We had a very nice but small gathering to present Ice-Out Contest winner William Barber his check and certificate honoring his correct guess of April 5 at 2:46 p.m. for the clock to stop.

The first picture shows Joe's Pond Association president, Tom Dente, handing Barber the check. In the second picture are Diane Rossi, Camilla Dente partially hidden by Tom Dente, Jane Brown, William Barber with his back to the camera, Bill Rossi, Homer Fitts, William Walters, a report from the Hardwick Gazette and Margaret Fitts. This is a copy of the certificate awarded to Mr. Barber.

Bill Barber told us he has a son entering college in the fall, so I'm sure his winnings will come in very handy. I thought it was nice that he brought the stub of his ticket with him in case we needed it, and since we don't need it, he said he will put it with the Award Certificate we presented to him.

It was a very nice day, warm and a bit muggy, but no showers. There were several boats being put into the water while we were there, and later while we were at Bill and Diane Rossi's several boats went by. It seemed like summer and everyone was out enjoying the water and the weather.

All things considered, Diane and I think the contest went very well this year and we're happy it's over. However, we'll need to begin gearing up for the 2011 contest right away in order to have tickets ready for the early birds who like to have them during the summer to give to friends and family.