Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow,
predicts an early spring ahead
predicts an early spring ahead
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. - A new pair of hands pulled Punxsutawney Phil from his stump this year, so it was only fitting that the groundhog offered a new prediction.
Phil did not see his shadow on Friday which, according to German folklore, means folks can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter.
Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 96 times, hasn't seen it 14 times and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The last time Phil failed to see his shadow was in 1999.
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A Sonnet, by our special friend
Warren Gilman, "Down Maine."
Warren Gilman, "Down Maine."
Shades of Winter
The year is at a crucial time, they say,
When I must leave this den to play my part,
For February Second is the day
When all the world thinks groundhogs are so smart!
I don’t know whence arose this silly whim
That what I do can shift a season’s sway,
My shadow’s now a potent synonym
That makes the winter-weary feel dismay.
I step outside in fear of what I’ll see.
Creating chilling omens is no fun!
The gloomy form which now may follow me
Depends upon the shrouding of the sun,
And many at this blustery time will pray,
My shadow will not see the light of day!
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Headlines from Page 1 of this week's Waterville Times.
"Snowmobile Registration on Saturday" - Every Saturday in February, 9 to noon at the Adirondack Gateway Information Center in Boonville.
"Brennan Reappointed" - Patrick Brennan of Deansboro reappointed New York State Director for USDA Rural Development.
"60 Years of Service" - Gerald McMullen honored for 60 years of service to the Deansboro Fire Department. (photo)
"Marshall Makes Appointments" - Mary Ann Marsh, Nancy Cali, Anne Jasek, Willard Marsh and Morris Sturdevant appointed.
"Thummler Named MS Principal" - ten-year MPS Principal appointed to Middle School. Other WCS news items.
"Break-in Investigated" - Brennan home in Town of Paris broken into on Jan. 23.
"Lachut Case Continues" - Former teacher's case adjourned to Feb. 22.
"Celebrating 50 Years" - Fr. Vincent Kelly of St. Joseph's Church in Oriskany Falls. (photo)
"Bank Building for Sale" - Auction of former Bank of America building at the corner of Main and White Streets will take place on Feb. 14. Originally constructed in 1925.
Details of auction procedure.
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A Few Social Notes and Items of Interest
excerpted from "In Timely Manner."
excerpted from "In Timely Manner."
What people are talking about!
The great Annual “Give Away” that took place last weekend in the basement of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Sponsored by the Food Pantry and the Senior Citizens, the event was HUGE! “Bigger than any Salvation Army Store I ever saw!” Donations came from everywhere in such quantity that a sign - “No More Donations, PLEASE!” - appeared on the door on Friday. The event is always open to the public; all items are always FREE and, needless to say, “the place was mobbed!”
The AUCTION of the old Bank Building - the selling of which will (hopefully!) take place “By Order of a National Real Estate Investment Trust” on February 14th at 10:00 A.M. by John Dixon Associates.
FOOD! We understand that January sped by too rapidly and that there were still some Fish Fry fanciers who missed out on that Friday Night Treat at the American Legion where the January-only Friday Specials sold out two weeks in a row. Rotarians nearly always meet at MAC’s, and with good reason: one week they enjoyed a dinner of Frank’s special mussels, shrimp and scallops over spinach gnocchi and they were looking forward to a roast pork dinner the next week! Michael’s Fine Food and Spirits continues to attract lunchtime meetings. Employees of “Frontier” filled the parkinglot and restaurant a week or so ago and last week the Waterville Retired Teachers held their monthly meeting there and gave rave reviews to Michael’s Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Mrs. S. Martin writes that “Fifteen of the Waterville Crimson Bonnets had lunch on Thursday January 25th at the ‘Town and Country’ in Vernon. This was one of our smaller gatherings since some of our members are in Florida and some are not feeling so well. After lunch some of the more venturesome went on to Vernon Downs and tried their luck at gambling.” (Mrs. Martin won a total of $6.) February's luncheon will be held at David's Fireside in Bouckville and will be coordinated by Gail Dwyer and Vera Barnes.
Having no real conncection to the previous subject - other than the fact that they live in Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, - Jack McNamara and his wife, Dianne were guests of Ms. Lurena McNamara over the weekend. It will be interesting to hear their comments on the new lamp posts! (Ms. McNamara says that he was impressed, but will be moreso when the snow is gone!)
In other news - Deb Mayne writes: “Double the trouble, twice the fun! 20 fingers and 20 toes, and lots of diapers! Dan & Debra (Kelly) Acker are busy these days with the arrival of their twins, Ava Daniel and Aidan Kelley, on who were born on January 12th at St. Lukes, weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 1/2 oz. and 5 lbs.1 3/4, respectively. Proud and adoring grandparents are Deb & Doug Mayne of Hubbardsville, Gary Acker of Waterville, Cynthia Kelly and Bill Dooley of Utica, and great-grandparents Nancy & Frank Acker of Waterville and Betty Kniffin of Brookfield, and Jeanette Kelley and John Gacek of Utica. The family is at home in Whitesboro.” Congratulations, everyone!
Catherine Harding has been entertaining out-of-town family. Her daughter Elaine and grandson David Ralls were in from Arizona and Pat Hosford and Nancy Southard came to visit from South Carolina. Needless to say the snow and cold kept everyone inside visiting.
Items for "In Timely Manner" may be submitted by stopping the writer in the grocery/drug/video store; by telephoning 841-4679, or by clicking on "E-mail the Writer" at the upper left-hand corner of this post!
