If there was any lingering hope that Jack Frost might go easy on Western New York this winter, that hope was buried under a pile of snow this weekend as a blustery, winter snow storm settled itself over much of the Buffalo area. Heavy snowfalls on Fri., Dec. 19 and storms on Sun., Dec. 21 led to tough travel conditions and plenty of shoveling practice for local residents.

George Gertz, the Marilla Town Supervisor and an assistant chief with the Marilla Volunteer Fire Co., is being treated for first, second and third degree burns. The injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. Gertz sustained the burns while fighting a house fire at 2437 Eldridge Road, Marilla on Wed., Dec. 17.

What Do You think? 2008: The Year in Review Collected below are news notes and highlights from the first six months of the year 2008 in the greater East Aurora area. A summary of the second half of the year will be in next week’s edition.

In one form or another, the organization now known as the East Aurora Art Society has been presenting opportunities for area artists to hone their techniques, exchange tips and enjoy one another’s company for nearly a century. Those same opportunities now draw almost 100 people from all walks of life to the busy and vibrant group, which stays involved in the community through a variety of …

Speed skating will be the newest program offered by the Town of Aurora Department of Parks and Recreation, and training sessions will take place at the Time Warner Cable Classic Rink on Riley Street. The Aurora Town Board approved the program at its Dec. 8 meeting, but not before Town Supervisor Dwight Krieger raised questions about running programs not based on town property.

Dec. 30Central Texas Quarter Horse Association will hold a ride night for members only beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Navarro County Exhibition Center.