By Lance Farrell
Leader Staff Writer
Seniors from Independence Village (IV) of Waterstone journeyed to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in White Lake April 17.
IV Activity Director Laura Ashley led the ‘gang? to White Lake. All participants were treated to an excurion that included a stop at a local eatery and then a road trip to the weather station on the far side of Clarkston.
Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Rich Pollman met the troop of seniors at the forecast office. He led them through a tour of the NOAA weather station and then delivered a lecture on data collection and weather warning transmissions.
Pollman said that next to scout troops earning merit badges, senior centers represent his largest number of visitors. When asked about the broad range of interested parties, Pollman said that ‘weather is something that affects us all.?
Seated in front of a bank of large video screens, Waterstone residents Dick Klinder and Ruth Fullmer said they ‘learned a lot,? and found the station and technology all ‘very interesting.?
Klinder, raising his arm to shoulder heighth, recalled snows ‘up to here? in days gone by. Fullmer echoed his sentiment, and agreed that ‘winters are so mild now.?
‘Rain and snow, and winds that blow, it’s all because of El Nino,? Klinder recited in a sing-song fashion. It was evident that the group enjoyed the outing and found much to think about.
Waterstone Independence Village has a monthly birthday bash on the 19th, followed by an Open House on the 21st from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.. The open house features Barry Manilow impersonator Frank Sternett.
The Village rounds out the month with a ‘Christmas in Action? event, in which seniors assist laborers involved weith local charitable home construction projects
There’s much more to come this summer, Laura Ashley promised. To take part in the fun, contact the Waterstone Independence Villageat 248-236-8300.