Remember this past winter when there was something like 90 feet of snow on the ground and  some of us  (read: me) were questioning why anyone would willing chose to live in New England?

I suppose it’s weather like we’ve had in the past two weeks that provides the nutritious carrot to winter’s taskmaster stick.

Also the thought of spending June and July checking out plays at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center helps ease my slog through the winter.

There’s still two weeks to go at the National Playwrights Conference,  so there’s still time for you to see some in-development dramas.

So far, I’ve seen two performances this year at the O’Neill and both look solid.

I caught Jennifer Haley’s “The Nether,” a science fiction crime drama that asks some probing questions about morality and the internet.

And if all goes well, the country-rock musical “Son of a Gun,” should be honky-tonking around Broadway sometime soon.

But it’s not a stretch to say that none of the important work that goes on at the O’Neill without the cooperation of the town of Waterford.

Last year the O’Neill and the town signed a new 40-year lease for use of the gorgeous seaside campus. 

And this weekend the O’Neill will honor the town at its annual summertime gala to be held 6 p.m. Saturday in the Sunken Garden on the campus.

Guest seats are $175, or $150 for Waterford residents. 

For more info, visit theoneill.org