Monday a.m. Update

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It's 35 degrees and cloudy at 4:00 Sunday afternoon.

TOMORROW IS GARBAGE DAY!

Here is the TWCNY Weather Forecast:

"Clouds and Drizzle, Showers and Snow Showers in the way this Week

With lots of low level moisture still holding strong in the atmosphere, we continue to see plenty of clouds and drizzle and mist. With some areas below freezing, some slick spots are still expected this morning. As we work through the day we will be mostly cloudy and calm with highs in the mids 30s.
Our next sytem will arrive Tuesday with scattered showers and temperatures in the upper 30s to near 40. This mild air will drop to the low 30s and snow showers will return for our midweek forecast.

The rest of the week will be chilly with snow showers."

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IN THE NEWS

SATURDAY SUNY TOURNAMENT 

Waterville over Fabius-Pompey:   75 - 34

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I don't know who took this picture, but it is one of those chosen for the Utica Observer-Dispatch's 2015 Calendar which will be included in the Christmas Day Edition!

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IN THE MAIL

From Barb McNamara, who was at Village Hall on Friday,  these pictures of members of the Christmas Committee.

The Santa's Helpers are: Debby Lemery, Janice Eisenhut and 
Bert White.

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This letter from Andy Sabol, which is also being sent to 
The Waterville Times:

"On Removal of the Big Spruce Tree in the Park"

"Several years ago, a similar proposal was made to remove the big spruce tree in the park and replace it with a small one, all for the ability to hang lights on it for a few weeks at Christmastime. This peculiar idea was dismissed then, and should be dismissed once again.

Consider what is suggested. Cutting a 100 foot tall spruce, acknowledged to be in prime condition, and planting a 12 foot high replacement, just so that lights may be more easily hung on it for a few weeks? Is this really a serious proposal? For many years this magnificent tree has graced the park. It threatens no one, and only adds to the grace of the park.

Another satisfactory location can certainly be found without destroying a 100 foot living landmark. There is certainly enough space in the park itself. Trees are an asset to our community, and add so much beauty to the village. Removal of trees should not be done in a haphazard manner. Perhaps the Village should consider hiring a Forester to advise on any future removals or plantings now being discussed.

I am sure others feel as I do, that the removal of the big tree is an enormous mistake and cannot be allowed to happen.  If so, please make your feelings known to the Mayor and Village Board before it is too late."

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Sabol

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I've received four other Email remarks about this topic, all adamantly urging efforts to "Save the Tree." 

I've  written to the Parade of Lights Committee and - in a less forceful manner - urged them to reconsider their request because: 

#1. Although I cannot find the reference right now, I once read  a very brief remark in the archives of The Waterville Times stating that the tree had been planted by a particular group (a high school class?) in honor or memory of another particular group.  I had asked Jack Youngs if he knew anything of the tree's history and he simply said, "It's always been there!"  The "old-timers'" best guess is that it was planted soon after the end of the First World War.  

#2.  I just hate to see gigantic old trees cut down unless they are "sick," and this one doesn't seem to be. 

  

I also reminded the Committee that ten years ago, when the Memorial Bandstand was just a rough sketch on a piece of paper, everyone involved in its design kept saying, "It will be beautiful with lights on it at Christmastime." Sadly, the lights have never appeared.  Here is a picture that Jean Desany sent me of the Victorian Bandstand in Milford, New Hampshire - you can see what I mean! Why not do THAT, instead?

PsB.

Marblehead, Massachusetts.

I'm sure that it would be costly, but also think that others would join me in contributing to a fund.

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Other Winter Views - Here & There

Two of the little spruce trees in Monument Park - by Jan Kelley.

Up in Paris, on Saturday, by Missy Brouillette!

(Thank you both!)

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Wreaths have been hung on the decorative ironwork at St. Bernard's Church .....

......................  and a Nativity scene is in place on the side lawn at the corner of Stafford Avenue and East Bacon Street.

Right around the corner, this is the front doorway of Amanda and Bryan Briggs' home.

In the Park, members of Sanger Lodge have worked hard to uncover all of the Christmas Trees that had been all but buried in heavy, wet snow, and now you can see that the number of trees that remain is much less than a week ago.

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COMING EVENTS

VILLAGE OF WATERVILLE

There will be no Village Board Meeting tonight.

There is only one Village Board Meeting scheduled for this month and that was on December 1st.

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WATERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

- Monday -

There are no special events at the Library today.

- Tuesday -

Holiday Movie at 6:00 p.m.

The Bannister family's new addition, Zeus, the yellow Labrador, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs. However, when two burglars set out to break into the Bannister's home while they're away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog - even this one - has his day.

89 minutes. 

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"Craft2gether" at 7:00

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- Wednesday -

"Drop-in Craft" 2:30 - 4:00

Ages 5 & up

Kids can make a reindeer ornament and a reindeer craft to hang on the wall!

Stop in anytime between 2:30-4pm.

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- Thursday - 

Holiday Story Hour with Santa at 6:00 p.m.  

 All Ages | Sign Up

Kids can come to the library to hear stories, have hot cocoa & cookies, make reindeer food and meet Santa!

- Friday -

Movie Matinée at 1:00

(1954)

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WATERVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

- Monday -

MPS Winter Concert - 6:30 p.m.

- Tuesday - 

Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

- Wednesday - 

PTA Visit with Santa - 9:30 a.m.

High School Winter Concert & Art Show - 7:00 p.m.

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WCS SPORTS

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FRIDAY SPECIAL

Farmers Market 
will be here this Friday the 19th 
at the Barton Community Room at Waterville Village Hall.
 2pm to 6pm. 
 Come and see local venders showcase their wares. We have root vegetable, meats, yogurt, milk, herbs, cheeses, honey and several craft vendors and more.....

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FOR THE RECORD