Monday, March 30, 2020

Columbia Borough Update - March 30. 2020

Columbia Borough has posted updated information regarding resumption of street sweeping, yard waste pick-up, etc. HERE.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

About Town 3/29/2020

This week's photos of Columbia


This is what happens if you self-isolate too long.
Get out and get some fresh air and exercise once in a while; just remember to practice social distancing.

These folks are social distancing while walking on the high school hill.

 Don't become a statistic.

 It's all right to hope and pray, but follow healthful guidelines, too.
(Weeping Angel at Mount Bethel Cemetery)

 Even churches are taking safety measures (shown here and below).



Right now would be a good time.

 But no matter what, spring has sprung...

. . . and life finds a way.

 Night lights on the 400 block of Locust

 Gone but not forgotten

 Starlight star bright

 This cardinal keeps attacking the window. Is it territoriality?

Here's a "step-by-step" of him staging another attack.

 Bartlett at Glatfelter's

 Remains of a hornet's nest at Laurel Hill Cemetery

 Emergency work at the Market House to protect the $90,000 awning from the elements

 Here's some helpful graffiti at River Park.

 More food at Columbia Presbyterian Hands Across the Street

Working on the railroad once again.

In a former time, railroad workers looked like this.

There are some mighty tall people on the trail.

 These people are heading for the trail. Some trail walkers and riders observe social distancing. Some don't.

 If you're sick, stay away from others.

 This red-headed sparrow (house finch?) also kept banging on the window.

 He sat long enough for a portrait.

 Then flew off in a flurry.

 Uh.  How about . . . NO!?
(Down in Avenue H)

 Kingfisher surveying his kingdom

 This isn't how it's supposed to be done. Don't throw gloves on the ground after use. That's counterproductive. Dispose of them properly.

 Meanwhile, over in Wrightsville . . .
So that's what COVID stands for.

 According to the King James Version, 2 Chronicles 7:14 states:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

 Over on Poplar Street - some flowers to brighten your day.

And a few more on the landing

 Down at Eastern Drillers

 Keep holding on. This too shall pass.

 Overlooking the town

 Time for a wipe-down

Out on the bridge

Friday, March 27, 2020

State Police releases non-life-sustaining businesses enforcement totals: Day 4

HARRISBURG, PA — After the fourth day of enforcement regarding Governor Wolf's non-life sustaining business shutdown order, there have been a total of 78 warnings issued across the state. That is 21 more warnings than were issued yesterday.

MORE:
http://local21news.com/news/local/state-police-releases-non-life-sustaining-businesses-enforcement-totals-day-4 

Mount Joy Police sends out clarification, will follow Gov. Wolf's orders

LANCASTER COUNTY — The Mount Joy Borough Police is clarifying that they are following Governor Wolf's orders.

They will enforce the shutdown of non-essential businesses by issuing warnings first and if the businesses do not heed those warnings the police department will contact appropriate state enforcement agency and/or issue a written citation.

The department assured that "this protocol is consistent the guidance provided by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office and with other county police departments which is focused on COMPLIANCE with the Governor's Order to ensure public health and safety. As guidance from the District Attorney Office changes we will continually revisit current protocols."

MORE:
http://mount%20joy%20police%20sends%20out%20clarification%2C%20will%20follow%20gov.%20wolf%27s%20orders/ 

Governor Wolf issues stay at home order for Lancaster and York Counties

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Wolf has added Lancaster and York Counties under a stay at home order effective Friday at 8 p.m.

MORE:
http://local21news.com/news/local/york-and-lancaster-county-is-under-stay-at-home-order 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

In resolution, PA lawmaker blames COVID-19 outbreak on 'our presumptuous sins'

On Monday, Borowicz dropped a non-binding resolution that would, if approved, declare March 30 "a state day of humiliation, fasting and prayer in Pennsylvania," because, she says, the COVID-19 epidemic that's claimed the lives of thousands worldwide and six right here in Pennsylvania, "may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins."

MORE:
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/in-resolution-pa-lawmaker-blames-covid-19-outbreak-on-our-presumptuous-sins-tuesday-morning-coffee/ 

Updated (3/24/2020) PA Industry Operation Guidance List

Download updated list (as of March 24, 2020) of which PA businesses may stay open and which must remain closed HERE.

Fresh Express food distribution to take place at Glatfelter's Field, Friday, March 27 2:30-5:30 p.m.


Fresh Express is still happening this Friday!!  

Due to Park School being closed, the location has changed to Glatfelter Memorial Park, an additional hour has been added to the distribution, and it will be done as a drive thru in the parking lot to minimize personal contact. 

Please help share the information below from Lancaster General Health: 

To help limit the potential for unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 in our community, the Friday, March 27th Fresh Express distribution will take place outside at Glatfelter Memorial Field, 1249 Lancaster Avenue in Columbia. 

The boxed food drive-up event will be open from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Non-drivers and walkers are also welcome. Fresh Express will be a rain or shine event.

Thank you to Central PA Food Bank, Community Action Partnership and Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health for keeping this valuable resource open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Columbia Presbyterian Hands Across The Street offering Grab and Go lunches


Our team is in uniform for grab and go meals for kids and adults at Columbia Presbyterian/ Hands Across the Street (4th & Locust.) Over 400 meals given to children last week!

Meals served 11a-1p Monday through Friday!
#handsacrossthestreet

Legislature moves to adapt open meetings rules to coronavirus situation | PA Post

Right now, he says, agencies are approaching the issue on a piecemeal basis and are looking for guidance as to how they can comply with the law and support public health.

MORE:
https://papost.org/2020/03/24/legislature-moves-to-adapt-open-meetings-rules-to-coronavirus-situation/ 

Here's which Lancaster County schools are implementing online instruction amid coronavirus shutdown

Columbia Borough: Optional educational resources can be found on the district website. Teachers and administrators are going through online professional development and regularly reaching out to students online and by phone. 

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/here-s-which-lancaster-county-schools-are-implementing-online-instruction/article_15aa6280-6e1c-11ea-8718-4fedd8018f81.html 

Sunday, March 22, 2020

About Town 3/22/2020

This week's photos of Columbia


Let's start out on a cheerful note.

Looks like God's really mad at us.

 Some folks are taking measures to try to stay safe...

... such as wearing masks to guard against coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2.
By the way, what are we supposed to call it? 
(No wonder folks are confused.)

 Here's a fatality on one of the Civil War bridge piers, but not from coronavirus. An aggressive Canada goose repeatedly attacked it last week.

 But have no fear, Leonardo is here.

And for added protection, the zombie squad's on the job.


As a further precaution, a technician was making sure our cameras are in working order:





************************

 Historian Randy Harris boldly strode through River Park one day this week.

Parking on Sundays only - for some.

Parked contractor vehicles in 4th Street are causing traffic distress.

 Sheriff in town


Over at the Market House:





************************

 Uh-oh, this can't be good.


A few signs of the times:












************************

 Last call for a while

 Quartermasters making a last collection

Double vision?

 Read and heed


Columbia Presbyterian Hands across the Street offered grab and go lunches this week.

 These black vultures found a different kind of grab and go lunch on Purple's Lane.

 Haven't seen one of these in a while.

 What was once a store sign is now a somewhat abstract painting.

 Builders at work

Falling apart

Well-rooted

Long and winding

 The U.S. military is watching over us. That's a comforting thought.
(Isn't it?)

 Steps to a higher education

 People at River Park, enjoying the nice weather

Docks ready to go

 But seriously, where have those big stones gone?

Quite a few are missing from this pier.

Grab and go meals for students were offered at Park Elementary...

...around back at the loading area.

A major star at Laurel Hill

Out for a walk

Another shot of the Walnut Street vehicle fire


Our historical marker at the bridge plaza is "upstanding" again. 

 Mourning dove, apparently not mourning or grieving

 Up on the rooftop

Lost in thought


Over at 401-403 Locust Street: 








************************


Red-tail overhead:





Four from Todd Stahl up on the trail:






************************

Sunday morning, March 22, 2020:

 On the road again

 Public internet?

 So... toilet paper isn't the only thing folks are loading into their shopping carts.