Saturday morning

It's a shivery 12.2 degrees, outside,
and the Full Moon is still bright!

There will be some clouds and snow showers today - especially during the afternoon - and then more clouds tonight with, perhaps, another peek at the moon.

The WKTV Doppler show us where it's snowing and where it's not and the Utica O-D tells us where we can go! Utica Zoo Snowfari.

Yesterday, everyone was talking about the weather - in Florida! During the very early morning, tornadoes had struck in an area where many of the village's friends spend their Winters, and phone calls and E-mail sped southward in attempts to ascertain their safety.

Sylvia Person phoned the Burbacks soon after 6:00 A.M. to say that they were fine, although their home had received a lttle damage. Paula Manion went searching for Mr. Garrett and found him just fine - "out having breakfast!" The Hunts reported that they, the Kelleys and the Youngs were unscathed, and Dave Desany wrote -

"Thanks for asking, yes we are fine. The really bad weather was generally 20-40 miles N/NW of us, although we certainly had some heavy rain and thunder/lightning. No impact to any local family or friends that I am aware of, and as usual the tornadoes (here and the Midwest/plains) always seem to find the trailer parks."

-- and from Gary Tuttle - "Thanks. The tornado's were about 40 miles north of us
and all we had was a little rain. I've been wondering about Bob Garrett, George Kelly, Ed Hunt and others I think stay in the Lady Lake area."

So - as far as we know - our Snow Birds are all Safe and Sound!

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Locally, some birds - although safe - don't look altogether happy!

One of our two Carolina Wrens keeps looking in the kitchen window, probably wondering when more suet will appear or if he/she'll be invited inside.

(Click to enlarge photos.)

Up at the crest of Bogan Road, I found the two
Watch Birds, pacing back and forth as if to say:

"Private Road! Who goes there?"

They moved - ever so slowly - off to the side to let me drive by, pausing to complain that I was in their road, or that their feet hurt.

One tried walking in the snow and looked so unhappy about it that I drove on, and left the whole road for them to parade on, again.

Friday EXTRA! with add-on

Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow,
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."

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!

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

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.

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

A Few Social Notes and Items of Interest
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. . An “Open House” for prospective buyers will take place on Wednesday, February 7 from 9 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. and 1 hour prior to sale. Area residents have their hopes set on a purchase by First Niagara, NBT, HSBC or, “at least Someone!”

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!

Friday morning

It's nearly 27 degrees, out, and - for the first time in quite a while - there's barely a trace of new snow. That, however, will come later, according to a morning update on the O-D's website:

"Some snow is on the way"

"It is almost certain there will be some snow flurries this afternoon, with accumulation of up to 3 inches. Temperatures will reach a high of 32 and a low of 17 overnight.

Overnight, the northern part of Oneida County, such as Boonville, will see 2 to 4 inches of snow. Parts of Herkimer County, like Little Falls, will see one to three inches.

For Saturday, lake-effect snow will definitely affect areas north of Rome and Old Forge - and it could be major. Saturday's temperature will reach a high of 20 and a low of seven degrees Saturday night."

BRrrrrrrr!

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The WCS Girls' Varsity Basketball Team will meet West Canada Valley Central tonight at 7:30 here in Waterville.

******

Shops on West Park Row in Clinton are having fun: a Valentine's Day Window Decorating Contest, which got the attention of the O-D.

*******

More and more people from throughout the
Waterville community are saying,
"I really like the lamps!"

"I like the color"

and

"When are they going to light them?"


(This one is powered by "Photoshop.")

Thursday morning

It's Garbage Day!

17 degrees at 6 o'clock, with a light dusting of fresh snow.

It's the First of February, too and the first Valentine's Day decoration has appeared on Madison Street!

Elsewhere, Winter's decoration - snow - covers the black willows near Osborn Avenue...

... and keeps the village sidewalk plow on the move.

After a very long wait, all of the privately-owned snowplows are finally busy. The WKTV forecast may not make the owners and drivers completely happy, but we can remember - in years past - that a forecast of "partly cloudy" or "light flurries" actually resulted in a major snowfall or two!

• Today: Partly sunny with scattered light snow showers and flurries. High 29
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with light snow possible late. Low 20
• Friday: Cloudy with light snow. Light accumulations possible. High 30 Low 15

There's Joy in Boonville! The "Adirondack Cup" Snowmobile Races will take place there, this weekend, and they have the snow for it!

The WCS Boys' Varsity Basketball Team will play Hamilton Central School in Hamilton tonight at 7:30.

Wednesday morning

It's Recyclables Day!

17.9 degrees with an inch or two of new "puff" overnight.

Today's WKTV forecast looks like this:

- and sounds like this: "More lake effect snow will develop today as a weak weather system pushes to the east of our area and colder air is drawn in from Canada. Winds this morning will favor the development of lake effect snows primarily from an Oswego to Syracuse to Madison line. Snows here should be on the light side. As winds back to a more westerly direction, the snow band will move to the north and east, through the Mohawk Valley during the day today. 1"-3" of snow may accumulate in all of the above areas within the lake effect snow.
By later this afternoon, the snow squall will move even further north, and just sit for a while, perhaps depositing 4"-8" of snow accumulation across far Northern Oneida County from this afternoon into this evening. Even higher totals are possible in the most die-hard snows further north, with perhaps 8"-14" for Lewis and Northern Herkimer Counties, perhaps including Old Forge.
The snows will drift even further north tonight, impacting the Watertown area late. For us here in Central New York, partly cloudy skies and scattered flurries will be the rule to start the day on Thursday."

*********

"The less snow that we have, the better!" Electricians are making final adjustments to the wiring of the new lamps - a procedure that involves either sitting or kneeling on the ground next to the bases most of the day. We don't envy them!!

No: there is still no word on when the official "Lighting" will take place - perhaps that will be decided at next Monday's Village Board Meeting - although there may be some ON/OFF testing going on, before then during the daytime. Once functioning, the lights will be controlled by sensors (to turn them on) and timers (to turn them off.)

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The WCS website links to an article about the Boys' Jr. Varsity Basketball Team's win over Sherburn-Earlville, last week, and an article in the Sports Section of today's issue of the Utica Observer Dispatch recaps Sherburne-Earlville's win over the WCS Boys' Varsity Basketball Team on Saturday.

For the past two days, a hundred or more wild turkeys have filled the field across from the old "Mayflower Motel" on Route 20, gobbling up tasty little corn morsels and noisily voicing - "gobbling," again? - their appreciation!

Tim Francisco takes us climbing!

Many of you know who Tim is: a physical therapist at ProActive Pysical Therapy here in Waterville - and that he's intent on becoming a "46-r" - that is, he's going to climb all 46 of the Adirondack Mountains whose summits are above 4,000 feet.

Last weekend he climbed "Tabletop"- his 26th. (Only 20 to go!) "Tabletop's" summit is 4,427'; is just a bit due north of Mt. Marcy, the tallest of the Peaks, and involves a 15.2 mile walk, roundtrip!

His hiking companions were Mark Mattson and his wife Kelly, who is a teacher at the Memorial Park Elementary School.

Here are some of his pictures and a brief but all-too-believable description of the weather:

"It was 10-15 Degrees F while hiking but -22 Degrees F overnight.

Summited 'Table Top.'

Couldn't summit Marcy because it was too windy
~60 mph,
got knocked down twice by the wind."

(No! They're not Crazy! and No! They're not alone! Lots of people do this for fun!)

We did!

Trail near the base.

The intrepid Trio

Marcy Dam's best **** Accomodations!

At 4,427'

Higher!

A Spectacular View of Mt. Marcy.

********

Thanks for the trek, Tim!

Tuesday morning

It's 14.2 degrees and

we're NOT SNOWBOUND!

In fact, it doesn't look as if it snowed more than a few inches, over night.

An update on the Utica O-D's website, "Today's snowfall: Less than one-half inch.

According to the National Weather Service, most of the overnight snow fell west of Utica in areas like Sylvan Beach or Verona Beach.

And today’s forecast doesn’t sound too bad, according to the Web site www.erh.noaa.gov.:

*Today’s temperature will rise to about 21 degrees and total daytime snow accumulation will be less than half an inch."

News 10 Now has further details about snowfall amounts west of here.

********

Good News - for some; not for others, I'm afraid! -
there aren't any school cancellations crawling across the bottom of the WKTV Channel 2 news screen.

*******

More good News:

It wasn't an "Oooops!" after all -
at least not of the variety that many feared.

According to the electricians, a small - but essential - part of the lamp assembly is missing, but as soon as it arrives the globe will be set in place. In the meantime, they've bundled the lamp in bubble-wrap to keep it dry.


And Thank You, "sbs" - you're definitely correct!

Monday afternoon

The Doppler shows what seems to be a solid band of Lake Effect Snow, but there are actually more scattered "snow showers," than continual snow, right now. It will be different this evening!

I just came back from Valley Signs over on Route 8, where the new "Welcome to Waterville" signs are being made, and Canning Factory Road was a bit "dicey," but pretty.

The Goedekers' have plenty of firewood ...

... and the old milk pails at the Buschor Farm made a nice picture.

Hanover view

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The "Welcome" signs are all cut and the basic dark green paint has been applied - a darker shade than this indicates.

The letters in "Waterville" will be incised and
then gold leafed and the hop blossoms will be
redrawn, a bit smaller than shown.

Funding for these signs has been made possible by the members of
the Waterville Women's Club and the Waterville Garden Club.

Thank You!

*****

Monday morning

It's Garbage Day!

It's just about 8 degrees and 'tho there's no snow right now, it's on it's way!

The WKTV NewsChanel 2 Weather Team predicts:

Today: Snow showers...scattered and light this morning and becoming more numerous and intense by later today. Accumulations generally 1"-3" by this evening with perhaps locally higher amounts over West Oneida County. High 15.

Tonight: Snow showers and squalls. Additional accumulations of 3"-6" with locally higher amounts for most...except lesser amounts over Northeast Oneida County and lesser amounts also over Southern Otsego County. Low 0-10.


From this morning's O-D ---- Scott McNamara will Run for DA!

And, from the WKTV Newsroom: The Alexander Hamilton Inn is Closing. An historic restaurant in Clinton is preparing to close its doors on Wednesday. A federal court is ordering the Alexander Hamilton Inn to shut down operations. Owner, Patrick O’Connor filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy last year with the intention to reorganize and secure funding but it never happened. O’Connor then found himself filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy. The inn will however continue its catering business and is well booked through 2007 and into 2008. No word on where the new location will be yet.

Snowmobilers were out enjoying what snow there was, yesterday.


These two found a smooth trail near the corner of Sanger Hill and Bogan Roads.

The destination for some riders seems to be the American Legion.

There was quite a gathering of wild turkeys in a field just south
of Route 20 west of Sangerfield.

Visiting Waterville over the weekend were Ms. Lurena McNamara's brother Jack and his wife, Dianne, from Sandwich, Massachusetts. I hope they enjoyed our Winter Scenery and have a safe trip back to the Cape!

Slow Start to Sunday!

It's about 25 degrees and according to the resident weather observer, who went out for the newspaper quite a while ago, there's just a touch of new snow - enough to keep it pretty.

"Pretty" isn't what snowmobilers or cross-country skiiers were hoping for, but if it warms up a little more the snow that we have could be just perfect for building snow men, snow forts, castles, and sliding mogles!

We'll check the village, later on, to see if any such construction is in progress!

And everyone else may get what they want tomorrow!

The WeatherChannel ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BINGHAMTON HAS ISSUED A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING.

A NORTHWEST FLOW OF ARCTIC AIR WILL SET OFF LAKE EFFECT SNOW STARTING TONIGHT. LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT...WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW EXPECTED FROM LATE MONDAY MORNING INTO EARLY EVENING. SNOWFALL TOTALS COULD BE 6 TO 12 INCHES IN THE MOST PERSISTENT SNOW BANDS. THE HEAVIEST SNOWS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS NORTHERN ONONDAGA...NORTHERN MADISON...AND WESTERN ONEIDA COUNTIES.

A LAKE EFFECT SNOW WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR LAKE EFFECT SNOWS TO PRODUCE 7 INCHES OR MORE OF SNOW IN 12 HOURS OR LESS...WHICH COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT TRAVEL.

And while you're waiting: this small internet amusement has been making the rounds, and you might be surprised to find that your accent gives you away! So far, we know that I live in "northern inland (America)" - as do many of my acquaintances - but that Mr. Brown is most definitely from Boston!