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George's Tid Bits
by George Capron

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1: Another successful Snow Festival weekend was held with good crowds. Friday night’s frigid temperatures didn’t stop snowmobilers from being part of the torchlight parade. A count of 72 snowmobiles were found in the line-up. It was so cold the glow sticks only worked for 20 minutes. By Saturday morning an overnight low of minus 17 was found in the village, and thankfully the cold Northeast wind stayed under 10 mph. We look forward to next year’s event.

Congratulations to TJ and Heike Fuller of Lakewood, WA, on the birth Saturday of a daughter, Rachel Katherine, who entered the world at 6 pounds, 2 ounces. The proud grandparents are Terry and Sharon Fuller, and the baby was born on her great-grandfather Dick Fuller’s 84th birthday.

On yesterday’s date in 1991, four friends and myself were snowmobiling near McKeever on the Woodhull Trail when a huge lake-effect snowstorm started. We had an exciting ride back to Boonville in heavy snow and by morning 25 inches was measured. Happily, all the sleds performed perfectly. It was a ride to remember.

Two snow related events are remembered in 2003. During tonight’s date, the roof on the Post House caved in and the original wooden walkway over the Feeder Canal in the Village also went down from the snow weight.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2: This winter has received the least amount of snow in 25 years, with only 71 inches measured at the Merry Hill Weather Station near Boonville. Last year had the most snowfall up to this point with 179.1 inches, and in second place is 170.3 inches in 1986.

Today Punxsutawney Phil, America’s most famous groundhog, saw his shadow for the 16th time out of the last 20 years. Tens of thousands of people converge at Gobbler’s Knob on this day to witness Phil’s prediction in the small Pennsylvania town.

Baseball lovers might like to know that the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs became known as the National League in 1876. The American League was formed in 1901 and the first World Series was held in 1903.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Congratulations to Ben and Lynn Bush of Lowville on the birth at Lewis County General Hospital yesterday of a son, Zane Michael, who arrived weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces. He will join two sisters at home. Happy wishes from Grandma and Grandpa, Sandy and Dick Bush.

Ron and Nancy Farr of Lyons Falls reach their 50th wedding anniversary, with best wishes from their friends and neighbors.

If you remember Don McLean’s number one hit song, “American Pie,” in 1972, today’s date is the reason. On February 3, 1959, a plane crash in a snowstorm claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper shortly after take-off from Mason City, Iowa. That event has been known as the day the music died.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4: Happy 43rd anniversary wishes to Carl and Sue Farney of Lowville from Rick and Colleen West and family.

It’s either good news or bad, but as of 12:41 a.m. this morning we’ve reached the halfway point of winter. Even with the area’s low snowfall, winter sports are still healthy. In the past three days all the snowmobile trails have been groomed. The early season formation of an icy base has saved snowmobiling with minimal powder on top.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5: Today Erma Seymour of Boonville celebrates her 92nd birthday, with best wishes from her family.

Baseball legend Hank Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1934. Hammerin’ Hank at one time was baseball’s all-time home run king. He broke Babe Ruth’s home run record with his 715th on April 15, 1974.

Country singer Sara Evans was born in Boonville, Missouri, in 1971. She received the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female honor in 2006.

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