Today has been a bit frenzied for both Diane and me.  We had all sorts of loose ends to finish up.  Last night we got in touch with mostly media outlets with the very preliminary information that the clock had stopped at 6:14 p.m. yesterday, April 29th.  Most  of the outlets that sell tickets for us were closed, so those calls had to wait until this morning.  The news spread very quickly and today we have been answering calls and e-mails from ticket holders wondering if they might be holding a winning ticket. There have been rumors flying, even names of local people who are winners circulating, but none of this is fact.

Diane even had an interview with News 7 TV at Lyndon State College this morning.  The interview will be on their 5 o'clock newscast.  Click on the above link and check it out.

Here's what we know at this moment:  We have one winner who guessed the exact date and time.  There were guesses as close as one minute either side of the 6:14 p.m. time, but only one out of the over 15,000 guesses was right on.  This is not unusual.  Over the years we have had as many as four people guess the exact date and time, and even last year there were two winners. On the other hand, there have been plenty of times when the winner had the closest time - off usually by only a few minutes one way or the other.

We now know that the potential winner lives in Connecticut, but there was no answer when we called this morning, so until we have contacted the person and verified the ticket, we will not release any more information than that.  Once verification has been accomplished, there will be at least a two-week waiting period before any funds are transferred.  This is so we have time to hear and examine any claims from other ticket holders who believe they may be a winner.  Once the two-week period is over (mid-May, depending on when we establish contact with the presumed winner) the waiting period is closed.  The funds will then be transferred to the now verified winner. 

We have a huge responsibility to all those who enter the Joe's Pond Ice-Out Contest to be certain no mistakes are made, and that is why these guidelines are in place. It is important to consider all possibilities as errors can be made when dealing with thousands of tickets.

We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information.  Watch for announcements here and on home page on the website.

The Ice-Out Contest is Over!

The clock stopped at 6:14 p.m. today, April 29.  We have not verified the winner or winners yet, but we'll announce that as soon as we have everything in place.

There is still a lot of slushy ice on the pond - but it just wasn't strong enough to hold up under the weight of the block.  We might say "it dropped like a rock."  It is much less nerve wracking to have it go cleanly like that rather than have it drift around on an ice floe.  As always, it's when the clock stops that counts.  We'll let you know more as soon as we have the information.

We saw in today's Caledonian Record that the ice went out at Harvey's Lake on April 22, at 10:57 p.m.  Harvey's Lake Association has an ice-out contest similar to ours at Joe's Pond, but much smaller, and this year's winner was none other than Terry Powers (Island Drive) of Joe's Pond!  Terry won $180.  Congratulations, Terry!  But there's more.  Two years ago Terry's sister, Sandy Grenier, won the Harvey's Lake contest, and in 2012, another sister, Judy Lavely, won here at Joe's Pond.  This family obviously has something special in their DNA! 

We're watching the block closely, but the flag is still flying out there and looks pretty much the same as it has for about a week.  Our weather was a bit warmer today, but we didn't get as much sunshine as expected - I guess the clouds that brought the rain/snow showers earlier in the week have sort of doubled back on us, but as near as I can tell, we haven't had any rain - or snow! - or as much wind today. 

 Every day now about a thousand Joe's Pond Ice-Out ticket holders are disappointed.  A lot of people guessed the ice would be around longer than it has been in recent years, and that is definitely the case, but contrary to what some of us thought, this probably won't be a record late ice-out.  I would be very surprised if it lasts beyond the latest recorded date, which is May 6th.  It has gone out three times on May 1st, two times on May 4th and one each on May 5th and 6th.  Perhaps this year it will go on May 2nd, and fill in that one vacant day.  Just guessing, of course.  The earliest it has gone out was on April 5th, in 2010.  That was the year our committee was very nervous that it might go out before the close of the contest on April 1st. Right now all we can do is wait and watch.
 
Remember the Cinco de Meow event to benefit the Kingdom Animal Shelter in St. Johnsbury Center, on Sunday, May 3rd.  Click on the poster to see all the fun activities that will be going on all Sunday afternoon.  

Also, please don't forget the turkey pie benefit supper on Sunday, May 3, at the Danville Inn, for the benefit of Garey and Jane Larrabee. Admission by donation.

VTrans is hoping to make the detour(s) due to the closure of Route 15 this summer as convenient as possible, which will be a huge undertaking as no route is really a good route for everyone.  Here is a notice I got from Front Porch Forum tonight regarding the recent meeting in Cabot, stating what the intentions are regarding some of the problems that were pointed out: 

Vermont Agency of Transportation, aot.publicoutreach@state.vt.us, National Life Drive

On April 6th 2015, representatives from the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) attended a public meeting in Cabot with regards to the VT 15 Walden Bridge (No. 83) Replacement Project. VTrans gave a presentation about the project which included information regarding the detour route using VT 215 during the 28-day bridge closure period.
Concerns were raised about the project and detour route by members from the communities of Cabot, Danville, Walden and Marshfield and noted for follow-up by VTrans. Specifically, the availability of law enforcement during the closure period was raised and this is also being researched for a solution.
Currently, the VT 215 and US 2 intersection is being evaluated to determine if there are any temporary measures that can be added to improve safety during the closure period.
As recommended at the public meeting, VTrans will meet with Selectboard members from each of the Towns in the near future to respond to questions and concerns accordingly.

 We can only hope the project goes smoothly and doesn't run into problems that cause it to be prolonged.

We are watching the block on the ice closely now.  The ice has changed in the past couple of days due to rain and then sunshine today, along with slightly warmer temperatures.  The wind has been moving the ice down the pond, too, and that helps weaken it and may eventually break up the ice.  However, for now it's getting darker in color but not a lot of water is showing.  There's open water along the shoreline, but the majority of the big pond is still solidly frozen.  The first two ponds are free of ice - you can see the lovely blue water on the West Danville side of the narrows in the top picture, and in the next photo you can see how the ice has darkened and is turning to slush, but isn't ready to disappear just yet.  It's anybody's guess whether it will hold until May or not.  The position of the block hasn't changed much, as near as we can tell, but we're keeping a close eye on things.  We were at Bill and Diane's this afternoon, all of us just checking to be sure everything is ok.  

We had so much wind today Diane had to take down the thermometer as she was afraid it would be blown off the post.  The cameras worked well until late in the day and then they went off again.  We still don't know what the problem is, but Diane is working on it.


I've been looking at the tickets - a total of 993 people picked tomorrow, April 29th; 1,402 picked the 30th; 1,207 picked May 1; and I didn't go beyond that, but I will, if the clock hasn't stopped by May 1.  The latest guess I saw was June 21st.  Back in March when it was below zero every day, June 21st seemed like a reasonable possibility.  As of today about half the tickets are out of the contest, having earlier dates than April 28.  I can hear some of you groaning, realizing the date you picked is past and the clock is still ticking.  That's the fun of the game - nobody really knows and as Diane said today - even being right here, able to see the ice and the block and knowing the weather, she still couldn't guess exactly when the clock will stop.  And it is just a matter of being lucky.  We'll know soon who made a lucky guess. 

Here we are in another rainy day.  It isn't cold, but it isn't really a warm spring "April Shower" type of day, either, and there certainly aren't any Mayflowers around.  I do have some crocuses blooming, though.  Those hardy little bulbs poke through the snow every year without fail and are so welcome!  My daffodils seem to be stopped  at four inches.

I don't have much to tell you about Jane Larrabee.  Garey came home this weekend to rest and expects to go back about Wednesday, we think.  Jane is apparently comfortable and the doctors are still evaluating her.  We will try to keep you informed.

Jane Milne told me they have had a wonderful response from the community regarding the turkey supper benefit for the Larrabees, and many people are offering to help in other ways.  Our Joe's Pond members are rallying - some who live in the Boston area are reaching out to Garey, and others are responding with generous donations.  If you would like to donate, checks should be made to "West Danville United Methodist Womens' Club" and sent to either Dot Larrabee, Treasurer, at P. O. Box 55, West Danville VT 05873; or to Jane Milne, Vice President, P. O. Box 116, West Danville VT 05873. 

We have good news about our resident loons.  We spotted a pair in the first pond on Friday.  There is plenty of open water there, so they will probably find a nesting spot soon to set up housekeeping.  Jack LaGue told me today he saw a pair of loons in back of the islands.  I can't say for sure that these are two separate couples, but I expect since we've had two nesting pairs in the the past, they would probably return to the area on the pond where they had nested before, so it may be safe to say there are at least four loons on the pond.

I haven't had any direct report of bears out and about here, but a black bear cub was spotted in Vershire this morning by one of the CoCoRaHS volunteers in his/her weather report.  I usually stick to reporting temperature, precipitation and wind, so it was fun to see that note.  Did you happen to see in the news items on home page the pictures of the herd of deer swimming in Lake Winnepisaukee?  Fred's brother, Tom, who lives in Laconia, sent it to Fred yesterday.  Pretty spectacular.  Apparently they were "island hopping."  It must be very hard for them to swim with such small legs and feet.  If you didn't see the article and pictures, check it out.

The web cams seem to be working rather well lately.  I haven't checked with Diane lately, but she must have figured out something and got it straightened out.  Remember to use Internet Explorer as your browser. 

If you watch "American Idol" on Wednesday nights, you will recognize the name, Nick Fradiani.  We have been interested in Nick's progress because he is from Gilford, Connecticut, the town where our nephew, Dean and his family live.  This is a notice that the school sent home with Dean's children:   

Likely Town Celebration of Nick Fradiani & American Idol Visit
Dear GPS Community:
As many of you know, Guilford High School alumni Nick Fradiani has been competing on the singing competition television show, American Idol this season. Should he be voted to remain on the show this Wednesday, April 29th, the Town of Guilford will be hosting American Idol production crews and Nick Fradiani in Guilford this Friday, May 1st. A parade and concert in his honor are being planned for that afternoon. Should these events take place, some roads will be closed and large crowds are expected in town. For these reasons, and because we know that many of our students, families and staff will want to participate in the events to support our Guilford High School graduate, we are planning for a regular early dismissal on Friday, May 1st. 
The early dismissal and American Idol visit will take place if Nick Fradiani is voted into the "Top 4" on Wednesday night's American Idol show. We will send an email on Wednesday evening to confirm the status of school on Friday following the results of the show. We will also follow up with additional information about Friday's Town of Guilford events.
Both Guilford Before & After School Care and Suncatchers will be open until 6pm on Friday in the event of the early dismissal. Both programs are able to accommodate additional students on Friday. Please contact Guilford Before & After School Care at (203) 453-0045 and Suncatchers at suncatchersllc@comcast.net to register your children.
There will be a Viewing Party for American Idol at Guilford High School on Wednesday, April 29th from 7 to 10pm. More at Team Fradiani Viewing Party
For more information please link to our website at www.guilfordschools.org
Lorri
Lorri Hahn
Communications Coordinator
 Now you know a little about some of the preparations and excitement that actually happens when these young performers go back to visit their home towns after many weeks training and performing on "American Idol."  It really is a big event.  We'll be watching on Wednesday to see if Nick is voted through.

Chico Carcoba sent this picture of a Woodbury Pond kayaker on the water Saturday.  The ice is fairly dark and there is apparently a channel through the slush.  Our pond is not quite that far "gone" yet - in fact, this morning I heard from Henretta Splain who lives on a Cove on the north side of the JPA recreation field.  She said that on Saturday there was open water, but this morning it had frozen over again.  I think we'll get some better melting weather by mid-week, according to the forecast.

I came upon an interesting bit of information as I was perusing old issues of the St. Johnsbury Caledonian.  We know that Gilbert and Jenny Hastings bought the B. U. Wells store in October of 1913, and it has been in the family ever since.  In January of 1914, Gilbert and Jenny went with Mr. and Mrs. Milligan (Julia and Fleming, or "Flea" as he was known, and Mrs. Ada Way, all of West Danville, to St. Johnsbury to take the civil service examination.  In March of 1914, Jenny was appointed postmistress at West Danville.  I had known that it was she, and not Gilbert, who took care of the post office, but I had sort of forgotten.  Jane Larrabee's father, Ralph Hastings, took over from Jenny, and then Garey became postmaster.  The Milligans had a store across the street from Hastings, and although I don't know when they arrived in town to operate the store, I think it must have been in November of 1913.  I found where George Borland sold his grist mill to Milligan.  I hadn't known that the building was the grist mill before becoming a grocery store, but it probably was.  We'll check out the deeds just to be certain - or either Dot or Jane Larrabee will  know.  It would seem that there was a friendly competition between the two couples to have the post office. 

The picture above is Gilbert Hastings with a really good looking Holstein - I expect it belonged to him.  He is standing by the end of his store, and across the street you can see the upper story of the Milligan's store.  This was probably about 1917 or a little later.  The next picture, "The Corner Store," is Milligan's store some years later, after the new bridge was built replacing the covered bridge that crossed the brook at the left end of that building.  Julia and Flea lived upstairs over their store, the same as Gilbert and Jenny.  Although both stores did a reasonable business, the village as a whole began to see business decline as the sawmill closed, several large buildings with businesses and tenements burned, and the stone shed closed. The railway station was eventually taken down as fewer trains came through, and some years later they didn't run through West Danville at all anymore.  

West Danville is still a nice little village, and things are buzzing in the summer, but winters can be pretty quiet.  The winter of 1913-14 was reported as one of the coldest ever known in West Danville, with temperatures reaching to 40 degrees below zero and winds that packed roads with snow so even teams couldn't get through  during one cold spell in February that lasted several days.  Some things never change - wind in West Danville is one of them.

Here's a slightly different approach to the melting of ice on ponds, sent to me by Andy Rudin.  This explains the process I'm sure lots of old timers like myself refer to as the pond "turning over."  Here's the article (click here), and on another page of that particular newsletter you'll also find a short article about ice out dates, with a reference to Joe's Pond.

Thanks to Andy for sending the article. 

Here are some photos I took yesterday, Friday, morning of our driveway and then the first two ponds.  There is a lot more water showing than on Thursday, in spite of the new snow decorating the scenes.

I'm not going to belabor the fact we've had snow off and on all day today.  I'm sure you're as tired of reading about it as I am of reporting it, but just know that we have been getting snow showers, the temperature has barely left the freezing mark, and there has been a bitter north to northeast wind all day.  There's nothing to do except deal with it, but that's not saying we aren't grumbling about it every day.  We can't seem to catch a break from Mother Nature this year.  We keep getting e-mail messages asking, "Is the ice out of the pond yet?"  Actually, that isn't too far fetched, lakes in surrounding areas are breaking up - here's an article about Lake Winnipesaukee. 

By the way, the web cam seems to be working - I just checked it.  Remember to use Internet Explorer as your browser.