SNOW SNAKE: Some of our readers were dubious when we mentioned
in December that Dick Robertson of Bradford had seen a garter snake
in the snow during a period in which the weather warmed a bit.

Dick had told us at the time that he had slowly stretched the
creature out, and it measured 14 inches. It was the first time in
his life he’d seen a snake in December and the earliest he’d ever
gone out to pick leeks.

This winter has been unusual. We’ve seen it in all its extremes
from heavy snow to frigid temperatures to periods of warmth. It is
mid-January now, though. Time to hunker down.

LUNCH TIME: If you’re looking for a good cause and a good lunch,
mark your calendar for next Saturday.

Greater Bradford Senior Center will be holding a beef on wick
dinner from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The event is
open to the public. Take-outs will be available. The center is
located at 60 Campus Drive.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Spinning may work in the short term but it’s an
absolute disaster in the long term. You pay a price for spinning,”
said Tim Russert, Washington bureau chief, NBC News, 2007.