Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Melty! Smells like Spring!




KEVIN BANCROFT

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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."

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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!

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AT THE LIBRARY

Free Movie at 6:00!


"Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer"

and on Thursday, "Santa Buddies."

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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!







Monday, December 14, 2009

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








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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."



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


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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)


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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!)
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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...?






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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!


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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!



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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!



Friday, December 11, 2009

Mid-morning add-on






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

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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


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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.


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Out in the Country .......



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WINTERTIME HAPPENINGS!

SATURDAY

The Waterville United Methodist Church

Annual Christmas cookie Sale

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


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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.


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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.


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"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.

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


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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!)


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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.

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

***

Have a great weekend, everybody!









Thursday, December 10, 2009

LOST JACK RUSSELL TERRIER, GORTON LAKE







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




FR. TOM SERVATIUS


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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



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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!


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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.


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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.


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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.

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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.



Wednesday, December 9, 2009

MPS CONCERT RESCHEDULED!




Special: from Mr. St. Peter!


The MPS Winter Concert

has been rescheduled for

Thursday, December 10th

at 6:30 in the High School auditorium!


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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





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?


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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."



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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.

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



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


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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!


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

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