What I saw recently

Pics from the last week or so:

Much progress at The Cycle Den

Meanwhile at 3rd & Mill, the phone books were still hanging around.

And the broken glass was still there.

That's been how many months now?

The fence at River Park was still bent.

And this phone box was dangling at 462 & 6th.

Last Friday, this vehicle and trailer traveled through town,

with music blasting from the trailer.

"Rolling" ads were featured on either side of the trailer.

Another ad appeared after a few seconds.

The Easter Bunny made an appearance at Trin's, to the amazement of the two boys on the left.

There were lotsa hearts at Musser's.

Starlings ate from the cat dishes while the cats were away.

And kept watch - just to be safe.

Trouble with trash on Route 30 - LancasterOnline

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/829807_Trouble-with-trash-on-Route-30.html

Columbia's Holy Trinity to present Living Stations of the Cross

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/829498_Columbia-s-Holy-Trinity-to-present-Living-Stations-of-the-Cross.html

Spring took a wrong turn and got lost

Prosecutor wants Punxsutawney Phil put to death for poor prediction | WPMT FOX43

Yes. Do it. Please. End this silly tradition once and for all.

http://fox43.com/2013/03/22/prosecutor-wants-punxsutawney-phil-put-to-death-for-poor-prediction/

Fourth Friday, Scooby-Doo and 'Angels' - LancasterOnline

Can't wait 'til First Friday to get your art fix in downtown Lancaster? You don't have to. You can sate your appetite this weekend, too, during the Rivertowns Fourth Friday celebration. Each month, the towns of Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville showcase their creative offerings in much the same way downtown Lancaster does. Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy a variety of art exhibits and explore specialty and antiques shops in all three towns.

MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/828858_Tips--Fourth-Friday--Scooby-Doo-and--Angels-.html

Columbia officials 'ecstatic' over statewide park award - LancasterOnline

Columbia officials are "ecstatic" about a statewide honor bestowed on the borough for its ongoing River Park project.

MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/828907_Columbia-officials--ecstatic--over-statewide-park-award.html

FourthFridays

http://www.parivertowns.com/FourthFridays.htm

Cycle Den begins to rebuild

The full article is HERE.

Police: Lancaster County man arrested after he leads Wrightsville police on chase, jumps in river - The York Daily Record

A Lancaster County man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he led Wrightsville Borough Police on a chase and then jumped into the Susquehanna River, leaving his pregnant girlfriend as she ran into the woods, said Wrightsville's Chief Ron Hege.

MORE HERE:
http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_22823777/police-arrest-man-look-female-after-chase-and?source=most_viewed

Columbia River Park receives state award for improvements - LancasterOnline

Columbia River Park won the Keystone 20th Anniversary Award for an exemplary Parks and Recreation project funded by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

The award was presented to the Borough of Columbia, Lancaster County, at the state Capitol on Monday as part of a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Keystone Fund.

MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/827847_Columbia-River-Park-receives-state-award-for-improvements.html

All the tests came out negative

'Superbug' alert is sounded - LancasterOnline

A deadly superbug being called a "nightmare bacteria" is circulating in Lancaster County, and federal health officials are urging hospitals and nursing homes across the country to protect their patients from it.

"This is going to be a big problem as we move into the future," said Dr. Neil Greene, chief of Lancaster General Health's infectious disease division. "It is going to be a potential major public health threat."

The superbug is actually a family of germs that are difficult to treat because they're highly resistant to a group of antibiotics called carbapenems, which often are used as a last resort to treat serious infections. The germs are referred to as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, or CRE.

Federal health officials refer to CRE as a triple threat. The germs are resistant to all or nearly all antibiotics. They also have high mortality rates, killing up to half the people who get serious infections with them.

Most chilling, perhaps, is that the bacteria can spread their resistance to other bacteria, jumping from bug to bug, so a bug that causes pneumonia can transfer antibiotic resistance to a bug that causes urinary tract infections.

MORE HERE:

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/826979_-Superbug--alert-is-sounded.html

On the subject of security . . .

In a recent newspaper article HERE, Dave Lewis, general manager of the Columbia Water Company, is quoted as saying "they" are going to review the security at the Water Company site where the water storage tanks are located.  A good place to start might be the boundary between Laurel Hill Cemetery and the Water Company's property.  Currently, there is no fence or any other barrier between the properties to keep unauthorized people out.

State DEP deems Columbia water safe - LancasterOnline

GO HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/826636_State-DEP-deems-Columbia-water-safe.html

Drinking Water Problem Corrected

Please note that the Do Not Consume Advisory has been cancelled and it is now safe to drink and use your water for all purposes. The DEP test results indicated that no contamination occurred. For more information about this public notice, visit our website at www.columbiawaterco.com to read the entire public notice or call 1-877-407-2808 to hear this message again.

GO HERE FOR MORE INFO:
http://www.columbiawaterco.com/emergency-notice.php

Columbia schools closed as investigation of water-plant break-in continues - LancasterOnline

Updated Mar 15, 2013 12:11

Columbia Borough School District was closed Friday while the state continued testing the community water supply for possible contaminants.

A "Do Not Consume" order issued to about 8,700 customers after a break-in at a water plant overnight Wednesday remains in effect.

The school was closed as a precaution, said Jeff Helm, health officer and zoning and planning officer for the borough.

Helm said he advised school district Superintendent Barry Clippinger Thursday night that water fountains would be off limits and food workers would have to use bottled water if the schools stayed open.

"Hand washing at this point," Helm added, "it's all questionable."

Helm said Friday morning that the state Department of Environmental Protection was checking for a wide array of potential foreign substances.

MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/826461_Columbia-schools-closed-as-investigation-of-water-plant-break-in-continues.html

It could get worse

Let's hope not, but here's an update from ABC 27 News.
(The link to the original article, which has more information, is at the bottom of this post.)
We've heard the bad news, now here's the (potential) worse news:

If the water is found to have been contaminated, the tanks will need to be sterilized or replaced, which could take several more days if not weeks.

Columbia Borough schools were closed Friday in light of the advisory.

While the advisory is in effect, the company is providing tankers of water, which are stationed at the Columbia Shopping Plaza and the Columbia Shopping Center. Residents will need to bring their own containers to carry water.

Tap water should not be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, oral hygiene, or for pets until further notice, officials said. If ice cubes were made with tap water before 3:30 p.m. on March 13 they should be thrown away.

The water can be used for sanitary purposes such as bathing and washing but not for washing dishes.

http://m.abc27.com/default.aspx?pid=2705&wnfeedurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.abc27.com%2fstory%2f21651469%2fcolumbia-water-do-not-consume-advisory-enters-2nd-day%3fclienttype%3drssstory

UPDATE: Possibility of contamination has Columbia residents filling up on bottled water - CBS 21 News

UPDATE: Nearly 9,000 water customers in Lancaster County are not allowed to consume their water even if it's boiled. However, officials now say it is safe to bathe and wash clothes.

Columbia Water Company issued the ban saying the water may have been contaminated after someone broke into one of the water storage tanks The ban is affecting Columbia, Mountville and parts of Manor Township.

Because of this schools and offices in Columbia School District are closed today as is Columbia Child Care and Learning.

Officials say tests will be done to see if the water is safe - but that could take a few days. In the meantime water buffaloes have been set up so people can bring their own containers and take as much water as needed.

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/UPDATE-Possibility-of-contamination-has-Columbia/Jg8DvIR03Emh8QIwX4ejaQ.cspx

Columbia Water customers should not drink water

COLUMBIA, PA - Columbia Water customers should not drink water March 14, 2013 03:15 PM EDT

Customers of Columbia Water Company have been asked to not drink water due to potential contamination, according to company officials.

Officials said a break-in at a storage tank/pumping station happened early Thursday and they are not sure if the water was tampered with.

Customers in the Marietta Division of Columbia Water company are not affected.

Columbia police said they were called to a storage tank north of the borough about noon Thursday.

Below is the full statement from company officials.

Columbia Water Company is issuing a "DO NOT CONSUME" order for customers of Columbia Water Company due to potential contamination of the drinking water supply. It was discovered today that a break-in occurred over night at one of the storage tank/pumping station locations. At this time, it is unknown if the water in the storage tank was tampered with.

This notice applies to the following customers: All customers of Columbia Water Company except those in the Marietta Division.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Customers are asked to not use the water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, oral hygiene or providing to pets until further notice.

Throw away ice cubes if made with tap water after 3:30 p.m. on March 13. The water can be used for sanitary purposes such as bathing and washing. If you have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

Alternative water supplies are being provided by Columbia Water Company. Columbia Water will be providing a water tanker to residents as needed. The water tankers will be stationed at the Columbia Shopping Plaza and the Columbia Shopping Center. You will need to bring your own containers to transport your water.

Corrective actions are being taken by Columbia Water Company. We have isolated the storage tank that was possibly tampered with. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is conducting sampling of the tank and the distribution system to identify any potential contamination. We will be draining the tank after sampling has been conducted.

Columbia Water Company anticipates resolving the problem within 3-5 days. Notice will be issued when the problem is resolved and this advisory has been lifted.

For more information visit our website at ColumbiaWaterCo.com or call the Columbia Water Company at 717-684-2188.

Most Popular Stories

http://m.wgal.com/news/Columbia-Water-customers-should-not-drink-water/-/17430522/19318506/-/xl1nph/-/index.html

Artist Bob Hammer - Closing reception this Saturday

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Weavings, INK. Art Gallery

208 Hellam Street, Wrightsville, PA 17368

(T) 717-252-3518 www.weavingsink.com

Vultures in Columbia

The vulture problem that was presented to borough council at this week's meeting was previously discussed by commenters to this blog at a post HERE.

Vultures 'hang out' in Columbia - News - LancasterOnline.com

Turkey vultures are "more than a nuisance," Columbia resident Cy Greenya told borough council Monday.

Greenya estimates the number of turkey and black vultures that roost in the trees along the back of his property to be near 100. They tear up roof shingles and destroy patio furniture. The vast amount of feces, he said, must be a health hazard.

Vultures are federally-protected migratory birds, he said, so property owners have limited options in dealing with the problem.

MORE HERE:

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/825241_Vultures--hang-out--in-Columbia.html

The Cycle Den - Rising from the Ashes

What I saw this weekend

On Saturday, unseasonably warm temps convinced these small spring flowers to emerge.

Two mallards went wading in Shawnee Creek.

These guys went wading in the Susquehanna.

They were members of New Holland's Liberty Fire Company.

They trained on Saturday and Sunday at River Park.

(The three photos above were taken on Saturday.)

An overseer on shore watched the proceedings.

On Sunday, these folks were walking along the railroad tracks at the bottom of Locust Street.

They were searching for something.

 I assume they had placed a penny on the track, and it got lost after a train ran over it.  

About noon, clouds passed over the area, but didn't hang around.  

The sun returned mid-afternoon.

Columbia waste costs questioned - News - LancasterOnline.com

A business owner told Columbia Borough Council members Monday that sewer bills from his business in Mountville are half of those for a similar business in Columbia.
Given the price difference and the cost to residents of maintaining the aging Columbia wastewater treatment plant — even after proposed renovation — the owner of laundry businesses in both boroughs said he would have "no problem with (Lancaster Area Sewer Authority) taking over."
Two borough officials expressed new interest Monday in the question of maintaining the borough plant, which was last updated in 1972.

Read the full article here:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/825192_Columbia-waste-costs-questioned-.html

What I saw recently

Exactly right (bumper sticker)

 A few days ago at the old Drive-in site

 Are they with the Amish . . . ?  (You know.)

Watch "Columbia Borough School District - 'Willy Wonka' - 2013" on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApYs_0FTuDk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

'We blew that forecast' views from: Joe Calhoun, Brett Thackara, Steve Knight, Jeff Jumper | PennLive.com

The experts got it wrong, not just here but across the country. Even in the age of the smartphone app, and weather channels, most people still count on locally reported weather, and the most identifiable forecasters remain those on local television news.

http://blog.pennlive.com/go/2013/03/we_blew_that_forecast_views_fr.html#incart_river_default

The snowstorm that wasn't

Columbia Community Easter Egg Hunt set for March 30 - LancasterOnline

Impact Christian Center will hold its annual community egg hunt on Saturday, March 30, at Glatfelter Field in Columbia, rain or shine.

The field opens at 9:30 a.m. for registration and 10 a.m. for games, events and a silent auction.

Admission and parking are free. Preregistration is required and can be completed by visiting the "Special Events" section of the center's website, at www.impact-christian.com; over the phone by calling 684-4770; by mail, at 156B Lancaster Ave. Columbia, PA 17512; or on the day of the hunt at the registration tent.

Registration is required for participants to be eligible for door prizes. Some 6,000 eggs are spread on the field for the event, which features six ages groups.

For more information on business and individuals who have donated prizes, visit www.impact-christian.com.

The event will include a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and vacation packages up for bid. A concession stand and children's games are available for a nominal fee.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/821942_Columbia-Community-Easter-Egg-Hunt-set-for-March-30.html

Columbia Borough School District to present "Willy Wonka" - LancasterOnline

Columbia Borough School District will present "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" on March 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. and on March 9 at 2 p.m.

Students from Park and Taylor Elementary as well as Columbia Junior Senior High School will perform at the Columbia High School Auditorium.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/821876_Columbia-Borough-School-District-to-present--Willy-Wonka-.html

The old prude ain't what she used to be!

Character Copyright The Walt Disney Company

Character Studies by Robert Hammer

EXHIBITION

Robert Hammer:

Character Studies

March 8 - 16 2013

Opening Reception:

Friday March 8,

5-9 p.m.

Closing Reception:

Saturday March 16,

1-4 p.m.

Weavings, INK. Art Gallery is pleased to present Character Studies, a solo exhibition of work by Robert Hammer. Please join us on Friday March 8, from 5-9 p.m., for the exhibition opening reception and to meet the artist. All receptions are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

In the exhibition, Hammer introduces us to a diverse cast of characters from ancient deities to anti-heroes. Many of the subjects are caught in a deliberate moment revealing their true nature or struggle. Often they are found in an allegorical scene originating from the calendar or astrology.

Hammer primarily uses pen and ink to illustrate his creations. In some instances, he employs the computer to digitally color his work. Both originals and prints will be on display and available for purchase.

Robert Hammer is a Wrightsville-based artist who graduated from Millersville University in 1981. He is the owner of Hammer Art Studio, where he does graphics work for ad agencies. He is a member of the INKMEN and annually participates in shows with the group. This is his third solo show at Weavings, INK Art Gallery.

Weavings, INK. Art Gallery

208 Hellam Street, Wrightsville, PA 17368

(T) 717-252-3518 www.weavingsink.com

Friday: 1-5pm Saturday: 10-4pm

For further info contact Weavings, INK Art Gallery (717-252-3518) or weavingsink@gmail.com              

                                           

Man drives into Susquehanna, emerges without clothes

Go HERE for the details.

Priorities, priorities!

In the sleepy little borough of Columbia, Muriel Bagge and Courage doze, making nary a sound, save for Muriel's soft snoring, as the local news spews forth from the TV.  The borough's ills affect them not!

Until something earthshaking jolts Muriel fully awake: NUDE DANCING! The mere mention shocks her into the realization that the end of the world is near, very near!

And it takes Courage to summarize the situation . . .

Courage The Cowardly Dog and Muriel Bagge are copyright by Cartoon Network and Stretch Films/John R. Dilworth. No other rights, ownerships, or possessions are intended or inferred.

Will Musser's Markets sell beer?

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/821356_Coming-to-some-grocery-lists--beer.html

Are they in Columbia?

A look inside Lancaster city's gangs

http://m.wgal.com/news/A-look-inside-Lancaster-city-s-gangs/-/17430522/19151272/-/o8aqh8z/-/index.html

And now, the latest idiotic craze . . .

"Gallon Smashing" is the act in which pranksters pretend to trip and fall in a grocery store while carrying milk or juice, thus spilling it. The falls are completely fake, and pranksters trick bystanders into thinking they are actually hurt.
Go HERE for more info.

Much ado about "NOTHING"?

The answer is NEITHER, when it's done behind closed doors.

Three hurt in building collapse in Ephrata, but why the mystery?

A partial building collapse Tuesday injured three employees at a modular construction firm in Ephrata.

According to media reports, reporters were being kept at a distance from the scene, and none of the spokespersons at the site would describe the nature of the building, except to say it is intended for government use.  All the secrecy merely raises the curiosity level.  Will it become a drone-building facility?  A surveillance center for spying on citizens?

One thing is for sure: The building collapse is a metaphor for our broken federal government.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/819656_Three-hurt-in-building-collapse-in-Ephrata.html

Weis Markets in Lititz gets OK from borough to sell beer - LancasterOnline.com

In Lititz, you'll soon be able to go grocery shopping while buzzed. Of course, you could do that anywhere anyway, but Lititz Borough seems to be promoting the activity.  Weis Markets in Lititz will likely become the first grocery store in Lancaster County to sell beer after borough council Tuesday night approved the transfer of a liquor license.

The supermarket hopes to open a 30-seat cafe that will serve beer and also sell six-packs.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/819795_Weis-Markets-in-Lititz-gets-OK-from-borough-to-sell-beer.html

I guess anything goes when you're the "Coolest Small Town in America," but can you imagine the snide comments from surrounding towns if Columbia had been the first to do this?

Columbia resident challenges sewer authority's decision - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/819693_Columbia-resident-challenges-sewer-authority-s-decision.html

Frey to retire from Columbia school district

Diane Frey, assistant superintendent of the Columbia Borough School District principal of Taylor Elementary School, will retire at the end of the school year.

Frey is the third major administrator in Columbia to announce their departure this school year. Last month, Park Elementary Principal Debra Wallace announced that she would retire after the spring semester. Last fall, Superintendent Barry Clippinger announced that he would retire in June.

On Thursday the Columbia school board unanimously approved Frey's retirement, which will be effective June 30.

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/819240_Frey-to-retire-from-Columbia-school-district.html

Movin' on up

The Museum of Mysteries at Third and Locust has moved from the basement to the first floor.

Police charge Lancaster man with homicide | PennLive.com

Police in Lancaster County have charged a local man with criminal homicide and burglary after he allegedly shot another man inside a residence on North Third Street in Columbia.
Mario Casanova-Lanza, 39, of Lancaster, is now in police custody, according to a news release from Columbia Borough Police.
Police allege that Casanova-Lanza shot and killed Parrish Thaxton, a 36-year-old from the Bronx, N.Y.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/02/lancaster_police_charge_local.html

Lancaster County fatal shooting suspect in custody | Lancaster News - WGAL Home

Police in Lancaster County have the suspect in a Wednesday night fatal shooting in custody.

http://www.wgal.com/news/susquehanna-valley/lancaster/Lancaster-County-fatal-shooting-suspect-in-custody/-/9704306/19014110/-/xa3bci/-/index.html