At Home in the Huddle 2008

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T06:31:00.004-05:00

Welcome to 2009

Please click on this image of the new 2009 Blog Header.

You'll be taken to a new web address.

Save THAT as a new "favorite!"

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Goodbye, 2008! (add-on)

2008-12-31T05:28:00.010-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!

It's also 21 degrees, snowing and blowing and - therefore - perhaps not a very good day to put your recyclables out if they're in a container that will either blow back onto your property or be buried by a snowplow only to be found in the Spring!!

The snow on my front porch - which was about 8" deep at 5:30 this morning, has now reached the 1' mark!

This is one morning when "the Sidewalk Plow" earns the name:

"The Intrepid!"

9:13 - Gil Condon just sent me an Email identifying the sliding hill behind Memorial Park School as "Wilburs' Hill." (Thanks, Gil!)

WKTV's forecast as of last night. "Snow will be heavy at times, especially south of the Thruway late tonight and tomorrow morning. Lake effect snow will develop in the wake of this system, but with winds a little further northwest than what we saw today, it should not be too heavy in our area. Here's our snowfall forecast through tomorrow (Wednesday) evening:

"In addition to snow, cold weather will become a major headline for New Year's Eve. Temperatures will peak around 20 degrees tomorrow morning, then fall through the teens during the afternoon. For the celebrations, expect temperatures to drop back into the single digits to below zero everywhere with at least a 5-10 mph wind as well, making it feel more like -5 to -15 degrees. Those with plans in the Syracuse area may see some locally heavy snow out that way tomorrow night, while much of Utica-Rome and areas east may even see clear skies for a time."

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Winter in the Country!

"Lake Hanover" is a slushy mess!

*********

We're ready!

A bright flag warns snowplow drivers of an easily-buried mailbox on Route 12 south of the village.

Dick Martin

was out clearing the sidewalk next to Route 12, yesterday afternoon.

On Putnam Street, this snow-shoveler seemed to be enjoying the "sport!"

How many of you remember sliding on this hillside behind the Memorial Park Elementary School?

Thirty years ago it was completely bare and was a magnet for children with sleds and "tubs" and skis!

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

I noticed that the Magi and their camels had arrived at their destination on the side lawn of the St Bernard's rectory some time during the past week.

********

Two years ago today.

There were even dandelions, here and there, in sunny spots!

One year ago.

(That's just what my porch railing looks like this morning.)

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And now it's New Year's Eve, again.

It's a tradition.

Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns

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

Chorus:

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

( ...and if you want to keep singing.........)
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl't in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin 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!

And surely ye'll be your pint' stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

Translation:

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And days of long ago !

Chorus:

For old long ago, my dear
For old long ago,
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago.

We two have run about the hillsides
And pulled the daisies fine,
But we have wandered many a weary foot
For old long ago.

We two have paddled (waded) in the stream
From noon until dinner time,
But seas between us broad have roared
Since old long ago.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend,
And give us a hand of yours,
And we will take a goodwill draught (of ale)
For old long ago!

And surely you will pay for your pint,
And surely I will pay for mine!
And we will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago!

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

Coming tomorrow -

a new link to a new year!

Have a great day, everyone!

Tuesday

2008-12-30T06:51:00.008-05:00

LOOKING HEAD

***********

Yesterday was another "Spring" day: more ice melted at "Lake Hanover" ....

........... the pond on Sally Road was full ............

.......... villagers enjoyed the sunshine ........

......... and I almost expected to see Fr. Tom out on the front porch of the St. Bernard's rectory planning his garden display!

The new windmills at Spring Farm Cares, north of Paris, were whirling ......

......... Main Street certainly looked different that it had a week ago ....

........... and what snow was left was really grungy!

BUT THIS MORNING .....

It's 26 degrees.
We have about 3" of new snow and it's still snowing.

We're in a narrow but concentrated band of "lake effect" snow, shown very clearly HERE.

WKTV's forecast: "Wind Advisories have been posted for most of the region. Winds should subside later Tuesday afternoon. Some sunshine is also possible Tuesday, with temperatures in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees.
A new storm system, a clipper, will move into CNY on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. This one looks a bit more potent, and it also appears to be tracking further south. Moderate snowfall accumulation will be possible with this, especially south of Route 365 after Midnight Tuesday night. This storm will usher in quite a change. Temperatures should drop a bit Wednesday afternoon and evening, through the 20s and into the teens. Snow showers will continue through the afternoon, and begin to become more isolated for New Year's Eve night. The celebrations should go off without much of a hitch, but do bundle up as cold, windy conditions are expected. In fact, New Year's Day may not see high temperatures get out of the low to mid teens."

(Blame me: I left my car out!)

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

Drive Safely and Have a Great Day!

Forewarned is forearmed!

More snow pictures tomorrow!

Monday

2008-12-29T05:26:00.010-05:00

It's Garbage Day!!
31.6 degrees and overcast

From WKTV: "High pressure builds in on Monday with partly to mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will be cooler, but still above average, with highs near 40. Winter returns into the region by Monday night, as a weak clipper system flies by spreading a light snowfall to the region. Another break on Tuesday, followed by yet another fast moving clipper system. This one will be a bit stronger , bringing more snow and colder temperatures Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Lake effect may develop west of the viewing area during Wednesday afternoon. Another break on New Years and Friday, before another storm moves in closer to the weekend."

A week ago today snowbanks were high and it was COLD! For the past two days, however, it's been nearly Springlike in Waterville:

Joggers, runners, walkers, cyclists all took to the pavement ..........

....... lawns throughout the village are nearly bare ...........

.......... the view at Hanover has changed, again .............

............ and, on Fuess-Cleary Road, it looks as if Don has been out mowing!

"Lake Hanover" has overflowed .......

........ the Sangerfield River is 'way out of its banks next to the Loomis Road bridge .......

.......... and the waterfall on Gridley Paige Road roars nearly as loudly as Big Creek!

This early "January Thaw" has been welcomed by nearly everyone except for snowmobilers. They'll find it tough sledding around here for a few days!

(Webcams at Old Forge and Barnes Corners might lead them northward and, if you're a skiier or snowboarder, click here for plenty of choices - even as nearby as Woods Valley, north of Rome!)

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

Although most of the snow around Waterville just sort-of disappears, that doesn't automatically happen along Main Street. The Village DPW, with cooperation from the Townships, removed truckload after truckload of snow from snowbanks along roadways and in parkinglots! (Thank You!)

Also: a great many people have commented on how nice it has been to have the Victorian Lamposts along Main Street lighted during the day!

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IN THE MAIL

One morning when it was bitterly cold in Waterville, Dave Desany wrote from Florida, saying,

"After enjoying 80 and sunny yesterday (I had to put on some sun screen, while I was out riding my Harley!!), the folks in Central Florida (I am in Lake Mary, 15 miles north of Orlando) are having to endure a cold front of our own. It is projected to only get to 56 today (and sunny). I thought I would send along a photo I took this morning from my front door. You can see my lawn and palm tree are starting to look a little brown from the lack of rain!"

He did get a "thank you for writing" from me, but no a great amount of sympathy!

One of the many Christmas Greetings that came by Email was a nice letter and this fabulous Sunset sent by Joan Olsson -- do you remember her? She lived at Gorton Lake and, back in the late '70s, had a carpentry shop in the old Candee Block on Main Street. She's lived in Questa, New Mexico, for several years, but always remembers Waterville and hot chocolate visits in "the Hollow." (Thanks, Jona!)

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

From Sharon Smith, this poster from SouthGate Ministries ......

From Becky Maggio -

The Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion
Clifford J. Fulmer Post 92
has a new website!

**********

and from Mark Masca:

"I am so proud of what I, without even realizing it, did for a school in Jamaica. Please visit my blog and read up about this.

Wow. talk about a Christmas Present for me. I am just speechless."

That IS great, Mark! Bravo!

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FOR THE RECORD

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Wednesday

2008-12-24T07:01:00.006-05:00

It's the Day Before Christmas

25.2 degrees and snowing.

By the amount of traffic on Route 315, I'd guess that it's also blowing, "up in the world."

WKTV predicts that: "Travel across Upstate New York and into Pennsylvania will be a bit tricky through about 9 AM. As the rain moves in through NY, travel will rapidly improve by early afternoon and getting to and from events or parties Christmas Eve should be relatively trouble free. Winds will become quite gusty after dark. Also, rain may be heavy at times for a couple hours after dark as well, but ice and snow should not be an issue.
Rain may end as a little snow, especially north and west after Midnight. For Christmas Day, that system will pull away, leaving brisk, cooler conditions in the region. A few snow showers are possible, but travel problems won't be an issue. Highs will be in the mid 30s. Friday will be a day of transition, with increasing clouds through the day.

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

I'm late posting, this morning, because:

I had heaps of personal Email, and;

I've been searching (in my computer) for files of Christmas Card images that I posted two years ago and that more than a few blog-readers asked me to post again.

I made my first "home made" Christmas card in 1970 - a very limited edition of linoleum block prints - mostly for the members of the Centennial Committee. The next year, the design was more fun, real copying machines were coming into use and we sent three or four dozen "originals." Every year, the list has grown.

I've missed only one year: I don't remember when that was, but I know that I got alot of complaints because I sent everyone a "store bought" greeting!

I havn't really kept a collection, so to speak, and I probably don't even remember half of them. These, however, live in my computer.

In Winter Woods
Watercolor & colored pencil

Christmas Hops
Dry-brush Watercolor

Christmas on Main Street

2001, after 9-11
Watercolor and colored pencil

Welcome

(I'd discovered digital photography and Photoshop!)

Einstein on Miracles.

"There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though everything is a miracle;
The other is as though nothing is a miracle."

Christmas Cupboard
Oil on canvas; 30" x 40"

Last year.

********

A few months ago I decided that I’d do a “Christmas Letter” this year because, after a couple of really tough years, I wanted to thank my family and super friends for putting Sunshine back in my life! But then I thought - “why not do a picture letter, instead?” And so ----

- with special thanks to Allison and Rick and Iain and the Beldans; to Dale, Mabel and Lois and everyone who helped to make the Ground-breaking for the Memorial Bandstand happen; to the hummingbird and wren families who spent their summer with me and photographer Jody Hildreth who shared his talents with so many and to all of you who have “hit” the blog nearly 137,000 times in the past eleven months and you who share your smiles and Email cheer with me each day .............

Thank You!

and I know what next year's card will be:

THE MEMORIAL BANDSTAND!

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!

Tuesday

2008-12-23T06:04:00.017-05:00

It's 14.7 degrees and overcast.

According to WKTV: "Sun and clouds will be with us Tuesday, but clouds will thicken up later in the afternoon. Temperatures should be a touch more tolerable, and in the upper teens to mid 20s. Those new clouds are in response to a storm system approaching from the south and west. That will spread snow into the region after Midnight Tuesday night.
Christmas Eve Weather
Snow will continue for a bit before changing over to sleet and freezing rain in the Mohawk Valley and south by 2-3 AM. By 5 AM, snow will have changed to sleet and freezing rain everywhere except the Adirondacks. By 10 AM, everyone south of the Thruway will have changed over to plain rain, with temperatures warming about freezing. By Noon, everyone except maybe the Adirondacks will have changed over to plain rain, and even the Adirondacks will change in the afternoon. Rain will continue into Christmas Eve night, but travel problems will be very minimal. Snow amounts will average 1-3" in most spots, with perhaps up to 5-6" in the Adirondacks. Ice accumulation will be under a quarter inch in all areas.
For Christmas Day, that system will pull away, leaving brisk, cooler conditions in the region. A few snow showers are possible, but travel problems won't be an issue. Highs will be in the mid 30s. Friday will be a day of transition, with just a slight chance of some rain showers, light snow or light freezing rain Friday evening."

GREAT NEWS!

I received a short - but oh, so sweet - Email from Paul Staskowski, yesterday afternoon, that read:

"Lynne just posted – Dave’s been released and they’ll all be home for Christmas!!!!!

(And what a wonderful present that will be!)

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The Brothertown Music Boosters

"Everything Disney Basket" raffle
was won by six-year-old

KYLE YADDOW
of Madison

who, according to Kim Kampf - Boosters member and owner of the "Totally-U Salon" -

was delighted with his win and generously "offered to let his sister have any girlish

things in the basket that he didn't want!"

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

The "snow birds" like these wintery pictures of Main Street!

But they probably don't miss the sort of cold that we had, yesterday! Customers in the CVS parkinglot fought a wind so strong that it seemed to be coming directly from The North Pole!

*********

Snowbanks had grown by several feet, over night .......

........ and the DPW spent much of the day cleaning out sidewalks, clearing around fire hydrants .........

............... and dumping snow from the W. Main Street roadside over the railing into Big Creek!

Snow devils whirled in a field next to Sally Road.

This snowmobile trail, leading towards "Mayer's Woods" from Osborn Avenue, was well-traveled ..............

............. but this scene, next to the Fire Department Parkinglot, was lacking something:

there were no little boys playing "King of the Mountain!"

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Christmas Doorway on Elmwood.

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Christmas Lights and bells .............

........... high in the tower of the Masonic Temple on Sanger Avenue.

Nancy Ayala, above, who was introduced to the authentic 1889 nine-bell Meneely "chime" two years ago, has faithfully climbed to the ancient console, below the bells, on Sundays and other special occasions.

Unless the wind is blowing so hard as to disperse the sound imediately, she plans on playing Christmas music this evening - Tuesday - at around 5:00 P.M.

Wednesday evening at the same time.

and on Christmas Morning around 9:30 or 10:00.

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Not every day is super-cold, and just as soon as it warms up the roads will be serving us a very salty sand stew!

Keep someone's car happy

and you'll be happy, too!

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Have a Great Day, everyone!

Monday

2008-12-22T05:44:00.012-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

8.8 degrees with faint moonlight.

WKTV predicts that: "Cold air will slowly retreat Tuesday, with temperatures warming into the mid 20s. Only the outside threat of snow showers remains, mainly north.

The next storm is likely not going to look anything at all like the last two. It will arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday. It may start out as a brief period of snow and sleet, but quickly change over to plain rain. Temperatures will likely climb well above freezing, melting some of our snowpack. With the deep snowpack across the region, the current thinking is that this storm will only chew away a fraction of the snow out there. Snow showers are expected on Christmas Day.
Another storm may impact us Friday-Saturday, again with a mix."

YESTERDAY

Plenty of Foodking customers paused at the The Brothertown Music Boosters Bake Sale tables, picking out goodies to take home with them or buying raffle tickets for the Everything Disney Basket. The drawing was to take place around noon: perhaps someone will let me know who the winner was!

We had had another few inches of snow, on Saturday night, and it certainly felt like Winter. There was just a tiny patch of open water on the Grant Hill Pond attracting a conglomeration of Canada Geese and ducks.

At the Park, one of the very few remaining Christmas trees was being taken to a new home......

......... and, near Deansboro, the Frost family's front yard is completely filled with Christmas!

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This group of photographs, taken on the First Day of Winter, is presented especially for the amusement of our "snow birds!"

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Snowblowers make cleanup easy ............

........... but even this snow shoveler - in front of his new home on Sangerhill Road - was grinning, despite the daunting length of his driveway ............

............ and, on Madison Street, Joe Nolan actually looked as if he were having fun!

At Nice 'n Easy, in Sangerfield, some snomobilers were headed North ...........

............. and others just pulled in off local trails to gas up, delighting in the double treat of new snow and ............

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Whatever you do,

Drive Safely,

Shovel sensibly,

Stay Warm

and Have a Great Day!

In his 1856 Journal, Henry David Thoreau wrote, "How full of the creative genius is the air in which these are generated! I should hardly admire more if real stars fell and lodged on my coat."

If you have a bit of extra time,
click HERE
to see many more beautiful photographs
and learn all about SNOW!

Friday afternoon

2008-12-19T16:17:00.006-05:00

It began snowing around 11:00, this morning, and has kept it up, ever since. HOWEVER - I just went out and measured snow on my front porch (where there's no roof and not much wind) and this is what I found:

It must be a great deal worse "up" in the world (as opposed to down here in Whiskey Hollow) because, according to the Statewide Travel Advisory site, both Route 12 and 8 are closed.

More later, if there's anything unusual.

In the meantime --- it's just Winter in Waterville!

Friday morning

2008-12-19T05:56:00.006-05:00

6:22 A.M.

WATERVILLE SCHOOLS

CLOSED

Here is the link to WIBX School Closings and Cancellations.

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It's 23.2 degrees and overcast, right now,

but things will change:

WKTV predicts that: "The second in our series of storms that started Wednesday will impact us today.

Storm #2

Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for all of Central New York. Snow will arrive between 9 and 11 AM in most of CNY, and it will come to an end between 7 and 10 PM. The worst of the storm will occur between Noon and 4 PM, with snowfall rates of 1-2" per hour possible. This will make driving conditions quickly change from slippery to downright dangerous. Travel this evening should be very difficult across the region. There could even be a rumble of thunder. When all is said and done, this is our current snowfall forecast:

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Lights in the sky?

I drove through the village, last night, knowing that it was the night for Garden Club Judging, and wondering how they - the judges - were ever going to be able to decide! Some homes or areas along the streets were so bright I thought that surely had the passengers on a plane en route from Buffalo to Boston looked down, they would have wondered what large metropolis they were flying over!

Even large trees are decorated, here and there: these are at the Reynolds home at the corner of White and Doolittle...............

............. then there are the small, doorway touches: this one is at the Olmsteads on Sanger Avenue ...........

............ and this on Putnam Street.

To be continued, later in the day!

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FOR THE RECORD

DRIVE SAFELY,

SHOVEL SENSIBLY

and Have a Great Weekend.

Thursday

2008-12-18T05:38:00.007-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

28.4 degrees and overcast.

WKTV predicts that "(Thursday) will be the calm before the storm with a mix of sun and clouds. Highs will be 30-35. Clouds will increase throughout the late afternoon and evening ahead of our next storm system. Storm number two looks to arrive Friday morning and continue throughout the day. The latest indications from our computer models show cold air locked into the region, creating an all snow event. The exact tracking of this system is still up in the air, either way, the chance exists for another potentially significant winter snowfall event. Any traveling on Friday may become treacherous, so plan ahead."

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Yesterday morning's snow was "crunchy" - a little of this; a little of that.

Paul Holic was letting his Cub Cadet do the work ..............

.......... but Erwin Browne, on East Bacon Street, along with Mrs. Mizener, tackled the job the old-fashioned way.

Incidentally - Mr. Browne told me that "Brownie" is finally back home after spending three and a half months in the hospital following a September 5th fall!

*******

There's Good News from Boston, too:

Dave and Lynne are living in Neely house - apartments connected to the hospital - and Dave has upgraded from hospital gowns to "sweats!" He watches the video of the benefit concert a lot and, as always, thanks everyone for their support!!

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Later on, Santa and his reindeer practiced "touch and go" landings at the Wrights' on White Street.

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Christmas decorations around Waterville are generally quite subdued compared to those that appear in pictures taken by Mark Masca, in Florida .........

............. although this computerized display, on Putnam Street, is growing every day!

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At "Totally-U" on Main Street

The "Everything Disney" RAFFLE PRIZE

Tentative Trip Dates:
Leave: July 24, 2009 - 7:00pm

Arrive Home: July 30, 2009 11:30pm

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In re: Fuel Oil Companies in Waterville in the 1950s or 60s -----

Rich Lewis wrote:

"I’m 99% sure neither my father Dick Lewis or my grandfather P.N. were ever in the oil business. Before the car and farm machinery business they owed a feed and Lumber business across the street. I remember the GLF or Agway up the street delivering fuel oil and also Cherry Valley Oil. The building pictured was one that they used to store cabbage and hops for shipment by rail to the metro markets. In the 1920’s P.N. was a cabbage broker and my father told me that he use to go to the warehouse on Saturday’s in the winter and peel the dead leaves off the heads of cabbage and put in burlap bags to be shipped."

Yesterday I asked Gil Condon: "And didn't Earl Altmire marry Margaret Greene, referred to a few days ago as running a candy store on East Main Street next to Alsheimer's "Modern Electric?"

- and he wrote: "Yes I think so,,,(,marry Margret )......her sis was Betsey and they had the News Stand between the bank and the Ye Old American hotel, mid-late 40s. We called it Betseys .One day in front of her place, some kids picked up a tiny new car , a Crosley , and placed it on the sidewalk....Bad Boys"

From Gary Eckerson: "Yes, Margaret married Earl and they lived in the Hollow. That is when she worked with my mother at the C & U telephone Co. They worked in the office in Waterville where The Woodman/Getman law offices are. The Office moved to Hamilton in 63 or 64. And, yes, do I remember Earl with that huge chew. Also, didn't Ed Carter's Jewelry store occupy the right half of Modern Electric before moving to the end of the block?"

I'd also asked Don Hazard what "GLF" stood for: he replied --- "Grange League Federation...A farm cooperative formed by farmers about 100 years ago doing business in NY, Pa and NJ. In 1964 Agway was formed by a merger with the PA Farm Bureau. In 1965 Eastern States, a farm coop. joined the Cooperative."

(Thank you!)

O.K.: Now here's a Big Question!

It's one that I asked Dick Woodman, who came here as a young lawyer in the early 1940s, and his answer was:

"Well, now you're accepted!"

What's YOUR answer to:

"What has been the greatest change in Waterville (in your lifetime or in the years that you've lived here) and what do you think caused it?"

This is one instance where blogs like this are perfect tools for public historians!

**********

HAPPENING TODAY

"Tea" at Michael's for Waterville Times Correspondents.

******

Holiday Movie Night at the Waterville Public Library
6pm | Free
Come watch "Christmas with the Cranks"
starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.

*****

Gathering for Adult Volunteers for "Hello Dolly!"
at 7:00
in the WCS Choral Room.

****

Waterville Rotary Club
Christmas Caroling at Hardings at 7:00.

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The night time scene is now available at Merri-Rose Florist on West Main Street.

11" x 17" glossy card-stock. $12.

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a Great Day!

Wednesday

2008-12-17T06:26:00.008-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!

It's 25.5 degrees.

There appears to have been only an inch or two of new accumulation overnight, but it's arranged in a parfait of snow, sleet, rain and some more snow!

Some schools are closed or on one- or two-hour delays, but Waterville is NOT on the list.

There is a Winter Weather Advisory

"A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON.

A MIX OF SNOW... SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK INCLUDING THE FINGER LAKES... MOHAWK VALLEY AND SOUTHERN TUG HILL PLATEAU THIS MORNING. MOST LOCATIONS ALONG AND NORTH OF THE NEW YORK THRUWAY WILL MAINLY SEE SNOW... ALTHOUGH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL MIX IN AT TIMES THIS MORNING. THE WINTERY MIX WILL TAPER TO PATCHY DRIZZLE BY LATE MORNING.

BY LATE MORNING WEDNESDAY... TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE MORNING HOURS... BEFORE TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE FREEZING.

***********

Out and Around, Yesterday

I stopped on White Street to see how Kevin Nasypany's lighting project had turned out:

both front and side porches look great!

There are classic colors at the Ashforths' on East Bacon Street .....

.......... and an elegant entryway at the Plourde residence on Tower Street.

Out at Jack Prior's place - a Gingerbread House and Family!

An Annual Favorite: the super-sized mural at Nancy Eastman's about a mile south of Deansboro on Route 12B.

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

Behind the Scenes

Donald Brown II, Dale Meszler and Vocal Music Director Jessica Daniluk talk set design at a meeting on Tuesday evening.

Three months from now the curtains in the WCS High school auditorium will open on "Hello Dolly!" and the audience will applaud - they always do! - but many will be applauding for what they see, right then, and what they hear, without giving much thought at all to what's been going on behind the scenes for nearly four months!

The cast has been announced; lines are being learned and now comes the technical part of the production --- the set design and construction and the dozens of specific lighting effects to be planned. I'm going to be following this process, NOT because the musical needs the publicity, but because there will be a great many people who will spend scores of hours but are never seen or heard on the stage (and sometimes never mentioned in the program or in press reviews!) who deserve our appreciation!

Will you be one of them?

There will be an

adult volunteer meeting

in the High School Vocal Music Room

Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.

for any members of the community who would be interested in helping with the High School spring musical.

********

Jill Getman is doing a grand job keeping me updated on Library happenings:

"Monday was the drawing for our Ralph Murray Painting Raffle, and our winner was Debbie Jeff. She was quite lucky, happy, and surprised to win again this year (although the sheer number of tickets that she bought might have done it)! The library would like to congratulate her, and thank all of the people who bought tickets.

We also have our holiday movies this week. Thursday @ 6pm is "Christmas with the Cranks." And of course, they're free!

********

Paul Fleischmann and his wife both have good memories - here's what they wrote in answer to yesterday's History Mystery:

"Jan's memory of an oil delivery company in Waterville back in the 50's to early 60's could have been P. N. Lewis Co. on Conger Ave. Lewis's had car sales, hardware items, and, we think, oil.
The other oil delivery company was Hazelden's 'Cherry Valley Oil', but that was on Route 20 and Osborne Ave."

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

In my morning mail, from Don Hazard:

"More on the oil dealers...When I started driving a oil truck for GLF ( later Agway ) down below your house in 1955 I don't recall PN Lewis( Dick ) being in that business at that time. Al Hazelton's Cherry Valley oil was the only competition we had. "

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

Also, these reminiscences from Gil Condon, entitled "Two Cents Worth:"

"Nice picture of the snow scene on Cleary Fuess Rd.......Bro Bern and meself used to work for EJ Manion , haying on the big field on the left , never any cold water to drink ...... we found a neat little springs down in that gully ....... I wouldn't trust the water quality today..... another cent....I remember the long white house next to the cemetery ,,,Earl Altmeyer and ?? lived there ...... then Earl built a new concrete block house down in the hollow, on the right . Earl was a concrete mason and always had a chew going, Red Man , I think. He got it at Betsy's for a nickel."

(And didn't Earl Altmire marry Margaret Greene, referred to a few days ago as running a candy store on East Main Street next to Alsheimer's "Modern Electric?")

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

Ione Barney wrote to to add her memories to the topic of Miss Korbel:

"Miss Helen Korbel was my sixth grade teacher, I was teachers pet that year. Her sister Em Korbel was also my Sunday school teacher at the Waterville Baptist Church which we all attended...I spent many happy hours at their home on Sanger Ave. I was invited with my sister for dinners there and after we would gather around the piano which Em Korbel played and sing songs..these dear ladies were very kind and loving and I have never forgotten the wonderful hours I spent with them...or the wisdom they shared with me that forever became a part of my life..."

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

Thanks for your input, everyone!

********

I've done two Christmas cards, this year - one that's personal, which I'll "send" just before Christmas - and this scene, which I simply couldn't resist!

Click the image for an 8" x 10" copy.

If you want to send the image to somone by Email, include this URL as a hypertext link:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cO2nyo0Z5k/SUjm1gx_LRI/AAAAAAAAQWE/jGj40hdH-pU/s1600-h/card+8+x+10+72dpi.jpg

If you'd like me to send you a PDF of the full-size, 11" x 17" image WITHOUT the greeting,

just send me an Email!

******

Drive carefully, and Have a Great Day!

Tuesday

2008-12-16T06:49:00.004-05:00

It's 24.4 degrees and overcast.

WKTV predicts that today "we'll see mostly cloudy skies. It will be dry though, with temperatures climbing only into the low 30s.

On Wedensday, a surface low pressure center will develop along that stalled front and advance into Central New York. Widespread light snow is a good bet here Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. At this point, 3"-6" of snow regionwide is possible.

On Saturday, this was a picture-perfect winter scene! (Click for view!) Forty-eight hours later - the temperature was in the high forties and mud was everywere!

In an attempt to keep Lake Hanover from extending all the way across Hanover Road, a very deep - but barely adequate - ditch has been dug right next to the pavement.

Heed the reflectors: it wouldn't be a good place to pull off the road!

The number of Christmas Trees has melted, right along with the snow cover in the Park.

I received Email from a blog-reader, yesterday, asking how to make a donation to the Waterville Area Food Pantry. The answer from chairman Vicky Sabol is: "It's easy!" (and I'm sure that it will be greatly appreciated!)

You can either make a monetary donation by sending a check made out to the "Waterville Area Food Pantry" to her at her home on Osborn Avenue or telephone her at 841-4996 to arrange to make a donation of food items.

I also telephoned Shirley Hart to ask about contributions to the Waterville Christmas Committee, of which she and Judy Christman are the co-chairman. "The Christmas Committee and Food Pantry work hand-in-hand," she said.

The Christmas Committee operates somewhat differently than the Food Pantry: families who are in need of a "boost" at Christmastime - either clothes or toys for family members - contact the Committee. Their names are sometimes given to local churches who then "adopt" the families, providing items on a "wish list."

Monetary donations to the Christmas Committee are used by Shirley and Judy to purchase coats and boots for those family members who need them.

You can send a check made out to the Waterville Christmas Committee c/o Shirley Hart on Putnam Street or phone her at 841-4041 - or Judy Christmas at 841-8879 - with questions.

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

Another History Mystery

Blog-reader Lori Meszler wrote, "I was wondering if anyone knows of an oil delivery company in Waterville back in the 50's to early 60's. My uncle has told me that my grandfather used to be a delivery man during part of that time and he remembers riding in the truck on occasion. He couldn't remember the name of the company but he recalled it being on the northeast side of town, possibly on Bacon Street/Canning Factory Road, Conger Ave. or Elmwood Ave. My uncle drove around the area the last time he visited us but didn't recognize any buildings. My grandfather's name was Irwin Boucher, but everyone called him "Johnny".

*******

With or without snow, slow down and look for this delightful Christmas Tree next to Brenda Coffman's home on the way to Sangerfield.

The Christmas Lighting Contest will take place on Thursday evening, but there are a great many homes in the area whose owners have decorated them so that they are just as - if not more - beautiful in the daytime!

Above: the Morgan residence on Stafford Avenue.

The McCabe Road doorway at the home of Dan and Marilyn Maine.

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

AN ANNOUNCEMENT

was made last night

at the WCS Concert:

It's Official!

On Tuesday, July 28th, the WCS Marching Band will lead the Afternoon Parade
at Disney World in Florida!

The day before that, on Monday the 27th of July, the WCS Swing Choir will perform at Downtown Disney on the "Waterside Stage."

According to Brothertown Music Booster President Dale Meszler, ninety-five or -six students will be making the six-day performance trip.

Several fund-raisers will be held to help defray the students' travel expenses. There have already been Pie and Fruit Sales; a Bake Sale will take place from 9:00 til Noon on Sunday the 20th at Foodking and at that time a HUGE Gift Basket containing everything Disney will be raffled off.

(You can see the Basket and buy Raffle Tickets at Totally-U on Main Street!)

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Monday with History Add-on

2008-12-15T07:19:00.006-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

42.8 degrees and blustery.

WKTV predicts that: "Our snowpack will take quite a beating tonight and tomorrow as temperatures soar into the 50s. It will be an active week though, with plenty of chances to build back some of what we'll lose over the next 24 hours.
Temperatures will continue to rise into the 30s tonight. Clouds and a few showers are likely into tomorrow morning, as warm air surges into Central New York. Winds will increase tonight as well, with patchy fog developing in some spots despite the wind.
On Monday, areas of fog will be around, along with some drizzle or showers. Temperatures will jump into the 50s early Monday afternoon. Rain will arrive in the afternoon through the evening commute. On Tuesday, we will see clearing, before we watch a parade of storms continue. One storm should bring us mainly light snow Wednesday, followed by a 2nd, stronger storm Thursday into Friday, that could bring a bit of a mix to the region. "

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

VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

tonight at 7:00

at Municipal Hall

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

THE GARDEN CLUB'S

JUDGING OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

will take place

THURSDAY EVENING!!

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

This is what it looked like on Saturday morning .........

on Fuess-Cleary Road ..........

............. where even the "Artist's Conks" on an old maple tree wore Winter Caps."

Up near the "top" of Shanley Road, in Paris,

trees were coated with snow.

Along Daytonville Road, ice-covered shrubbery glistened in the sun.

In the Village.....

wreaths have been hung on the doors at SouthGate Ministries on Main Street.

On Saturday, there were plenty of Christmas Trees to choose from at the Sanger Lodge Christmas Tree Sale in the Park .............

but by late yesterday afternoon there were probably only a dozen or fifteen trees left!

After dark

the Woodman Getman Law Offices on Main Street .......

...... and the balcony tree on W. Bacon Sreet.

(Too many to photograph -- forty-nine candle lights in all of the windows of the Meszler residence on Sanger Avenue and eight trees!)

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

SPECIAL NOTE

- from Jill Getman at the Waterville Public Library who wrote:

"I had to reschedule the adult "Gifts In a Jar" program that was originally set for Saturday. It will now be Wednesday, December 17th @ 3:30, and we will be making Jars for Chicken Noodle Soup and Holiday M&M Cookies. There are a few openings left if anyone would like to call the library (841-4651) to sign up. They do need to bring 1 or 2 jars (1 quart size) to fill, or gallon size ziplock bags and I can show them how to make a gift cone."

********

I've also received NINE E-letters regarding both the Oddfellows Hall and the old apartment building on Buell Avenue and will post those in an Add-on!

*******

FOR THE RECORD

HAVE A GOOD DAY, EVERYONE!

***********

On Friday morning I posted an old photograph of a building that had once stood on Buell Avenue that I thought might have been the Oddfellows Hall.

It didn't take long for comments to start coming
just proving that there IS "history" and people love to talk about it!

First came a telephone call from Jack Youngs, which he followed up with this E-mail!

"Today I saw the picture of the Oddfellow's Hall, thought I should reply.

First, the steps mentioned, at one time led to Lynn Quilmen's barber shop. On the first floor was a candy store known to us kids as Johnny the Greek's. Mrs. Gorton had her butcher shop underneath.

The long apt. house was known as Doc. Castle's. I think he sold used items.It was turned into apts by Mabel Toole, who also ran a second hand store where Carters store was later located. In the cellar of this house there was a well-built high arched culvert* headed toward the road The reason for it unknown.

Regarding the Hall:
At one time the first floor had a clothing store run by Ray Cash. He was the Fire Chief for many years. This space later became Dee Ann's ice cream parlor, Tom O'Neil and Al Isley had a plumbing shop in the Bldg. In the cellar there were club rooms. I was there as a fireman the night the top floor burnt.

******

Lynne Tuttle Matteson wrote this: "Just the other side of the creek from the Odd Fellows Hall building was an old white building with four apartments in it. There was a long porch along the side facing the creek. All of the front doors opened off that porch, railroad style. There was a single lady named Helen Kahl who lived in the last apt. I used to visit her with the woman I babysat for. "

(I had suggested that a Miss Korbel lived there, but she and Gary Eckerson had better memories:)

From Gary: "I'm not positive but there was a Miss Korbel who taught school back in the 50's. I remember have a teacher by that name and I believe it was 4th grade. But she lived on rt 12 just down from Alan Acres so I don't know if it's the same person."

Les Risley: "Wasn't Miss Korbel a teacher, like 6th grade??? I had McEvoy but seems like.................100 yrs ago, I know. Also, the 1 story low building: side of it faced road and was not a "nice" place to live - back in 50s."

Katie Ireland Perck, WCS Class of '51, wrote: "Yes, I remember the Hall and the picture you had sure looks like it ! As I recall, there use to be great sleigh rides from there and all the fun we had singing and laughing as teen-agers do, brought happy memories back. That was in 49- 50- or possibly 1951. My girl friend , Marilyn (Mig) Briggs (her Dad, Bill had the Horse-shoeing business right across the street from the Odd Fellows Hall) and I enjoyed those Sleigh rides and I think there were hay rides also. Maybe some of your readers could help me out on that one! What fun we had then as we were always together growing up from 4th grade on! Also, Johnny Cornelius and his bride Genevive Welch had their wedding reception there in the 50's sometime. You may recall that they are the grandparents of our own Cpl. John Sigsbee."
Yes, a nice lot of memories there and the whole Buell Street and Waterville gang!

John Peterson added: "I remember it and the only name I can think of was a Mickey Franks, he
worked at the mill I think, he lived there and I think he may have owned it at one time."

The lady who started this exchange was Sheri Salm Brennan who had recalled walking to "Langone's Store."

Lynn Matteson: I moved to Waterville when I was 11 or so, in 1945 or '46. At the time there was a store where the apartment is in between the laundromat and Carlton Alshiemer's Modern Electric. At that time it was known as Margaret Green's newsstand. We bought candy there. I know that over the years other people had a newstand/candy store, etc. store there. I don't recall it ever being called Langone's, but I was away from Waterville for a number of years. I don't know whether that would be the place or not.
Re the apt house. There was a small porch on the front of the building that went into the 1st apt.

Jennifer Neff solved the mystery of the location of the "candy store" - "The store Sheri was talking about was my cousin, Joey Battaglia's lawn and garden equipment repair shop, it was called Village Lawn and Garden and it was located by First Niagara Bank. Joey's mother was Tessie (Langone) Battaglia."

*I know that somewhere I have photographs of that stonework - and it was a beautiful stone arch - taken when the building was demolished in 1971 or 72.

Would someone suggest another topic?

This is fun!

Friday with Add-on

2008-12-12T05:52:00.005-05:00

9:40 A.M.

I've just received an Email from Mary Beth VanDenbergh asking if I'd post the following information about a bus trip that she and Don Brown have put together for
December 20th. They've had a few cancellations and, therefore, can offer those spaces to others who might like to see the Sights of New York! Sounds like fun!!

"Mary Beth VanDenbergh and Don Brown have organized a trip to New York City on Saturday, December 20th. The cost per person is $50.00 which pays for round trip bus fare on a motor coach to and from NYC. We will be leaving the school at 6:00 am and leaving NYC at 8:00 pm. Some people that are going plan to see a Broadway show, go shopping, eat, wander, or see Radio City Music Hall. We will be dropped off near Rockefeller Plaza, so folks can check out the tree in the plaza and watch the ice skaters. I will be taking people around to see some of the sites. If you are interested or have any questions please feel free to contact Don at dbrown@watervilleschools.org or Mary Beth at mbvandenbergh@watervilleschools.org

Come enjoy the fun! Happy Holidays Everyone!

Mary Beth VanDenbergh
MPS Teacher Assistant
Academic Union Advisor

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

According to WIBX Radio,

Waterville Schools are

DELAYED 1 Hour

From WKTV: "Heavy snow has exited Central New York. Regionwide, we picked up on average between 4"-8" of snow, with sleet mixing in and reducing snow totals further south and east. Light snow will continue this morning and last until about noon, with additional accumulations ranging from a trace to as much as 3". Expect winds to pick up this afternoon as cooler air works in on the back end of this system. Temperatures will fall throughout the day into the low 20s by 5 PM.

Limited lake snow will wrap in behind this storm Friday night and Saturday morning, perhaps depositing a few more inches of snow, before high pressure and a shift to milder weather begins in earnest Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

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

Richard Enders stars in

Tonight and Tomorrow!

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

I didn't receive any answers re: yesterday's query about the apartment building that sat just in front of the "cemetery wall," on the north side of the creek at the toip of Buell Avenue, but... Sheri Brennan's dad, Dennis Salm, wrote to her with this:

"Just checking the blog: There was at one time a large two story building that was referred to as the Odd Fellows hall. Grandpa Earl was a member and I don't know anything about the origination of the name. Ed Carter was also a member and had the jewelry store on the corner where you could go get the key to play pool. I don't remember if there were one or two buildings along that stretch."

I wonder if this was the original "Oddfellows Hall?" I remember that, in 1971, Nancy King and Jean Davis and I worked on decorations for the Centennial Ball in a big room on the second floor. The building was vacant, otherwise, and was taken down soon after that.

Look at the far right-hand side of the photograph and you can see the stairs leading to the apartment above the former "Hap's" restaurant. That's where Ed Carter had his jewelry store.

The "Oddfellows" was - and still is - a fraternal order.

As to the long, low apartment house that this discussion was originally about, I suddenly remembered that one of the residents was a Miss Korbel who had been a secretary for ..... ?

*********

This note came from Doris Stephan:

"The Waterville Book Discussion Group will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 21st at 12 noon. We are reading Pete Hamill's "North River." Bring a bag lunch, and join us for tea, coffee, and treats. Call the library - 841-4651 - to reserve a copy.

(Click the image for more about Pete Hamill and "North River.")

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

OUT AND ABOUT ON THURSDAY

I found Kevin Nasypany just starting to hang decorations on his front porch on White Street.

Mayor and Mrs. Younes have done a thorough job at their home on Buell Avenue ......

....... this is just one small part of the lighting on a farm a short ways up Shanley Road from Route 315. It really is worth going to look at!

Other eye-catching displays are on homes on Stafford Avenue,

............ West Bacon Sreet .......

........... and Sanger Avenue.

**********

FOR THE RECORD

Drive Safely

and

Have a Great Weekend!

Thursday

2008-12-11T06:28:00.009-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

23.9 degrees and overcast.

It sounds as if we're going to have an interesting day!

"WKTV's forecast: "Weather will continue to be quiet for the morning commute, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 20s. Latest models continue to show precipitation move in after 1PM for areas to the south and east of Utica. The current track shows the heaviest precipitation of snow and sleet is going to beto the south and east of Utica and into the Adirondacks. Light to moderate snow and sleet is expected for most of the viewing area. There will be a sharp cut off of precipitation to the north and west of Rome, where light accumulation is possible. Everyone should see at least a period of light snow, if not steady moderate snow Friday morning, before it ends around Noon.
Storm accumulation map through Noon Friday:

Just to reiterate, we're confident that the heaviest precipitation will fall south and east of Utica. Sleet will hold down snowfall amounts in many locations, perhaps significantly.

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

This letter from Sheri Brennan was in my mailbox, yesterday:

"I was wondering if anyone has a photo you could post of the old apartment building that use to be on the right hand side right after the creek on Buell Avenue/315. It butted up to the cemetery hill (which would be right across from the new Home Shoppe). I remember when I was a kid walking downtown to Langone's store on Main Street to get 5 cent candy and seeing all the residence out on their porches with a nice view of Main Street. Thank you!"

Although I do remember that building, I'm quite sure that I don't have a picture of it. Do you?

And - just out of curiosity ---- Where was "Langone's Store"?

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

Yesterday was the grayest, gloomiest, most unpleasant day to be outdoors, so I visited some shops in the village.

I started at "Merri-Rose Florist" ........

........... where there's an amazing collection of giftables ............

............. including Yankee Candles and
Suzy Quayle's "Zookeys" and (yes!) fresh flowers, too!

To answer the question: "Where do I get gift tickets for the Laser Car Wash?"

Right at Main Street Liquors!

(You might find a few other gifts there, too!)

(Click to enlarge.)

Then go next door to Morgan's! It's a hardware store, of course, but along with nuts and bolts and washers and wrenches, there are toys and decorations and housewares and even furniture, too!

Right now, Tom's having his annual RAFFLE. This year's prize is a basket filled with products from New York State - from jams and jellies to dishtowels, candles, a bun warmer and a Tim Clive CD - and all proceeds will benefit the Waterville Christmas Committee.

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

Another RAFFLE Basket is on display at "Totally-U" on East Main Street.

This isn't really it, but serves as a reminder that

the real prize is a huge basket filled with

Everything Disney!!!!

The raffle is sponsored by the Brothertown Music Boosters
(who brought you the Air Force Band of Liberty in November.)

The drawing will take place during a

BAKE SALE

at Foodking

on Sunday, December 21.

Proceeds will be used to help defray individual musicians' expenses on a performance trip to Disneyworld, in Florida, next Summer!!! (What an experience that will be!)

Tickets are a dollar each and there's an "arm's length" bargain, too!

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

Here are some pictures that Library Director Jeff Reynolds took at the Historical Society's "Victorian Tea," last Saturday afternoon.

Hats, gloves and furs!

-- and entertainment by the Historical Choraleers.
(or is it "caroleers," at Christmastime?)

**********

Jeff also took this picture of watercolorist Gail Gale and instructor W. Ralph Murray.

Gail's display includes this picture of her husband Ed's 1953 Century Coronado on Raquette Lake.

(Thanks, Jeff!)

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

After I took this pictures, I searched the internet for a website for

"La Petite Maison" on East Main Street

but could only find a series of "travel sites," where there
were many, many remarks like these at "Tripadvisor".

(How nice! and Aren't we Lucky?)

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

FOR THE RECORD

Keep an eye on the weather,

and Have a Great Day!

Wednesday

2008-12-10T05:26:00.011-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!

47.8 degrees and raining.

(and it smells just like Spring!)

HOWEVER .......

Here's the WKTV forecast: "As (Wednesday) goes on, cold air will traverse from northwest to southeast across CNY, mixing with and changing the rain to snow. Accumulations should mainly be confined to areas north and west of Rome, where a few inches may fall. Here's our current thinking:

"Things begin to get tricky late (Wednesday). Clouds should hang in, and with cold air in place, we could be seeing pockets of flurries and freezing drizzle tomorrow evening, which could make travel a touch slick. Then, ample moisture is going to overspread the region Thursday..especially after about Noon. With cold air in place, wintry precipitation will occur. Our computer models are having a world of trouble honing in on exactly how this is going to play out, but at this point, we can say this: Snow will build in much of the area Thursday. Snow will mix with and change to sleet and freezing rain south and east of Utica Thursday afternoon. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain is possible Thursday evening and Thursday night before ending as a period of snow Friday. It is far too early to say anything specific regarding amounts, but significant snow and/or ice accumulation is likely somewhere in Central or Eastern New York. Winter Storm Watches are posted for areas south and east of Utica, and will likely be expanded as we get closer. Expect travel headaches Thursday night."

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

In yesterday morning's blog post I included a "chain letter" that I'd received urging me (all of us!) to send letters to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

However ------- I began getting Email right away saying "It won't work!!"

Here's why!! ............................Urban Legend Explanation

"One of the consequences of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 is that the U.S. Postal Service will no longer deliver mail addressed to "Any Service Member," "A Recovering American Soldier," or any similar generic addressee.

This is to protect the safety of American servicemen and women. Likewise, according to a statement dated November 8, 2007, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center will not accept such mail at its facility (though mail addressed to specific individuals will still go through).
Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Cards must be postmarked by December 10 , 2008.

THAT MEANS BEFORE THE 11th:
in other words, TODAY!

Click the next link for more:

"Holiday Mail for Heroes"

One writer said he'd been told to "put 'Medical Family Assistance Center' as top line." Maybe that works ------- I don't know. I'm very sorry to have thrown you a curve!

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

I don't think that there's much snow left on the ground, today, but yesterday - when it was still Winter - more bright decorations appeared: Above - on Osborn Avenue.

At the Swanberg Home on the corner of E. Main Street and Stafford Avenue.

There's a newly decorated tree on a balcony on W. Bacon Street.

Faith Gentile's doorway and ......

.... the Nichols' front porch brighten Berrill Avenue.

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

Speaking of "Bright Ideas" .....

Road Salt and Mud are already here:

why wait ???

*******

Rick Garrett told me, yesterday, that a salesman - or deliveryman - had asked where the name "Waterville" had come from, and he wasn't sure: My information comes from this 1851 "History of the Town of Sangerfield" by Pomroy Jones, found in "Annals and Recollections of Oneida County."

"The village of Waterville stands chiefly upon lots Nos. 39 and 40 in (Sangerfield) but a small part of the village is however in the town of Marshall. It is situated upon the east branch of the Oriskany creek, at its junction with a small tributary which rises among the hills in the east and south-east part of the town of Marshall. At, and below this junction the east branch falls very rapidly until it unites with the west branch and Deansville. The power thus furnished is the only durable water power in the town. This circumstance, very early in the settlement of the country, caused a collection or "huddle" of buildings, known as "Sangerfield Huddle," and which by a steady and healthy growth has become the third place in importance in the county. In 1793, the former Colonel, but then Judge Sanger, built the first saw mill at this place. In the year 1794, Benjamin White erected one on the site of the present woolen factory. In the year 1796, Mr. White erected a grist mill near the site of the one now owned by Goodwin and Church. Within a few years afterwards Justus Tower, Esq., who settled in the place in 1799, built the grist mill which stands a few rods below."

"In the year 1808, the Sangerfield Post Office which had been previously located in this village, was removed to the Centre. In this year or the year preceding, the village, which from its first settlement had no other local name than the Huddle, received the name of Waterville. In the fall of the year, on a certain evening, Doctor Sherman Bartholomew, Josiah Bacon, Reuben Bacon, Isaac Terry, and John Williams, Esquires, were together in the tavern kept either by Eli Hotchkiss, or Pardon Keyes, now the dwelling house of Doctor E. A. Munger*, and among other topics, the name of the village became a subject of conversation, and it was unanimously agreed that the village deserved a more dignified name and that it should have one. After the suggestion of a variety of names, Doctor Bartholomew proposed that of Waterville, to which they all assented, and by that name it has since been recognized. It was not however generally known by that cognomen out of the village, until the Waterville Post Office was established in 1823. The name Waterville was selected, because not only agreeable, but a very appropriate one. The writer would not, like a certain lady author, intimate, that Whiskeyville** would have been more appropriate, believing that pure water is more congenial to the tastes of a majority of its citizens than whiskey."

* I think that Dr. Mungr's house (or a part of it) - which once stood on Main Street - is now the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Pesto, on Babbott Avenue.

** The "Huddle" was well-known for the fine whiskey produced at a distillery at the bottom of the hill on what is now Buell Avenue. Thus, the name "Whiskey Hollow."

Buell Avenue - then Mill Street - c. 1870.
Click to enlarge.

The distillery is the grayish building right across the road from the white barn which has been Mrs. Leigh's summer residence for many years. I was once told that the barn had been the cooperage for the distillery and that barrels of whiskey had been rolled back and forth through a tunnel beneath the road!

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

Now go and have a Great Day

and remember .......

- Only four months 'til Spring!

Tuesday

2008-12-09T06:47:00.008-05:00

It's 22.8 degrees

WKTV predicts that: "On Tuesday, light snow will continue in the morning, but it may end as some sleet as warmer air filters in a couple thousand feet up. We'll see a lull in the action for much of the afternoon, allowing our temperatures to warm up from around 20, well into the 20s. By evening, as a new area of precipitation moves in, we will be on the borderline of rain and frozen precipitation. Given what we know now, this is what we expect. In the Mohawk Valley and western Oneida County, a brief period of freezing rain will change over to plain rain quickly. In the Southern Valleys (Southern Oneida/Herkimer, Otsego, Madison and Chenango Counties), the freezing rain may hang on a little longer, amounting to some minor travel problems in the coldest spots. Everyone should be over to plain rain well before Midnight as strong southerly winds take temperatures into the 30s.

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

After starting out at just a degree or two above zero, it warmed up a little bit, yesterday ....

but not enough to make it comfortable for leisurely strolls along Main Street!

"The Caves" in Forge Hollow have an impressive veil of ice ........

....... and the little pond on Gridley Paige Road is frozen, except for the waterfall.

(There is an story on the WKTV website about two youngsters who fell through the ice on a pond in Whitestown, yesterday. There may be ice on our ponds, but it may not be as thick as it looks!)

Snowmobile trails have been marked. All that's needed now is more snow!

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

On Babbott Avenue South

Strands of lights make nightimes bright, but daylight displays are just as pretty!

On Sanger Avenue

West Bacon Street

There's one less lamp post on E. Main Street: the one in front of Foodking - which had been damaged a year or so ago by a delivery truck - was felled sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning by, presumably, a similar vehicle.

*********

We all get these messages - this is one I followed through on!

"I usually read messages like this and delete them or save them thinking 'I should do this' but then of course, I never do. I just finished doing the request in this email and do you know what? I feel better for having done it - probably better than I expect the recipient will feel but then if he feels a part of my merry Christmas wish and THANK YOU, I will be satisfied.

So, when doing you're Christmas cards this year, take one and send it to this address:

A Recovering American Soldier,
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,
Washington, DC 20307-5001

And then if you pass this on and most everyone does it, think how many cards with Christmas wishes and THANK YOUs will be received and read.

And if you can't or don't choose to do this, that's OK too. Merry Christmas !!!!

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

FOR THE RECORD

DRIVE SAFELY

and

Have a Great Day!

Monday

2008-12-08T05:51:00.004-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

It's just 3.4 degrees!

There's a great deal of traffic here on Route 315. That sometimes indicates that Route 12 is closed - as it was yesterday afternoon.

I'm watching school closings - so far Camden is the only one listed.

WKTV predicts that: "Skies will average partly cloudy with high temperatures only in the teens. A surge of warm air will build in over the next several days. In fact, temperatures are likely to slowly rise from Monday morning straight through Wednesday afternoon, even during the overnight periods.
Tuesday morning's commute may be tricky for some. A warm front will attempt to move in on Tuesday morning, bringing with it sleet and freezing rain. Warm air continues to build in during the day, with freezing rain eventually turning over to rain by afternoon. There will be a break, followed by steady to perhaps heavy rain Tuesday night into Wednesday.

***********

YESTERDAY

Around 3:30, Sunday. Heading S on Route 12 toward Sangerfield.

On Osborn.

The trees arrived on Saturday ............

.............. and even in the bitter wind, yesterday, customers went up and down the rows, picking out the very best!

The Grinch has arrived on Berrill Avenue ..........

... while, on the side lawn of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, the Manger Scene is set and if you look into the distance (beyond the flag pole) you can see the Magi and their camels, traveling across the desert.

***********

Terry and Stan Lopata were driving through Sherburne when they spotted this huge "sub" and thought to take a picture to send to me so that any blog-readers who were planning large gatherings would know where to find a sandwich large enough for a really big party! (Thanks!)

(Clever disguise for a fuel tank!)

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

GOOD NEWS FROM BOSTON!

"Talk about a jump in the counts-the white blood cell counts went from 350 on Saturday to 700 today. Therefore, he was able to leave the nest and walk around the 8th floor. David thought the doctor said its because he is a physical specimen, but I heard the doctor, he said I'm going to need a specimen before you leave! What happens from here is he needs to maintain the wbc 500 or better for 2 days to be released to the Neely house. As long as everything else is good such as no fevers or rashes etc. The doctor said maybe tomorrow(Monday) he will be able to move into the Neely House. Our faces lit up with amazement as the doctors argued over which one would give us the good news. David already had his sneakers on-one was tied the other was untied in case it wasn't today. He then ran the doctors over to the door only to be stopped to put on a mask and gloves. His main source of pain(besides me) is the itching caused by the gvh(graph vs. host or rejection) which is controlled with creams and steroids. This is good because the doctors want a little gvh but it is uncomfortable. It looks and feels like he has a sunburn. All along the doctors have said the he has been doing fantastic. It is because of all the wonderful thoughts and prayers we have received from all of you. Thanks."

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

FOR THE RECORD

DRIVE SAFELY, everyone,

and have a great day!

Friday

2008-12-05T05:26:00.014-05:00

(Thanks, Margaret and Gail!)

"JUBILATION!"

Jubilation women's ensemble will sing

tonight,

Dec. 5, 7:30 pm

at the Park Methodist Church in Hamilton.

Donation requested at the door: $3.00.

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

It's 22.6 degres and starry-clear.

From News10Now: Friday will be quite cold with highs only near 30 and lake snow continuing east of Lake Ontario. Additional accumulations will be possible east of the lake on Friday. Lake snows will lift north and diminish Friday night into Saturday with some sunshine returning for Saturday afternoon. However, it will still be quite chilly with highs in the lower and middle 30s. A clipper system will bring in some area wide snow and reinforce the cold temperatures on Sunday with highs mainly in the 20s for both Sunday and Monday.

Brrrrr!

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

This photograph and note from artist Pamela Brown: "Gracious hostess Marilyn Maine launched the Holiday season at the Maine Homestead on Thursday with an elegant afternoon get-together of local ladies sharing good conversation, great food and lots of Holiday cheer!

Clockwise, from left; Mary Maclean, Marilyn Maine, Pat Rogers, Lois Battles, Pam Brown, Gail Prentice and Barbara Moran (she took the photo!)

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

Around the Village

On Sanger Avenue.

Putnam Street

Stafford Avenue

This is just a small portion of a display out on Shanley Road.

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

Can anyone tell me when the

JUDGING

of Lighting Displays

will take place??

********

Speaking of "lights" ---

Driving around the village at around 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, when it had already become quite dark out, I either met or passed quite a few joggers/runners. First: "Cheers!" to all of them, for being there! But secondly: although they all appeared to be wearing clothing that had some reflective fabric, they were still a little hard to see. It was the ones with flashing red strobe lights - pinned both fore and aft - who could be most-easily distinguished at that time of day. Headlights; tail-lights; whatever! Help the rest of us keep you safe!

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

There's 'way too much to do, this weekend!

"Jubilation"
a women's chorus
in concert this evening in Hamilton

(they sent me a poster but I can't open the file:
perhaps Margaret or Gail will send me pertinent info?

I know it's going to be good!

*********

TOMORROW:

"Voices of Tabernacle"

at 3:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Sherburne.

********

The Waterville Historical Society's

"Victorian Tea Party"

(Sold Out - but you could check for cancellations
by phoning 841-4018.)

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

You can pick from many other events listed in

the O-D's "Mohawk Valley Calendar."

Here are just a few:

The Mohawk Valley Ballet presents The Nutcracker
at the all new Stanley Center for the Arts.

Time: Sat @ 7:30p & Sun @ 2pm

******

At the "Munstitute"

How Three Nineteenth-century Women Influenced Christmas
"Victorian Yuletide" at Fountain Elms.

Three 19th-century women who significantly influenced how Christmas is celebrated today—Louisa May Alcott, Isabella Beeton, and Queen Victoria— are the focus of this year’s annual Victorian Yuletide exhibition.

Docent Guided Tour
Victorian Yuletide exhibition

Sunday, December 7, 2008 4:15 pm

Fountain Elms
Free and Open to the Public

Contact the Museum Education Department
at 797-0000, ext. 2158 to register.
Space is limited.

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

Fourth Annual

Messiah Sing

Sunday, December 7, 2008 2:30PM
Museum of Art Auditorium Free and Open to the Public.

All members of the community are invited to gather in the Museum of Art Auditorium to sing the choruses of the Advent and Christmas portion and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s masterpiece. The performance will be conducted by Charles Schneider with piano accompanist Tina Toglia. Singers are encouraged to bring their musical scores, and scores will also be available to borrow.

Light refreshments will be available on the terrace of Fountain Elms following the event.

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

FINALLY!

In my mail, a week or so ago, there was an envelope from the "Village of Waterville" and it contained a "Community Needs and Priorities Survey" to be filled out and returned to Municipal Hall. I knew what that meant: good news! After at least forty years, we're on our way to getting a real, honest-to-goodness "Master Plan!" (Actually, they're not called "Master Plans," any more, but...... it's a grand step forward, and I know that Dick would cheer!!)

NOT having a Master (or "Comprehensive" or "Strategic") Plan has been a great handicap to Waterville because, without it, the municipality has not been eligible for the types of federal grants aimed at Façade Improvement Programs, loan or grant assistance to businesses to create or retain jobs, to develop a "Housing Rehabilitation Program" or build housing for senior citizens.

I imagine that every household and business has received a copy. If you haven't already done so, please take time, this weekend, to complete the survey and send it back to Municipal Hall.

The Municipality is prepared to invest in the professional preparation of a Strategic Plan by consultant David Carlson of Carlson Associates in Cooperstown. Over the past thirty years, Carlson has been responsible for acquiring millions of dollars in "small city grants" for several communities in the Mohawk Valley. The surveys are just the first step in the process --- we need to make sure that it's a good, solid one so that we can finally move forward!

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

Whatever else you do this weekend,

drive safely and

Have a Great Weekend, Everyone!

Thursday

2008-12-04T07:04:00.002-05:00

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

It's Garbage Day!

37.2 degrees and overcast.

WIBX predicts that: "Clouds are on the increase after a pleasant Wednesday. These clouds are out ahead of a storm system that will cross our region Thursday. The leading edge to the moisture with this storm should arrive here around daybreak tomorrow. It will likely begin as some snow in most spots, but after sunrise, most valley and lower hilltop locations will mix with or change over to plain old rain. The only exception to this will be the Adirondacks, as well as some of the colder spots just north of Utica (northeast Oneida, Lewis and Herkimer Counties. Snow may persist a bit longer there or may not mix at all. Therefore, a light accumulation is possible..."

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

Yesterday was bright and crisp, for the most part.

This view of the Durant Farm from across Route 12 looked a bit like a "Grandma Moses" scene.

Just North of Lewis Road, there's a fine "woodpile" at the old Hubbard's Corners School!

Pigeons appear to have found some warm spots at the Gale Feed Mill, on Canning Factory Road.

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

The Baumgarten home, on Madison Street, is all decorated.

**********

I spotted something in the Park, late yesterday afternoon, that looked like a corral!

I'm quite sure it's not for wild horses: how about the

Masons' Christmas Tree Sale?

It could be that this is the weekend that the trees come!

******

"Special" - from Mary Campbell!

Campbell-Viola Engagement Announcement

A July 25, 2009 wedding is planned for Christine Lynn Campbell and Ronald James Viola. The ceremony will take place at the Duke University Chapel, Durham, NC.

The future bride is the daughter of Joel and Mary Campbell of Waterville, NY. Christine’s grandparents are Charles and Eleanor Tibbitts of New Hartford, NY and Eleanor Campbell and the late Albert Campbell of Englewood, FL. Her fiancé is the son of Lily Viola of Farmington, CT and Ronald Viola of Putnam, CT. His grandparents are the late Fred and Anna Laux and the late James and Elsie Viola.

Christine is a graduate of Waterville High School, Class of 2000. She earned a B.A. in Biology from Hamilton College and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University. Christine is a physical therapist at Comprehensive Physical Therapy Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

Ronnie is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT, Class of 1998. He earned a B.S. in Psychology from Brown University and is a 2007 graduate of the School of Medicine at Duke University. Ronnie practices as a Resident Physician in the Department of Radiology at Duke University Medical Center.

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

Also in my mailbox was this - from Amanda Briggs, at the Waterville Public Library:

"I thought some of you may be interested in these. We have created 5 new book clubs for the library. Check them out.

Chick Lit Book Club

Read Chick Lit books with other women and get together once a month to discuss them. Sign up at the library or email me if you are interested.

Mystery Book Club

Read mystery books with other mystery lovers. Get together once a month to discuss them. Sign up at the library or email me if you are interested.

Mother Daughter Book Club - Ages 7-9

Mother Daughter Book Club - Ages 10-13

Mother Daughter Book Club - Ages 14-18

Join us with your daughters once a month to discuss a book you two have read. It's a great way to spend some special time with your daughter. We'll even show movies of books you've read once in a while.

If anyone is interested in any of these book clubs or has any questions send me an email or you can sign up at the library.

Thank You,

Amanda Briggs --- ABriggs@mail.midyork.org

315-841-4651

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

- and from Marcia Thomas ...........

"The 'Voices of Tabernacle' Winter Concert, featuring Choral Classics, will take place this Saturday, December 6th, at 3:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Sherburne.

Tickets can be purchased at the door."

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

I needed to go to Brookfield, yesterday afternoon, and found plenty of Holiday Welcome, there ....

.... on Fairgrounds Road ............

.......... and on Main Street!

At the corner of Gorton Lake Road and Doyle Road, there's a fine old conveyance, all wired with lights which must make it a very special sight at night!

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

All of our motorized "conveyances" are traveling farther, these days!

Drive Safely

and have a Great Day!

Wednesday w/ add-on

2008-12-03T07:41:00.005-05:00

"Greetings from Boston"

(sent yesterday afternoon)

"David is still feeling a little tired and nauseous and isn't eating much yet, but he is eating something which is good. Half the reason he is tired is because it is really hard to get sleep here. Just when he is about to fall asleep a doctor or nurse is coming in or his IV starts beeping. The other reason he is tired is his blood counts are bouncing all over the place. Just when the counts start to go up, they go back down. He is hoping the counts will start to go up so that he can escape his room and walk out in the hallway of the transplant ward. The nurses say the room is going to start to get smaller and David says that the bed is already getting small. We miss everyone at home and seeing all the Christmas lights. Thanks again for all your thoughts and concerns. They really help."

Add YOUR messages to David and Lynne by clicking HERE and setting up your own login!

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

It's Recyclables Day!

18.9 degrees and sunny.

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

From WKTV: "Wednesday will begin quietly, with just a mix of sun and clouds. It should stay that way through much of the day. Skies will vary between mostly cloudy at times to partly sunny. Temperatures could get a bit of a boost into the low 40s in spots. Clouds will thicken up later as the leading edge to our next storm approaches. This system, an Alberta Clipper, will swing through during the day Thursday. Rain and/or snow will develop before daybreak Thursday, and it will gradually transition to all snow through the day. The Mohawk Valley may actually see mainly rain. North of the Valley, it may snow heavily for a few hours on Thursday.
More importantly, behind that system, a plunge of Arctic air is going to build in. This will likely lead to a period of locally very heavy lake effect snow, somewhere in our viewing area. The latest computer model guidance is suggesting that a band of heavy snow will develop just north of I-90 Thursday evening and remain near or in place through much of the night, with a trend to lift north slowly on Friday."

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

Now in the Hallway Gallery at the Library .........

.......... watercolors by Gail Huntington Gale.

*********

Thank You!

ELIZABETH & WILLIAM SMITH

in memory of

Suzanne Fusek

***********

Around the village

.......... on White Street ......

........... and Babbott Avenue.

At the Falks' on Putnam Street!

The Gray residence in "Dicksville."

***********

I'm happy to report that my disagreement with "Blogspot.com" has FINALLY just been resolved without any injury to my computer and with the personal ingestion of no more than two Tylenol tablets!

******

Add-ons later!

Have a Great Day!

Tuesday

2008-12-02T06:49:00.009-05:00

It's TRASH Day!

( -- in more ways than one, because Blogspot is not letting me "compose" a post without using html - and that's time-consuming! There is, however, at least one thing that I want to bring to you: the following letter ......... )

"I would like to graciously thank the Waterville area community for all your love, support, cards, prayers, and contributions you've given me through this trying time. A very special thank you to those who traveled to Canandaigua to attend the benefit dinner in October. Seeing so many people from my hometown was a wonderful surprise. I am very fortunate to have grown up in such a tight knit community. Again, thank you all so much.

Sincerely,
Jill (Heidel) Winter & Family

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

32.5 degrees with just a trace of new snow.

From WKTV: " ......... a heavy band of lake snow, actually connected to Lake Erie, will overspread the northern and central Tug Hill Region. Most of the heavy snow will remain out of our viewing area, but at times, heavier lake snows may drift into Southern Lewis/Northern Oneida and northern Herkimer Counties. Temperatures will be in the 30s tomorrow. Clouds begin to diminish a bit as we go into Tuesday Night. This should lead to a nice day Wednesday, with a mix of sun and clouds (with a tendancy toward increasing cloudiness) and highs in the low 40s. Those clouds will be out ahead of a new weather system that will drag a very strong cold front across the region Thursday.

A year ago now, we were being visited by thousands of Snow Geese, but - then - there wasn't any snow and the pond behind the Moon residence on Madison Street was open: now there's snow, and ice.

Yesterday was a lovely "spring" day and the sky remained clear late into the evening - long enough for Val Schenk and me to each take pictures of the moon with its companions, Venus and Jupiter.

(Click the link for more information and the history of "the Star in the East.")

*******

I made a point of driving along White Street to see the results of Sunday's work by the Petrie lighting crew: dazzling!

Between the Petries and the Neffs, on Babbott Avenue, I don't believe that there are any more mini-lights to be found in Waterville!

******

Although I have more photographs, I'm now unable to upload them.

I'm going to post this and try to continue later this morning.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Have a Good Day!

Monday

2008-12-01T05:45:00.008-05:00

TO KENNY DITCH
(yesterday)

and

MIKE DITCH
(today!)

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

It's Garbage Day!

35.6 degrees; no precipitation, but "slurpy" -

much better than yesterday afternoon's session of freezing rain!

WKTV predicts that: "Temperatures will surge into the low 40s across many locations, with some breaks of sunshine possible. The back edge of the storm looks to miss us far to the west. However, we do expect some snow or rain showers on Monday, not really adding up to much at all. Some lake effect will continue well north of the Mohawk Valley Monday night into Tuesday, with the potential for significant accumulations across Northern Oneida County and the Tug Hill. Finally, a break in the weather for Wednesday, but not for long. A strong cold front moves in on Thursday, giving us some snow squalls, lake effect, and chilly temperatures lasting into next weekend."

It doesn't look as if it's going to be clear this evening, but if it is, sky-watchers will be delighted!
Venus, Jupiter and a crescent moon will put on a bright display!

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

On Saturday afternoon, making a routine stop at Foodking, I stopped to listen to the Mammone Family Singers, who were starring at the Salvation Army's "Red Kettle" post in the parkinglot.

New decorations and wintertime headgear at Joan Albert's front door on East Bacon Street.

A long, long garland hangs on the picket fence in front of the Harding residence on Tower Street.

The lighting crew at the Petrie residence on White Street was at work yesterday afternoon.

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

VILLAGE BOARD MEETING tonight at 7:00 at Municipal Hall

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

In the mail - a nice letter from John and Ann Cockell of Chelmsford, England, who wrote:

"As always, it has been a real joy to be in Waterville where the people are so kind and friendly, the stores, restaurants, gas station, bank and post office all make you so welcome and the weather is - well - interesting!! We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit, being here for Thanksgiving, seeing the parade and watching the town prepare for Christmas and we thank all those with whom we have come into contact for their friendship.

We will continue to follow the blog each day with great interest - and will no doubt continue to be envious as gas prices fall over here. Just as a comparison, in the UK we are currently paying around $6 a gallon, the price having been as high as $9 - and you think YOU pay high prices!"

Here's a tip:

Ron Bornick, from Clinton, writes that "Using a 'discount coupon' good on Tuesdays and Saturdays, gas was $1.949 (including the discount) at Stewart's on Rt 12B between Clinton and New Hartford."

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

TRAVEL SAFELY, AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Saturday

2008-11-29T07:45:00.013-05:00

At 7:45, it's 31.8 degrees and snowing gently.

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

I took a ride through the village, yesterday afternoon, finding more and more lights on every street!

Above: the Holics' on W. Bacon Street.

On W. Main Street .......

....... on E. Main Street .....

......... and on Babbott Avenue, South.

******

At a little after 6:00 P.M., yesterday - not long before the Parade of Lights was set to begin - it was a relative balmy and very comfortable 34 degrees and Main Street, from the Park to the Fire House, was packed with parade-watchers. (It looked more like "Cruise-in" or even Firemen's Field Days than in recent, colder, years!)

At 6:30, the new wreaths and spiraling garlands on our Victorian lamp posts came to life with (what I believe is) the cool-white glow of LED mini-lights. (The only person who had seen them all lit, before then, was DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy, who had tested them at 4:30 that MORNING!)

Waterville Fire Department

I was on Park Place, during the Parade, where the view of all of the vehicles and floats was much better than indicated by my photographs! (Taking pictures at night of moving lights is .... well ....
never as successful as I'd like it to be!)

The Street Sweeper.

The Harding Nursing Home float - a giant cake with fiber-optic candles, celebrated the Parade of Lights' twentieth anniversary!

Even when the Parade had ended - it was shorter than in some other years - the crowds stayed, waiting for more!

One of the many pictures that I took that were, simply, nearly beyond recognition, was of Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding in a sleigh pulled by ...... well: the reindeer were tired and alternative "deer-power" was substituted! But they were followed to the Fire House by so many children who wanted to confide their Christmas Wishes to them that, according the Pat Louise, Editor of The Waterville Times, the line of hopefuls and their parents reached out of the Fire House and all the way 'round the corner to the old library building! (You can be sure of finding some of her photographs in next week's issue of "The Times!")

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

It's been several years since that tree at the point of Monument Park has been lit - it has outgrown its strands of lights and is probably much taller than any of those who planted it in 1940 thought it would ever be!

- And while I was digging through history, I found this draft of a Christmas Card that I thought of using several years ago ..............

Once upon a time, back in the 1970’s, before the “old” Christmas Tree became too large
to decorate and before anyone complained that religious displays might be “offensive” and should be banned, this “Christmas Cross” was set up each year on the point of Monument Park - a guest of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Association. It was sponsored by the Waterville Clergy Association, designed by Doug Sexton and built by Rev. Dean Shaw and Dick Brown.

One year, it was damaged in storage and was never replaced.

Is it too late to do that, now?

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

If you hurry!

MADISON — The Madison United Methodist Church will hold a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 7-11 a.m. at the church.

There will be pancakes, sausage, home fries, scrambled eggs and orange juice and coffee. The breakfast is all you can eat. The cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children age 5-12 years of age.

Later on!

MUNNSVILLE — St. Therese’s Church will hold its annual spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Nov. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. at the church hall, Route 46.

The menu will include spaghetti, salad bar and homemade pies for dessert. The cost will be $6 for adults, $4 for children younger than 12 and free for children younger than 5.

FOR THE RECORD

(While I was in Ballston Lake, north of Schenectady, my son-in-law pointed out a gas station sign that read "$1.99.9"!)

LOOKING AHEAD

********

NEXT WEEK

From Library Director Jeff Reynolds: "We'll be showing eight really nice Adirondack images, inspired by the time that the Gales spend at their Raquette Lake retreat. All available for purchase directly from Gail. She'll also have samples of her latest notecards, which can be purchased from her."

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

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Wednesday

2008-11-26T06:29:00.010-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!
27.9 and starry-clear.

WKTV predicts that: "Accumulations will be light/inconsequential across the area. (Wednesday) night, additional lake snow will develop on southwest winds, well north of even Boonville. That should remain put up north through Thanksgiving Evening, before dropping south into the North Country perhaps on Thanksgiving Night. Travel should be relatively calm and clear both Wednesday and Thursday. The only exceptions may be in and around the Lowville and Watertown areas, as well as far southwestern New York toward Jamestown. Travel to New England, Pennsylvania, downstate or the Mid Atlantic should be trouble-free."

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

Light snow fell throughout most of yesterday, and while more "snowflakes" appeared on Main Street ............

.......... and a star gleamed above a lighted creche at the Gilchrists' on Madison Street .......

........... villagers dealt with the less-than-lovely side of the season!

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

This morning, everything is frosted!

There'll be more shoveling to do!

However ......

.......... the weather won't keep me from going to Ballston Lake to see Allison and her husband, Rick, and my grandson Iain (and his new puppy, Juniper!)

***********

Have a Great Day, tomorrow!

Travel safely, and

remember that

THE PARADE OF LIGHTS

starts at 6:30

on Friday.

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

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!

Here are a few pictures from the 2006 Parade!

And every year, the Parade gets better!

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

FOR THE RECORD

Tuesday

2008-11-25T06:22:00.009-05:00

It's 33 degrees with light snow falling.

Several schools in the area are closed,

but NOT Waterville.

WKTV predicts that: "Wet snow and rain will taper to some light snow showers and flurries (Tuesday) afternoon and evening. We'll see a scattering of snow showers and flurries from time to time both Wednesday and for Thanksgiving with high temperatures in the mid to upper 30's. Any accumulations in this timeframe should be light to minimal. A colder shot of air is expected by the weekend."

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

In my morning E-mail, this welcome letter that reads:

"Greetings from Boston!!"

"We just want to say thank you to all of you in the community! We are not only amazed by what the doctors are doing here but we are equally amazed at what everyone is doing for us back home. We can't begin to show our appreciation for all the support that you have given us through this. It is really helping us get through all of this knowing all the people that care. We are very lucky to live in a community with such great people. A special thank you to all that helped out and made the benefit happen.

David is feeling tired and nauseous and does not want to eat or drink anything(as hard as that is to believe). He did manage to eat a couple of pancakes this afternoon which the doctors were happy about. They are giving him several antibiotics and an IV of anti rejection medicine right now with more to come soon. It is expected that he will feel his worse in the coming days before the new bone marrow takes. The doctors are very pleased with his progress so far.

The boys are coming out here on Wednesday and will be with us on Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!! "

Lynne and David Lemery

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

I've just received this E-mail from Kevin Ford:

"I have had the honor of attending the New York State Conference on Leadership and Student Activities in Saratoga Springs with 3 Waterville students and 10 of my own Poland students. The Waterville students have racked up some very prestigous honors. Emily Gallagher was one of five students selected from 800 students in attendance for the Dale Hawley Leadership Award, and was also re-elected to represent Oneida, Madison, Herkimer, and Otsego counties on NYS CLSA State Board. Alex Meszler was selected to receive the Student Leadership Recognition award, he was also one of 5 students honored with this award out of 800 in attendance. The Waterville students also placed 3rd in the banner competition and 2nd in the Scavenger Hunt out of 57 NYS schools. Waterville was also selected to the NYS CLSA Honor Council. They are one of the 2 schools to have received this honor every year that it has been awarded. Waterville should be very proud of these students for their involvement with student council that has brought great honor to our small community.

Thank you,

Kevin Ford

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

I waited 'til it was very dark, yesterday afternoon, for the lights on Main Street to turn on - no such luck ........

.... but I found new displays on Tower Street, at the Pumilias' ........

........... and on Sanger Hill Road.

Pam Brown has begun decorating her Babbott Avenue porch ........

... and the windows of the "Wheeler Block" glowed.

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

In this morning's O-D I found this article, which will be of interest to many Watervillians: "Route 12B Changes Called Off in Clinton."

Also, the Oneida Indian Nation Land Trust is in the news, again.

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

FOR THE RECORD

(Click for link.)

The storm is moving in a northerly direction and should be out of here in an hour or so.

In the meantime,

Drive Carefully, and have a Great Day!

Monday

2008-11-24T06:07:00.009-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

19.9 degrees and overcast.

WKTV predicts that: " ..... morning starts out chilly, with some sunshine. Partly sunny skies up until about noon, followed by clouds filling the sky by the afternoon. It will be a mild day in comparison to the past several days, with highs near 40. Another storm system will advance into the region after 8 PM. This one looks to be a mix between rain and snow, with more rain in the valleys and more snow in the hilltops. Accumulations Monday night into Tuesday will be limited to the hilltops,
There will be a transition to snow at some point on Tuesday as colder air works in. It does look unsettled heading into the big traveling day on Wednesday, with light snow in Central, Western, and Northern New York."

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

We had quite a snowstorm on Friday. Unfortunately, it kept the WCS auditorium from being really packed for the Dave Lemery Benefit Concert, but those who braved the "elements" said it was really, really good: "lots of beautiful gift baskets and fun acts" - especially the Garbage Can Quartet, which made a memorable debut!

********

On both Saturday and Sunday morning, at just about 4 o'clock, a vaguely familiar sound woke me up*: not a big snowplow - they'd been up and down the hill all night long, it seemed - but the trusty "sidewalk plow," out on it's 12 or 15-mile route!

The DPW had spent Friday attaching the rest of the new wreaths, and on Saturday the Parade of Lights Committee (who always seem to pick the coldest days!) wound spirals of garland on thirty-five or -six lamp posts.

With fresh snow, this is what Main Street looked like yesterday afternoon!

(I'm told that both wreaths AND garlands have "twinkle lights" -
I think there's a Christmas Card coming!)

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

On White Street, first there were two jolly penguins ......

............. and then came a smiling snowman!

Sue Price spotted this tree of golden apples out next to the Pleasant Valley Grange and told me about it ............

(The Greek Revival style stone Grange Hall, originally a single-family residence, was constructed sometime between 1825 and 1850. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.)

........... and another blog-reader sent me out to Newberry Road to see this view of "downtown" Sangerfield in the afternoon sun. (Thank you both!)

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

From Pomroy Jones' "Annals of Oneida County," 1851

"By an act of the Legislature, passed March 5, 1795, the township was erected into a town, by the name of Sangerfield, and was so named in honor of Col. Jedediah Sanger, of New Hartford. In consideration of its being thus named, Col. Sanger agreed to present a cask of rum at the first town meeting, and fifty acres of land to the church of any religious denomination which should build the first house for public worship.

"Many of the first settlers had selected New Lisbon as the name for their new town, and their disappointment and chagrin were manifested by giving that name to the Congregational Society, which was formed soon afterwards, and thus they made the society with the rejected name the recipient of Col. Sanger's bounty. It does not appear that the Colonel was at all chargeable with the "unfair means" which were attributed by those displeased with the name, to those two had been instrumental in procuring it. His promise was honorably fulfilled, by furnishing a cask of choice rum for the first town meeting, and by conveying twenty-five acres of land to the Congregational Society, and twenty five acres to the Baptists, the former being the first religious society, and the latter erecting the first church edifice.

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

FOR THE RECORD

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

* I had no trouble going back to sleep and, in fact, enjoyed sleeping "late" so much that I've made a really rash decision: with apologies to Tony, Pauline, Ron and any others who hit the blog first thing every morning, I'm going to aim for an eight o'clock post instead of seven. At least for a while.

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

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Friday

2008-11-21T06:16:00.010-05:00

BAKE SALE, TOO!

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

It's 19 degrees with just a few snowflakes falling.

I heard plows, during the night, but I don't think that we've received more than two inches of snow.

WKTV predicts that: "scattered snow showers will be around the area. Later in the afternoon and tomorrow evening, as winds align from the northwest, lake snows will begin developing southeast of Lake Ontario, which would keep most of the moisture primarilly just southwest of the Mohawk Valley. These lake snows may get very well organized Friday night and locally heavy snow is possible in southern Oneida, Madison, Chenango, extreme southern Herkimer and Otsego Counties. We still are not 100% certain how this will play out, but our feeling is that any significant accumulation will be primarily confined to within the Route 20 corridor. Any subtle shift north or south of the wind direction will result in a different outcome. One of the limiting factors for significant accumulation is that winds may be just a hair too far northwesterly to get a single band of heavy snow going, but would allow for slightly lighter snows spread out over a greater area. Stay tuned for this.
Heavy lake snows should persist into Saturday, before gradually winding down later Saturday night. It will be bitterly cold for November on Saturday. In fact, Saturday night could feature lows that could exceed those readings we reached Thursday morning, primarily where skies clear out. Sunday will see improvement and slightly milder readings."

Les Risley chimed in, reporting that: "Gas is down to $1.88 in Ocala; still $1.91 in Dunnellon.

Temp. down too, was 38 this am.

(Brrrrr!)

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

More Christmas decorations appear every day!
This home is on Babbott Avenue.

Five or six lamp posts on East Main Street have new Christmas wreaths!

Out at Alcotts' on Route 20, one Christmas Room is all ready ....

.... and Brad was getting to work on an even larger display out in the greenhouse!

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

It's Tea Time!

Historical Society president Joe Falk phoned to say that there are only five tickets left to the annual Victorian Tea!

The event will take place in the Library, this year,

on Saturday, December 6th, from 2 - 4.

(And he asked me to remind the ladies that this is a

Dress-up Tea Party!
***************************

That means hats, gloves, jewels, furs....... the works!)
Phone 841-4018 to reserve your ticket now!

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

As soon as he had read yesterday's blog, DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy sent me this picture of Lou Langone receiving the EPA Award in Chicago on October 20th.

And then Lou, himself, sent this photograph of the banner he'd been given.
The award itself is in the display case in Municipal Hall.
He also made a point of saying that Waterville was the ONLY community
from New York State that received an award!

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a Great Weekend, everyone!

and remember:

SUNDAY BREAKFAST AT THE LEGION!

8:00 - 11:00

Eggs, Bacon, Toast, Sausage, Home Fries,
Pancakes, OJ, Coffee and Milk

ADULTS: $6.00 KIDS under 10: Free!

Thursday

2008-11-20T06:08:00.004-05:00

It's Garbage Day!

19.9 degrees; frosty and foggy.

From WKTV: "Temperatures will plunge into the teens once again, with lows near 10 degrees possible in the North Country and Adirondacks. Clouds and flurries will persist through much of Thursday, keeping temperatures again in the low 30s at best.
This clipper will usher in a reinforcing shot of cold, and this will be even colder than what we've had this week. On Friday, scattered snow showers will be around the area. As winds align from the northwest, lake snows will begin developing southeast of Lake Ontario, which would keep most of the moisture primarilly in or just southwest of the Mohawk Valley. These lake snows may get very well organized Friday night and locally heavy snow is possible in southern Oneida, Madison, Chenango, southern Herkimer and Otsego Counties. We still are not 100% certain how this will play out, but as we get closer, we'll know much more. Check the Weather Blog for more thoughts. Stay tuned here for the latest.
Heavy lake snows will persist into Saturday morning, before gradually winding down Saturday afternoon."

There were a lot of Canada Geese on Woodman Pond, outside of Hamilton, yesterday.

I was really looking for Snow Geese. It was on November 27th when they came, last year.
(Photo by Jeff Reynolds. Click to enlarge!)

I haven't seen "Zach" out on Brouillette Road, for a few days, but there are three llamas in a new "preserve" near Earleys' on Route 20.

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

Poor Mark Masca was complaining of being "cold" in Florida, and now a note has been sent to me by Greg Stevens in San Diego, California:

"I feel Marks pain. It is down to 55 degrees in San Diego."

He adds: " Thank you for the information on Coach Lemery, I played varsity b-ball for him at WCS and was able to send him a message."

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

Someone had braved the cold, here, to decorate the Pumilia residence on Stafford Avenue ......

... and, just up the street, a gentleman (who fled when he saw the camera!) was hanging lights around his front doorway.

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

OF SPECIAL NOTE

It seems amazing to me that, in this day and age, a small village like Waterville and, in fact, one single individual from that community, could be singled out for recognition by any branch of the federal government! But that's exactly what happened in Chicago at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 23rd Annual Clean Water Act Recognition Award Ceremony.

Considering the EPA's current preoccupation with matters like "Greenhouse Gases" and "Global Warming" why single out Waterville, New York? Because there is a division of that agency that evaluates the efficiency of all of the wastewater treatment facilities in the entire country and, out of the hundreds or thousands of possible "winners," Waterville was given the First Place Award in the Small Advanced Plant Division "for its proactive approach to maintenance, process control, and plant improvements, which enable efficient and cost effective plant operations."

You can read more about the technicalities, here, at the EPA site, but the following is especially noteworthy and is deserving of a large

The award also reads:

"The key to the plant's success is Chief Operator Louie Langone who has been integral in making positive changes in plant operation and fostering strong public relations.

"Public education is extremely important to Langone, who annualy hoss a "field exercise" for local middle school classes to teach students how a treatment facility works and the importance of water use awareness.

"In addition to improving process control and providing public education the plant's staff identifid composting as a more economical option for solids handling and than land application or land-filling. ... The finished compost is distributed free to the public and landscape services, further improving the plant's community relations."

Lou Langone - last Spring.

If you missed the blog posting about my tour of
the facility, click here!

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

Skip Foppes has placed two newly-restored 12" x 18" photographs in the display case at the Municipal Hall. One, taken from the very summit of Tassel Hill, is of the original Williams Farm which was on the road that lead around the back side of the Hill. The other picture shows work in progress at the first Reservoir. In the scene are two gentlemen - presumably "village fathers," dressed in long black overcoats and shining "top hats!"

I wouldn't even consider taking a picture of the pictures ------ you'll have to see them for yourselves!

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

FOR THE RECORD

"And down and down she goes..."

I've just scrolled back - and back - and back - in the blog

and believe that the price of gasoline topped out at

$4.21.9 on June 20th!

*********

Have a great day, everyone!

Wednesday

2008-11-19T06:40:00.003-05:00

It's Recyclables Day!

16.3 degrees and clear.

From WKTV: "Wednesday will start off sunny, but clouds should build in ahead of an Alberta Clipper type system that will provide a period of flurries for Wednesday night and Thursday, followed by a new round of lake effect Friday. Initially, lake snows should be well to our west, but as Friday transitions into Friday night, heavier snows may get closer to the viewing area. Reinforcing cold will build in behind Thursday's system, leading to some cold days and nights Friday and Saturday.
The potential for another widespread system exists early next week, bringing a mix of snow and rain to parts of the area."

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

It takes just about a week! If you pick some forsythia today and put it in a vase of warmish water, you'll have a Spring bouquet on Thanksgiving!

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

Yesterday was about the coldest day that we've had. I found Jennifer Neff and her children in the Park putting up a notice about the Nov. 28th "Parade of Lights." While her daughter held up the unwieldy door, Jenn turned to look at me and hollered, "It's freezing!!"

(Yes: there IS a better way to do this and I understand that the Village Board is looking into a way to make it happen!)

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

At their Monday night meeting, the Village Board passed the following proclamation:

(Click to enlarge.)

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

Mary Beth VanDenberg has sent me an E-note to say that

there will also be a

BAKE SALE

at the

Coach Lemery Benefit Concert

on Friday evening!!

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

Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity have made quite a lot of progress on the new home that is being built on Gridley-Paige Road.

Ducks will have to find a different pond to swim in - or get ice skates!

More Christmas decorations on Main Street!

********

and

FOR THE RECORD

Have a great day, everyone, and stay warm!

Tuesday

2008-11-18T05:32:00.006-05:00

It's 24 degrees and cloudy.

The plows are out, but the road is bare!

(at least in Whiskey Hollow!)

WKTV predicts that: "On Tuesday, weak high pressure will nose in, allowing for some sunshine, but cold conditions. Highs may struggle to get much out of the upper 20s, and a fresh 10-15 mph breeze will make it feel quite chilly. Clear skies (Tuesday) night will allow lows to plunge into the teens everywhere. Where there is snowpack, overnight lows will likely tank into the single digits to near zero.
Wednesday will start off sunny, but clouds should build in ahead of an Alberta Clipper type system that will provide a general light snow for Thursday, followed by a new round of lake effect Friday.."

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

If anyone wonders why so many pickup trucks seem to be parked, randomly, along the sides of country roads, it's because regular deer hunting season opened on Saturday.

*******

View of Tassel Hill from Tyler Place.

Although snow reached more than two feet, in some North Country areas, according to WKTV, only the highest hills around Waterville had any lasting accumulation.

On Lewis Road.

Dark snow clouds brought occassional flurries.

In the village, mere traces of snow remained.

The creche is in place on the side lawn of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.

There's a Christmas Tree in a window on E. Main Street ..........

............... and snowflakes and candles in a window at the Neffs' home, on Berrill Avenue.

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

In my morning mail - this, from Wendy Sexton:

"Ann (Cockell) and I have just returned from "Holiday Entertaining" class at Michael's, so we are replete with delicious food, as are the other 30 attending. Sweet Potato Crunch and Macadamia Nut Chicken were our favourites. We are yet to savour Classic Chocolate Truffles and Peanut Butter Pound Cake S'mores which we brought home with us .... Great evening!"

Thanks, Wendy! but now I'm hungry!

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

An E-note from Doris Stephan updates Book Group activities:

"The Waterville Book discussion Group is reading John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. We will meet on Wed, Dec 3rd at 12 noon. Call the library at 841 4651 to reserve a copy of the book, and make your reservation to join us for lunch."

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

I also had E-mail from Mark Masca, in Florida: "It's VERY cold here this morning. For us at least. I know everyone back home would laugh at me for saying that but keep in mind I've lived in Florida for almost 3 years now. But this morning when I got up it was only 60!!! I had to turn the heat on because it was only 68 in the house. To give you a little background...in the middle of the summer when it was almost 100 here, I had the central air set at 78. (and sometimes that was chilly). We had a cold front that blew in Sunday morning and it will only be in the mid 70's all week and low 60's at night...BRRRR."

I'm going to send him a "York State Winter" picture - just so he doesn't forget!

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

Mark also asked about the Benefit for Coach Lemery and wondered "Why?"
Mary Beth VanDenberg explained:

"Dave was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. He is at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. His sister Gayle is donating her bone marrow this week. You can also let people know they can log on to the website www.carepages.com . You need to make a user name and password. Then type in Davidlemery.

The address is Neely House 750 Washington Street, Box 0716, Boston, MA 02111.
cards and letters will be appreciated. Thanks. I am really hoping that LOTS of people will show up and support the event on Friday."

I did go through the logging in process: it's worth it! And you can leave messages for him and Lynne at that site, too!

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a great day, everyone!

Monday

2008-11-17T05:44:00.006-05:00

also:

WELCOME TO WATERVILLE

Anne and John Cockell

visitors from Chelmsford, England!

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

It's Garbage Day!

29.3 degrees and starry-clear

but look what's coming .........

WKTV predicts that: "On Monday, lake snows will be across the North Country in the morning. The band will tend to shift south in the afternoon but will weaken as it does. Some Lake Erie snow could make it into far southern parts of the area however, but that would generally be light. It will be chilly Monday, with highs around 40 degrees. On Monday evening however, a strong reinforcing shot of cold is going to plow through here. This will grab the lake snows to the north and drop them south across the entire viewing area as winds shift from the southwest into the north and northwest. This will probably bring a 1-2 hour period of heavy snow for everyone, preceeded by a couple hours of light snow or flurries."

Click here for WKTV's

LIST OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS

WEBCAMS:

"Barnes Corners"

Old Forge

*******

We had a "significant amount of rain," to say the least, on Saturday.
The Sangerfield River is out of it's banks at Loomis Road.

A "consignment shop" called "Rags to Riches"
has opened in the former "Hap's" on Main Street.

Once again, Marilyn has outdone herself with bright decorations at Dan Maine's Woodworking Shop on Madison Street.

"Frannie" writes that the Ditch Family has their tree up and a reindeer out, as well!

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

For your calendars:

PARADE OF LIGHTS

Friday, November 28

(the day after Thanksgiving)

at 6:00 P.M.

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

COMING SOON

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

FOR THE RECORD

Drive safely, and

Have a great day, everyone!

Friday with add-on

2008-11-14T06:49:00.012-05:00

Clarification:

the "Distress signal" indicates nothing more than a windy day oversight!

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

(I've really been searching for some new "news" this morning, but without any luck so far: perhaps something will pop up later on!)

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

It's Garbage Day!

47.5 degrees: balmy, with a magnificent sunrise!

From WKTV: "There are some areas of patchy fog this morning. Exercise caution on your way in to work. Other than that, it will stay quiet and quite mild today. High temperatures are expected to get into the low 60s by afternoon.
Clouds thicken up tonight as a storm system develops and moves into the region. Rain will begin before daybreak on Saturday and be with us on and off throughout much of the day. We may see some breaks late in the morning and early afternoon, before more rain moves in by the late afternoon. High temperatures will still be mild, with highs in the upper 50s.
This storm will usher in colder weather for Sunday, and this colder weather will be sticking around throughout next week."

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

I received an E-letter from Blair Raker, yesterday, in which he wrote: "I finally got to check out your blog (Our computers at work blocked access to it). It looks very professional and has lots of fun info. ............... I'm going to send a link to my commander as well as my supervisor. It was certainly a special night for me to return back home and see so many familiar faces. The audience was really having a great time and so were we!

The meal at Michael's was superb, which put us in a great mindset for the show. Thanks again and I hope we can come back to Waterville real soon!"

("The meal" to which Blair refers was provided by the Brothertown Music Boosters.)

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

I've learned that:

- the Fehlner-Peach family won the Music Boosters' Raffle for the "Wii Fit!"

- the space between the "Wheeler Block" and the Opera House is wide enough to accommodate a stairway which still runs from the third floor of the Wheeler Block all the way to the basement. No entrances from the first or second floors.

There was plenty of water for paddling in the pond at the foot of Grant Hill, yesterday,

and it looked almost like Springtime at Hanover Green.

However, on White Street, Santa's here!

*********

Seen on Sanger Avenue - a bright new American flag that is hanging UPSIDE DOWN. This is, of course, a signal of "distress," and I suspect that in this case it is a political statement!

I'll try to get some clarification.

*****

FOR THE RECORD

I did track down the "informational kiosk," yesterday: it was getting a coat of white paint in the Village Barn on Conger Avenue and will probably be appearing somewhere in the village quite soon! My photographs didn't do it justice, but you'll know it when you see it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Thursday w/ afternoon add-on

2008-11-13T05:11:00.011-05:00

In case you were wondering ...........

"Why go to Prize Speaking?"

Here are 8 great reasons!

Humorous Monologues: Performed by:
" Just A Scratch in the Fender" Austin Cornish
"Play by Play" Allie Shore
"Any Girl Would Do The Same" Avonlea Frye
"Vacations" Anthony Gannon

Dramatic Monologues
"The Raven" Katie Brown
"Daddy's Hands" Meghan Hayes
"For Jim" Joel Kahn
"Mary Stuart Pleads" Kate McLane

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

Today is Recyclables Day
tomorrow is Garbage Day!

*****

It's 37.8 degrees, rainy and breezy.

WKTV's forecast calls for: "a brief period of light freezing rain early tomorrow morning, primarily in colder spots in Southern Oneida, southern Herkimer, Chenango and Otsego Counties as well. This could also occur in parts of the Adirondacks. It should be emphasized however that we are not expecting much precipitation, so any problems should be minimal and fade not long after sunrise. An area of plain rain will start to move into the region tomorrow from mid-morning into afternoon. Rain shouldn't be too heavy, but could be steady at times.
The rain should clear by late Thursday evening, and temperatures may actually rise overnight from the mid 40s in the evening to near 50 by daybreak. With some sun Friday afternoon, highs well into the 50s to near 60 degrees should occur in spots, especially from the Mohawk Valley south and west."

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

(Click for even bigger smiles!)

What a fine coincidence! I reached the stoplight at the top of the Buell Avenue Hill at the same time as this cheerful group of students. They were on their way back to the Memorial Park School after visiting their Pen Pals at the Harding Nursing Home!

At the Post Office I found Barb Adkyns mailing ten large boxes to the platoon of soldiers that the Ladies Auxiliary of the Clifford J. Fulmer Post 92 of the American Legion has "adopted."

The lucky recipients are all from Fort Drum but are on duty in the Middle East.

Picking up on the subject of old farms and family names, Wayne Brouillette sent me this engraving of his family's farm on Brouillette Road:

"Here is a view of the Melvin Farm taken from the History of Oneida County book, by Everts and Fariss, published in 1878. James Melvin settled here in 1795, and began building this farm. It was owned by the Melvin family until the early 1900's. It was purchased by my grandfather, Alfred Brouillette in 1941, and has been in the family since then."

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

Also in yesterday's mail, this E-letter of historical note from June Richmond:

"The Waterville Travelers Club celebrated their 115th year anniversary on November 11th with a special dinner and meeting. 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 indepth studies of local history. I have been a member since 1951 and still look forward to the studies and social gatherings."

The first reference that I found to the organization was in The Waterville Times, 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."

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

THINGS TO DO
________________________

PRIZE SPEAKING Tonight at 7:00 at the WCS Auditorium

A long-standing tradition at WCS, this 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.

Prize Speaking - 1878

Friday and Saturday at 7:30

the WCS Drama Club

presents

LADY DRACULA

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

Parking Added for "Comedy Central/ Daily Show's" Jon Stewart Performance at Hamilton College Friday Night.

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

SATURDAY

The St. Bernard's Church Fall Bazaar 9:00 - 2:00

Soup and sandwich luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

This sounds like great fun!

CONTRA DANCE

at Madison Hall
Saturday from 8:00 - 11:00

******

PLANNING AHEAD

(Click to enlarge)

FOR THE RECORD

It's Official: the WCS Spring Musical will be "Hello Dolly!"

TRIVIAL but TRUE
In case you wondered or if anyone ever asks you:
the Village DPW maintains 96 fire hydrants.

******

Have a great day, everyone!

Wednesday

2008-11-12T06:08:00.012-05:00

METALS COLLECTION TODAY!
**************************

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."

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!

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

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!

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

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!)

How many memories does this picture jog?

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

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.

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!

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

FOR THE RECORD

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!

Tuesday

2008-11-11T06:01:00.011-05:00

It's 34.3 degrees.

WKTV predicts that: "Flurries should be in the air throughout the day, but accumulations would be light or limited. The lake snows may briefly regenerate for a few hours tomorrow night before weakening and dissipating. Wednesday will feature a return to fair skies. Highs tomorrow will struggle due to lack of sun and only reach near 40 degrees. By Wednesday, we should see highs in the mid 40s.
Another storm system will aproach Thursday evening, bringing a period of rain after mid afternoon and lasting into Thursday night. The rain should clear Friday morning, and with some sun Friday afternoon, highs near 60 degrees is not out of the question."

VETERANS DAY

Library Director Jeff Reynolds wrote, yesterday, to say that there were 86 stars on the "veterans' wall"!

A special reception will be held at 6:30 today to honor veterans, and the Library Staff hope that as many veterans who can be there will come! Spread the word!

Guest speaker will be Louis C. Langone, author of
"The Star in the Window."

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

Also at the Library, a brand new exhibition on the Gallery wall in the hallway:
works by Munson-Williams-Proctor plein-air student painters whose instructor, Annette Gurdo, brought them to Waterville one fine day last summer.

I'm expecting more information about both Annette and the artists,
but - in the meantime .............

Jeff took these two photographs .........

.......... and I added "watermarks" to protect the images from possible misuse!

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

In the stack room, Rita Mack was at the "history iMac," gathering all she could find about her home - the William Osborne mansion on Berrill Avenue - and its various owners. She said that she would really appreciate it if any blog-readers have any information, either personal recollections or family photographs, that tell anything of this building's past.

***********

It was warm and cozy in the Library, but awfully chilly outdoors, yesterday. Mike Tower was grading earth in the Park ...........

............. the Village DPW was putting protective barrels over fire hydrants .......

......... and lengths of "snow fence" appeared at St. Bernard's ......

.......... and at the Harringtons, north of Sangerfield.

I received an Email from Yvonne Durant Brady, yesterday, with the following request:

"Can you put a note on your site to send in any old photos and information about Town of Marshall Farms - to the Town of Marshall Historical Society? They are going to try and put a Farm Book together. Many farmers received a form in the mail - please send it in as soon as possible. I am not on the committee - but growing up in the Town Of Marshall and being a farmer's daughter - I think this is a wonderful idea ....and thought many read your site everyday.

Old photos, new photos, old stories, new stories - some farms may no longer exist - but the family name is there forever....or the land is still referred to by the last name of the farmer who lived there the longest.

Please mail any information to:

Marshall Historical Society
P O Box 232
Deansboro, NY 13328

(These old barns on Fuess-Cleary Road may have been built by the farm's first owners, some of the township's first settlers - the Bartons.)

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

Gary Eckerson has been following the "restoration" of "the Wheeler Block," where the Eckerson's lived in the 1950's. I need to take a photograph of a particular part of the end of the building, and then I'll blog his recollections and the picture, tomorrow!

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

Blog-reader Ron Bornick, from Clinton, writes to remind us that the November 12th Meeting of the MVAS (Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society) will start at 7:30 pm, sharp, at the Town of Kirkland Senior Citizens Center in Clarks Mills.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jason Wright, a post-doctoral associate in Space Sciences at Cornell University will talk to us about "extrasolar" planets. He studied and worked under Geoff Marcy, the man who has discovered around half of the over 300 extrasolar planets orbiting other stars. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Wright and his wife (also an astrophysicist) visit us. Please help us show him our appreciation by attending his program.

Refreshments will be served immediately following his talk followed by the business meeting.

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a Great Day, Everyone!

Monday

2008-11-10T05:09:00.013-05:00

I've just received this Email from Pop Warner "sports reporter" John Savage:

"Our eagles played their hearts out but unfortunately came up short 34-26. It was a very exciting game and we had an incredible crowd of enthusiastic supporters - thanks to everyone for a great season! "

********

Our thanks to the "Eagles," too!

We're proud of all of you!

******

I'm posting early, today, because I need to take my car to Den Kelly's for a "safety recall." It has to do with the possibility of heavy of snow disabling the windshield wipers and, of course, obscuring visibility. I don't know what the Service Department intends to do about that --- my solution would be to go South for the Winter and avoid the problem altogether!

*******

It's Garbage Day

36.7 degrees and wet.

WKTV predicts: " scattered morning snow showers, followed by mostly cloudy and chilly conditions for the remainder of the day.

Lake effect snow will redevelop Monday evening and will likely shift south. There is the potential for some accumulating snow as far south as the Mohawk Valley Monday night into Tuesday. Stay tuned.
More snow showers continue on Tuesday followed by a brief break from the clouds and showers on Wednesday. Yet another storm system will give us rain showers heading into next weekend."

*********

Autumn decorations are still prevalent, throughout the village ........

......... but Christmas decorations were hung at the Fire House on Saturday.

A shivery-looking Parade of Lights Committee

stood in the rain in Monument Park, on Saturday morning.

They may not have completed all that they'd set out to do, that day, but the few trees that were lit were very welcome bright spots!

The wrappings came off the "Wheeler Block" on East Main Street!

The building, which should probably be known as the "Brouillette Block," is owned by John (a.k.a. "Jack") Brouillette and the restoration was carried out by Dan Maine & Co.

Thank You!

A large flock of Canada Geese, enjoying a lay-over near Merriman's on Sanger Hill, weren't bothered by the rain .........

and a roofer was working at Mrs. Lew's Sanger Avenue residence.

Roger Frye

Angela Martz sent me these pictures of Boy Scouts sorting through Popcorn orders.

Webelo Scout David Martz, Jr.

It's that wonderful caramelly popcorn.
Autumn's answer to the Springtime treat of Girl Scout Cookies!

I wonder if the Scouts ordered any extra, and if it's still possible to place orders?

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

Patsy Hill phoned to tell me that her gift shop on Route 12 will be open fairly regularly from now 'til Christmas. Watch the sign for hours.

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

Tomorrow is

VETERANS DAY

6:30 pm |

at the Waterville Public Library

LOUIS C. LANGONE
author of "A Star In The Window"

will be talking about his book
and a reception will honor all of the veterans.

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

Thursday, November 13

PRIZE SPEAKING

7:00 P.M. at the High School Auditorium

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

On Friday and Saturday

(Click to enlarge)

I found this synopsis online: "Here's an entertaining 'vampire' play that begins where most Dracula stories end. Mina was a victim of Count Dracula. Beautiful, but incredibly evil, she has searched the earth for a young man who would resemble her first love... Jonathan Harker. She discovers him Tod Wilson, an innovative teacher who opens a school for brilliant students not far from New York City. The property (donated by Lady Dracula) is a forbidding pile of haunted stones called Malice House. Lady Dracula keeps to the shadows except when ...... " No sense telling you everything!

******

SATURDAY

St. Bernard’s Church

FALL BAZAAR

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Soup and sandwich luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Calling all Revellers!

Hartford Players Youth Theater in a collaborative project with the choral group, Tapestry- The All Centuries Singers, will present a musical adaptation of the Medieval mummers folk-play "St George and the Dragon."

This play within a play is sheer fun, and
begins as villagers arrive in the local tavern to be cast in an amateur production of "St. George and the Dragon."
Silliness reigns as the participants are cast in their roles for a variety of reasons--none of which have anything to do with talent.

The mummers' play will be told using traditional rhymed dialogue and Renaissance madrigals.

"St. George and the Dragon" will run November 15th and 16th at the Kirkland Arts Center in Clinton NY. Performance times are 3:00 and 7:30pm on Saturday and 7:30pm on Sunday. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and seniors; reservations can be made through the Kirkland Art Center at 853-8871. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

With comedy, live music, heroes, dragons, and fast-moving action, this interactive production offers an adventurous and entertaining treat for the whole family.

Tapestry
the All-centuries Singers

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

FOR THE RECORD

Have a Good Day, Everyone!!

Sunday Special

2008-11-09T06:42:00.002-05:00

It's 37.2 degres at 6:45, with no precipitation.

I seldom do Sunday blog posts - I do like to sleep late, now and then! - but this is important to lots of fellows and I always appreciate receiving John Savage's Pop Warner "press releases."

First and foremost:

The WKTV weather forecast for today: "Expect a cloudy start with little improvement. Most of tomorrow will stay cloudy with temperatures near 50. There is a slight chance of a sprinkle tomorrow, especially towards dark."

GAME TIME

2: 00

(from former coach and proud dad, John Savage:)

"When Waterville’s Junior Midgets take the field against the New City Rams at Brothertown Field an un-biased assessment might predict that our high flying eagles could be simply outmatched. That’s if you look at the simplest of statistics. New City’s population was 34,038 at the time of the 2000 census, making it the most populous CDP/hamlet in the state of New York. It is also the most populated community in Rockland County (as per online resource Wikepdia). When compared to Waterville’s tally in 2,000 of 1,721 the analysis could end there. But that would severely underestimate the Waterville Junior Midgets who have methodically destroyed every single opponent they have faced. If this team were a high school team and didn’t have to comply with Pop Warner’s “lopsided rules” and minimum playing requirements I would guess the Eagle’s average score per game would be in the 60-70 point range, in fact the starting line-ups played less than 15 out of 40 minutes in a majority of the games. When you combine that fact, in addition to the Pop Warner equalizer of maximum weight rules (no player can be more that 144 lbs at the season end), you have an extraordinary team from a small town going against a second place team from the most populated area north of the five boroughs.

But even after assessing all of the above one might easily forget one simply fact. Experience and the heart of a champion. These boys have been here before and know the bitter taste of losing a close one at home against a downstate powerhouse. This time around the Waterville Eagles have a focus you rarely see in players this young. And everyone in this town, whether football fans or not, owe it to this little community to take that short trip up Madison street on Sunday to support these kids. Because one last factor that no sports analyst can underestimate is home field advantage.

Go Eagles.