Winter sports activities are in full swing in the area due to snowfall that seemed to occur right on cue for the holidays. Thirty-three and two-tenths inches of snow fell from December 17 through 28 alone, according to John Mitchell, who keeps track of Town of Webb weather conditions and seasonal snowfall numbers.

And those number have translated into one of the best holiday weeks experienced by area businesses in years.

Happy snowmobilers took to the trails and kept local lodging opportunities, snowmobile dealerships, restaurants and taverns abuzz.

McCauley Mountain Ski Area Manager Steve Uzdavinis reported that the start to this ski season has been one of the best ever.  Continue reading →

An exhibit of Ink and Pencil Drawings by David “RC” Oster will be on display in the Judith Lowenstein Cohen Memorial Wing of the Library beginning Friday, January 4.

Oster is a  self-taught artist who specializes in free-hand ink drawings—often tinted with color—of regional landmarks and Adirondack scenes.

He is particularly well known for his drawings of historic buildings and landmarks, which he describes as “proud reminders of where we as a society have been.”

His work includes townscapes, farms and mills, and nature scenes from the Southern Tier, Tug Hill and Adirondack regions of the state.

He has also done commissioned drawings of area businesses and homes.

An Opening Reception will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. where Oster will be available to meet and talk with the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The exhibit will be on display through March 16.

More than 100 guests gathered at View’s Gould Hall on December 27 to honor and show appreciation for Dr. Mark Webster in his retirement following 35 years of medical service to the Old Forge area.

Dr. Mark and Susan Webster. Recent photo by Wende Carr

Town of Webb Supervisor Ted Riehle; Councilwoman Mary Brophy-Moore (on behalf of her husband, former Town Supervisor Robert Moore); Don Kelly, former TOW Health Center Fund president; and Dan Rivet, EMT and former HCF president were among those who addressed the crowd and offered tribute to Dr. Webster.

Current Health Center Fund President Hazel Dellavia presented Dr. Webster with a custom-made card, a guest book, and a gift on behalf of the organization.

“I feel privileged to have worked with Mark, as an advisor to the Health Center Fund. He is quite a remarkable human being,” she said.

John and Donna McAdam of Poughkeepsie. Photo by Wende Carr

Janet Parent, right, of Old Forge with her sisters Sue Savard and Mary Savard

The Kinderwood Preschool began its annual winter Wednesday tradition of taking its young students to ski at McCauley Mountain on January 2.

Just as some of the 12 youngsters took to the beginner slope Mighty Mite for the first time, Old Forge veteran skier Janet Parent appeared to do a little skiing herself in celebration of her 80th birthday.

Parent was joined by her sisters, Mary Savard, 82 of Tupper Lake, and Sue Savard, 74 of Brockport.

Following a few runs, the sisters planned on dining out before going back to Janet’s for a friendly game of Scrabble.

Learn to weave a traditional Adirondack pack basket with Barbara Green at a View workshop scheduled for Saturday, January 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Green will instruct students on how to create traditional, full-sized baskets with pine skids, an interior base, and adjustable cotton canvas straps.

The fee is $95 for non-members and $85 for members of View, with a $45 materials fee that is  payable directly to the instructor.

Pre-registration is required by calling View at (315) 369-6411 extension 201.

Since the snow began to fall in mid-December, Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer, has been doing his best to get individuals who love the snow to log onto the Old Forge website, oldforgeny.com, and check out the area webcams “because seeing is believing,” he said.

“What folks will see on their screens—a Currier and Ives look of snow-draped pines—is what they’ll find when they come here,” Farmer said.

And that beautiful backdrop can be viewed while enjoying every aspect of outdoor recreation the area has to offer, he added. Continue reading →

Town of Webb Tax Collector Kelly Hunkins would like to remind Webb property owners that tax bills were mailed on December 26, 2012.

Anyone who has not yet received their bill can call the tax office at (315) 369-6453.

Taxes can be paid without any penalty through January 31, 2013.

Payment can be made in person at the Old Forge office on 183 Park Avenue, or by mail to: P.O. Box 223, Old Forge, NY 13420.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 p.m.