COLUMBIA SPY

Holy Trinity thanks those who supported the 92nd Annual Fastnacht Bake.

A source has informed Columbia Spy that flies (and a pungent malodor) are already present around the piles of chicken manure recently dumped near the intersection of Twelfth and Franklin Streets at McGinness Field. Two years ago, similar conditions at McGinness Field led to a massive fly infestation and a widespread foul odor. MORE information can be found  HERE .

If you would like to try your hand at painting or ease back into the craft - these short workshops are for you. Our March Painting Parties/Workshops with Ange Bentivegna have been posted on our Facebook site as well as Eventbrite. Create a painting after a Master Work by Monet or Van Gogh. Ange is getting excellent results from her students! She holds an MFA degree from Syracuse University and is a master at teaching short workshops.   Sign-up at:   http://www.eventbrite.com/o/susquehanna-center-for-the-creative-arts-8528419952 March is the month of renewal and new beginnings.  We are celebrating with the wonderful master paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. St Patrick's week we have two great paintings to bring in the Green. Come celebrate with us either on Tuesday, Saturday or both. "Creativity is a phenomenon it connects you, it relaxes you, it surprises you, and it validates you."  "Come be amazed how your creativity is still a vibrant, neces...

According to Wikipedia: "February 29, also known as leap day or leap year day in the Gregorian calendar , is a date that occurs in most years that are divisible by 4, such as 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Years that are divisible by 100, but not by 400, do not contain a leap day. Thus, 1700, 1800, and 1900 did not contain a leap day, 2100, 2200, and 2300 will not contain a leap day, while 1600 and 2000 did, and 2400 will. Years containing a leap day are called leap years . February 29 is the 60th day of the Gregorian calendar in such a year, with 306 days remaining until the end of the year. In the Chinese calendar , this day will only occur in years of the monkey , dragon , and rat . A leap day is observed because a complete revolution around the Sun takes slightly longer than 365 days. It compensates for this lag, realigning the calendar with the Earth's position in the Solar System ; otherwise, seasons would occur in a different time than intended in the calendar...

                             This Friday, 5-7 p.m.              The Market House is open 4-8 p.m.

The Columbia High School Theater Department performed a sneak preview of Shrek, The Musical at Hinkle's Pharmacy and Restaurant Thursday night.  Hinkle's donated 20% of patrons' restaurant bills to the Columbia Drama Booster Club.  Go  HERE  for a video. Shrek, The Musical  will be performed at the Columbia High School Auditorium on the following dates and times: March 17th - 7 p.m. March 18th - 7 p.m. March 19th - 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. TRIVIA QUESTION: What actual person was the inspiration for the character of Shrek? The answer is  HERE .

The intersection at Fourth and Chestnut Streets has seen two vehicle accidents recently - exactly one week apart and at about the same time of day. The accident on Wednesday, February 24, involved a pickup truck. As usual, emergency personnel responded promptly. The guys from across the street at Susquehanna Automotive also responded to render assistance.  Jeff from Susquehanna Automotive cleaned up debris. One week ago, on Wednesday, February 17, a three-vehicle accident occurred at the same intersection . . .

The following parking violation fees were approved for 2016 by Columbia Borough Council in their 2016 fee schedule. New tickets will begin to be issued shortly reflecting these new fees. Look for an email blast with the new start date for the increased rates.

The Borough is still offering recycle bins for its residents. The newer bins are actually barrels and are heavier and taller than the previous ones, allowing more room for contents. Not only is it mandatory to recycle but the Borough receives state funds for recycling. PLEASE RECYCLE! You may pick up your bin at the Borough Office front desk Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. You must bring identification to show you are a homeowner living in the Borough. A driver's license with your address, a utility bill or trash bill are examples of such identification. To help with the distribution of bins for residents unable to come to the Borough office during working hours, the Borough is making the following dates available to pick up your free recycling bin: Saturday, March 12, 2016 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Borough Office 308 Locust St. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 4:30 pm to 7:30pm at Borough Office 308 Locust St. The sturdy Rehrig Pacific bins are 24...

Recent visitor to Columbia writes about her impressions. GO HERE: http://www.cheeseplatesandroomservice.com/2016/02/on-road-to-columbia-pa.html?m=0

Please join us this Friday, February 26, 5-9 p.m. for Helen Beekman's show, "Hayworks and and other Mixed Media Works" at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts. Helen is a NYC based artist who has studios in SoHo and CT. She creates mixed media works with hay as her primary medium. Thank, SCCA 224 Locust Street Columbia, PA 17512 www.sccaartstore.com 717-576-9628  or  717-580-9031

Workers installed a new lightbox sign this afternoon at the recently opened CHI St. Joseph Children's Health Dental Center at 401 Locust Street. The installation, which took several hours, was done by Lititz Signs.

There are seats available for our February 27, Painting Party with Ange Bentivegna, Monet's "Tulip Field and Windmill." Ange is doing a terrific job and getting good work out of her students. To view and sign-up go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monets-tulip-field-and-windmil… Learn to paint and have a good time! the SCCA 224 Locust Street Columbia, PA 17512 www.sccaartstore.com

As much as $2.25 million is stuck in Pennsylvania's ongoing budget stalemate; one of the agencies that would be getting funded from that pool of money is the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, a 15-year-old effort to bolster river towns and increase tourism. The heritage area was involved in getting the art deco lights for the Route 462 bridge in Columbia, the turnover of more than 3,400 acres of PPL land along the Susquehanna, and in developing several popular trails in the region. Beginning in March, the heritage area will begin operating the new Columbia Crossing River Trails Center in Columbia that will serve as the popular pathway's trailhead. (Funding for operating the visitors center is not jeopardized.) MORE  HERE

Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation when it comes to bridges considered structurally deficient. The bridge on South Fourth over Shawnee Run is one. Structurally deficient does not mean the bridge is in danger of collapsing. It does mean the structure needs significant repairs, maintenance or replacement. MORE  HERE

When vehicles exit Columbia River Park, the traffic signal at Front and Walnut occasionally changes to red while vehicles are still crossing the railroad tracks. But the sign on the right says: DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS. So, the options become: either stop between sets of tracks until the light changes, or proceed through the red, breaking the law and possibly driving into cross traffic. In the latter case - who is liable? Of course, the most desirable solution to the problem is to properly adjust traffic signals so that the problem doesn't occur.

Recently, piles of chicken manure were delivered once again to McGinness Field, this time near the intersection of Twelfth and Franklin.  A source has told Columbia Spy that the manure was delivered on February 12. Two years ago, manure piled in this same field was believed to be the  cause of a massive fly infestation in the area.   Nearby  residents had also complained of a pungent odor emanating from the manure . WGAL's report on the previous issue is  HERE . Since manure is a breeding ground for flies, another infestation could occur in a few months. Salmonella is another concern associated with poultry feces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Live poultry may have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (including feathers, feet, and beaks) even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can also get on cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Additionally...

For the second day in a row, live music graced the Columbia Market House as singer-songwriter Carly Clark performed standards and originals this afternoon. Matt Wenger will sing at tomorrow's Sunday brunch.

Lisa Thomas performed at the Columbia Market House Friday night. Carly Clark will perform today, noon-1:30 p.m.

Friday Saturday Sunday

Columbia Borough has begun the process for selecting and planting new trees at Columbia River Park to replace those recently removed due to safety concerns. Final selection depends on availability, but several species have been tentatively chosen due to their ability to thrive in wet areas and along riparian buffers. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has suggested the following as acceptable species for grant opportunities: Common Baldcypress Swamp White Oak Dawn Redwood Heritage River Birch American Linden Thornless Honeylocust London Plane-tree The borough would also like to plant evergreens, magnolias, and shrubs to complement the various heights and widths of the plantings. According to Public Works Director Ron Miller, the project will be funded through a grant opportunity from DCNR’s TreeVitalize, which has a value of $15,000, with a 50% match required from the borough. TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership to help restore ...

The Borough has received a grant for new recycle bins for its residents. These newer bins are heavier and  taller than the previous bins and will allow you to put more recycling into them. Not only is it mandatory to recycle but the Borough receives state funds for recycling.   PLEASE   RECYCLE! You may pick up a bin at the Borough Office front desk Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00 pm. You must bring identification with you to show you are a  homeowner living in the  Borough.   A drivers license with your address, a utility bill or trash bill are examples of identification for residing in the Borough. To help with the distribution of the bins   for those residents that cannot come to the Borough office during working hours, the Borough is making the following dates available to pick up your free  recycling bin. Saturday, March 12, 2016 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Borough Office 308 Locust St. Wednesday, March 16, 2016   4:30 ...

From SCCA: We have spaces available in our Winter Workshops at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts. The workshops include instruction in ceramics, painting and printmaking. If interested go to:   http://www.eventbrite.com/o/susquehanna-center-for-the-creative-arts-8528419952 , or go to the SCCA website and look under classes: www.sccaartstore.com . Thanks, SCCA 224 Locust Street Columbia, PA 17512 Phone:  717-576-9628  or  717- 580-9031

Pics from around town over the last little while:  "Tired" pickup Exactly what is the intention here? (Laurel Hill Cemetery)  Now it begins.  They're still coming through at Third and Locust.  Surveying damage at Stover's  Miss Liberty working the corner at Fourth and Locust  Channel 21 at River Park  This phenomenon is known as a parhelion or "sun dog."  Couple o' gals out for a walk with their sofa  Time for a breather  Onward!  Even silhouettes need to stay warm.  Big problems when the beer truck breaks down.  Nah, forget it - it's just a Miller Lite truck. Vandalism at Prudhomme's