At Home in the Huddle 2009

Good Morning!!

2010-01-01T06:29:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010, 2010.

(Click on the 2010 link: that's where you'll go!)

See you there, I hope!

This is it .................

2009-12-31T07:07:00.012-05:00

The last day of 2009.

It's Garbage Day.
Overcast and 23.5 degrees F. / -4.7 C.

The moon was bright last night! Unfortunately, we probably won't be able to see it tonight because of clouds, but if we could, we'd be looking at a "Blue Moon!" - the first "blue moon" to shine on a New Year's Eve in nearly 20 years.

The WKTV forecast, however, is for snow: "A chilly but quiet start to the day with a few light snow showers. Snow showers will continue for the morning and become more steady during the afternoon, especially for Utica and points south. Snow will be relatively light, so little accumulation throughout the day with highs in the low 30's.

Light snow will continue, off and on, throughout our Thursday. High in the low 30's.
Steady snow winds down tonight to a few flurries as the low pressure system stays to our south and out of the region. Temperatures will hold steady in the mid to upper 20s.

A storm will intensify in the Atlantic Ocean on New Year's Day. Though we aren't expected to take the brunt of the storm, it will be close enough to give us a few snow showers on New Year's Day as a cold front passes through, bringing in colder air. With the large storm system intensifying off the Coast of Maine and cold air in place, winds will shift, creating lake effect snow into the weekend.

LOOKING AHEAD

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A year ago, this field next to Osborn Avenue was bare. There's a little bit of snow, now, but it's still rough sledding, I'm afraid!

In Bob Buschor's corn field, next to Route 315, there were dozens and dozens of wild turkeys, but they didn't stay around to have their pictures taken.

It still surprises me to see them take to the air and land, gracefully, in trees!

Best sighting of the day were these two strange birds: first, Jody Hildreth, l., flagged me down on Shanley Road and as we were talking along came another birder-friend, Gene Huggins, who grew up in Waterville, but who lives in Tully, now. What are the chances of the three of us running into each other like that?

My photo? Two strange birds grinning, of course, at an odd old duck!

**********

When Jody left, he headed for Turkey Falls.

"The Greeter!"

The Falls, in black & white.

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

Spotted in the Park, a few days ago: new railings on the Bandstand that were installed the day before Christmas by metalworker Mr. August Raulli of Raulli’s Iron Works, Inc.

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

It's a Tradition, and it starts Tomorrow!

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

FOR THE RECORD

JUST ONE MORE THING:

Auld Lang Syne - the history.

Sing along, if you feel like it!

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

See you next year!

Where did the year go?

2009-12-30T05:31:00.009-05:00

It's Recyclables Day

We're having a Heat Wave!

15 degrees F. / -9.4 C.

"Partly sunny Wednesday. High 25. Some light snow is expected for New Year's Eve. High in the low 30's. Midnight temperatures in the upper 20's.
A storm will intensify in the Atlantic Ocean on New Years Day. This storm will be close enough to give us snow on New Years Day and beyond. This may be a long duration event. We'll keep you posted.

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

OF INTEREST: On WKTV - Will Gov. Paterson Slow Down Natural Gas Drilling? (in Marcellus Shale.)

IN THE MAIL

OF INTEREST TO BIRDERS

"Rusty" wrote to suggest (in re: yesterday's photo of the red squirrel inside a squirrel-proof bird feeder) that I wrap chicken wire 'round the entire device leaving holes large enough for birds but too small for the thief. He also said that crushed red pepper mixed in with bird seed discouraged squirrels from stealing: I'll try that right away! (Thanks, Rusty!)

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

Jody Hildreth has sent me his "Christmas Bird Count List!"

He wrote, "I counted the Sauquoit area and had a great day. I actually started at 4:30 am with some owling, and the results were good. Had an Eastern Screech-Owl at my first location, then a Northern Saw-whet Owl at my second stop. This wound up to be the first time ever this species has been found on this areas Christmas Bird Count. Then it was 2 hours of nothing - but that is usually what happens when owling!
Anyways, here are the total results for the whole count. It is centered at
the Jay-K in New Hartford and is a 15 mile diameter (if my memory serves me
right)."

Great Blue Heron 1
Canada Goose 1767
Snow Goose count week
American Black Duck 73
Mallard 520
RING-NECKED DUCK 2
HOODED MERGANSER 3
Common Merganser 3
duck species 7
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
accipiter species 2
Red-tailed Hawk 93
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 6
buteo species 4
American Kestrel count week
MERLIN 1
PEREGRINE FALCON 2
Ruffed Grouse 5
Wild Turkey 265
Ring-billed Gull 21
Herring Gull 2
gull species 13
Rock Pigeon 1069
Mourning Dove 613
EASTERN SCREECH OWL 2
BARRED OWL 1
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 34
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 3
Downy Woodpecker 99
Hairy Woodpecker 39
NORTHERN FLICKER count week
Pileated Woodpecker 9
NORTHERN SHRIKE 1
Blue Jay 177
American Crow 3528
HORNED LARK 62
Black-capped Chickadee 479
Tufted Titmouse 91
Red-breasted Nuthatch 16
White-breasted Nuthatch 60
Brown Creeper 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 23
HERMIT THRUSH count week
American Robin 28
European Starling 1657
Cedar Waxwing 10
American Tree Sparrow 184
FOX SPARROW 3
Song Sparrow count week
White-throated Sparrow 31
Dark-eyed Junco 195
SNOW BUNTING 195
Northern Cardinal 151
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD 11
Purple Finch 2
House Finch 69
American Goldfinch 117
House Sparrow 250

Thanks loads, Jody!

"My" pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers is back and ONE Carolina Wren!

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

From Sue Price via Missy Brouillette:

THE GARDEN CLUB

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS!

"The Waterville Garden Club would like to thank all of those who decorated to celebrate this years holiday season. The four judges from out of town were so pleased to see the many beautiful decorations that a new category was developed to represent more winners. Keep in mind the best of the best category is a separation of those who have won over the last two years. Thanks for keeping the village looking festive."

Best of the Best Overall Category:

1^st Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fancett

307 Tower St.

2^nd place:

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Coiro

466 White St.

3^rd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. John Pumilia

44 Tower St.

Best of the Best Honorable Mention:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baumgarten

Mr. and Mrs. Don Neff

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Upcraft

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Nichols

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

Best of the Best Doorway Contest:

1^st Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Salata

203 Osborne Ave

2^nd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Maine

McCabe Rd

3^rd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Snow

208 Osborne Ave

Honorable Mention Best of the Best Doorway:

Ms. Karen Kalies

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

Overall Category:

1^st Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Abby

Canning Factory Rd.

2^nd Place:

Ms. Bonnie and Joanna Bechy

160 Babbott Ave

3^rd Place:

Mrs. Muthig and Family

115 Babbott Ave

Honorable Mention:

Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Bechy

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

Doorway Category:

1^st Place:

Mrs. Ann Manion

1515 Hanover Rd.

2^nd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ashforth

125 E. Bacon St.

3^rd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lince

213 Main St.

Honorable Mention:

Mr. and Mrs. Fred McLean

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

Businesses:

1^st Place:

Daniel Maine and Associates

Madison St.

2^nd Place:

The Village Dinner

Main St.

3^rd Place:

Mark Barnes, Attorney

Main St

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

Santa’s Playland Category:

1^st place:

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Verdon

359 Putnam St.

2^nd place:

Mr. and Mrs. Kunze

1640 Lewis Rd

3^rd Place:

Mr. and Mrs. John Ford

Ford Rd.

Honorable mention:

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Peglow

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

From Rob Verdon, whose Lighting Display on Putnam Street catches the EAR as well as the eye ......

"I have been averaging about 5 cars an hour. However, no one really knows it is to music playing outside and to 88.7 FM. I need to make up a sign, but the last night is January 3rd so you must check it out!"

(Tom Eisenhut told me that he and his family stopped, turned the car radio to 88.7 and watched/listened to the display and were amazed!)

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

A nice letter from Susan Lees Ryerson of Amarillo, Texas, who learned about the blog last summer and has been a frequent visitor ever since.

And this, from Louisa Brutman: "I was ordering a Christmas arrangement for my Aunt Bertha Rowley over at Merry Rose Flowers, and I got to talking with the lady about spending summers with my aunt. The lady told me about your site. My mom, dad and brother, Granpa Ambrose Beha and his wife, Emma are all buried in Waterville. I'm 63 and I vividly remember our adventures. What a joy to find you. Happy New Year."

Writer's note: If you want to get in touch with any of the new blog-readers who write to me, I'll gladly forward your mail to them if you send it to me! Lots of old friendships have been rekindled, that way!)

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

She Did It!

"Victoria's Ride is Done!"

(Go to that site and click on "photos" - I didn't dare reproduce one, here, because of her copyright.)

It was warmer in Santa Monica than here!

LOOKING BACK

A YEAR AGO TODAY

!

I'll take a picture of that view this afternoon. I think it looks quite different, now!

FOR THE RECORD

I AM still writing Christmas Cards!

After all, Christmas really lasts until Epiphany - January 6 - so I've still got time!

Have a Great Day, everyone!

Now it's REALLY COLD!

2009-12-29T05:33:00.015-05:00

It's just 8 degrees F. / -13 C.

with lots of wind blowing a small amount of new snow.

Be wary of the Wind Chill!

Click the image for more amazing photographs from SnoCrystals.com!

(The annual visit to my favorite "snow appreciation site!")

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

WKTV's forecast: "Snows will wind down gradually on Tuesday but windy and bitterly cold conditions will continue along with some localized blowing snow. Highs tomorrow near 10. Wind chills minus 5 to minus 15.

Winds should diminish on Tuesday Night with partially clearing skies. Low zero. Partly sunny Wednesday. High 20-25."

Yesterday's forecast called for everything from 2 to 4 to (overheard at Fallon's) 15 inches of snow.

Paul Holic and Kevin Kelley were two of many who decided to make room for it.

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

This was the scene at the corner of Main Street and Route 315 early Sunday morning: the DOT - with Mayor Younes on the sidelines - were looking for a broken water main! More DOT personnel were at the point of Monument Park checking a line there, but as of yesterday afternoon the only sign I saw of digging was in the O'Briens' front yard on E. Bacon Street. Whether or not the incidents are related, I have no idea, but the only good thing to be said about any of it is that it happened before this morning's "cold snap!"

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Yesterday afternoon's Country Views:

Sally Road, above ..........

........... and Lewis Road west of Route 12.

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IN THE NEWS

One of the twenty windmills at the Fenner Wind Farm fell down, over the weekend.
"Safety Oversight Lacking," from the Observer-Dispatch.

Erin Hamlin

I think that by now we all know who Erin Hamlin is and what she does*, but now she's earned another claim to fame: "Hamlin Among Top Female Athletes."

* Click here to learn about the luge!

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

My "feathered friends?"

I keep filling bird feeders, but between the red squirrel and ......

......... greedy gray squirrels, it's almost a losing battle.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
Something that I can sprinkle around that squirrels don't like?

FOR THE RECORD

Yesterday afternoon I received a very nice letter from a Mr. John Ogden who had grown up in Waterville and is a blog-follower. He'd noticed, suddenly, that he was "hit" number 200,001, and was enjoying that bit of unusual excitement. Then, this morning, I found an E-note from Rob Verdon on Putnam Street saying that he was the 200,000th viewer, around 3;30 yesterday afternoon. He included this screen snap which, I imagine, I should print and frame.

It never occurred to me that I should have "door prizes" on hand for just such blog viewers: Oh dear! Maybe I can think of something!

Two-hundred-thousand sounds like such a huge number! But -- does anyone have any idea how that compares to other "small town" based blogs?

Whatever - my thanks, again, to all of you who got in on the race. It makes a very memorable Christmas present for me!

Have a Great Day, everyone!

Quick post:

2009-12-27T06:46:00.010-05:00

GOOD MORNING!

My Christmastime travels and festivities continue, but I should be back in Waterville, in harness - so to speak - and blogging, again, on Tuesday.

******

KWANZAA began yesterday.

Click the image for the history of the celebration.

*********

It's a balmy 34 degrees F. / 1.27 degrees C.

The rain has ended and a lot of the snow is gone!

From WKTV:

"Quieter weather moves in on Sunday as precipitation moves to the North and East of the region with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s. The storm system across that brought snow across the Midwest this week will push into the Northeast Sunday night into Monday. It will bring widespread snow across the region after sunset Sunday into early Monday. Another round of snow will fall Monday afternoon as an arctic front moves in. Behind the front, temperatures are going to struggle to get out of the teens on Tuesday."

BRrrrrrr!

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

ONE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The monthly TAIZÉ SERVICE

will take place at Grace Episcopal Church

on Monday evening at 7:00

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

(Click!)
*******

Please Save some time on

JANUARY 10th t

o attend a

BENEFIT

for

LINDA MURPHY!

(Details will follow!)

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

Enjoy your Vacation!

It's ALMOST Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:22:00.008-05:00

NORAD is already tracking Santa. He's been to Russia and is now - 6:30 a.m. - leaving the Marshall Islands to go to Fiji.

Just to make sure that Waterville is ready, all of our rooftops have a few new inches of snow that began falling yesterday afternoon.

Although it was pretty ...............

............... it was also messy.

Out on Route 20, flashing lights: never a good sign.

The CVS parking lot was filled with shoppers who were probably hoping that their lists were getting shorter!

Jeannie heads home from Foodking ..........

........... and an industrious fellow shovels the sidewalk in front of the New York Pizzeria.

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

THIS MORNING

It's Garbage Day.

19 degrees F. / -7.2 C.

WKTV's forecast is reassuring: "If you are traveling across the northeast on Christmas Eve, the weather is expected to be nice and quiet. High pressure will bring sunshine and warmer temperatures to Central New York, with highs in the low 30s.

A storm system will develop and move into Central New York by Christmas Night and the morning of the 26th. Most of Christmas Day should feature generally quiet weather under considerable cloudiness. Precipitation is expected to initially start out as a mix of snow and ice after dark on Christmas Night, followed by a changeover to freezing rain and rain through Saturday morning. Cooler weather with snow showers heading into early next week."

***********

Surely Nancy will be playing the bells in the tower of the Masonic Temple sometime this evening or tomorrow: if you're driving through the village, listen for them!

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

I couldn't decide which image to use for my own Christmas card, this year, so I used both - Main Street AND the Bandstand which, 'tho it's not totally complete, still looks wonderful!

Both images really are filled with cheer, and send my best wishes to all of you
for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

This blog post carries with it not only many Christmas Greetings but also this message to the many young men and women who are serving our Country in faraway lands.

Thank You, and God Bless You.

*****

About an inch of new snow.

2009-12-23T07:45:00.008-05:00

Recyclables Day

13.5 degrees F. / -10.3 C.

O.K. I'm back!
After a very late start having simply overslept!

From WKTV: "Light snow continues for parts of the area this morning. Lake effect bands are making their way into the Mohawk Valley, with a light accumulation of fluffy snow on the roadways. Give yourself a few extra minutes to reach your destination today.

A weak upper level disturbance will give most of us a round of snow showers for today, with some lake enhancement in areas from Utica to the south and west. Snow will fall lightly through most of the day. Here is a look at the snowfall forecast:

If you are traveling across the northeast on Christmas Eve, the weather is expected to be nice and quiet. High pressure will bring sunshine and warmer temperatures to Central New York, with highs in the low 30s.

A storm system will develop and move into Central New York by Christmas Night and the morning of the 26th. Most of Christmas Day should feature generally quiet weather under considerable cloudiness. Precipitation is expected to initially start out as a mix of snow and ice after dark on Christmas Night, followed by a changeover to freezing rain and rain through Saturday morning. Cooler weather with snow showers heading into early next week.

O Tannenbaum

IN THE MAIL

A nice note from Gil Condon (who really likes the blog!) adding that "This fall Les and I got to Newgrange and the Boyne Valley, Ireland. Amazing history lessons, how we / ancestors survived 5000 yrs ago. We stayed in the old village of Trim located on the Boyne River. 1 day turned into 3. Been there 5 times but I never knew that Ireland was that pre-historic...... or caveman-ish..and how we made it back then in "Certain Valleys." Almost a hint of the Global Warning threat!"

*********

A letter from a gal named Pamme Swan who is a new bartender at "Michael's" and is also a Folk Singer with six CDs. "My latest CD, "Songs From Mountains East And West".... have many story songs about local CNY history, such as the Loomis Gang, Chester Gillette and Grace Brown (The American Tragedy) and songs written about several infamous characters from the Adirondack Mountains.
I'm trying to find out who is in charge of hiring music for the lovely new bandstand in Waterville this summer.
I would love to perform on it!!!
Any information would be great!
Thank you"

You can check out her website and songs by clicking HERE.

********

I was surprised that I only received ONE E-note about the New York Times article
which had suggested that ALL New Yorkers are "sad sacks!" Jane Schwartz wrote:

"We disagree..., we're happy!"

(Thank You!)

Any others??

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

There are so many things about living in "Upstate" New York that my friends and relatives "Downstate or in more congested areas of Massachusetts or Connecticut will never understand: I'm happy here because - for instance - there are people like Jack Prior who I can 'phone at 9:00 in the morning, wailing, "Help! My stove's dead!" and have him reassure me that he'll save the day (and the cookies) within an hour or two!

(Actually, that's where most of my day went, although I did get some more Christmas cards written! Perhaps today I'll bake!

Yay!)

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

Are you following SU Basketball?

"Orange Improve to 12-0 with Win Over Oakland."

*********

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

I just checked: 4,363 hits to go.

Just overcast and chilly.

2009-12-22T06:48:00.009-05:00

It's 13.6 degrees F. / -10.2 C.

WKTV has good news for Santa!

"Good morning Central New York! It's chilly out there this morning, with temperatures in the single digits. Bundle up as you head out to work or the bus stop this morning.
Sunshine is expected to continue today as cold air filters in from the north. High temperatures today are expected to be in the low 20s, but with the wind it will feel more like teens.
A weak upper level disturbance will give most of us a round of snow showers for tonight, with perhaps a coating to an inch of accumulation. Overnight lows in the lower teens.
Snow showers Wednesday, with little daytime accumulation. Temperatures stay chilly, with highs in the low to mid 20s.

If you are traveling across the northeast on Christmas Eve, the weather is expected to be nice and quiet. High pressure will bring sunshine and warmer temperatures to Central New York, with highs in the low 30s.

A storm system will develop and move into Central New York on Christmas. The timing of this storm looks to be late in the day, likely near or after dark. Precipitation is expected to initially start out as a mix of snow and ice, followed by a changeover to freezing rain and rain overnight. If you are traveling late in the day on Christmas or the day after, check back with us for the latest details on the forecast.

Rain will change over to snow on Saturday, followed by cooler temperatures. Some snow showers as we head into the weekend.

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

Betty L. Stephenson

1935 - 2009

*****

IN THE NEWS

Dateline: Waterville. Woman Asking for Donations is Arrested for Fraud.

I enjoyed this article, which appeared in yesterday's New York Times:
"New York Ranks in Last Place in Happiness Rating."
(You have to read to the very end!)

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

Contrary to the above article, Waterville is looking like a very happy place! Christmas trees have even appeared on balconies: this is at the Burback residence on Stafford Avenue and there's one on the second floor balcony at the Mowreys', just about across the street, on the bend. (I couldn't get traffic to stop so that I could take a decent photograph!)

I've learned that the best way to photograph lights is to use an ASA setting of 400; turn off the flash and use a delayed shot with the camera either on a tripod or braced on the car windowsill with the engine turned OFF.

The Robert Harding residence on Tower Street.

Next to the Post Office, this Italianate "Villa Style" residence, built by Julius Candee around 1850, has what is described as an "icicle cornice." And now it has "icicle" lights, too!

Just a spotlight makes this Osborn Avenue doorway decoration of fruits and greenery perfect!

This enclosed and lighted nativity scene is next to the First Baptist Church on East Main Street.

FOR THE RECORD

THE BLOG READERS HAVE SPOKEN!

We ARE going to hit the 200,000 hit mark by the end of the year!

Usually, "At Home in the Huddle" receives anywhere from 500 to 700 hits a day.

On Sunday: 1,046
Monday: 1,694

5562 to go! (and ten days to do it in.)

This is turning out to be a really special Christmas present for me, and also assures you that I'll keep blogging my way through 2010. Thank you!

Have a great day, everyone!

A quiet few days ahead ............

2009-12-21T05:25:00.014-05:00

......starting with today - the Solstice : the shortest day of the year, celebrated by various civilizations in varying ways throughout history.

But in Waterville this is probably the day when the lists of "Things to Do before Christmas" are the longest!

(This will be a short blog post so that I can assemble yet more cards and packages to take to the Post Office first thing this morning!)

It's Garbage Day

18.5 degrees F. / -7.5 C.

The WKTV forecast: "A gorgeous but cold start to Monday with mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will start off near 10 degrees with a wind chill near 0. Bundle up as you head to work or school.

Even with mostly sunny skies on Monday, temperatures will only climb into the mid 20s. Quiet weather continues into the middle of the week, with partly sunny skies and temperatures slowly climbing into the low 30s on Thursday. All eyes are on a large storm system that will arrive just in time for Christmas. There are still a lot of questions on what type of precipitation we will see but as of the latest data, it looks like light snow to rain late Thursday night into Christmas. Rain continues for Christmas with a cold front bringing snow back into the picture by Saturday."

Click to enlarge.

After a few gray days, the sky filled with "mackerel" clouds, yesterday afternoon ............

"Mackerel in the sky, three days dry"

........and by four o'clock the sun shone brightly on the hills east of the village.

I found a young fellow hard at work hauling chunks of rock-hard snow to part of the island in front of Memorial Park School where he was building an old-fashioned "fort." When I asked him if an attack was imminent he gestured to a similar stronghold, a stone's throw away, but offered the information that the artillery would be soccer balls -----
"They hurt less than ice!"

**********

IN THE PARK

It looked to me as if there were only fifteen or so Christmas Trees left for sale.

ON SANGER AVENUE

The Sanger Avenue Carolers made their annual rounds, last evening, ending up in the Park where they stood in the Bandstand and "sang their hearts out!"

IN CALIFORNIA

Vicki Merriman's reached the Pacific: "Victoria's Ride"
is done!

(Click on Photos, in the right hand column of her blog, for some great views!)

LOOKING BACK

Just a year ago on the first day of Winter!

LOOKING AHEAD

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

George D. Brackett, Jr.

1924 - 2009

Also noted in this morning's Observer-Dispatch, the death of Betty L. VanDeusen Stephenson of Deansboro.

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

FOR THE RECORD

If you didn't have a chance to read Saturday's blog post, you might find articles about promised aid for Dairy Farmers very interesting.

Scroll down.

You'll also find out why the blog's "hit meter" suddenly went wild!

Click to enlarge.

It's not me! My computer is configured to NOT register a hit when I check the status --- so it must be someone else.

What can I say, but "Thank You!"

******

On another personal note:

I'd like to issue a

PROCLAMATION

that the coveted delights known heretofore as "Mary Conger's Sugar Cookies" shall henceforth be known only as "The Lois Battles Christmas Crisps" and that she alone be given credit for their famously thin and perfectly browned sugary perfection and for the receipt of which her friends are most sincerely and humbly grateful!

Thank you, Lois!

Have a Good Day, Everyone!

Of Special Interest

2009-12-19T06:00:00.009-05:00

"NY Dairy Farmers to get Aid from USDA"

"Dairy Money on the Way."

"Schumer Announces Funding for Dairy Farmers."

USDA MEDIA RELEASE 12/17/2009

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

Today is Hedy Eisenhut's

95th BIRTHDAY!

Here's a picture that her daughter, Shirley Bynum Smith, sent to me. It was taken in July with two of her Hedy's granddaughters and three great granddaughters. "From left to right, surrounding Grossmutti (Grandmother in Swiss-German is what my children & grandchildren call her) are Hannah Moseley (age 6), Jill Moseley, Kimberly Fisher, Lauren Fisher (9) and Rachel Fisher (5)."

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It's all of 8.8 degrees F. this morning!

Temperatures around Waterville yesterday morning ranged from -1 to -5 and I was met with a frozen hot water pipe at the kitchen sink. That was easily thawed with a hair dryer, but then I discovered that I was WITHOUT INTERNET ACCESS. (Not having hot water in the kitchen sink in an inconvenience; not having the internet is a major crisis!) The difficulty wasn't anything that I had caused or could resolve, so I - along with many others - just waited out the "outage" and reverted to the old-fashioned method of communication: the telephone!

TODAY

The forecast from WKTV: "A mix of sun and clouds will give way to mostly cloudy skies during the day Saturday with a high in the mid 20's. Mostly cloudy tomorrow night with a low in the teens."

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

One thing to be said for super-cold weather: it's great for snow making!

Check HERE for conditions at upstate ski resorts!

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

Seen on Thursday afternoon, this Christmas grouping at the McLean residence on Stafford Avenue.

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LATEST SPORTS SCORES

"Waterville 61, Sherburne 56 - from the O-D.
Robert Hughes had 23 points and five assists and Brett Baumgarten had 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead Waterville to a CSC Division II win. Jared Henderson also had five assists for the Indians. Sherburne-Earlville’s Sean Boise scored 20 points.
Sherburne 13-19-12-12 -- 56
Waterville 16-17-21 -7 – 61
Sherburne: Randy Briggs 8, Cameron Yerton 8, Doug Parks 9, Sean Boise 20, Ethan Johnson 9, Matt Piazzi 2. Totals: 20-11-56.
Waterville (1-3, 3-4): Taylor Jaquays 9, Jared Henderson 8, Donie March 4, Robert Hughes 23, Jordan Henderson 2, Jordan Orendorff 2, Brett Baumgarten 13. Totals: 26-5-61.
3-point goals: Sherburne 5 (Boise 2, Herton 2, Johnson); Waterville 4 (Hughes 4).

"Girls’ Basketball

S-E 57, Waterville 46

SHERBURNE – Sherburne-Earlville went to junior forward Bridget Irwin time and again in the fourth quarter, and Waterville was unable to stop her.

Irwin scored 15 of her career-high 26 points over the final eight minutes, and S-E (4-1) pulled away for the Center State Conference win.

“They were playing us man-to-man, and we kept feeding Bridget the ball,” said S-E coach Karen Mulligan. “She was getting good inside position and made some nice cuts to the basket. She can use either hand around the basket, and is hard to stop.”

S-E also contained Waterville’s outside shooting threats, and controlled the defensive glass in the final quarter.

Irwin added 10 rebounds, her fourth straight double-double, and four steals. Kristi Vibbard scored 10 points, and Caitlynn Adams blocked three shots.

S-E plays Cooperstown on Saturday.

Waterville: Brooke Williams, 0; Jenna Fallon, 0; Katie Buell, 4 0-0-9; Dylan Hodge, 1 0-0-3; Shevonne Fitzgerald, 0; Lindsay Wratten, 2 1-2-6; Shelby Ritzel, 0; Jessica Zogby, 3 4-5-10; Lauren Homer, 3 0-0-6; Nicole Eisenhut, 4 4-4-12. Totals: 17 9-11-46.

S-E: Briana Vibbard, 2 1-4-5; Kristi Irwin, 3 7-9-13; Shelbie Dye, 0; Caitlynn Adams, 1 1-2-3; Bridget Irwin, 12 1-1-26; Courtney Jasper, 0; Nicole Carpenter, 0; Kristi Vibbard, 3 1-4-10; Liz Farrow, 0; Samantha Hill, 0. Totals: 21 11-20-57.

Wat. 13 8 15 10–46

S-E 11 7 18 21–57

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

If you're in California, head for Santa Monica and meet Vicki at the Pier tomorrow!

"Victoria's Ride"

A feature article about Tracy Lynn Olivera on Broadway appears in the current issue of the Pennysaver.

also in the news:

The Christmas Bird Count takes place Today.

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

Have a good weekend everyone - and keep warm!

Afterthought -- a blog reader has sent me an Email that has caused me to reach for a small calculator and subtract 191,309 from 200,000. That's 8,691. It was a nice thought, but I don't think it's reasonable to expect to reach the 200,000 mark in only ten more days. I actually stopped counting after we passed the 2008 total of 163,000. Even that was unexpected! Maybe next year!

Thanks for the good thoughts, anyway!

The Coldest Morning Yet!

2009-12-17T07:43:00.007-05:00

IT'S 7.9 DEGREES

Garbage Day

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

On this day in History: 12/17/36 @ 154 Sanger Ave.
Upstairs in front. 11AM. Dot & Pete had a BOY.

JOHN PETERSON

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

WKTV's forecast: "Good morning Central New York! Cold weather will be the story today, with some improvements in the temperature department as we head into the weekend.

Waking up to temperatures in the teens and single digits across Central New York. Bundle up as you head out to school or work this morning.

Cold weather for the remainder of today, with partly to mostly cloudy skies. Highs only in the teens, with wind chill values in the single digits most of the day. A few flurries will continue for areas south and west of Utica, but the majority of the area is expected to stay dry.

Clearing out tonight, with overnight lows between -5 to +5 across most areas.

Warming up a bit by Friday and Saturday, with highs in the low to mid 20s. The next chance of snow showers are expected on Sunday.

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

The Garden Club's Annual

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST

will take place this evening!

(I'm glad I don't have their task!)

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

Yesterday, when it was warmer, I saw a peacock dashing through the snow next to Bogan Road.

Signs that a snowmobile had dashed across a field near Bailey Lake!

A beautiful Wintertime Collection on display on Beaver Creek Road.

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

Also "out in the country," on McCabe Road, Dan and Marilyn Maine's residence.

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

McCabe Road barns.

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

TONIGHT

WCS GIRLS' VARSITY BASKETBALL
vs. Sherburne-Earlville @ 7:45 p.m.
Sherburne-Earlville HS.

TOMORROW

WCS BOYS' VARSITY BASKETBALL
7:45 p.m. vs. Sherburne-Earlville
Waterville.

TONIGHT AT THE LIBRARY

6:00 P.M.

Free Movie

"Santa Buddies"

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

Have a Good Day, Every One!

BBBBRRRRRR!

2009-12-16T04:56:00.009-05:00

IT'S RECYCLABLES DAY

20 degrees F. / -6.6 C.

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

ROGER NICHOLS

and

JUDY MARCEAU

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

From WKTV: "Winds will turn westerly (Wednesday) ahead of a sharper cold front. This will shift the lake effect and allow it to settle into areas north of the NYS Thruway during the afternoon. Highs tomorrow in the upper 20's.

Snowfall forecast for Wednesday:

Snows will wind down Wednesday Night. As skies clear we expect temperatures to fall back into the single digits. Partly sunny and very cold weather is on the way for Thursday with highs only in the teens."

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

In the Park, Mark and Amy Bentz picked out a Christmas tree.

Bewreathed Victorian Streetlamps light Main Street in the afternoon dusk.

On the side lawn of St. Bernard's, the creche is lighted ........

........... as are the Wise Men, some distance away.

A Nativity Scene at the Landis Farm on Shanley Road.

Decorations at the Savage residence on Hanover Road.

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

From the Observer-Dispatch:

GIRLS' VARSITY BASKETBALL
Waterville 44, Cooperstown 36
Waterville used a balanced attack with Jenna Fallon, Lindsey Wratten, Lauren Homer, and Nicole Eisenhut each scoring 8 points to defeat Cooperstown in a CSC Division II game.
Cooperstown (0-1, 1-2): Natalie Wrubleski 2, Emma Ryanmiller 10, Lauren Harris 5, Katelynn Kiuber 9, Molly Pearlman 7, Stephanie Hascup 3, Totals: 15 – 6 - 36.
Waterville (1-1, 3-2): Jenna Fallon 8, Katie Buell 3, Siobhan Fitzgerald 2, Lindsey Wratten 8, Jessica Zogby 7, Lauren Homer 8, Nicole Eisenhut 8, Totals: 14 – 12 - 44.
Cooperstown 8 6 7 15 -36
Waterville 7 8 12 17 -44
3-point field goals: Waterville 4 ( Eisenhut 2, Fallon, Wratten). JV: Waterville 38 - 27.

BOYS' VARSITY BASKETBALL
Sauquoit Valley 59, Waterville 56
Waterville’s rally from an 11-point third-quarter deficit fell one point short. Ryan Critelli scored 14 points and had 10 rebounds and Steve Szatko added 12 points for Sauquoit Valley. Brett Baumgarten led Waterville with 13 and Taylor Jaquays added 12.
Waterville 15-8-11-22 — 56
Sauquoit 15-19-13-12 — 59
Waterville (0-3, 3-3): Jared Henderson 11, Jordan Henderson 2, Brett Baumgarten 13, Donnie March 4, Robert Hughs 9, Jordan Orendorff 5, Taylor Jaquays 12. Totals: 21-11-56
Sauquoit (2-1, 2-3): Jason Bentley 9, Mason Olmstead 8, Ryan Critelli 14, Tyler Harris 2, Aaron Lopiccolo 7, Steve Szatko 12, David Evans 7. Totals: 26-6-59

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

SICK OF SHOPPING?

Think "Gift Cards & Certificates"

At Stewart's

Gift cards for everything from Hot fudge Sundaes to Gasoline

At Totally-U

Cuts, curls, color, artificial nails, manicures, pedicures and now soothing hot wax wraps for tired hands! 841-8230.

More "feel good" experiences at
White Whispers Day Spa II 841-4200

*******

YUM!

New York Pizzeria 841-8898

La Petite Maison 841-8030
Michael's Fine Food & Spirits 841-3077
Order Party Platters from Foodking 841-4718
Sweets and Delicacies by Pammycakes 841-4673

***********

A WHOLE YEAR
of Information:

The Waterville Times
Subscriptions: 841-4105

Phone for Floral Deliveries

Merri-Rose 841-8109
Alcotts Greenhouses 841-8285

*****

Car Wash Greetings
841-4151

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

I'm sure that I must have missed some: let me know and I'll post them right away!

*********

FOR THE RECORD

Have a great day: keep warm!

Melty! Smells like Spring!

2009-12-15T05:57:00.006-05:00

KEVIN BANCROFT

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

It's 37.8 degrees F. / 3.2 degrees C.

From WKTV: "A cold front will cross the area on Tuesday with a light mixture of precipitation followed by some very chilly air.
Waking up to rain showers and mild temperatures. Temperatures are well above freezing in just about all places in Central New York. Some wet roadways, but looking good for the morning commute.
Once the morning rain showers pass, generally quiet weather for the Mohawk Valley south for the late morning and early afternoon. Another round of precipitation, this time some snow showers, will arrive later this afternoon.
On the backside of this storm, temperatures will turn much much cooler. Lake effect snow will develop tonight for areas south and west of Utica. Areas in Madison County could pick up a light accumulation by tomorrow morning. Otherwise, partly cloudy skies with overnight lows in the teens.
Much colder heading into the rest of the week. Lake effect snow showers for areas from the Thruway south tomorrow, with highs only in the low 20s. Temperatures will stay chilly on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with highs in the upper teens and low 20s. Overnight lows will fall into the single digits to below zero.

Some snow showers are possible late in the weekend.

After the recent storm that kept dumping snow on the Tug Hill Plateau, I expected to see far fewer numbers on the Barnes Corners snow stake!

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

Not only is there a dearth of news for this morning's post, but also a paucity of photographs due to the sudden and inexplicable "death" of my camera, late yesterday afternoon. (I DID give it new batteries: still nothing!)

I have spares, but I suppose I should be thinking about what to get next. My favorites are Olympus Camedias 2040zoom. If you have suggestions, please send them along!

*********

The front door of Roger and Terry Tanner's home in Pleasant Valley.

(Terry: can you tell me when it was built?
Perhaps by the same man who built the Pleasant Valley Grange Hall?)

And here's the answer!

"Our house was built in 1820 with field stone cut from the O’Falls Quarry and moved by oxen. The Grange Hall was built shortly after and was our farm’s ‘tenant house’. It was sold by my dad, Howard Richmond, to the Grange for $300 during the depression. "

(Thanks loads, Terry!)

On Stafford Avenue.

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

IN THE MAIL

A quick, one-liner from Gil condon: "The Eagle at the pond in Old Forge and Coldy decorating the tree are outstanding."

********

From Diane Bancroft: "The Waterville Boys Varsity Bowling team is undefeated. Today’s match is @ Sherburne-Earlville. Come support the team at Hi-Skor Lanes! The team has no seniors and is quite impressive! The team members are Scott Bancroft (11), Logan Belfield (9), Ryan Jones (10), Joey Kohlbrenner (11), and Brad Gagliardo (11).

Thursday, the team will be having a Mark-a-thon as a benefit for the family of 13 year old Brandi Wood, of Paris Station, who passed away from Cystic Fibrosis. The boys match will be played at the Oriskany Falls Bowling Center. Donations may be fixed dollar amounts or pledged per mark for whichever bowler you’d like to sponsor. All donations will be sent to Brandi’s family to offset hospital bills and funeral costs. Please support this worthy cause!

**********

AT THE LIBRARY

Free Movie at 6:00!

"Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer"

and on Thursday, "Santa Buddies."

**********

For the record: I did go to Hamilton to check out the new "Fashion Kraze" store. The big poster says "Opening Soon" - no specific date - and, in small type, "formerly the Bestbuy Clothing Department."

***

Today I plan on going "shopping" right here in Waterville to see just how many establishments offer "Gift Certificates."

A Great Shopping Solution!

Have a good day, everyone!

Balmy; cloudy; no Geminids! 8:14 Add-on.......

2009-12-14T06:10:00.005-05:00

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

It's Garbage Day!

33.8 degrees F. / .99 C. and drippy.

From WKTV's meteorologist: "Good morning Central New York! We'll get a much needed break from the wintry mess we saw yesterday. Some tricky travel in spots this morning, with temperatures near freezing this morning some black ice is possible. The good news is that this doesn't last for long. Temperatures will stay above freezing for the majority of today, allowing for a bit of melting on the driveways and outlying roadways still filled with slush. The next storm system, which arrives tomorrow, will bring some of the coldest air of the early winter season to Central New York.

A break in the weather today as a very weak area of high pressure dissipates to the south. Expect plenty of clouds this morning, with patchy fog. Some of the secondary roadways are still a bit slushy and icy here this morning, so you may want to give yourself a few extra minutes to get to work. Here's a look at your bus stop forecast:

For the remainder of the day, generally cloudy skies with highs near 40 degrees here in the Mohawk Valley. Our next storm will fast approach the area, and will be here tonight. Expect cloudy skies this evening, followed by a mix of rain and snow towards daybreak. We don't expect the same icy conditions like we saw yesterday, as any rain that falls early should change directly over to snow towards daybreak. Overnight lows in the low 30s.

Tuesday's storm will give us snow showers tomorrow morning, with a mixed bag by tomorrow afternoon. Precipitation will be much lighter than yesterday's storm, so road conditions won't be nearly as bad as Sunday. Still, a few slick spots are possible.

On the backside of this storm, temperatures will turn much much cooler. High temperatures Wednesday through Friday will only be in the upper teens and low 20s during the day, with overnight lows in the single digits to below zero. A bit of a breeze will develop too, bringing wind chills well below zero at times.

Some lake effect is also possible on Wednesday, especially west of Utica."

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

"Raising the Bar..." a nice feature story about "our" Richard S. Woodman in this morning;s O-D.

*********

BASKETBALL SCORES

Waterville 54, Hamilton 26
Robert Hughes scored a game-high 25 points (including five 3-pointers in the second half), and pulled down six rebounds and had four steals as Waterville eased to a CSC crossover win. Taylor Jaquays helped out with 11 points for the Indians.
Waterville 6 9 19 19 — 54
Hamilton 7 0 7 12 — 26
Waterville (0-2, 2-3): Mike Purcell 2, Taylor Jaquays 11, Jared Henderson 5, Pat Zennon 2, Robert Hughes 25, Dan Kemp 2, Jordan Orendorff 6, Brett Baumgarten 1. Totals: 23-2-54.
Hamilton: Cameron Fisher 2, Dan Meeks 2, Ken Quackenbush 2, Keith Upton 12, Coley Graham 5, Phil Douchinsky 1, Tom Hilgenberg 2. Totals: 10-5-26.
3-point goals: Waterville 6 (Hughes 5, Henderson); Hamilton 1 (Graham).

Canastota 41, Waterville 38
Alicia Hibbard and Shea Foster each scored 14 points as Canastota erased an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Waterville in a CSC-II matchup. Lindsey Wratten scored a career-high 18 points to lead Waterville.
Waterville 9 11 12 6 — 38
Canastota 5 12 7 17 — 41
Waterville (0-1, 2-2): Brooke Williams 2, Jenna Fallon 3, Katie Buell 2, Lindsey Wratten 18, Shelby Ritzel 3, Jessica Zogby 3, Lauren Homer 7. Totals: 15-2-38.
Canastota (1-0, 3-0): Alexis Havens 5, Lindsay McGinley 6, Alicia Hibbard 14, Shea Foster 14, Ally Bernier 2. Totals: 16-7-41.
3-point goals: Waterville 6 (Wratten 4, Fallon, Ritzel); Canastota 2 (Foster, Havens).
JV: Waterville 34-19.

WCS Girls' Varsity Basketball meets Cooperstown tomorrow (12/15) night at 7:30 in Waterville.

WCS Boys' Varsity Basketball meets Sauquoit at SV School at 7:30 tomorrow (12/15)

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

Over the weekend, I received an E-letter from Sherry Wright, in N. Brookfield, telling me about a website called Victoria's Ride that chronicles a bicycle trip that "our" Vikki Merriman is currently on from Boston Harbor to Santa Monica Pier, in California!

"She is keeping an incredible blog of her daily adventures which are considerable. Last I looked she had arrived in Yuma, New Mexico, after the day before she experienced her first flying experience at the controls in a small plane with a man she met along the way. I think she hopes to be in Santa Monica by Christmas. Vikki is also good friends with my daughter Lisa and was in her wedding in 2005. Lisa who lives in Santa Monica, CA., hopes to see her when she arrives.

Vikki went on from Waterville to graduate from Harvard in '98 Magna Cum Laude and has her own business in Boston. Check out her blog. Its very well written and most entertaining. Vikki's family still lives in Waterville."

(I did! for about two hours! Vikki's photographs are wonderful and, then, there's the MAP! Thanks, Sherry!)

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

The next three photographs, taken at The Pond in Old Forge, were sent to me by Ron Bornick, of Clinton. The first two are just really nice shots of a bald eagle. The third surprised me! I can't tell if the goose was just landing? and/or got away, or...?

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

And here are two delightful pictures that Suzy Quayle sent to me of her grandson, Colden - or "Coldy" - putting his mother's childhood angel at the top of the Christmas tree!

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

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

FOR THE RECORD

The supply of Christmas Trees at the Mason's Sale in the Park

- which started out at 225 -

is dwindling, fast!

Don't delay much longer!

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

ADD-ON

I'll check this out later today, but I've had several Emails telling me that "Fashion Kraze" will be opening in the former Hallecks (earlier AMES) store in Hamilton, next to McDonald's, on Wednesday.

The ladies will like that!

*******

Have a great day, everyone!

Mid-morning add-on

2009-12-11T06:00:00.012-05:00

From Fr. Tom Servatius:

Sunday, December 13th 3:00 pm at St. Bernard's Church

Several young people in the Parish
invite you to join them in reflecting on this Holy Season
through music and readings.

Admission: Please bring a canned food item

(To be donated to the Waterville Food Pantry)

Looking for something a little closer to home on Sunday?
Why not stop by and slow down for a bit?
The shopping and baking will always be there.

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

SHIRLEY DITCH

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

WCS Girls' Varsity Basketball tonight
in Canastota at 7:45 p.m.

WCS Boys' Varsity Basketball
vs. Hamilton in Waterville on Saturday at 7:45

******

WKTV's forecast is certainly brief! "Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers and flurries Friday. High 20-25."

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

Jean Margarette (Plourde) Madore

1924 - 2009

***********

OPEN HOUSE TODAY

from 4:00 - 7:00

at "White Whispers II" Day Spa

151 W. Main Street

(former Ecco Video.)

*****

YESTERDAY

Between Christmas Lights and new snow, all of Waterville seems to glow.

On East Main Street.

Putnam Street.

Tower Street

White Street.

*********

Out in the Country .......

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

WINTERTIME HAPPENINGS!

SATURDAY

The Waterville United Methodist Church

Annual Christmas cookie Sale

will be December 12th - from 9 am till noon.

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

From Bernice Benson ........

There will be another Open House at "Town's End"
on Saturday, December 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

It is for any- and everyone; not just prospective buyers.

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

Saturday at 2:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church on Williams Street in Clinton.

SUNDAY

Residents of the Town of Marshall were recently notified by authorities that Santa plans to visit the Towpath Train Station on Sunday, December 13.

He is due to arrive around 1 PM and will greet residents until 3.

The Town of Marshall Parks and Recreation Committee plans a gala with refreshments, and wagon rides on the towpath. Santa is hoping that all children under the age of 95 who live in the Town of Marshall will be available to attend.

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

********

"Geminids to Peak December 13- 14. Great Show Expected!"

The Geminids are noted for producing differently colored meteors, sometimes up to sixty different colors in an hour.

**********

For December Programs at the Waterville Public Library,
CLICK HERE!

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

LOOKING AHEAD

Hedwig (Hedy) Eisenhut, will turn 95 on Saturday, December 19!

Her daughter, Shirley Bynum Smith, writes to suggest that her mom really would love to receive LOTS of Birthday Cards that she can read over and over again!

(GREAT IDEA!)

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

FOLLOWING UP

on something wonderful that happened back in November.

Becky Maggio wrote to tell me about something that a very special man did for residents of his community.

"For years he has been planning and dreaming about putting a Thanksgiving Dinner on for the people in his community that may not have a Thanksgiving meal or that may not have very much company for the holiday."

His Dream Came True on Sunday Nov. 28th, when he gave well over 100 people a huge Thanksgiving Dinner at the Clifford J. Fulmer Post of the American Legion!!!

Becky told me, "I don't know exactly how many were there, but I do know that we ran out of plates!"

And she went on, "I do not think that I have ever seen someone so happy and willing to do something like this. He did not do this for the publicity or for recognition; but I think he needs to be recognized for what he has done."

THANK YOU, SCOTT BULLOCK!

Shown here with Irene Lew, seated, and Mary Beth Plourde who helped him organize the event.

Thanks, too, go to Clifford J. Fulmer American Legion Post 92 for their donations, use of space and of course the invaluable man and women power. The Legion Riders, Sons of the Legion, Ladies Auxiliary all donated their time and resources in food preparation and service. Food donations were received from The Pryputniewicz farm, Stewart's and Harding Nursing home while door prize donations came in from Mary Rose Florist, Don and Theresa Trondsen, Kevin Hahn, Colette Stitts, and Mike Nelson.

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

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” W.T. ELLIS

***

Have a great weekend, everybody!

LOST JACK RUSSELL TERRIER, GORTON LAKE

2009-12-10T08:19:00.004-05:00

The missing dog belongs to Johanna Carlson of Gorton Lake, Brookfield.

An extensive search has been made of the area surrounding Johanna's home and it appears that Gizmo, who never wanders, may have been picked up by someone who thought she was lost because she wasn't wearing a collar.

Her whole family - including her best-friend Black Cat! - miss her terribly and they know that she must miss them a great deal, too ----- and they're all very sad!

Please click the poster image to enlarge.

31 degrees and overcast

2009-12-10T06:21:00.009-05:00

FR. TOM SERVATIUS

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

From WKTV: "Heavy lake effect snow will develop along the Tug Hill and north country , with a major lake effect event expected as we head into the weekend. Here is a look at the snowfall forecast between Thursday and Saturday:

LOOKING AHEAD

**********

Just as had been predicted, yesterday morning's snow turned to rain and the 6" snow sponge that was on the ground became heavier and heavier!

Snow shovels were put into action throughout the village, but on Osborn Avenue those who were wielding them seemed to be having more fun!

Noisy Canada Geese paced back and forth in a corn field next to the road, looking for treasures,

......... and the girls at the Totally-U Salon on Main Street made good use of the super-packable building material!

Lights were bright on West Bacon Street.

Elfie Goedeker phoned me a few days ago to tell me about her neighbor's lighting display on Lewis Road: WOW! It's spectacular! And this is only half of it!

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

Judging for the Garden Club's Annual Christmas Lighting Contest

will take place on

Thursday the 17th.

If you live outside the village but have a Waterville address and would like to have the judges visit your home, call Sue Price at 794-4252.

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

At the Sangerfield Town Board meeting, on Tuesday night, Betty Tanner was honored for her 40+ years as Town Clerk, Roger Tanner, r., for his 23 years as Town Supervisor and Roger Mason, l., for his 20+ years as Town Councilman.

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

Today at 6:00

at the Waterville Public Library.

IT'S FREE!!

******

ALSO TONIGHT:

THE MEMORIAL PARK SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT

6:30 p.m.

at the High School Auditorium.

*******

It's getting sort of frantic, isn't it?

Enjoy it:

It's Christmas!!

“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”
Thomas Tusser, English Farmer and Writer. 1524-1580.

MPS CONCERT RESCHEDULED!

2009-12-09T13:49:00.003-05:00

Special: from Mr. St. Peter!

The MPS Winter Concert

has been rescheduled for

Thursday, December 10th

at 6:30 in the High School auditorium!

***********

And I also have an Enote from Kristin Strohmeyer adding that:

"The children need to be there at 6:00 P.M."

Interesting Add-on

2009-12-09T05:52:00.009-05:00

8:30: a blog-reader has just sent me this Ebay item link:

The Foundry was located where Pumilia's Pizza Shell factory is, now, on Route 315. One of the Foundry's earliest, most important products was Paint Mills, invented by O.C. Harris. Perhaps this is a cover for one of those?

Is it something that the Historical Society could be interested in?

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

As of 6:07 AM:

WATERVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

CLOSED

It's Recyclables Day

26.4 degrees; snowing and blowing!

You can Confirm School Closings HERE, at WKTV.

The WKTV Weather Forecast: "Good morning Central New York. A strong storm system will track through Central New York today and give us a mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain today.

**WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR ONEIDA, MADISON, OTSEGO, HERKIMER, FULTON, MONTGOMERY AND CHENANGO COUNTIES***

**HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FOR LEWIS COUNTY***

**WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR HAMILTON COUNTY***

Trecherous road conditions are developing across the area this morning. Heavy snow coupled with strong winds are creating near whiteout conditions across parts of the region. Snow is expected to come down heavy at times for the next several hours, before turning over to sleet during the mid morning hours. Here is a look at the snowfall expected before this changeover:

As warm air continues to build in the mid levels of the atmosphere, sleet will change over to freezing rain, and plain rain as we head into the day. Be prepared for very slick and treacherous road conditions with improvement by afternoon as temperatures climb into the upper 30's.

Behind this storm, the winds will switch into the west as we head into the night and will still remain strong. Colder air moves into Central New York, along with more snow showers. Some backlash snow showers and localized accumulations of an inch or two are possible by Thursday morning. Heavy lake effect snow will develop along the Tug Hill and north country tomorrow, with a major lake effect event expected as we head into the weekend."

BOYS' BASKETBALL

"Cooperstown 62, Waterville 54
Jeremiah Ford scored 16 points and Cooperstown made 16 of 25 free throws as the Redskins won the CSC Division II opener for both teams. Brett Baumgarten had 12 points and 11 rebounds and brothers Jared and Jordan Henderson scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Waterville.
Cooperstown 13 15 18 16 — 62
Waterville 12 15 11 16 — 54
Cooperstown (1-0, 2-0): Jay Davine 2, Jeffery Flynn 9, Brandon Lane 13, Jeremiah Ford 16, Michael Moakler 10. Totals: 23-16-62.
Waterville (0-1, 1-3): Taylor Jaquays 5, Mike Purcell 2, Jared Henderson 11, Donnie March 5, Robert Hughes 7, Jordan Henderson 10, Jordan Orendorff 2, Brett Baumgarten 12. Totals: 19-11-54.
3-point goals: Waterville 5 (Jared Henderson 2, Jordan Henderson 2, March).
JV: Waterville, 46-45."

"Brothers Broke into Home to Steal Copper Pipes."

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

Everything will look different today, but .........

......... yesterday's snow barely covered stubble in fields at Hanover....

............ and didn't stop a farmer from plowing next to Fuess-Cleary Road.

There are lots and lots of decorations at the Landis Farm on Shanley Road .........

........ and this snug little home at the corner of Route 315 and Burnham Road looked cozy, behind snow-covered shrubbery.

The building was originally constructed in the early 1800s as a school- and meeting-house for the Brothertown Indians - the Christian Indians from New England. Although as many as 200 "Brothertons" may have lived in the area between 1780 and 1830, neither they nor their spiritual leader, Samson Occom, who died in 1792, ever really lived in the building, as the historical marker by the road suggests. Brothertown Indian Timeline.

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

In the village, elegant Victorian decorations grace the Baumgartens' on Madison Street .........

........... and the Coiros' on White Street.

********

At Dan Maine's Woodworking Shop, on Madison, a fireside setting waits for Mr. and Mrs. Claus .......

................. and two giant "gingerbread men," named Dan and Marilyn, stand next to the workshop doors!

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

Click the image for the latest map from the Weather Underground.

Have a great day, everyone, and please drive safely!

It's Happening!

2009-12-08T06:26:00.010-05:00

29 degrees F. / -1.66 C.

It's already snowed two or three inches and ............

WKTV predicts that: ........ lake effect snow showers across the area with some additional snow accumulations through the morning. A break this afternoon and evening before more snow arrives before tomorrow morning. Details below...

**WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR ONEIDA, MADISON, OTSEGO, AND CHENANGO COUNTIES FOR LATE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW***

**HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FOR LEWIS COUNTY***

**WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN HERKIMER AND HAMILTON COUNTIES***

Snow will continue to fall through parts of the area through the morning hours. Most areas will only pick up about a trace to an inch of additional accumulation through the early afternoon. Some areas, especially closer to the lake shore, will pick up a bit more. Here's a look at your snowfall forecast for today:

High pressure will attempt to build in later today, and will serve to end the lake effect snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the low 30s.

A large storm system will develop across the center of the US over the next few days and move into Central New York Wednesday morning. The parent storm moves to the west, with a secondary storm developing along the Atlantic Coast. This means there is a high probability that we'll be dealing with a mixed bag of precipitation. At this point it appears that a 2"-4" of snow could accumulate before a change to sleet and freezing rain, and then plain rain, during the day Wednesday. We'll keep you posted.

Behind this storm, our first taste of arctic air for Thursday through Saturday. High temperatures likely only in the 20s on Friday and Saturday! With the cold weather will come some heavy lake effect snow. At this point it's too early to pinpoint where that will happen, but the current thinking is across the Tug Hill and North Country."

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

Everyone who has seen this picture on Facebook seems to think that I just invented and drew/painted the whole thing: No! I "Photoshopped" a photograph. That really is the long-awaited "Memorial Bandstand in the Park" and although it's not completely finished, it looks awfully nice - especially since DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy and Kevin Kelley put up the tree, yesterday morning!

The Bandstand Committee had already tied greenery to the posts, but big Thanks go to Jamie, who said, "I thought it would be nice to have a tree there, so I asked the Masons to get an extra large tree when they went on Saturday to get trees for their Annual Christmas Tree Sale."

(Not only did they get it, but I understand that the grower donated it!) The Masons brought it back to Waterville, put it in the Bandstand, and at seven o'clock Monday morning Jamie and Kevin took over.

The way I look at it, they all had a part in making a Christmas Present for all of us!

Thank you!

Right next to the Park, new strings of LED lights trace the arches of the bell tower on the Masonic Temple and when I went to take this picture, at 5:45 yesterday afternoon, Nancy Ayala was playing Christmas music on the bells.

That's two more presents: two more "Thank Yous!"

***********

There are SO MANY wonderful displays of lights!

On Putnam Street.

East Main Street.

Babbott Avenue.

White Street.

On Madison Street.

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

Out on Burnham Road, next to the old O & W rail bed - now "The Marshall Trail" -

someone has even added a Christmas touch to the beaver dam!

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

I'll be taking snow pictures, today, just to make our "snow birds" happy!

Have a great day, everyone!

Monday Morning

2009-12-07T06:36:00.007-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

Overcast, at 23 degrees F. / -5 degrres C.

From WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! A quiet start to the day, with light snow later this afternoon. A busy week of weather, with our first taste of arctic air by the end of the week.

A quiet start to the day all across Central New York. Seasonably chilly this morning, with overnight lows in the low 20s. Some breaks of morning sunshine are possible. Bring the jacket, hat, and gloves as you head out the door.

Any sun that we see this morning will be short lived. A weak trough moves in from the west late in the day, setting off a few snow showers. A period of light snow showers are expected this afternoon and evening. Here's a look at the snowfall forecast:

Slightly colder air will move in tomorrow. With a light northwesterly breeze, some lake effect snow showers are possible even into Tuesday morning. Little accumulation is expected on Tueseday. High pressure will attempt to build in again, with some sunshine in spots away from the lakes Tuesday afternoon.

A large storm system will develop across the center of the US over the next few days and move into Central New York Wednesday morning. The parent storm moves to the west, with a secondary storm developing along the Atlantic Coast. This means there is a high probability that we'll be dealing with a mixed bag of precipitation. At this point, it looks to be mainly sleet and freezing rain. The lions share is not expected to be snow for the lower elevations. We'll keep you posted.

Behind this storm, our first taste of arctic air for Thursday through Saturday. High temperatures likely only in the 20s on Friday and Saturday! With the cold weather will come some heavy lake effect snow. At this point it's too early to pinpoint where that will happen, but the current thinking is across the Tug Hill and North Country."

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

Sangerfield is ready!

"Skeeter" Jones rolled out the Township's new Weapon against Winter - a big MACK Snowplow - one of the latest reasons for the community to be grateful for the Edward S. Barton Trust!

An inch or two of snow came on Saturday, at the same time as the Sanger Lodge's Christmas Tree Sale opened in the Park.

It didn't take long at all for shoppers to arrive .......

........ and take home their "perfect tree."

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

Area residents have been perfecting decorations at their homes. This is the Gray residence, in "Dicksville," ........

............ and here's the Machold home on W. Bacon Street.

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

Sandy Martin sent me this Email report:

"The Waterville Red Hatters held their Christmas party at Michael's on December 3rd. We enjoyed the food and service. After the meal we played a couple of games under the supervision of Carol Tower and Mary Lou Von Matt. At the end of the day we exchanged secret pal gifts. The January get-together will be held in the Village Hall on January 28th and will be a pot-luck luncheon."

Well-known Mickey Mantle look-alike, Mr. Donald Brown of White Street, parked his very recognizable car on his front lawn, on Saturday. It and its passengers were slowing traffic and drawing amused onlookers!

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

Airborne travelers - Canada Geese - circled above fields on Madison Street, finally landing ....

.............. in the ponds behind the Moon residence.

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

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

THIS WEEK AT THE LIBRARY!

Holiday Movie * "WHITE CHRISTMAS"
Tuesday, December 8th 6pm
Free for All Ages

Friends of the Library * Thurs., December 10th
6:30pm | Members and Non-Members are welcome to join! Meetings: 2nd Thursday of every month

Holiday Decorations * Fri, December 11th 4pm
| All Ages | Sign Up

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

FRIDAY

OPEN HOUSE

AT "White Whispers" Day Spa Too from 4:00 - 7:00

151 W Main Street Waterville, NY 13480, 841-4200

(former Ecco Video).

ON SATURDAY

"The Waterville United Methodist Church annual Christmas cookie Sale

will be December 12th - from 9 am till noon -

We will also have some Christmas decorations for sale."

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

Tapestry, the All-centuries Singers, (with Gail Prentice, 2nd row; 2nd from left!) will present one of their classic concerts of exciting choral Christmas favorites that has been delighting audiences since 1985 at 2:30 pm, Saturday December 12, 2009, at St. James Episcopal Church, 9 Williams Street in Clinton.

The concert opens with a formal presentation including four double choir motets: Johann Sebastian Bach's "Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied", Giovanni Gabrieli's "Hodie Christus Natus Est", Moteverdi's "Nisi Dominus" and the singers' newest favorite, "Ave Maria" by the Brazilian composer Jorge Moreira.

Following intermission, they will return in their colorful Renaissance costumes (and considerably relaxed personæ!) with a collection of traditional Christmas tunes, some new, some quite old but many familiar to Tapestry's audiences.

Admission, collected at the door, will be $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for Students or Seniors.

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

ON SUNDAY

Residents of the Town of Marshall were recently notified by authorities that Santa plans to visit the Towpath Train Station on Sunday, December 13.

He is due to arrive around 1 PM and will greet residents until 3.

The Town of Marshall Parks and Recreation Committee plans a gala with refreshments, and wagon rides on the towpath. Santa is hoping that all children under the age of 95 who live in the Town of Marshall will be available to attend.

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

FOR THE RECORD

Older readers will remember that this is the 68th Anniversary of the Attacks on Pearl Harbor making December 7th "a Date which will live in Infamy."

**********

Hanukka begins at sundown on Friday.

I spent a fair amount of time working up this image to use on
Christmas notes to many of the people who have helped to
"Make it Happen,"
only to learn that the picture is incomplete!

Watch for changes at the Bandstand today and tomorrow!

Have a great day, everyone!

Friday: looking ahead + Add-on

2009-12-04T06:28:00.007-05:00

ADD-ON

at the request of Tom Eisenhut.

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

While I was en route to the Car Wash to take that picture, I noticed that:

1. the rope "stands" for the Masons' Christmas Tree Sale are in place! (That means that the trees will be coming sooooon!)

2. Mike Tower and Blake Hotaling were installing the one missing piece of decorative framework on the foundation of the Bandstand.

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

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

It's partly cloudy and 30 degrees F. / -1 degree C.

WKTV's weather forecast: "A quiet but chilly start to your Friday with partly to mostly clear skies. A winter jacket is needed as you head out to work or school with temperatures in the low to mid 30s.

A weak area of high pressure will control our weather for today. Expect a mix of sun and clouds throughout the morning and early afternoon with temperatures into the mid 40s. Clouds begin to thicken up this evening and tonight with overnight lows in the mid 20s.

A storm system in the Atlantic Ocean will begin to trek north along the east coast on Saturday. The low pressure system is just too far to our south and east to have a major impact on our weather for the weekend. . Right now, the steadiest snow looks to stay southeast of the viewing area, but as an upper level trough energizes this storm system, some if its precipitation may be pulled a bit further west than earlier thinking. Thus, a period of light snow is possible Saturday afternoon and evening across Otsego, Southern Herkimer and Montgomery Counties. At this point it still appears that any snow accumulations would be minor. Temperatures will feel a lot cooler this weekend with highs only in the mid 30s and overnight lows in the 20s."

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

SPECIAL NOTE

There will be a

BLOOD DRIVE

at the

Village Hall this

Saturday, Dec. 5th

8:30am to 1:30pm

It costs you nothing but a little time and can save up to three lives.

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

Varsity Basketball Scores gleaned from the O-D:
December 1 Girls Basketball: "Waterville 45, West Canada Valley 30."
Lauren Homer and Jessica Zogby combined for 18 points in the second half as Waterville broke open a close game on the way to a CSC crossover win over West Canada. Zogby led all scorers with 14 points.
Jennie Maxwell, Brittney Florian and Ciera Sportello each scored seven points for West Canada Valley.
West Canada (0-0, 0-1): Jennie Maxwell 7, Brittney Florian 7, Meghan Lewis 2, Alissa Stack 4, Alexia Fauvelle 3, Ciera Sportello 7. Totals: 11-7-30.
Waterville (0-0, 2-1): Brooke Williams 3, Jenna Fallon 7, Katie Buell 2, Dylanne Hodge 3, Siobhan Fitzgerald 2, Lindsey Wratten 1, Shelby Ritzel 2, Jessica Zogby 14, Lauren Homer 11. Totals: 17-10-45.
3-point goals: West Canada 1 (Maxwell); Waterville 1 (Fallon).
JV: Waterville 30-24.

Boys' Basketball: "Morrisville-Eaton’s boys basketball team fell to Waterville 51-42 on Wednesday."

M-E freshman Will Thomas scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the first quarter to help the Warriors go on top 24-20. Waterville tied the game at 29-29 at halftime and pulled away in the second half.

“We didn’t hit our shots in the second half, but they are playing hard and I’m proud with the way they played,” M-E coach Chad Snow said.

M-E’s Ben Thomas added 11 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and six assists. Jamie Maciag finished with 10 points.

Taylor Jaquays led Waterville with 14 points.
M-E 24 5 7 6 - 42
Waterville 20 9 15 7 - 51
M-E (0-0, 1-1): Ben Thomas 11, Will Thomas 17, Jamie Maciag 10, Kameron Brown 2, Matt Pelton 2
Waterville (1-0): Taylor Jaquays 14, Robert Hughes 2, Brett Baumgarten 12, Jared Henderson 12, Donnie March 5, Jordan Henderson 5, Dan Kelley 2."

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

FOR THE RECORD

I'll be back on the usual schedule next week with lots of items for your calendars and as many pictures of Christmas Lights and Decorations as I can take!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

LUCY's HOME!!!

2009-12-02T15:35:00.002-05:00

To repeat that:

"LUCY is NOW at HOME!"

I received an email from Patty Louise early this afternoon that read:

"Someone in Madison had decided to keep her, but thanks to Denise Carr of North Brookfield, who coordinates a Rescue Me in North Brookfield, we found out who the person was. Steve picked her up just 30 minutes ago.

And yes, that was Fred running loose not once but twice yesterday. He first busted out the window in the laundry room and then one in Mary Kate's room to, we think, go look for Lucy. Our neighbors will appreciate that he will no longer sit in the yard and howl in grief. We are just happy beyond words to have this work out. "

All's well that ends well!

ALSO IN THE MAIL .......

An Enote from Val Schenk to inform everyone that:

"They rescheduled

'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Tuesday, December 8, 8:00/7:00c

"Charlie and Linus ponder the meaning of Christmas."

YAY!!

It Snowed!

2009-12-01T07:29:00.013-05:00

But that was early this morning, and now it's melted (shucks!) and the sun's out.

In the Observer-Dispatch: "Time Since Last Real Snow Since 1902."

From "The Farmers Almanac" - "Detailed Forecast for the Next Two Months

DECEMBER 2009: temperature 28.5° (2.5° above avg.); precipitation 2" (1" below avg.); Dec 1-4: Rain and snow showers, cold; Dec 5-7: Showers, mild; Dec 8-14: Snow showers, cold; Dec 15-19: Snow, then showers, warm; Dec 20-23: Snow, then sunny, seasonable; Dec 24-27: Snow, then sunny, cold; Dec 28-31: Sunny, seasonable."

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

IMPORTANT!!!

LOCK YOUR DOORS!

In this morning's O-D: "Two Morning Burglaries Reported in WATERVILLE —
Law enforcement is looking into two reported burglaries on Stafford Avenue Monday morning.

The New York State Police in Marcy and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office are each investigating a separate residential burglary. Both incidents occurred between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Both houses were occupied and only a few items were stolen.

Agencies are asking for anyone with information to contact either state Investigator Thomas Fort at 736-8802 or sheriff’s Investigator Chris Ferguson at 765-2226."

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

IN THE MAIL

I had three Emails right in a row, this morning, asking if Lucy had been found. As far as I know, the answer is "No." I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything at all from the Gannons.

***********

"Sunset at Hickory Hilll"

by Shirlee Langone.

**********

A nice note and the following three pictures came from Suzy Quayle. She and Tom were in New York City over Thanksgiving, visiting their son, Matt, and his wife, Kate. They also went to see Tracy Olivera in "Ragtime!"

"It was wonderful and she gave us a backstage tour which was REALLY interesting! Seeing how they had to even choreograph their backstage movement because of the limited space, the costumes and changes, the set and lighting..it was all fascinating. Tracy is truly wonderful in the show. She plays numerous characters and is just about every scene. As Bridgett the maid she has lines and lets out a fantastic scream reminiscent of her role in the amateur Waterville production of "Death has a Horse Voice" for all who were fortunate to see this video!

The pics are of Tracy signing autographs and walking to dinner with Matt. We had great food and conversation!"

Thanks, SuzyQ!

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

From Jeff Reynolds, these three pictures of evening at Otsego Lake.

An old church, originally from Little Falls, Jeff thinks, now at the Farmers' Museum.

"Sunset over Cooperstown, from Country Club point (site where Tom Hutter and Hurry Harry were captured by the Iroquois in 'Deerslayer.'"

The Sleeping Lion.

(And Thank You, Jeff!)

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

More when it happens!

Good Monday Morning!

2009-11-30T06:11:00.017-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO KENNY DITCH TODAY

AND MIKE DITCH TOMORROW!!
___________________________

42.4 DEGREES F. / 5.8 C. and drippy.

It's Garbage Day

and

Tomorrow is BIG TRASH!

(Yes: I'm trying to be "on vacation," but there are some things, here, that you'll want to see, so I'll just get the week going for you.)

FROM WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! A soggy start to our Monday, with unsettled weather as we move into the first week of December.

A wet start to the day across Central New York. Bring the umbrella heading out to work this morning.

A cold front will pass through the area late this morning, bringing an end to the wet weather. The rain will come to an end near noon, possibly ending as a few wet flakes of snow, especially on the hilltops. Cooler, drier air builds in to Central New York later today. Temperatures will top out in the mid 40s this morning, before gradually cooling through the lower 40s and upper 30s as we head into the afternoon. A few breaks of sunshine later today are also possible.

A weak disturbance drops in from the northwest late tonight. Look for plenty of clouds during the overnight with light snow by daybreak. Overnight lows in the upper 20s. Little accumulation expected by the morning commute.

Scattered snow showers continue for Tuesday morning with little to no accumulation. An area of high pressure moves back in Tuesday night into Wednesday with partly sunny skies.

As we head toward the end of the work week, a large storm is expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico and track into the northeast. Our current projections bring the center of this storm near or just to the west of Central New York. This is a poor track for snow; we expect a heavy rain event. There will be some lake effect on the back side of this storm heading into the weekend.

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

Vail Fleischmann

1929 - 2009

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

WCS CLASS OF 1989

"Over 40 classmates attended the WCS Class of 1989 reunion Saturday, November 28th at the Blue Flag Room. Between classmates, their guests and past teachers, a total of 75 people attended the reunion. We kicked off our reunion weekend Wednesday night at Michael's, had a Class of '89 float in the Parade of Lights, spent Friday night at Stinker's (where the band dedicated a number of songs to the Class of '89), we cheered on a team of classmates (who did us proud & proved after 20 years they can still play ball) in the alumni basketball tournament Saturday morning and then had the reunion Saturday night. The highlight of the reunion was a class dvd of over 600 photos set to music which was made by Cathy (Winfield) Marriott. The dvd brought lots of laughs and some sentimental tears. It was such a fun weekend reminiscing and seeing old classmates that we can't wait for the 25th!" from Jennifer Neff.

******

ANOTHER REUNION!

Paula Skipton, Ashley (Burback) Ryan, Emily Alcott, Shane Dunn.

Paula Skipton, a WCS exchange student from San Jose, Costa Rica during the 2002-2003 school year, made her first return visit to Waterville this Thanksgiving. Paula reunited with classmates whom she had not seen since leaving Waterville six years ago. Paula lived with Jan and Charlie Fischer, in Deansboro, during the year she spent here from August 2002 - August 2003. from Ashley Burback Ryan.

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

The Waterville Public Library will present a

READING AND BOOK SIGNING

by

JIM BOGAN

author of

"Big Creek Valley"

at 4:00 P.M. on December 3rd.

For more Library Events, please click HERE.

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

Some daytime views of decorations..........

........... at the corner of Main St. and 315 .........

............... on Stafford Avenue ...........

............ E. Bacon Street ...........

............. Elmwood ...........

............ and White Street, where Elinor Petrie was hanging lights yesterday afternoon.

Dale Meszler and I managed to get the Bandstand prettied up with old-fashioned swags on Friday afternoon.

By dark, it looked just the way this Photoshopped view had shown us that it would!

(Gosh, that's pretty!)

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a good week, everyone!

Sometimes, it's just nice to take time off from one routine to sift through "what's out there." Two things that I found over the weekend, have occupied me for HOURS - you might enjoy them, too:

Troy Bishopp's blog and his essays at "The Grass Whisperer,"
and an amazing collection of photographs by "VKEITH"
the locations of which are all indicated on Google Earth.
(Scroll down the righthand column of her Panaramia page to "Central New York" - that's just the beginning!)

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

I'll be checking my email, so if you have an announcement or a photo that you want everyone to see, send it along and I'll post it!)

Thinking Turkey!

2009-11-25T05:37:00.010-05:00

No: There's still no sign of Lucy!

Please keep looking for her!

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

Recyclables.

Overcast and 45 degrees F. / 7.2 degrees C.

WKTV's Forecast: "For those traveling across the northeast (on Wednesday) no weather worries. A few light rain showers are possible heading into Western New York. The rest of the Northeast is expected to be dry.

As we approach the holiday, the weather will begin to turn unsettled. A large storm system will pass to the northwest of Central New York Wednesday, but will be close enough to give us some rain showers Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. Scattered rain showers are possible even into Thanksgiving, though at this point most of the day is expected to be dry.

Another storm system will drive in from the south on Friday morning. This storm needs to be watched closely. It will be large enough to give us windy conditions, clouds, rain and snow. Much cooler weather expected over the weekend with some lake effect snow showers."

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

IN THE MAIL

The Brothertown Optimist Club's November Newsletter, courtesy of Lee Pavlot, which includes the following:

Molly Roberts

"The Brothertown Optimist Club's Youth of the Month is Molly Roberts, a senior at Waterville who is the daughter of Dennis and Jill Roberts, Waterville. Molly is a high-honor student, a member of the National Honor Society and a participant in the Advance Placement Program in Calculus. She is also taking advanced Spanish for college credit through Mohawk Valley CC. As a student
leader, Molly has been a member of the Student Council, the Octagon Club, where she has served as secretary and vice president, and is a participant in Project Lead and the Peer Mentor Program at the Middle School. Molly is also very active in the sports department as a member of the varsity volleyball and softball teams. She was selected as the MVP in volleyball received the Coaches Award in softball and was a Center State All-Star. In addition she was a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete in both volleyball and softball. Next year Molly will attend college to major in Spanish and Elementary Education."

********

Making use of the balmy weather, two stone masons continued pointing up bricks on the south tower of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.

Roofers are at work at the old Barton/Cleary farmhouse on Fuess Cleary Road.

And the busy beaver, knowing full well that he has an appreciative audience, works to further shore up the portion of his dam that washed out a week or so ago.

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

Just like a "shadow box" picture, one of the front windows at the Barton Medical Center on Main Street.

About a mile south of Deansboro, Nancy Eastman's bright mural is in place!

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

LAST YEAR!

WATCH FOR THE SNOW GEESE

Last year the ponds were frozen and fields covered with snow, so the Snow Geese never came, but two years ago they arrived on November 25th...........

.......... and on the 27th Moon's Pond was full!

***********

But right now, the subject is "Turkey!"

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

OH, FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS!

I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Fred's been Found, but ...........

2009-11-24T06:29:00.005-05:00

Lucy is still LOST!

Fred - black and gray mix Husky - was found by a hunter "somewhere S. of Route 20 between Sangerfield and Bridgewater or Richfield Springs and taken to the Herkimer Co. Humane Society."

Please keep looking for Lucy!

If you see her, please phone 841-4431 or 841-04105.

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

41 degrees F. / 5 degrees C.

overcast

From WKTV: "A mild buy cloudy start this morning, with temperatures starting out in the 40s. A few very light showers are possible this morning, especially areas west of Utica.

Clouds and a few sprinkles are possible today, but the vast majority of the day is expected to be dry. The clouds are going to keep the sun away. Despite the mild start, temperatures won't go very far this afternoon, with highs in the upper 40s. A bit of an east breeze yet again today, especially on the hilltops. Clouds and generally quiet tonight. A passing shower is possible. Lows near 40.

For those traveling across the northeast tomorrow, no weather worries. A few light rain showers are possible heading into Western New York. The rest of the Northeast is expected to be dry.

As we approach the holiday, the weather will begin to turn unsettled. A large storm system will pass to the northwest of Central New York Wednesday, but will be close enough to give us some rain showers Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. Scattered rain showers are possible even into Thanksgiving, though at this point most of the day is expected to be dry.

Another storm system will drive in from the south on Friday morning. This storm needs to be watched closely. It will be large enough to give us windy conditions, clouds, rain and snow. Much cooler weather expected over the weekend with some lake effect snow showers."

The Weather Underground

IN THE MORNING MAIL

From Kevin Ford, Poland Central School:

".... an update from the New York State Student Council conference in Saratoga Springs. Emily Gallagher, the only Waterville student in attendance, received 2 awards today. The first award was the Student Recognition Award which went to 3 students around the state for their hard work and dedication to promoting leadership in their schools. The other award she was honored with is the Kristen Haver Memorial Award, given in memory of a Poland Central School student. This award is the highest student council honor in New York State that a student can receive. She is the first student from Waterville to receive the award. My 13 Poland students, co-advisor, and myself were honored to attend the conference with her."

From Leslie Olivera - VanWormer:

The opening number of the broadway show "Ragtime" has been taped for the CBS coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which will be broadcast on Thursday, Thanksgiving day. "So if you are near a TV while you are cooking or enjoying coffee, please tune in to CBS and watch - no idea when they will appear, but the opening of the show is pretty amazing - they taped it outside at Battery Park in NYC. Tracy is in an off white dress, BIG hat with a parasol - blonde wig - she is in the chorus/ensemble. Just wanted to share as we are so excited - opening night was AMAZING last week."

Opening Gala at Tavern on the Green.
Tracy with Leslie OV and Jim.

***********

I have it from a "usually reliable source" that tryouts for the 2010 WCS Musical Production, "Beauty and the Beast," began yesterday! I'll be watching the school website for casting announcements!

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

All of the village's runners seem to be continuing their daily afternoon and early-evening routines, (which is admirable and I wish that I were one of them!) but motorists are having trouble seeing them, especially when driving westward into a setting sun.

PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING REFLECTIVE

AND/OR

THOSE LITTLE BLINKY LIGHTS!

Reflective Vests
Signal flashers

(Click links for purchase source!)

They'd make great Christmas Gifts for runners in your family!

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

Eric Kennedy, author of "Oneida Co. and Waterville in the Civil War," which ran in two installments in The Waterville Times last Summer, has completed another article - "The Hard-luck Second Oneida," in which Eric corrects and rewrites some local history!

Watch for it in The Times.

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

Photographer Jody Hildreth, above, and a group of friends went exploring Chimney Mountain near Indian Lake, last weekend.

Chimney Mountain's special attraction? CAVES!

Some deep enough to require the use of rope ladders!

And more than one cave is inhabited by BATS!

"No thanks, you go ahead. I'll just wait outside and look at the lichen and trees, thank you!"

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

To those who are packing up to leave early for Thanksgiving with your families, have a wonderful weekend and please travel safely!

The rest of us will be looking forward to the 21st Annual Parade of Lights which begins at 6:30 on Friday evening.

(The photograph above is of the Harding Float which celebrated the 20th Anniverary of the Parade, last year.)

This is how it all began.

If you lived in Waterville in 1988, you cannot have forgotten the first Parade of Lights! (And if you've come to the village since then, you should know the story of this celebration because it is something very special, here: it's a celebration not just of the season but a Celebration of Community - Our Community!)

It was earlier that year that both Rusty Manion and his wife Kitty passed away. Their daughter Darcy and three sons - Sandy, Jeffrey and Michael - were bereft with the loss of both parents and, at the same time, completely overwhelmed with the kindnesses shown them by everyone in the community. One day, Darcy was having coffee with her friends Linda Nichols and Patsy Hill and she said, "I wish there was something we could do to say 'Thank You!' to everyone!" "Thank You notes," she said, "seemed just too inadequate." It occurred to them that perhaps they could do something that hadn't been done in several years - a fun surprise for the village: they could arrange to have lights put on the Big Tree at the point of Monument Park and have it lit! And there would be a parade - fire engines and floats and children all carrying flashlights! - that would lead the way to the tree when the lights were finally to be turned on! And each of the girls told one or two people who told one or two more and in six weeks' time - in an unanticipated avalanche of generosity and cooperation, $5,000 was raised; the Clinton Fire Department's ladder truck came to string the lights, the power company donated equipment and time, the Municipality chipped in, fire companies in all the neighboring communities sent units to be in the parade and ........... well........ the rest is history. The floats became more imaginative and brighter. When it was deemed impossible to have the highschool band march and play (sometimes it's been so cold and stormy that just the thought of putting a flute or trumpet mouthpiece to one's lips caused pain!) the floats were actually wired for sound!

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

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Lucy and Fred: Where are You?

2009-11-23T06:48:00.010-05:00

LOST DOGS!

Please click image to enlarge.

"LUCY" AND "FRED" Where are You?

Lucy and Fred, who live with the Gannons on White Street, saw an opportunity to go for a run around the neighborhood

- without permission! - on Saturday morning.

They haven't come home, and the Gannons are terribly distressed!

Lucy is a red and white husky; Fred is a black and tan husky mix. They were both seen near the Legion on Route 20 around 2:30 on Saturday. Both dogs are friendly!

If you see them, pleaae phone 841-4431 or 841-04105.

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

************************
It's Garbage Day!

33 degrees F. / 0.5 degrees C. and overcast.

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

From WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! It took us all weekend to get rid of the clouds, and we'll finally see some sunshine today. An active weather pattern is expected this week. Clear skies and generally light winds have allowed for temperatures to cool into the 30s and upper 20s this morning. Some patchy fog and frost across the area this morning. High pressure slides to the northeast today, keeping us dry and pleasant. Sunshine will dominate the day, especially from the Mohawk Valley northward. Highs in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees. This evening, clouds will increase out ahead of our first of several storm systems. The steady rain with this storm will pass generally to the south and east. Generally cloudy tonight, with a few sprinkles possible towards daybreak. Overnight lows in the upper 30s. Clouds and perhaps a sprinkle or two early Tuesday. Generally dry but cloudy weather for Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs in the low 50s. As we approach the holiday, the weather will begin to turn unsettled. A large storm system will pass to the northwest of Central New York Wednesday, but will be close enough to give us some rain showers Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. Clouds and scattered rain showers for Thanksgiving. Yet another storm system (we weren't kidding when we said it was going to be active!) will drive in from the south on Friday morning. This storm needs to be watched closely. It will be large enough to give us windy conditions, clouds, rain and snow. Much cooler weather expected over the weekend with some lake effect snow showers."

*********

CONGRATULATIONS!

to the First Prize Winners

of Thursday Night's

PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST

Anthony Gannon, Joel Kahn and Jesstina Allinger.

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

From the O-D: "Gloriana named Breakthrough Artist of the Year."

*********

I've just found notice of the deaths of Vail Fleischmann, who grew up in Waterville,

and Miss Leona Root of Oriskany Falls.

*******

If you missed a tour of Waterville on Sunday's Mohawk Valley Living ,

you can now see video clips, in two parts, on utube

Utube: Part 1

Utube: Part 2

in which:

MVL's host, Richard Enders, listens as Ed Gale explains the workings of the Feed Mill on Canning Factory Road;

Andy Pryputniewicz shows off pink banana squash and blue potatoes;

"Pammy Cakes'" Pam Brown tempts the crew with chocolates and pastries;

Dick Woodman lets Richard open the safe and go inside (!)

everyone tours Morgans Hardware ...........

and gets a special look at the water-powered elevator and

then goes next door to check out The Red Lion pub .........

............ ending up with a fascinating look at what gets manufactured at C&H Plastics.

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

NEW ON MAIN STREET

Ecco Video has relocated to the former Scerbo Block.

*********

ON WHITE STREET

FOR THE RECORD

I haven't taken time to read all of the news because I want to get the "LOST DOG" poster published and into circulation as fast as I can. If I find more items to post, I'll do an "add-on."

Otherwise:

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Things you should know!

2009-11-21T09:06:00.006-05:00

From the Rome Daily Sentinal:

Annie and Daddy shine in Capitol spotlight (STARRING JULIANA SLOCUM and JESSICA DANILUK!)

Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
at the Capitol, 220 W. Dominick St.

"Gather the kids and grandkids and head to the Capitol Theater this weekend because Annie’s in town.

The ageless classic about the poor little orphan who smiles her way into the heart of a billionaire tycoon and helps to show her depression era neighbors that "the sun will come out tomorrow," is being staged tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Capitol, 220 W. Dominick St.

Opening to a nice crowd Thursday night, the show stars adorable and very talented Juliana Slocum, of Waterville, in the title role. For someone so young, Slocum has an incredibly strong voice and she uses it well in belting out the show’s very familiar songs. With her singing, dancing and even dog handling, Slocum gave a strong and confident performance that absolutely carried the show from start to finish.

The cadre of orphan "little girls" in the show were also very good in their respective roles. Full of energy, they sang and danced wonderfully together and absolutely conveyed the joy they found in performing. Every face in the audience was plastered with a broad grin whenever the girls were on stage.

Carl DeFranco, of the town of Western, gave his role as "Daddy Warbucks" just the right combination of gruff businessman and tender-hearted guardian.

Warbucks’ personal secretary, Grace Farrell, was wonderfully played by Jessica Daniluck who gave beautiful vocal performances.

As the nasty Miss Hannigan, the mistress of the orphanage, Amy Surrette-Bumbolo had the audience both laughing at and booing her antics. Joined by Michael Youngs as her con-man brother "Rooster," and Amanda Dunlap, as his accomplice,"Lily St. Regis," these three gave a rollicking performance of the "Easy Street" number.

Jeff Isherwood was very good as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Scott Charles did well as radio announcer Bert Healy, and Megan Rafte Bice gave a beautiful vocal performance as a Broadway star wanna-be.

The large cast was full of very good singers, dancers and actors who all added to the fun and musical magic of the show.

Even the role of "Sandy" was very well played by golden retriever Daisy Huxley, who may not have totally enjoyed her time on stage but was more than willing to put up with her moments in the spotlight for whatever treats Annie had in her apron pocket.

W.C. Fields may have said "never work with children or animals," but this cast of Annie would prove him wrong. Everyone involved in this production worked wonderfully together to give a fun and memorial performance that can be enjoyed by the whole family."

IN THE MORNING MAIL

From Cindy Gallagher, forwarding a letter from the New York Farm Bureau:

"Below please find USDA’s notice to all State and County Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices regarding the status and preparation for the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment Program (DELAP) which will distribute $290 million in direct federal payments to dairy farmers. (Blogger's emphasis.)

NYFB continues to press USDA to deliver these direct payments as quickly as possible with our dairy farm families facing dire financial difficulties. NYFB worked hard with New York’s Congressional delegation to secure this funding in the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill.

This notice provides limited information on DELAP, but does offer the following: 1) USDA intends to issue payments in mid-December; 2) Production data for dairy operations that participated in the MILC program during 2009 will be used to determine eligible payment quantities and benefit amounts under DELAP; and 3) Dairy operations that have participated in MILC for 2009 will NOT have to submit an application for DELAP at a local FSA office. These dairy operations will automatically be considered for DELAP by the FSA. 4) Dairy operations that did not participate in MILC for 2009 will have a 30 day application period to sign up for DELAP. This notice does NOT address how payment will be calculated and if payments will be subject to production caps. This information is being closely guarded by USDA at this time. Full program details, including signup, eligibility, payment formula and payment rate, will be available when DELAP regulations are published in the Federal Register before mid-December. USDA states that these regulations are currently in “departmental clearance”. As soon as these crucial details are available, NYFB will inform our dairy membership immediately. New York Farm Bureau 159 Wolf Rd. PO Box 5330 Albany, NY 12205 518-436-8495 / 800-342-4143 www.nyfb.org

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

BEAVER POND UPDATE

An apparent calamity occurred a few days ago, when the County DPW set out to clear a culvert that would have drained water from the Marshall Trail next to Burnham Road. The beaver dam, itself, let go loosing a flood of worry about the beavers!

But look!

Karin of Country Folks sent me both this picture, taken yesterday, as well as the one above. Gary Ford told me that with help from the county and township, Eager Beaver has his dam back and it is the intention of the township to make whatever arrangements they can to keep both the beavers and human sportsmen happy.

THANK YOU!

Yesterday's late mail.

2009-11-20T06:32:00.007-05:00

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

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY

TO

DAVE LEMERY

marking one year since your
bone marrow transplant!

(from your neighbors!)

*********

I caught a glimpse of Richard Enders and Lance and Sharry Whitney coming out of Gary Hudson's Red Lion Pub on Wednesday afternoon. They've been here two Wednesdays in a row! Chances are, you can see what they saw by watching Mohawk Valley Living on Sunday morning at 7:30 AM on WKTV; 10:00 AM CW Channel 11 or 12:05 midnight on WKTV.

8:25 AM confirmation: Katie Gale Petrie writes that "Waterville is being featured! Louis J. Gale & Son, Michael's Restaurant and Pryputniewicz Paris Hill Potatoes." (Thanks, Katie!)

*********

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Sunday, November 22 @ 7:00 pm

Grace Church Waterville

Rev. Ann Stillman and Rev. Gennett Timlin

Diane Bancroft, Organist

(representing Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and Three Steeples Parishes)

Offering will be donated to the Waterville Food Pantry

PLEASE JOIN US AND REPRESENT YOUR CHURCH

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

Taizé is the name of the village in the Burgundy region
of France where Brother Roger and his community of lay brothers first began this form of worship in 1945. They are dedicated to reconciliation among all people and believe that music dissolves barriers, both within the heart
and between people.

Services are ecumenical in spirit
and all persons are welcomed. There is no leader and
everything is done in unison.

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

From Jeff Reynolds, in an email titled:

"Eat your hearts out, Snowbirds!"

********

From Becky Maggio

Thanks, Becky!

He's home! And this is Glen's favorite sign!

*******

NOW have a good weekend, everyone!

2009-11-19T05:22:00.018-05:00

**********

It's Garbage Day!

33.4 degrees F. / 0.7 C.

Crisp and clear.

WKTV's forecast: "A sunny start to Thursday but expect an increase in clouds by the afternoon as a weak storm system begins to approach the region. Rain looks to hold off until after sunset, with the steadiest rain occurring overnight Thursday into Friday. Thursday's temperatures will once again be above normal, with highs in the mid 50s. Rain continues for Friday morning but improving conditions by the afternoon under mostly cloudy skies with a few peeks of sun.

As slightly cooler weather wraps around our next storm system, we'll see a weak response from Lake Ontario. Mostly cloudy on Saturday, with a few lake effect rain showers. High pressure quickly builds in by Saturday afternoon, drying us out. A slow return to sunshine is expected by Sunday."

The Blogger wonders if anyone has seen any "woolly-bear" caterpillars and can make a winter weather prognostication based on its black and brown stripes?

How the Woolly Bear Became "Famous"

(from the Old Farmer's Almanac.)

In the fall of 1948, Dr. C. H. Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, took his wife 40 miles north of the city to Bear Mountain State Park to look at woolly bear caterpillars.
Dr. Curran collected as many caterpillars as he could in a day, determined the average number of reddish-brown segments, and forecast the coming winter weather through a reporter friend at The New York Herald Tribune.
Dr. Curran's experiment, which he continued over the next eight years, attempted to prove scientifically a weather rule of thumb that was as old as the hills around Bear Mountain. The resulting publicity made the woolly bear the most recognizable caterpillar in North America.

Do Woolly Bear Caterpillars Forecast Winter Weather?

According to legend, the wider that middle brown section is (i.e., the more brown segments there are), the milder the coming winter will be. Conversely, a narrow brown band is said to predict a harsh winter. But is it true?

Between 1948 and 1956, Dr. Curran's average brown-segment counts ranged from 5.3 to 5.6 out of the 13-segment total, meaning that the brown band took up more than a third of the woolly bear's body. As those relatively high numbers suggested, the corresponding winters were milder than average.
But Curran was under no scientific illusion: He knew that his data samples were small. Although the experiments popularized and, to some people, legitimized folklore, they were simply an excuse for having fun. Curran, his wife, and their group of friends escaped the city to see the foliage each fall, calling themselves The Original Society of the Friends of the Woolly Bear.
Thirty years after the last meeting of Curran's society, the woolly bear brown-segment counts and winter forecasts were resurrected by the nature museum at Bear Mountain State Park. The annual counts have continued, more or less tongue in cheek, since then.
For the past 10 years, Banner Elk, North Carolina, has held an annual "Woolly Worm Festival" each October, highlighted by a caterpillar race. Retired mayor Charles Von Canon inspects the champion woolly bear and announces his winter forecast.
Most scientists discount the folklore of woolly bear predictions as just that, folklore. Says Ferguson from his office in Washington, "I've never taken the notion very seriously. You'd have to look at an awful lot of caterpillars in one place over a great many years in order to say there's something to it."

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

FROM THE O-D

"Oriskany Falls Man Dies in Hunting Accident."

"Polka Band Leader Remembered for Humility."

"White's Farm Supply Driven by Attention to Customer's Needs."

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

"The DEC's Map and Dates of Regular and Bowhunting Deer Season."

REGULAR DEER HUNTING SEASON STARTS SATURDAY

******

2006 photo

AN ANNUAL TREAT!

HUNTING FOR GOODIES

at the

WOMEN'S CLUB BAKE SALE

starts at 9:00

SATURDAY MORNING AT FOODKING!

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

Autumn view on Paris Hill

In the Park, stone mason Ray Drake hoists 7' long, 250-pound slabs of blue stone ......

.......... onto the front steps of the Bandstand.

********

Masonry work continues at St. Bernard's Church and also on the west wall of the Opera House where a great many bricks have been replaced and the super-sized lift is still in place.

ELSEWHERE

Santa sails through the air on Putnam Street!

*****

You can sail, too!

Come and watch

"Up!"

Family movie night at the

Waterville Public Library

FREE MOVIE at 6:00

FREE POPCORN!

LOOKING BACK

11/19/2006

11/19/2007

11/19/2007

11/19/2008

11/19/2008

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

ON SUNDAY IN CLINTON

at the Kirkland Art Center.

Opening reception for exhibit of works influenced by
W. Ralph Murray

3 to 5 p.m. Event includes dedication of lower studio as
the W. Ralph Murray studio, 4:30 p.m.

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

I'm going to be taking a week off following Thanksgiving to do lots of artist-type stuff, so ........ if there are any events or occasions that you'd like to have posted on the blog, please let me know about them BEFORE next Wednesday, November 25th. Thank You!

Have a good Weekend, Everyone!

Clear and Crisp

2009-11-18T06:36:00.017-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!

25 degrees F. / -3.8 C.

From WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! One more sunshine filled day, before our weather begins to change toward the cooler, unsettled side.

Clear skies and light winds this morning means more frost. A nice, crisp start to our morning, with temperatures starting out in the 20s and low 30s. The ice scraper may be needed once again heading out the door this morning.

High pressure will slide to the east today giving us another day of wall to wall sunshine. Temperatures will be slightly warmer, with highs in the mid 50s. Clear skies yet again tonight, with overnight lows in the upper 20s.

Thursday will start off sunny and cool. By the afternoon, clouds will slowly advance into Central NY as temperatures will once again climb into the mid 50s. Clouds and showers come back into the picture on Thursday night and Friday morning as a weak storm system passes close by.

As slightly cooler weather wraps around our next storm system, we'll see a weak response from Lake Ontario. Mostly cloudy on Saturday, with a few lake effect rain showers. High pressure quickly builds in by Saturday afternoon, drying us out. A slow return to sunshine is expected by Sunday.

(Click to enlarge.)

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

A beautiful display at the Gerhardts' home on White Street.

Wayne Brouillette & co. were putting new roofing on the old library building, yesterday --- it's now the new home of the Waterville Historical Society.

FYI, this is the sign in front of "Town's End."

*******

Snagged from FB, this picture of Tracy in her RAGTIME costume!

Found, while looking for something else, a really old "snapshot" that was taken on a crispy morning just like this, when we were climbing Black Bear Mountain in Inlet.

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

Back to Hong Kong Harbor with Glen Carroll ..................

"If you zoom in and crop it you can see the "junk" going by. This is actually a much larger boat than normal. Most look they'll sink at any moment!!!"

"30 years ago the planes used to use the harbor as their approach path. My Regional Director informed me that the flight is was always breath taking."

"In the harbor they can off load up to 75 ships at the same time!!!!! I wonder who is the traffic cop on the water? "

By now, Glen has probably already made his stop in Beijing and is on his way home!

**********

"Mohawk Valley Living" will be filming in town today!

*********

Prize Speaking Tomorrow Night!

*****

"Once Upon a Time in Waterville"

last gathering of the old-timers before Spring.

10:15 Friday Morning at the Library.

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

Planning Ahead!

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

Have a Great Day!

Frosty and Bright

2009-11-17T08:41:00.008-05:00

It's 25.9 degrees F. / -3.38 C.

I don't know just how chilly it was, at 3 o'clock this morning, but it was nippy! The sky, however, was super-clear and I did spend nearly an hour out on my back lawn, wrapped in a "space blanket" and sleeping bag, staring upwards. It was worth it!

If only I could have taken pictures to show you!

But then I went back to bed and ............................

now I'm very late posting the blog!

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

WKTV's forecast: "Good morning Central New York! Unusually quiet but pleasant November weather continues!

A chilly, frosty start to the morning. Temperatures starting out in the 20s across most areas. Here's a look at your bus stop forecast:

A large and expansive area of high pressure will build in from the northwest today. This will keep us high and dry for the next several days. Today's weather will feature wall to wall sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures. Highs in the afternoon will top off near 50. Another clear night tonight, with overnight lows down into the 20s.

High pressure in control Wednesday and Thursday, bringing more sunshine and seasonably warm temperatures. Clouds and showers come back into the picture on Thursday night and Friday as a weak storm system passes close by. A few leftover showers on Saturday morning, with drier weather by Saturday.

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

IN THE MAIL

The Waterville Public Library is offering a

FREE SHOWING TODAY

AT 6:00 P.M.

Jill Getman writes: "The movie and popcorn are free,
plus it comes out on DVD right on Tuesday so it's new!"

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

From Vicki Sabol and the Waterville Area Food Pantry:

" to
all the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scout leaders, parents, community businesses, and most importantly, all the generous people of Waterville and the surrounding area who gave so many items to the Scouting for Food drive this past Saturday: It was great! We should be in good shape to help our clients through the holidays."

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

From Becky Maggio:

TELEPHONE NEWS

from Mike Tower who was - or had just been - in the Park and who assured me that work on the Bandstand has NOT come to a complete halt for the Winter, as was feared!

Digging/grading should be taking place around the foundation;

then a "Fypon" covering will be applied.

Stone mason Ray Drake is expected to be applying "blue stone"
to the front steps of the structure .....

after which, final measurements for the permanent railings
will be made and those will be installed.

The "arches" that go between the upright posts - for which everyone has been waiting - still need to be fabricated. They did not come from Fypon preformed, although the material is right at hand, and are trickier to draw and make than any previous ornamentation. No promises, but we MAY get to see what they look like before Winter.

And for all of that information,

Thank You, first, to Jean Davis, who emailed me saying,
"Will someone please paint those 2 x 4 railings!"

thus prompting me to write to Mike and ask ....

"Why?"

and Thank You to Mike for his reply!

**********

ON THE WWW

I spent quite a while, yesterday, reading the reviews of the Saturday night opening of

"RAGTIME"

on Broadway and it sounds to me as if Tracy Lynn Olivera, valedictorian of the Class of 1995 at WCS, will be spending her immediate future in New York!

Congratulations, Tracy!

***********

Now go and have a good day!

A Welcome Headline in the OD!

2009-11-16T05:59:00.015-05:00

"Feds to Probe Low Milk Prices Paid to Farmers."

Also, please see mailing, below.

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

IT'S GARBAGE DAY!

40.8 degrees F. / 4.8 degrees C. and overcast

From WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! Unusually quiet November weather continues into the work week.

Morning clouds will give way to more sunshine as we head into the day. Temperatures starting out near 40 degrees. Here's a look at your bus stop forecast:

High pressure builds in from the northwest today, bringing dry, sunny weather by later today. Expect decreasing clouds today with temperatures a bit cooler than yesterday, highs near 50 degrees. Crystal clear skies tonight, and perfect weather to view the Leonid meteor showers. Overnight lows tonight in the upper 20s.

High pressure will bring cool (still unseasonably mild) temperatures and quiet weather for most of the work week. Temperatures will top off near in the 50's Tuesday, with overnight lows in the 20s. High pressure will stay put throughout most of the week with temperatures eventually climbing into the mid 50s.

The next chance of rain showers comes from a cold front late in the day on Thursday. Drier weather builds back in for Friday and Saturday."

VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TONIGHT AT 7:00

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

The DPW was at work ............

dressing the Victorian Lamp posts along Main Street in Christmas greenery.

The wreaths and garlands all have tiny mini-lights wound throughout, but those will not be turned on until the Parade of Lights on Friday, the 27th - the day after Thanksgving.

Real icicles would have melted right away in yesterday's T-shirt weather!
************

More than two hundred visitors took advantage of the two-day Open House to tour "Town's End," the newly restored 19th century home south of Sangerfield on Route 12.

Everyone seemed fascinated by the hand-carved scrolled Ionic columns on the outside .......

............. stopping to look at the Before-and-After pictures on display ........

............ and roaming upstairs and down before finding an island-full of refreshments in the sunny kitchen.

The "mysterious" ("Who IS she?") owner and benefactor was there, welcoming all of her guests, and explaining over and over again that "No!" she didn't have any particular connection to the old home, but that she just hated to see it become more and more dilapidated and fall into complete ruin. Her name is Bernice Benson and , besides having an eye for Greek Revival architecture and a generous heart, she is also an artist and accomplished watercolorist: no wonder the restoration has been so perfect!

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

The 1852 Map of Oneida County shows a structure in this approximate location owned by Delos Terry and, in 1874, the same building is that of "D.C. Terry." Mrs. Benson and the carpenters think that this home was built in the 1860s.

The property is for sale: details to come.

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

IN THE MAIL

From Sandy Harding ........

"The Oriskany Falls Mad Red Hatters had their November Meeting at the 1840'sInn. The Inn is located outside of Bouckville and is operated as a bed and breakfast. There were 11 members attending from the Oriskany Falls area. The luncheon was very nice and the owner gave us a tour of the Cobblestone Inn. As usual for Red Hatters, a good time was had by all."

From Tammy Graves .........

"It is final. Make Plans to Join us. ===================== Dairy Does D.C. in December

When: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 Where: Washington, D.C. Who: All Dairy Crisis Interested Parties

How: Reserve your bus seat. Buses departing on Dec. 1 from Utica, N.Y. (Bryan Gotham blcgotham@yahoo.com) and Hornell, N.Y. (Lisa Robinson robinsonfarms@zoominternet.net).

Everyone riding, driving or flying to D.C. will convene at Union Station in D.C. at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 to kick-off our Dairy Day. Can't travel? Visit your Congressman and Senators district offices during the week of Nov. 30. Use the priority issue messages summarized below. Want assistance making appointments? Contact Tammy Graves, gravesarborgraphics@yahoo.com/315-858-0163.

To learn more read below and/or join the next conference call Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 8:30 p.m. EST. # 1 (605) 715-4900 code 466980 "

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

Blogger's note: When I opened mail from Glen Carroll, very early yesterday morning, all I found was one picture -this very foggy view of a runway at the Hong Kong airport!

As daylight came to Waterville, I realized that a similar fogginess had settled over Whiskey Hollow! Surely, even iPhones can't do THAT!

I've just received this double batch of photographs from him:

"Finally got connected so I could send more pictures of downtown Shanghai."

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

From Hong Kong.

"Ever wonder what a 1.25 million dollar necklace would look like?"

"The old Imperial Govenor Headquarters"

"All this is made out of one tusk -- I know its not
politically correct but its still amazing."

"View of Hong Kong Harbor with fog rolling in over the mountains."

"More of the harbor"

"Christmas is a big holiday here even though a small
percentage are Christian!"

"Scaffolds in China are made of Bamboo... NOT of metal!"

" Look at all the people and actually my local
director said it wasn't busy... You could actually breath in the Subway
car... He said normally you could pick up your feet and the crowd would
hold you up."

" Shopping areas in the city.... Can't get much more
crowded than this.... More people live in one apartment building than
live in all of Waterville and the surrounding communities!"

*****

As always ---- thanks loads, Glen!

*********

FYI and YOUR CALENDAR

Here is a list of the WCS students
who will be participating in the

PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST

THURSDAY AT 7:00.

Prize Speaking List of Students and Pieces 2009

******

HUMOROUS

Bernadette Erlichman “Wrong Number” – John P.G. McKenzie

Allie Shore “Teachers Are Made See” - John P.G. McKenzie

Anthony Gannon “The Dentist” – Bill Cosby

Katy Graves “My Mom Is Trying To Ruin My Life” – Kate Feiffer

DRAMATIC

Katie Brown “The Yellow Wallpaper” – Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Joel Kahn “Place I’ve Never Been & Dis Poem” Louis Reyes Rivera
Muta Baruka

Avonlea Frye “The Fall of The House of Usher” - Edgar Allan Poe

Jesstina Allinger “Excerpt from The Phantom of the Opera” – Gaston Leroux

Megan Hayes “Excerpt from Twilight” - Stephenie Meyer

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

Have a great day!

(Click to enlarge.)

The Weather Underground's forecast indicates that the sky will be clear very late tonight and early tomorrow morning. If that's the case, I'll be out watching the Leonids - I can't promise a blog post, at least not 'til later than usual!

Catching Up; Getting Ahead and "Crazy Ladies"

2009-11-14T06:46:00.014-05:00

Thanks to Kristin Strohmeyer, photos taken during last night's performance of the "Crazy Ladies." She says that the play really is quite funny and that "the kids did a great job."

(Considering the color of the walls and the physical appearance of the "ladies," I think I'd fit right in, there!)

Back on Stage This Evening at 7:30!

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

46 degrees F. / 7.7 degrees C.

Drippy.

Car Wash Thursday

Car Wash Friday

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

From WKTV: "Expect generally cloudy skies Saturday with a few widely scattered showers. Highs in the low 50s.

This storm system leaves by Sunday, meaning more sunshine and a pleasant finish to the weekend. Highs on Sunday near 60 degrees!"

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

"Weather lore has been around since people needed to predict the weather and plan their activities. Sailors and farmers relied on it to navigate ships and plant crops.

In the Bible, (Matthew XVI: 2-3,) Jesus said, 'When in evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: For the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today; for the sky is red and lowering.'

In 'Venus and Adonis' Shakespeare wrote,

'Like a red morn that ever yet betokened,
Wreck to the seaman, tempest to the field,
Sorrow to the shepherds, woe unto the birds,
Gusts and foul flaws to herdmen and to herds.' "

(Please click!)

Sunset over Pleasant Valley

For more about the colors of the sky and weather, click here.

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

Barbara A. Hughes

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

In Yesterday's Mail: A note from Fr. Tom Servatius to let blog readers know that "the 50/50 raffle for (Saturday) is already up over $1000.00 with the prize winner to receive over $500.00. Since all proceeds benefit our Building Fund, wouldn't it be great to see the prize grow to over $1000.00 and our Building Fund share do the same?"

BAZAAR OPENS AT 9:00!

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

I received a 'phone call from "Mohawk Valley Living" to tell me that Yes: Sharry, Lance and Richard HAD been in Waterville on Wednesday, visiting places and talking with people (which is something that they do better than most!) but they ran out of daylight and, so, they'll be back again next Wednesday. Waterville will NOT be the featured destination of tomorrow morning's program.

NEXT WEEK'S CALENDAR

MONDAY

The Shooting Stars of the Leonids will put on their annual show from around 11:00 p.m. Monday night 'til 4:00 a.m. Tuesday morning! "Top Ten Leonid Meteor Shower Facts"

THURSDAY

Public Speaking Stars!

This annual contest was started by Dr. Selden H. Talcott. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1869, went on to Hamilton College and later practiced medicine in Waterville. The contest has been sponsored by the Waterville Rotary Club since 1964. Advisors for the program are Mr. Vincent Elacqua and Mr. Donald Brown II, Faculty members at Waterville High School.

I'll give you the names of this year's speakers and their oratorical selections on Monday.

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

And now, back to Shanghai with Glen Carroll!

"Shanghai is under permanent smog warning this week. Please take me home to upstate NY!!!! "

"These buildings are only 100 meters away!"

"They (bikes) are still a primary way to transport people and products. Every road has bike lanes. This is an improvement from 2 yrs ago. Then the bikes were mixed in with the traffic."

"Friday stuffed fish. Who wants the head????"

"Fried Ears. Don't ask whose!!!"

(Gee! I couldn't help Googling that: it must be pig's ears - very tasty (one remark said,) when served with Bernaise Sauce and a salad of fried Watercress. I'll just take the salad and the sauce, please!)

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FOR THE RECORD

Thursday

Friday evening.

Have a great day, everyone!

Just one picture, please?

2009-11-13T07:12:00.005-05:00

Blogspot is refusing to load JPGS, but there's one
that's pretty special,

so I'll just tell you that the sign at the CAR WASH says ........

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY

KATHY EISENHUT"

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More later, maybe!

Crisp and clear

2009-11-12T05:18:00.013-05:00

to

GARY AND ELLIE ALLEN!

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It's Recyclables Day!

26 degrees F. / -3.3 degrees C.

From WKTV: "Good morning Central New York! Dry weather over the next couple of days. Maybe some showers by Saturday.

A chilly start to the day, with widespread frost. Dry weather is expected this morning and this afternoon.

A large and expansive area of high pressure will park itself over the region thtoday and tomorrow, giving us dry, seasonable weather. High clouds will decorate the skies today, giving us milky skies and faded sun. Highs in the mid 50s. Generally clear tonight, with overnight lows near 30.

Staying high and dry Friday, with a bit more in the way of cloudiness. Highs in the upper 50s.

Heading into the weekend, the remnants of Ida will shift into the northeast. By the time it gets here, it will give us nothing more than a few showers Saturday. On Sunday, a cold front driving in from the northwest may give us a brief shower or sprinkle.

High pressure builds in again next week, with cooler but sunny weather Monday and Tuesday.

Weather Underground

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FOR THE WEEKEND

on Friday

to "Fisherman" Bob Mayne!

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******

(Click to enlarge!)

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SCOUTING FOR FOOD

starts at 8:00 A.M. Saturday.

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OPEN HOUSE

at "Town's End"

Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 - 4:00

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SUNDAY

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MEANWHILE.......... from the other side of the world!

"The Shortest Distance between Two Points........
Is NOT a straight line."

Glen writes: "Yes… I know that’s not what your math teacher says. But… to go to China you fly OVER the North Pole! What???? Yup… you don’t fly in a straight line, to do that would take over 20 hours! You take advantage of the curvature of the earth and jettison over the North Pole and cut 6 hours off the flight!

(It's called "The Great Circle Route!")

"Shanghai continues its explosive growth. Its been 18 mos since I was here last. Our offices were in the middle of an empty business park… they are now totally surrounded by buildings……

"I've been stuck inside the company van in the back all day so taking
photos has been impossible since the windows are tinted... .

Bikes are still the main means of transport. But these are not your typical Schwinn. They are old bikes from the 70’s but they all have small motors on them!

(Better the van than this!)

"I’ll be here till Saturday then up to Beijing for a day and then down to Hong Kong and home next Wednesday!"

"Here’s another interesting tidbit…. I leave Hong Kong at 1140 AM…. I arrive in Chicago at 1141 AM…. WHAT???? It’s a 1 minute flight????? Cool!!!!!"

Hey! It's a "Subway!"

I don't recognize the logo of this fast food shop, but the smiles are friendly and the food photo sure looks good!

Thanks, Glen!

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

From Doris Stephan: "The Waterville Book Discussion Group is meeting on Wednesday, Dec 2nd, at 12 noon in the meeting room at the Library. We are reading the House at Riverton by Kate Morton; a vivid picture of life and the changing class structure in England circa WW1. Bring your lunch, we'll serve coffee, tea and dessert."

LOOKING AHEAD

at the Kirkland Art Center

November 20 - December 9

Influenced by W. Ralph Murray - a juried show of student's works or those influenced by Ralph Murray as well as works of the late W. Ralph Murray.

Opening Reception Nov. 22
2 - 4

A special dedication and renaming of the lower studio to the W. Ralph Murray studio will take place at 4 pm.

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New York State Snowmobile Trails Interactive Map and Trip Planner

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Have a really great weekend, everyone!

VETERANS DAY Add-on

2009-11-11T07:48:00.002-05:00

TO

KAELEE CLEARY!

*********

TODAY IS VETERANS DAY

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

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Nancy Ayala will be ringing

Patriotic Music and Service Songs

on the Bells of the Masonic Temple

at about 5:40 this evening.

********

A Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. today at the Clinton Historical Society on Fountain Street. Members of veterans groups and the community are welcome. The event will honor the signing of the 1918 Armistice and will be followed by refreshments. Uniforms and equipment from 1775 to the current day will be displayed.

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THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

was established on

NOVEMBER 10, 1775

My thanks to Greg Stevens, San Diego, CA,
and WCS Class of 1990 for that!

(Please click the flag for Marine Corps History.)

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THE WATERVILLE TRAVELERS CLUB

116 years old and still going strong!

The group was formed on the 11th of November in 1893 by a group of young ladies eager to learn more about world events when actual travel abroad was so limited. This Arm-chair Travel group has explored not only countries of the world but made in depth studies of local history.

The first reference that I found to the organization in The Waterville Times was from Friday, July 1, 1898: "The ladies of the Travelers Club, together with a number of young men as invited guests, had a picnic at Rexford Falls, near Sherburne, on Saturday. The occasion was a very enjoyable one in spite of the heavy shower early in the afternoon."

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Speaking of traveling ...................

GLEN'S ON THE ROAD AGAIN,

AND HE'S TAKEN US TO CHINA!

"It is so odd to sit on a plane at 11 am on Tuesday and hear that is just become Wednesday. Poof - 12 hours of a day gone! Of course coming back I have a 36 hour day so I guess it works out. Sounds like a trick question on a Mr Perrin pop quiz doesn't it??? Shanghai is the opposite of Cairo with cars!!! All fairly new and not many of them."

Next stops: Beijing and Hong Kong!

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And now for the Weather in Waterville!

It's 30 degrees F. / -1 degree C.

WKTV's meteorologist predicts: "Sunny, seasonable weather over the next several days.

A large area of high pressure continues to build in from the west. A few lingering clouds will give way to nearly wall to wall sunshine as we head through the day. High temperatures in the low 50s. Cooling off quickly after sunset. Clear skies and chilly tonight, with overnight lows in the mid 20s.

High pressure will park itself over the region through Friday, giving us dry, seasonable weather. Highs both Thursday and Friday in the mid 50s.

Heading into the weekend, the remnants of Ida will shift into the northeast. By the time it gets here, it will give us nothing more than a few showers Saturday. On Sunday, a cold front driving in from the northwest may give us a brief shower or sprinkle.

High pressure builds in again next week, with cooler but sunny weather Monday and Tuesday."

The Weather Underground.
Click to enlarge.

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I received a 'phone call from an observant blog reader, yesterday morning, telling me that the ancient maple tree in front of the Swanberg Home was being cut down.

By the time I got there everything had been cleaned up, but the crew was removing what must have been a similarly old tree on Stafford Avenue N.

On my way from one spot to the next, I passed the side lawn of St. Bernard's Catholic Church where Nancy Eastman, supervised by one of her sons and two grandchildren, was setting up the Christmas crèche.

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Watch for the crew of "Mohawk Valley Living"

Host: Richard Enders, Videographer Lance Whitney and his wife, Sharry

in town, today!

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Also, check the new issue of the Pennysaver - reporter Lisa Kapps tells me that there's an article about "the Straw House" on Austin Road!

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It seems that everyone's schedules are becoming seasonally hectic!

I'll try to list all of the weekend events, tomorrow!

Have a great day, everyone!