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December 2006
RVC Thoughts
by
, RVC Region 3
Hello everyone! This is the second start to this column; the first being interrupted by an untimely snowstorm on October 12th. Now, we're no strangers to snow here in Buffalo, and two feet of it in a twelve hour period usually poses not much of a problem. The exceptions are when it comes early in the season (especially the first snowfall of the year), when it is heavy, slushy snow, and when it is not forecasted. Combine all three exceptions and there is a problem. Half of the electric customers in this area lost power, some for ten days, although the storm only hit roughly half a county sized area. Virtually no tree escaped some damage, many splitting down the middle like some giant ax hit them. Numerous others were left with just a trunk - the side limbs and branches snapped off. Utility lines littered the streets and backyards, piles of debris lined the street curbs as people started cleaning up. The night of the storm, the branches snapping sounded like a skeet shooting range - irregular but constant booming. The next several days the prominent noise was non stop chain sawing. All is well here, though. I was very fortunate in not losing my power, and only losing telephone service for four days. Some folks still don't have telephone service three weeks later.
When last I started to write this column, I popped open a Great Lakes porter (I have an affection for dark beers, porter, and stout), sat down at the computer, and composed about two lines when my lights flickered, the computer shut off, and my telephone service went off. The lights came right back on; the telephone didn't. I said to myself to wait till after the effects of the storm settled before continuing. So I did. Back to the Great Lakes porter for a moment. It's brewed right in our own region, in Cleveland. A very respectable brew. I know of the Great Lakes brewery in Cleveland, Genesee in Rochester, Iron City in Pittsburgh, Rolling Rock in Latrobe, Flying Tiger here in Buffalo, Stroh's if it's still made in Detroit, probably hundreds of micro breweries, any others out there in our region? Since I'm a fish fry and beer kind of guy, I always pay attention to local beers when I'm traveling.
Now the point of this column is supposedly to spread regional news so here goes. East Central Ohio hosted a warm and very enjoyable gathering the weekend of September 29th - October 1st. The programs were numerous, varied in subject matter, and very interesting. Everything from digital photography to blimps(Goodyear's fleet is based out of Akron). Great fun and as usual a hospitality room manned by volunteers who seemed never to go home. Thanks to all of you hard working members who made this event the success that it was. I had another rewarding experience on the way home by stopping at the Holden Arboretum. It reminded me of that song about cutting down all the trees, putting them in a tree museum, and charging a buck and a half to see them. It really was nice, with beautiful trails and a visitor's center that as an added bonus had the previous day's exhibits from the Cleveland Rose Society's Show still on display. That and taking the seaway trail and US Rte 20 home made for a perfect weekend.
Cincinnati has their gathering coming up December 1st through 3rd. The regulars at these regional gathering don't need to be invited, but for anyone who has never been to one, give it a go. It's a rewarding way to spend a weekend, both educational and socially stimulating. The friendly atmosphere in any hospitality room makes pulling up a chair at any table and introducing yourself the right thing to do.
No news about the AMC meeting in Providence, I had to abort that trip. Yes, as timing had it, I was planning to leave the morning after our snowstorm. Leaving one's home when a Federal Natural Disaster Emergency declaration is about to be made is not the soundest course of action. Looking at the draft minutes, though, it seemed pretty tame.
Well, that about does it, get out and enjoy our beautiful region. Don't forget to vote, in your local Mensan elections if you have them now and of course in your local and national elections. I really hope to hear your thoughts and concerns - I'm here for you. Till next time.
Dave Swanka
Page last updated:
12/26/2006
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