METALS COLLECTION TODAY!
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Recyclable collection is tomorrow.
It's 35 degrees; overcast, but no precipitation.
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Recyclable collection is tomorrow.
It's 35 degrees; overcast, but no precipitation.
WKTV predicts that: "As we go into Wednesday, clouds will once again try to hang on. The low clouds over us should diminish, only to be replaced by high clouds ahead of our next weather maker. There will be a brief window around midday or mid-afternoon tomorrow where we could end up between cloud layers and see some sunshine. But we're not optimistic. Highs will be in the mid 40s at best.
Moisture will move in to our area out ahead of a storm system, passing to our west, on Wednesday night. As temperatures dip back into the upper 20s to low 30s tomorrow night, rain may move in before sunrise. This may lead to a brief period of freezing rain Thursday morning, primarily on hilltops in the Adirondacks, but potentially into Southern Oneida, southern Herkimer and Otsego Counties as well, areas that traditionally hold on to near or slightly below freezing temperatures in these scenarios."
Speaking of old farms, as we were yesterday - this property has been in the Brouillette Family for quite a long time, but there may still be some who refer to it as "The Melvin Place!"
Moisture will move in to our area out ahead of a storm system, passing to our west, on Wednesday night. As temperatures dip back into the upper 20s to low 30s tomorrow night, rain may move in before sunrise. This may lead to a brief period of freezing rain Thursday morning, primarily on hilltops in the Adirondacks, but potentially into Southern Oneida, southern Herkimer and Otsego Counties as well, areas that traditionally hold on to near or slightly below freezing temperatures in these scenarios."
Yesterday:
At the Gerhardt residence, on White Street.
Jack Ruane's Marine Corps banner is always on display!
I hope that there was a good turn-out at the Library, last evening! I understand that our Veterans had also been treated to a huge roast pork dinner at the Legion, a few nights ago!
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I hope that there was a good turn-out at the Library, last evening! I understand that our Veterans had also been treated to a huge roast pork dinner at the Legion, a few nights ago!
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Speaking of old farms, as we were yesterday - this property has been in the Brouillette Family for quite a long time, but there may still be some who refer to it as "The Melvin Place!"
- and speaking of "Brouillette:"
when Wayne's Albany Ladder shows up it usually means that something's about to happen!
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There may be some blog-readers who never even noticed this big metal door
high on the Opera House wall.
According to a tally by The Waterville Times -
if area voters had had their way, John McCain would be President!
*****
I know that quite a number of blog-readers are Pop Warner "Eagles" fans. Once again, John Savage has provided an excellent story: he apologizes because it's long; I think it's good!!
"The 2008 Waterville Eagles Junior Midgets completed a perfect 9–0 season including a Tri-Valley Division 3 Title, cruising through lopsided victories against Clinton, Ilion, Mohawk, Sauquoit, Westmoreland, Mt. Markham, Canastota and Frankfort (the Eagles beat Ilion and Frankfort in the Tri-Valley Championship Games). The Eagles Coaching Staff chose to enter the Empire State Classic (NYS) Pop Warner Tournament over the Regional Tournament and drew a first round home playoff game against the New City Rams of Rockland County on Sunday, November 9th at 2pm.
The game was potentially going to be delayed due to the Ram’s bus breaking down in transit with a flat tire. Fortunately the Rams quickly transferred to a replacement bus and pulled into Waterville just in time for their players to weigh in and suit up for the game.
Brothertown Field hosted three Empire State Classic play-offs on Sunday – the first two featuring area Junior Pee Wee teams. By the time the Waterville Eagles and New City Rams took the field for the opening kick-off a raucous crowd of Waterville supporters filled the bleachers and lined the fences anxiously awaiting the contest. Bob Bowie announced his last Pop Warner Game on Sunday and his familiar voice brought the crowd to their feet chanting “Are you ready for some Junior Midget Football!!”
The Rams won the coin toss for the opening kick-off and proceeded to methodically march down the field with their powerhouse running attack. For the first time all season the Eagles defense was helpless against a larger opponent. It didn’t take long for Eagle fans to become familiar with Ram tailback Johnson as his quick and elusive running talents generated an average of six or more yards per carry. In addition, the Rams defense focused on stopping the run with eight players in the box. The Rams shut down the Eagles offense and effectively quieted the large home town crowd at Brothertown Field and with 9:51 left in the second quarter the score was Rams 12, Eagles 0.
Down by 12, the Eagles shifted their offensive focus to the passing game. Eagle Quarterback Jordan Henderson was challenged all day by the Rams defensive front and had very little time to pass. After a heroic display of athletic ability Jordan rolled to his right and eluded several Ram defenders, planted his back foot and launched a missal of a pass that ended in a perfect completion to wide out Logan Belfield. At first it looked like Logan would be chased down by a Ram’s defensive back but then the lanky receiver showed his break out speed and dashed untouched into the end zone for an exhilarating 85 yard touchdown bomb. The remarkable play resurrected the subdued crowd and the Waterville fans were on their feet in approval.
The play proved to be a huge momentum changer as Waterville for the first time was able to stuff the Rams offensive run attack and quickly got the ball back. With 5:01 left in the second quarter full back Jared Henderson’s famous trap play fooled the aggressive Ram defense and he quickly scampered 49 yards into the end zone for the tying score. Waterville’s defense continued to frustrate the New City running attack and Jared Henderson added another score on fourth and one late in the second quarter with a 36 yard scamper into the end zone. The Waterville Fans erupted into a newly confident celebration as the Eagles appeared to have the game under control leading 18-12 going into half time.
On the two occasions when the Rams had to kick-off to the Eagles in the first half they had used an onsides kick strategy, one of which was successful. So it was no surprise that the Rams came out in the second half and executed a perfect on-sides kick. Unfortunately, the Eagles appeared to be caught off guard as they lined up in a regular kick-return formation and the Rams recovered. This would eventually end up being another huge momentum turner in the game as the Rams powerhouse running game was back in action. Their tailback Johnson drove down the field into the Eagle’s red zone until the Waterville defense finally stiffened and held them at fourth and goal form the five. Unfortunately disaster struck as the Eagles took over on offense and they fumbled the ball away on their second offensive play. The Rams punched the ball into the end zone on the next play and the Eagles players, coaches and fans stared in disbelief as the score was once again tied. The Rams made the extra point and took the lead, 19-18.
What took place next seemed like a re-run of the first quarter as the Rams run game took over, grinding up yards and burning much needed time off the clock. The Eagles and their coaching staff clearly had never been in such a desperate situation all season and the pressure seemed to consume them as they struggled with illegal procedure, illegal substitution, numerous defensive encroachment calls and too many men on the field. The Waterville crowd had once again been silenced when with only 2:51 left in the game the Rams punched in their third unanswered touchdown of the second half and successfully kicked the extra point to extend their lead to 34-18, a seemingly insurmountable 16 point deficit for our Eagles.
The Eagles never did give up however, and with just 30 ticks left on the clock quarterback Jordan Henderson miraculously avoided another sack and saw wide out Jacob Knutti headed for the end zone. Jordan launched a perfect pass but the Ram’s defensive back looked to have the ball in his grasps until Knutti displayed what may have the been the greatest grab of the season as he ripped the ball out of the defenders hands and fell into the end zone. The referee threw both hands high in the air and the Waterville sidelines exploded in approval. The Eagles converted the kick and cut the margin to 8 points at 34-26. But as they say – too little too late – and the game soon came to an end as Waterville’s attempt at an onsides kick was recovered by the Rams and they quickly took a knee as the clock ran down to zero.
Although the outcome was not what anyone had wished for we have to be amazed and ever so proud of our Junior Midgets. These young athletes have more than exceeded our expectations and almost pulled off arguably the biggest upset in Waterville Sports history. The New City Rams come from a class AAA school district which graduates over 600 kids per year. Not only that, but several Ram Coaches sported jackets which proudly displayed “New City Rams Jr. Midgets 2007 State Champs” so obviously they have been here before. But that should just reinforce for our kids and community what a magical season this was, and what a bright future this group has. And as these kids move up to Modified and Varsity football they need to know that they have our support and admiration. We should be committed to insuring that their pending migration from Eagles to Indians is a successful one and that this group stays close and committed to completing their legacy throughout high school, college and life. I know they all have touched my heart and blessed my soul with memories I will never forget. Thank you Eagles. Coach Savage.
Have a good day, everyone!
when Wayne's Albany Ladder shows up it usually means that something's about to happen!
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Here's a letter that I received from Gary Eckerson on Monday: " I have been reading with interest your story on the Wheeler Block. My family livied on the third floor of that building back in the mid 50's when there was a hardware store on the first floor (where the big windows are), owned, I think, by Frank Conroe. We lived on the 3rd floor and if you looked out our kitchen window, all you could see was bricks. If you went down stairs to the alley and looked up, you saw a walkway coming from where our kitchen would, be over to Ye Old American Hotel. It seems that when entertainment came to town, they stayed where our apt was and used to walk over when it was time to perform. That being said, I always wondered if that was true or if people were just having fun with a young kid. It sounded logical, but ya never know. If anyone has an answer, I would be courious to know!
There may be some blog-readers who never even noticed this big metal door
high on the Opera House wall.
This doorway was at the rear of the backstage area of the Opera House. It opened onto a covered passageway (12 or 13 feet long, according to an old description found in The Waterville Times) that led to the Old American Hotel. Not only were the performers housed in the hotel but many out-of-town theater-goers lodged there, as well, and the passageway was their foul weather route between buildings.
Gary mentioned that the view out the rear windows of the Wheeler block was of a brick wall - I think that's explained by the fact that the third story was added in the 1870's. In 1880, along came the new, three-story Opera House, blocking out what probably had been a grand view!
Between the two buildings there actually is a two- or three-foot space "wide enough," according to the late Hilda Barton, "for a man to roll a wheelbarrow."
(She also suggested - with a smile! - that the backstage passageway might have been used by gentlemen who were seen to both enter and leave the opera house but who had not really attended the performance there!)
FOR THE RECORDGary mentioned that the view out the rear windows of the Wheeler block was of a brick wall - I think that's explained by the fact that the third story was added in the 1870's. In 1880, along came the new, three-story Opera House, blocking out what probably had been a grand view!
Between the two buildings there actually is a two- or three-foot space "wide enough," according to the late Hilda Barton, "for a man to roll a wheelbarrow."
(She also suggested - with a smile! - that the backstage passageway might have been used by gentlemen who were seen to both enter and leave the opera house but who had not really attended the performance there!)
How many memories does this picture jog?
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In yesterday's mail, this comment from Terry and Stan Lopata:
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In yesterday's mail, this comment from Terry and Stan Lopata:
"We were pleased to see the note from Ron Bornick about Wednesday's MVAS [Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society] meeting with Dr. Jason Wright, about "extrasolar" planets orbiting other stars.
It's a terrific opportunity for area high school students who are interested in science and astronomy to hear from an expert in the field. Programs are usually completed by 9:00, so it should be early enough even for junior high students on a school night. MVAS meetings are always open to the public."
Yesterday was a thoroughly, miserably cold, wet day, and there was no activity in the Park.
It's a terrific opportunity for area high school students who are interested in science and astronomy to hear from an expert in the field. Programs are usually completed by 9:00, so it should be early enough even for junior high students on a school night. MVAS meetings are always open to the public."
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Yesterday was a thoroughly, miserably cold, wet day, and there was no activity in the Park.
Dale Meszler, a member of the Memorial Bandstand Committee, told me that he and general contractor Mike Tower had been discussing the weather and its effect on the project and that the wisest thing to do, now, might be to wait until Springtime to continue construction. They're the experts!
*************
According to a tally by The Waterville Times -
if area voters had had their way, John McCain would be President!
*****
I know that quite a number of blog-readers are Pop Warner "Eagles" fans. Once again, John Savage has provided an excellent story: he apologizes because it's long; I think it's good!!
"The 2008 Waterville Eagles Junior Midgets completed a perfect 9–0 season including a Tri-Valley Division 3 Title, cruising through lopsided victories against Clinton, Ilion, Mohawk, Sauquoit, Westmoreland, Mt. Markham, Canastota and Frankfort (the Eagles beat Ilion and Frankfort in the Tri-Valley Championship Games). The Eagles Coaching Staff chose to enter the Empire State Classic (NYS) Pop Warner Tournament over the Regional Tournament and drew a first round home playoff game against the New City Rams of Rockland County on Sunday, November 9th at 2pm.
The game was potentially going to be delayed due to the Ram’s bus breaking down in transit with a flat tire. Fortunately the Rams quickly transferred to a replacement bus and pulled into Waterville just in time for their players to weigh in and suit up for the game.
Brothertown Field hosted three Empire State Classic play-offs on Sunday – the first two featuring area Junior Pee Wee teams. By the time the Waterville Eagles and New City Rams took the field for the opening kick-off a raucous crowd of Waterville supporters filled the bleachers and lined the fences anxiously awaiting the contest. Bob Bowie announced his last Pop Warner Game on Sunday and his familiar voice brought the crowd to their feet chanting “Are you ready for some Junior Midget Football!!”
The Rams won the coin toss for the opening kick-off and proceeded to methodically march down the field with their powerhouse running attack. For the first time all season the Eagles defense was helpless against a larger opponent. It didn’t take long for Eagle fans to become familiar with Ram tailback Johnson as his quick and elusive running talents generated an average of six or more yards per carry. In addition, the Rams defense focused on stopping the run with eight players in the box. The Rams shut down the Eagles offense and effectively quieted the large home town crowd at Brothertown Field and with 9:51 left in the second quarter the score was Rams 12, Eagles 0.
Down by 12, the Eagles shifted their offensive focus to the passing game. Eagle Quarterback Jordan Henderson was challenged all day by the Rams defensive front and had very little time to pass. After a heroic display of athletic ability Jordan rolled to his right and eluded several Ram defenders, planted his back foot and launched a missal of a pass that ended in a perfect completion to wide out Logan Belfield. At first it looked like Logan would be chased down by a Ram’s defensive back but then the lanky receiver showed his break out speed and dashed untouched into the end zone for an exhilarating 85 yard touchdown bomb. The remarkable play resurrected the subdued crowd and the Waterville fans were on their feet in approval.
The play proved to be a huge momentum changer as Waterville for the first time was able to stuff the Rams offensive run attack and quickly got the ball back. With 5:01 left in the second quarter full back Jared Henderson’s famous trap play fooled the aggressive Ram defense and he quickly scampered 49 yards into the end zone for the tying score. Waterville’s defense continued to frustrate the New City running attack and Jared Henderson added another score on fourth and one late in the second quarter with a 36 yard scamper into the end zone. The Waterville Fans erupted into a newly confident celebration as the Eagles appeared to have the game under control leading 18-12 going into half time.
On the two occasions when the Rams had to kick-off to the Eagles in the first half they had used an onsides kick strategy, one of which was successful. So it was no surprise that the Rams came out in the second half and executed a perfect on-sides kick. Unfortunately, the Eagles appeared to be caught off guard as they lined up in a regular kick-return formation and the Rams recovered. This would eventually end up being another huge momentum turner in the game as the Rams powerhouse running game was back in action. Their tailback Johnson drove down the field into the Eagle’s red zone until the Waterville defense finally stiffened and held them at fourth and goal form the five. Unfortunately disaster struck as the Eagles took over on offense and they fumbled the ball away on their second offensive play. The Rams punched the ball into the end zone on the next play and the Eagles players, coaches and fans stared in disbelief as the score was once again tied. The Rams made the extra point and took the lead, 19-18.
What took place next seemed like a re-run of the first quarter as the Rams run game took over, grinding up yards and burning much needed time off the clock. The Eagles and their coaching staff clearly had never been in such a desperate situation all season and the pressure seemed to consume them as they struggled with illegal procedure, illegal substitution, numerous defensive encroachment calls and too many men on the field. The Waterville crowd had once again been silenced when with only 2:51 left in the game the Rams punched in their third unanswered touchdown of the second half and successfully kicked the extra point to extend their lead to 34-18, a seemingly insurmountable 16 point deficit for our Eagles.
The Eagles never did give up however, and with just 30 ticks left on the clock quarterback Jordan Henderson miraculously avoided another sack and saw wide out Jacob Knutti headed for the end zone. Jordan launched a perfect pass but the Ram’s defensive back looked to have the ball in his grasps until Knutti displayed what may have the been the greatest grab of the season as he ripped the ball out of the defenders hands and fell into the end zone. The referee threw both hands high in the air and the Waterville sidelines exploded in approval. The Eagles converted the kick and cut the margin to 8 points at 34-26. But as they say – too little too late – and the game soon came to an end as Waterville’s attempt at an onsides kick was recovered by the Rams and they quickly took a knee as the clock ran down to zero.
Although the outcome was not what anyone had wished for we have to be amazed and ever so proud of our Junior Midgets. These young athletes have more than exceeded our expectations and almost pulled off arguably the biggest upset in Waterville Sports history. The New City Rams come from a class AAA school district which graduates over 600 kids per year. Not only that, but several Ram Coaches sported jackets which proudly displayed “New City Rams Jr. Midgets 2007 State Champs” so obviously they have been here before. But that should just reinforce for our kids and community what a magical season this was, and what a bright future this group has. And as these kids move up to Modified and Varsity football they need to know that they have our support and admiration. We should be committed to insuring that their pending migration from Eagles to Indians is a successful one and that this group stays close and committed to completing their legacy throughout high school, college and life. I know they all have touched my heart and blessed my soul with memories I will never forget. Thank you Eagles. Coach Savage.
Thanks, John!
Have a good day, everyone!
