousins Jim Eisenhut and Trudy Karram, Esther and I) remember when Harold played clarinet at Swiss dances. I wonder if anyone in Dallas knows that! Sally's mother (Mina) played piano, my cousin Jim Eisenhut played bass, Walter Hoehner (Harold's father) and my cousin Al sometimes played accordian, and the men would yodel during breaks from the "band" and dancing. We all danced: kids and adults alike. Those were days of great Swiss parties in the 1950's, stories for another day."

Thank you, Shirley, and DO send those stories, any time!

*************

My Thanks to Webmaster Kristi Kosmoski for
updating the "Visitor's Map to Historic Waterville"
on the Village website!

*******

Think Blue Skies and Summer!


Haying in Hanover

************************************

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Wednesday

It's a starry 23 degrees.

(No: Tomorrow is Recyclables!)

Village Board Meeting is tonight at 7:00

WKTV predicts that: "Temperatures starting out quite a bit milder this morning, but with an east wind, it doesn't feel like it. Clouds will build in to the region as we head into the morning as a storm currently over Michigan develops and advances east. We may see a few hours of morning sunshine before the clouds take over and thicken. Snow will break out shortly after noon. Light snow will fall through this evening, with accumulations of a slushy 1-3". As the storm system moves closer, winds will shift in to the south, allowing warmer air to advance into the region. This warmer air will change snow over to rain in the lower elevations. Higher elevations will hold on to snow longer...and some of our higher spots over 1200 feet are likely not going to see that turnover. Therefore, there will be a large disparity in snowfall between the valleys and hilltops this time around.
Here's a map of what you can expect through Thursday morning:




"A secondary area of low pressure will develop along the Atlantic coast, allowing colder air to rush back into the region by Thursday morning. This will change rain back over to snow during the morning commute. There will be additional snowfall Thursday through Saturday and possibly even into Sunday. We'll have more details on that as we head closer to the event."

*****************

On my travels, yesterday, I rode down Camp Road - midway between Sangerfield and Madison - and stopped to take a picture of Slade's "sugar shack."
It looked Springy enough ............

..... but, although the sun was bright, there was just a small bit of open water at "Birdland" for Colgate University's "Adam" and "Eve" to paddle in.

****************************

On the Big Screen at SeaWorld: it's Emily Beloin!

Emi lives on West Bacon Street and although she didn’t get to feed the whales of "Shamu,"she did get to be part of the show and get a “close up” look at them.

"Shamu" is the stage name of SeaWorld's iconic Orca (killer whale) show, which is shared by numerous adult male or female orcas at the SeaWorld parks.

*************

What did you do on YOUR vacation?

*****************

I spent a bit of my time revamping the
"Visitor's Map & Guide to Historic Waterville"

and putting a link to it on the blog's sidebar.

(The old version - still on the Village's website - shows where the new Library will be built in 2006!)

***************

When you're in town, take a close up look at the former Subway Sandwich Shop on West Main Street: Tom Morgan has opened an "annex" in which there is a fine display of furniture in varieties (and quality) unsuitable for display in the colorful sidewalk showroom.

******

For those wishing to send contributions to WAVAC,

here is the mailing address, thanks to Orendorff:

WAVAC

PO BOX 314

Waterville, N.Y. 13480.

Gary added a "P.S." saying,

"As always we are in still in need of
Daytime drivers for the ambulance."


*********************************

AYSO Spring Sign-ups

It’s that time of year again…

Registration will be at the Wateville High School in the Cafeteria:

February 26th and March 5th

Time: 6:00 til 7:30

The AYSO program is based on “5” Principles:

Everyone Plays – Balanced Teams – Positive Coaching – Open Registration – Good Sportsmanship

AYSO is a Volunteer Organization – we are still in need of coaches, referees, and team volunteers. Training and certification is provided free of charge and will be held in April. Please sign up to help!!

(if already registered in the Fall, no need to sign up again, Coaches will be contacting you)

If anyone has old soccer shoes there not sure what to do with and they would like to donate, please drop off during Registration…

************

The Sanger Lodge is hosting another

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday, February 21 from
8 am to 11:30 am - $6 - under 10 free.

"We are trying to raise money to paint the tower."

c. 1910.

Not a job for volunteers!

(Remember: there's parking behind the building!)

******************

On Sunday

The North Brookfield Fire Department

will serve up a

CHICKEN BARBECUE

at noon!

Halves $5.00; Dinners $8.00

Take-outs Available

*********************************

PRESIDENTS' WEEK TRIVIA

"George Washington Slept Here" - maybe!

“Where was the Oneida Path?” The village historians have a 1944 writing by A. O. Mayer which describes it as “the only trail used (by the Oneidas) between settlements at Oneida and their friends on the Susquehanna.” Because indians always traveled single file, and the same trail had been used for centuries, the path was only 12 to 15 inches wide and was deeply-trodden. At the time of white settlement (1792) it entered the Town of Sangerfield near the present site of the David Bocko residence, ran SE to “Dead Pond,” then in a straight line across the flatlands of Sangerfield and up “Bridge’s Hill” to the Fish & Game Club. “It must have been this trail that General George Washington traversed when returning from his visit to the Oneidas in October of 1783,” wrote the late M. L. Peterson. “Pete” surmised that because Dead Pond is fed by springs and is located about a full day’s march from Oneida, it would have made a fine spot for a night’s encampment by Washington & Co. Therefore, we might well be able to brag that “George Washington slept here!”

***************

A special Thank You to the members of the Memorial Park School Second Grade Social Studies Class and their teachers for the fun "Thank You" card and notes that you sent to me!
I appreciated it a great deal!

****************

THINK SUNFLOWERS!

Have a great Day, Everyone!

for wednesday

It's a starry 23 degrees.

WKTV predicts that: "Temperatures starting out quite a bit milder this morning, but with an east wind, it doesn't feel like it. Clouds will build in to the region as we head into the morning as a storm currently over Michigan develops and advances east. We may see a few hours of morning sunshine before the clouds take over and thicken. Snow will break out shortly after noon. Light snow will fall through this evening, with accumulations of a slushy 1-3". As the storm system moves closer, winds will shift in to the south, allowing warmer air to advance into the region. This warmer air will change snow over to rain in the lower elevations. Higher elevations will hold on to snow longer...and some of our higher spots over 1200 feet are likely not going to see that turnover. Therefore, there will be a large disparity in snowfall between the valleys and hilltops this time around.
Here's a map of what you can expect through Thursday morning:




"A secondary area of low pressure will develop along the Atlantic coast, allowing colder air to rush back into the region by Thursday morning. This will change rain back over to snow during the morning commute. There will be additional snowfall Thursday through Saturday and possibly even into Sunday. We'll have more details on that as we head closer to the event."

*****************

On my travels, yesterday, I rode down Camp Road - midway between Sangerfield and Madison - and stopped to take a picture of Slade's "sugar shack."
It looked Springy enough ............

..... but, although the sun was bright, there was just a small bit of open water at "Birdland" for Colgate University's "Adam" and "Eve" to paddle in.

****************************

On the Big Screen at SeaWorld: it's Emily Beloin!

Emi lives on West Bacon Street and although she didn’t get to feed the whales of "Shamu,"she did get to be part of the show and get a “close up” look at them.

"Shamu" is the stage name of SeaWorld's iconic Orca (killer whale) show, which is shared by numerous adult male or female orcas at the SeaWorld parks.

*************

What did you do on YOUR vacation?

*****************

When you're in town, take a close up look at the former Subway Sandwich Shop on West Main Street: Tom Morgan has opened an "annex" in which there is a fine display of furniture in varieties (and quality) unsuitable for display in the colorful sidewalk showroom.

******

Would someone in the Waterville Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps please send me the Corps' mailing address? A blog-reader wishes to send a contribution, but we find no information on the WAVAC website.

*********************************

AYSO Spring Sign-ups

It’s that time of year again…

Registration will be at the Wateville High School in the Cafeteria:

February 26th and March 5th

Time: 6:00 til 7:30

The AYSO program is based on “5” Principles:

Everyone Plays – Balanced Teams – Positive Coaching – Open Registration – Good Sportsmanship

AYSO is a Volunteer Organization – we are still in need of coaches, referees, and team volunteers. Training and certification is provided free of charge and will be held in April. Please sign up to help!!

(if already registered in the Fall, no need to sign up again, Coaches will be contacting you)

If anyone has old soccer shoes there not sure what to do with and they would like to donate, please drop off during Registration…

************

The Sanger Lodge is hosting another

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday, February 21 from
8 am to 11:30 am - $6 - under 10 free.

"We are trying to raise money to paint the tower."

(Remember: there's parking behind the building!)

******************

On Sunday

The North Brookfield Fire Department

will serve up a

CHICKEN BARBECUE

at noon!

*********************************

PRESIDENTS' WEEK TRIVIA

"George Washington Slept Here" - maybe!

“Where was the Oneida Path?” The village historians have a 1944 writing by A. O. Mayer which describes it as “the only trail used (by the Oneidas) between settlements at Oneida and their friends on the Susquehanna.” Because indians always traveled single file, and the same trail had been used for centuries, the path was only 12 to 15 inches wide and was deeply-trodden. At the time of white settlement (1792) it entered the Town of Sangerfield near the present site of the David Bocko residence, ran SE to “Dead Pond,” then in a straight line across the flatlands of Sangerfield and up “Bridge’s Hill” to the Fish & Game Club. “It must have been this trail that General George Washington traversed when returning from his visit to the Oneidas in October of 1783,” wrote the late M. L. Peterson. “Pete” surmised that because Dead Pond is fed by springs and is located about a full day’s march from Oneida, it would have made a fine spot for a night’s encampment by Washington & Co. Therefore, we might well be able to brag that “George Washington slept here!”

***************

A special Thank You to the members of the Memorial Park School Second Grade Social Studies Class and their teachers for the fun "Thank You" card and notes that you sent to me!
I appreciated it a great deal!

****************

THINK SUNFLOWERS!

Have a great Day, Everyone!

Monday afternoon - special message

I had not intended to "blog," today, but the sudden death of "Tony" Farina has shocked so many villagers that I'm posting his obituary, here, so that out-of-town blog-readers may respond to it.

Tony never lived in Waterville, but he was a friend and mentor to so many of us that he might just as well have. He is remembered with great fondness.

**********************

From the Eannace Funeral Home website:

Anthony J. "Tony" Farina

July 13th, 1945 - February 14th, 2009

Mr. Anthony J. “Tony” Farina, age 63, of Utica, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on July 13, 1945, Anthony was the son of the late Anthony and Mary R. (Perritano) Farina. He was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of Utica College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. On October 9, 1971 he married the former Barbara Vivyan with whom he shared 28 years in a loving and devoted union prior to her passing on November 9, 1999. In his earlier days, Tony was involved with the operation of the family concern, Farina Sausage Company on Bleecker St. During his 34-year professional career, Tony was a teacher at Waterville High School, the position from which he retired. As an educator, he was inspirational in his teaching, supportive and encouraging by nature, and eager in volunteering his efforts to tutor anyone who needed his assistance. A loyal man, honest and caring, Tony put the needs of others before his own. He was selfless and dedicated to family, friends, and students, a man whose kindness was well-intended. In addition to his passion for teaching, he was equally enthusiastic about horses and the excitement of horse racing at Vernon Downs Raceway. He valued the many friendships he made with people who had a common interest in the sport and the camaraderie he shared with them. He enjoyed nurturing, raising, and tending his horses – a daily ritual in which he participated following his retirement. He was the director of the Horseman’s Association of Central NY, a position he wholeheartedly cherished. He also treasured his family vacations to Williamsburg, Virginia. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and a member of the choir. Tony is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony R. and Diane P. Farina of Oneida, and Adam D. Farina of Utica and Marie K. Batchelder of New Hartford; and his grandchildren, Anthony “A.J.” Farina, and Kyler Alexis Farina. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt A. and Nancy T. Farina of Delmar, NY, Salvatore N. and Nancy P. Farina of Whitesboro, and Thomas P. and Cindy Farina of Parma, OH; nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Mary Alice and Frank Rowley and their son, C. Matthew Rowley; Mark and Joleen Farina and their daughter, Emma Rae; Stephanie and Terry Kalka and their son, Brandon; Nicole and Jon Freedman, Charles and Heidi Farina, Mary Katherine Farina, Arielle Farina, Stefan Farina, and Holly Farina; cousins, especially Joya Marine, Lil and Chuck Cragnolin, and Jackie and Bruce Romano; mother-in-law, Jane Vivyan of Waterville; in-laws, Deborah T. and Gary Grundman of CA, and Robert “Jim” Vivyan of NYC; and aunts, Rose Gigliotti of Greenville, IL, and Florence Farina of FL. Tony was favored with many special friends, including Dave and Gina Dewhurst and their daughters, Gabrielle and Katie; Stanley Dziekonski, Walt Tilbe, Bob and Mary Byrd, Vinny and Lois Elacqua, Marianthe Kane, Jackie Battista, Dave and Marybeth Fisher, and Carol Okusko. The family is grateful to the staff of the Critical Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Lindsey Gilcrest, for the compassionate care rendered to Tony. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Tony’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tony’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.


My most sincere condolences to his family.