It seems like the summer is just slipping away. Some plans never coming to fruition others - yup - dying on the vine that was bad, but it had to be said
he-he
The final month of the summer is just hours away and I'm sitting at my desk thinking about some of the things I still want to do before the snow flies, but at the same time trying not to obsess about how close it is to winter - there really is a lot of time left.
Fortunately, golfers can hit the ball until pretty late. I'm not sure what the latest I've ever hit a round of golf has been, but I can recall making tee times for after the frost delay. At the same time i'm trying not to get caught up in how close the end of the summer is and nveer end of doing some of those important planned things.
Barbeque. Cooking out is one of my favorite things to do and I haven't been to enough of them this summer. Come on everybody, in your best Homer Simpson - MUST CHAR MEAT, mmmmmm meat.
Speaking of panic. Is there anybody out there? I think these things are supposed to be two-way, sort of conversational - named, by-the-way, by the Lewis Black Television show of the same name as "The Root of all Evil" last night on Comedy Central. I think the phrase 'brain droppings' was used - ewwwww, dear reader, wear boots.
more later?
Game on.
The Woods Tea Co, show for tonight is a go. The village got just a little sprinkle from some very fierce-looking clouds with the parking lot here at the paper barley getting wet enough to soak under the cars while the lot at the village rooms didn't even get completely wet. The band will begin setting up in about a half hour for the 7 p.m. show.
Much more comfortable otuside now and the sun was beginning to peek out behind the storm cell as it moves off east.
Ideas were bouncing off the walls at the meeting of the Partnership for Economic Development Tuesday night at the Slate Valley Museum. The meeting hosted by partnership head Brian LaRose brought is area business and civic leaders with a single purpose in mind: How do we help Granville help itself through the hard economic times the country is experiencing?
Assemblyman Roy McDonald addressed the group and had some good advice for those gathered. Todd from the Adirondack Regional Chamber ran the group through a little exercise to get people thinking about what makes Granville special and what can be done to help others figure out what we know. Good stuff, lots of creative sparks flying. More to follow in the paper this week, Aug. 6 issue.
Looking...
For places that make Granville special, one of the focuses of the brainstorming session from Tuesday night. Any thoughts? If you're reading this you can comment, just click to register. It's probably going to be the question of the week this time around and something that will be an occasional subject addressed the the paper.
Another subject I want to continue to address is petroleum. Whether it's gas prices, heating oil or the rising cost of anything beacuse of the rising costs of fuel; drop me a line at sentinelreporter@manchesternewspapers.com it doesn't have to mean you're going to be the quote of the week, but I'd like to hear your stories and I'm sure other people would too.
The concert in the park series finale was appropriately climactic with local favorites Freedom Hawk performing favorites including some ZZ Top and Marshall Tucker. Good stuff and catch them while you can because lead guitarist JT Freed heads off to school soon. HAve you got a "fast right hand" I think they're looking for a substitute.
You’d think it’s summer or something with the truckloads of things to do over the weekend, all without burning a lot of gas. Just over the border in Wells, Vt. the Haynes House folks will host the second music festival in their history from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.; West Pawlet will be putting on a fireman’s carnival, lots of games and food that run until the night of Saturday, Aug. 2 and in keeping with the “East Granville” theme, Poultney has Shakespeare in the park at 7 p.m. from July 31 – Aug. 3.
There were lines for food at the GV engine and hose chicken BBQ Thursday night. The secret is out.
Rain delayed the finish of the birds and patrons were lined up waiting for the finale. I'd suggest a line for "pre paid" and those who have not yet paid.
Lots of people seemed to have done the smart thing and reserved thier meals. This might not be a bad idea, I know organizations like the Legion only sell so many and give out tickets to reduce the amount of wasteor unsold birds.
The FD might be able to anticipate the level of interest if they know they have 150 reservations and planned to cook 175 halves. Could help everyone because the chickens go fast.
And...awesome as always.
closure
Mettowee Street was closed off temporarily Thursday afternoon and for those who wondered it was for NYSEG to install a replacement telephone poll.
I'll keep an up to date post here, but the last I heard, yesterday at about 3 p.m. was 'the show will go on' in the Baptist Church across from Veterans Park.
The latest report as of 1:21 p.m. straight from Mayor Jay Niles said they're shooting for holding the show in the park because they have seen indication on the weather that it will clear before show time. Unconfirmed reports have the sun shining in Fort Edward.
With the last storm blowing through and dumping lots of rain the show remains headed for the park. Skies were beginning to clear up although it might be a little cool this evening the Satin & Steel concert will proceed.
Chicken will go on as planned unless the rain gets really intense
Chicken preparations were delayed a bit by the downpour that happened about 2 p.m. but the fire fighters were ready for it and tarps kept the coals cooking along. Slowed, but not stopped the birds are expected to finish a bit later; probably 5:30 p.m.
Missing child update
11:52 a.m.
The missing Factory Street two-year-old was located in less than an hour after a search of the boy's house.
Police Chief Ernie Bassett said the child was discovered upon a second pass through the residence by fire fighters Mike McKeighan and Jim Shaw.
Bassett said he had made a pass through the home with the child's mother, but failed to locate the child beacuse he was hiding and thought he was playing a game.
"He thought he was Batman," one search team member said because the boy was found wrapped in an upstairs set of curtains. The boy was missing for 15 minutes before police were called and for about another 30 minutes after police arrived on scene.
Granville EMS, firefighters, DPW and police were on the scene and a Vermont State Trooper's canine unit arrived after the child was found.
Bassett said that after recent heavy rains the Mettowee River was his primary concern. He said the boy had gone to the street to get water for a pet turtle recently, leading to fears the boy may have headed for the rushing stream less than 50 yards from the home's front door. As many as 30 searchers went door to door combing the neighborhood.
One rescuer, possibly John Labas, even got down into short and took to the river floating from upstream of the home to the end of the Little League to the swimming hole.
The child's mother declined to be interviewed.
All's well that ends well. Very scary for everyone involved, but I heard the little guy got a kick out of it and was smiling away like he got an extra cookie from the cookie jar.
Weather for today is supposed to be pretty wet and spotty for the rest of the week - keep your eyes on this post for updates about Thursday's chicken BBQ by the FD and the Satin&Steel concert. VC Rick Roberts said the rain location for the concert will be the Baptist Church and if the show was cancelled there are not dates to fit in a reschedule.
The word, as of 1:31 p.m. Wednesday is the show must go on! So too, the chicken. George said the BBQ will go down unless a real monsoon blows into town, then the rain date would be Saturday, July 26 but ONLY if the weather is extreme; firefighters, especially chicken cooking firefighters have never been afraid of a little rain.
The band will make the call on performing, but they are aware of the alternate site for the show and haven't informed the village of having any reservations about playing in the Baptist Church. So if it's rainly, you can park in the same place just turn the opposite way any come over to the west side of Quaker Street instead.
Chicken
The Granville Engine and Hose chicken will go on rain or shine. Serving will begin about 5 p.m. $8 per. Word is they're cooking up a few more this time after having to turn away a few hungry patrons last time.
Remember, coming up...
This weekend Pawlet Public Library booksale at the Mettawee Community School; starts at 9 a.m. Always a big selection. Funds raised help the library. Saturday and Sunday.
Rick's Ride Aug. 9 fundraiser for American Heart Association and local charities. Starts and ends at the K of C on Potter Ave. 4 p.m. for chicken BBQ, come be a part of a growing fundraising event.
West Pawlet Fireman's Carnival July 31, Aug. 1 and 2 one of the last in the area - games, music and food.
Head down and swing easy, a good swing is a practice swing that just so happens to get interupted by the ball. Don't try to muscle it, steer the ball, think while swinging or do any of the other things you do wrong.
And make the sure shot, don't try to be a hero - unless, of course, you know you can hit it. And...have fun, it's only a game.
The dog show in the park was a fun time. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, all getting along. Other people's dogs to have fun with. I got to meet a bunch of dogs and owners.
If the show was an exercise to try to choose a dog it would have been impossible.
Golf
Conditions at the local courses continue to be great and this recent rain should help. Met Par 3 was great Friday evening. I had the place to myself with just a father and son from Pennsylvania. I played until late. It was like having my own private course. Lots of birdie putts went begging though, I need to get that short game together.
Milestone in the rain Sunday was fun as well. Nice grippy greens without too much rain. The bugs stayed down, including the monster deer flys. Birdie chip-in on 7 was the highlight of the round for me. Also nice seeing my mother starting to hit the ball really well. We had a good round and I'm looking forward to going back.
I have yet to hit the Lake but I think I'm due. Nothing like LSCCC to bring a little humility back to your game. I've played there only a handful of times but each time it has pushed me down and taken my lunch money. A super challenging course. I never seem to be at a level address to the ball, but still - GREAT fun.
Hats off to Olympic Torch Run organizer Rick Roberts. The run was fun and I think people at least got a chuckle out of it. Rick out a lot of effort into getting that fun diversion off the ground and got some of us a little more into the Olympic spirit. I’m actually looking forward to the Beijing Games now, although the summer games usually take a backseat to the winter games for me.
Good to see the “herd” back on Quaker/ Main Street. Hector Norton vowed to get them back out there after vandals trashed the quirky little roadside art project and the cows have come home to roost...wait a minute, something's not quite right there.
Look for the Haynes House 1960 Studebaker Lark in Hudson Falls at the Classic Car Cruise In held each week during the summer in front of Ginny Rae’s Diner. Crystal Everdyke said the cruise in takes place weekly during the summer on Dix Ave next to Sutherland Farms feed store. Tickets will be available until the drawing at the Haynes House Music Festival Aug. 2, where the drawing will take place. You do not need to be present to win.
Bring your puppy to the park or your old or middle-aged dog for that matter. I don't have a dog and can't have one in my apartment so I'm a big fan of other people's dog's. I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of new four-legged friends in the A.M.
Combined with the art in the park thing, should be fun.
Well, here's hoping it's not to hot to play golf out there.
Cheers, have a good weekend.
Still looking for a submission for question of the week. Any question YOU want to see asked?
A great excuse for bikers to get out and ride, as if anyone needs a reason to ride a motocycle, Rick's Ride is coming up Aug. 9. Those of us who walk can still stop in and get a nice barbeque meal for $10. For a good cause.
Dog show.
Bring out your mutts. This was a lot of fun last year. People really seemed to like showing off their dogs and it was, I have to say, cute. Dogs of all shapes and sizes made for a good chance to get in some chin scratching and plenty of petting. Good dogs and responsible owners - nice to see.
Art in the Park
Right next to the dogs will be artists - lots of them, from all over the area. The Art Show will run roughly the same time and gives people another reason to come out. By the sounds the weather shoud be good as well.
High school sports...
It's hard to belive but the time of summer camps for fall sports is creeping up on us. The annual Horde football camp isn't far off. Coach Torres tells me the guys have been working hard looking towards the brand new season.
With the retirement of field hockey's Lynn Enny it will be a different look for the Golden Horde hockey team, at least on the sideline with Steve Palmer stepping up to take the helm. Exciting stuff, but I've got to stop looking so far ahead - there's lot of summer left.
Deadline day, let the 'posty-verse' get away from me a bit.
Lots of people compare life to golf and vice versa and I'd have to say I'm one of those who agree.
Some times things are just clicking and sometimes they're not. After a few mediocre holes during a round this weekend I just began to grove the ball with my five wood.
Long, straight BOMBS, towering shots without coming out of my shoes. What a relief after flailing away at Milestone a week before. I couldn't hit water falling out of a boat and then started knocking it dead at Bend of the River. Just a few littel adjustments and CLICK I'm hitting the ball like (insert the name of your favorite pro here). It's amazing what you can do if you just keep your head down, elbow in, line up correctly, remember the correct grip for the shot, don't grip it too tight.........
It's amazing to me how much fun that game can be most of the time and now, that I have actually learned to keep my ball dry and out of the weeds ( I didn't say 'rough', that's Joe's thing), somewhat frustrating. I know I can do better, but sometimes can't; usually because some small detail has been missed.
I'm chalking it all up to to flying elbow at this point - but who knows?
Dog show
The Granville Small Animal Hospital returns as the host/sponsor of this fun event. People really enjoyed themselves and kept things nice for others walking in the park (if you know what I mean). Organizers tell me it's any dog this is not Westminster so your puppy does not need a pedigree just an owner with a sense of fun and humor.
At the same time Art will be in the park as well. The Granville Chamber has moved the art walk to Veterans park so people will be able to catch a 'twofer.'
Many had to decide last year, now they'll both be in the same spot. No need to decide.
Question of the week.
Is there a question you just want asked to your fellow residents? Keep it clean and send it in. Reply to this blog with a suggestion and who knows? Maybe 'Question submitted by ...' can be your 15 minutes.
“Artist Gallery Walk” Saturday, July 19th at Veteran’s Park 10a.m. - 2 p.m.
We are fortunate to have a wealth of amazing artists within a 10 to 20 mile radius of Granville.On Saturday, July 19th, they will be showcasing their talent and sharing their creativity featuring Painters, Sculptors, Wood carvers, Potters, Photographers and Glass blowers.
Along with the artists, check out the animals specifically the dogs – Dog Show, during the same time as the art show.
I’m hearing this is an informal thing you don’t need to have AKC papers bring your mutt and have a good time.
This event was quite fun and popular last time, the folks from Granville Small Animal Hospital are running this one; did a great job of it last year. Sounds like fun.
Both of the events were a lot of fun, glad to hear they've been centralized at Veterans Park.
Golf
I managed to dent my driver on the range last night, some kind of freak accident. I managed to put a dent in the bottom of the club just behind the face - ouch - I liked that club. It does not help that I was slicing like I worked in a fish processing ship.
When in doubt, get a lesson. I'm going to take that leap, should be good for my game.
Did anyone who reads this catch the Kelly Circus last night? I’ve managed to make the set up each time they come to town but seem to have a commitment for the shows – I’m curious how it went.
Baseball
If you’re free and a little baseball is what you’re looking for then the ‘boys of summer’ might be what you’re looking for; the Granville Legion team “es enfuego” moving to 3-0 at the Saratoga County Tournament they’re battling their way through.
The big top is up in Granville and the elephants are among us. Great stuff. I got to watch the tent go up with a number of residents and visitors and as always was fascinated by the process. It takes a small army to get that tent and circus ground up and running and it really is amazing just how much of a routine those guys have it down to.
Tickets are still available at the gate and may be found around town pre-show.
Whew. What a day. If you’re lucky, you’re reading this while camped out lakeside or via Wi-fi near some swimming hole.
I don’t envy the folks who have to set up the Kelly Miller Brothers Circus Wednesday morning. That will be some hot, sweaty work. Those of us fortunate enough to be there will get a real treat. I’ve watched the big top go up twice now and it never gets old. I’m fascinated by the way the workers just know what to do at all times and how they go about their tasks like ants cutting up a plant – no fuss, no muss – just, well…a phrase about something and elbows comes to mind.
Fireworks
A reminder to the reminder. The fireworks and torch run are the night of the 17th in conjunction with the New York Players. Good stuff.
More later....
I received the first word on Rick's Ride for 2008. LuAnn Stanley said the cookout end of the ride will once again be at the K of C on Potter Ave on Aug. 9
Anyone who already reads this blog has heard by now the festivities from Thursday night were postponed to July 17 – that is for the fireworks and the torch run. Bobby Dick and the Sundowners will make a special appearance on a date that has not yet been determined.
Baseball
The boys, and men, of summer were smacking the ball around over the weekend at Burch Field in American Legion Baseball.
It was good to hear that the host team Granville Post 323 pulled it together for the rest of the weekend after a sputtering start against Chester. It was an uncharacteristic outing for a team loaded with talent from Granville High School Golden Horde teams past and present and some guests from the area. I have to think other teams come to the area just as loaded with quality players, but somehow expect the Granville team to rise above – as they did for the rest of the weekend.
As for the rally killer from the fifth, or was it sixth inning (?), the umpire appeared to be in position to make the call and I always thought the tie goes to the runner (unless that’s just a Little League thing) so this seemed to be an easy call to make, at least from the fan side of the fence. It was missed, as the pictures from the game clearly show, but one call rarely makes or breaks a game. Some errors early against a good hitting team had Granville in a hole early and they needed everything to go their way to dig out. It didn’t and so they didn’t.
It says a lot about that team that they swept the remainder of their games to take home the title – good work guys.
Not for nothing, but I wouldn’t want to have been wearing the blue for that one. Officiating, “reffing” or umpiring or is not easy and that blown call doesn’t have nearly as much impact if the game is any closer.
Soccer
I noticed some players on the Telescope fields on Sunday evening and it is my understanding that pick up games against the area migrant workers and area youth groups have started up again. With many families engaged in Fourth of July activities there appeared to be just one local player this week, but organizers say they’re looking for anyone who would like to come out and kick the ball around.
This just in...Village Clerk Rick Roberts said the date for the fireworks show is now July 17 following the New York Players concert in the park and the first-ever Torch Run.
A new date for the BDatSD show has not yet been set, stay tuned the Sundowners WILL play in Granville this summer.
Are you checking this out? If so, drop me a comment - keep it clean
Although the skies look dark at this point, just before 10 a.m., the show must go on so sayeth the village hall crew.
Stay tuned here – is there anybody out there? – for up to the minute updates for the concert and torch run and fireworks.
The fireworks crew can tarp-up and work with a little drizzle and the Sundowners will make their own call by about 5 p.m.
The first-ever torch run is tied to the fireworks show so if one is a no-go then both are a no-go.
Concert, regular time, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. with the torch run moving form Veterans Park down to the Little League Complex in the time between the end of the show and the beginning of the fireworks.
Next update when I hear something…
12:13 p.m.
No news is good news, no word yet…
Skies are clearing up and the air even feels a little lighter – I’m hopeful for a nice show tonight, but will stay in touch with the village folks and update when and if there is an update to post.
Update…
1:27 p.m.
It is my sad duty to report that the concert, torch run and fireworks scheduled for tonight have ALL BEEN CANCELLED.
Village Clerk Rick Roberts reports that after substantial discussion with the Mayor and consultations with several weather news sources the fireworks and torch run will be moved to either the 17th or the 24th after the New York Players or Satin & Steel. Rain and possible electrical storms expected to kick up right about the time the band would be setting up.
Roberts said discussions with Bobby Dick are taking place and he expects to reschedule him, possibly for a Friday night.
I just spoke with Father Tom Zelker about his most recent aquatic adventure and it sounds like a lot of fun, but with a little bit of danger.
Father Zelker said he paddled in the Mettowee from the new river park off of Church Street and made it quite a ways towards Vermont before needing to turn around.
I think was before recent rains swelled the river and brought the level up quite a bit. Father Tom said he enjoyed the float but things got a little scary when the falls at the remnants of the old dam just below Church Street rolled him out of his kayak and into the cool waters of the Mettowee.
Bruised and bumped up a little Zelker reports making it out after a few scary moments spent under water feeling the power and force of water weight.
Lessons here?
Well, Father Zelker has Jesus for a co-pilot; the rest of us might need someone a little more terrestrial on stand by because it’s always a good idea to travel in groups for activities like that.
It still sounds like LOADS of fun – I can’t wait for the next time I get out on the water.
