Saturday, February 9, 2013

Can ya say, "Tripping hazard"?

This piece of plywood has been lying on the sidewalk on Second Street (between Perry and Union) for MONTHS!
If the sidewalk is damaged, it needs to be repaired. 
This safety hazard needs to be removed!
(There are also no sawhorses or lights indicating the obstruction. I wonder if anyone has tripped over it at night.)

Hey, where's Doug Lamb?

 There's been no sign of Doug Lamb Construction all week at this River Park project.

The curbing has been installed, but is the project finished?  If so, they need to come back and take care of debris and other materials left behind.
If not, where are they?

It was stated at a council meeting last fall that it was a priority to get this project done before winter set in.
Has that been accomplished, or is this the result - a work still-sort-of-somewhat-in-progress?

My heart attack

The gray box shows the location of my stent.

At this time last week, I was being released from the hospital. I'd had a heart attack - a small one, to be sure, but significant enough to get my attention. The first symptoms occurred last Tuesday when I took a walk around town to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather (at about the time I took these photos). At first, I thought the twinges in my chest were due to the fact that I hadn't taken a long walk in a while. So, like any red-blooded male convinced of his immortality, I ignored them.

But the next day, I noticed the sensations again, whenever I walked or exerted. I found the phenomenon interesting but not alarming. Still in denial, I again ignored the sensations. Just to be safe, though, I mentally reviewed a few criteria to reassure myself: There's no way I could have a heart attack, I thought, because I'm in decent physical shape, I don't smoke, I don't have diabetes, I eat a healthful diet - and I drink red wine regularly for "medicinal purposes." Overall, I was pretty healthy. Or so I thought.

The "wake-up call" was early Thursday morning, when I felt as if a phantom hand was clenching my windpipe at mid-chest and wouldn't let go. I thought I was either having the worst case of heartburn in history or - as I finally conceded - I was having some sort of heart issue.

With that realization, I drove to Lancaster General Hospital for evaluation. Driving in, I really wasn't afraid of dying. I didn't even consider the possibility, because I was too focused on just wanting the pain to end. It wouldn't stop, and I didn't know how I could get through another hour in that condition.

Long story short: I had had a heart attack (fittingly, almost in time for "heart month"). The doctor found a 95% blockage in my right coronary artery. The blockage was quickly opened and a stent inserted. All told, I was in the hospital for two and a half days for tests, surgical procedure, and subsequent observation.

Currently, I'm on a handful of heart medicines I must take daily for the foreseeable future, although I'm still allowed to have a glass or two of pinot a day. My numbers (heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) are overall pretty good. The doctor thought the blockage occurred fairly recently; my body had sensed a problem and overreacted by trying to fix it. In doing so, the problem was exacerbated, ironic as that sounds.

So, I get to live a while longer, though any remaining illusions of immortality have definitely been destroyed.
Although I had a potentially life-threatening experience and have had to make a few minor lifestyle adjustments, I'm not going to preach to people about how they should exercise more, change their diet, etc. I will simply say that if you haven't had your numbers checked in the last five years, now might be the time to do so. Life has a tendency to sneak up on you.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Columbia Borough and Earl, Mount Joy and Rapho Townships receive state grants for recycling - LancasterOnline.com

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/812532_Columbia-Borough-and-Earl--Mount-Joy-and-Rapho-Townships-receive-state-grants-for-recycling.html

PA Attorney General Kane closes Florida gun permit loophole

NOTICE FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL KATHLEEN G. KANE
The Attorney General of Pennsylvania has entered into a modification of the current firearm reciprocity agreement with the state of Florida. This reciprocity agreement previously permitted citizens of Pennsylvania who were not also Florida residents to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit (hereinafter "CCP") from the state of Florida. The CCP would then be honored in Pennsylvania without the need for a CCP granted by a Pennsylvania issuing authority. This agreement has been modified as follows pursuant to the authority of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania as found in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(k)(1):
1. If you are currently a resident of Pennsylvania only and have a CCP from the state of Florida, your Florida permit will no longer be recognized in Pennsylvania 120 days from the date of this Notice, or on June 8, 2013. In the proscribed time period you may apply for a CCP in the county of your residence. Please be aware that your local Sheriff or Police Department (in cities of the First Class) will have forty-five (45) days from the date of your application on which to grant or deny your application for a CCP.
2. If you are a dual resident of Pennsylvania and Florida you need not apply for a CCP in Pennsylvania if you currently hold a CCP from Florida. You must, however, carry with you proof of your Florida citizenry/residence along with your CCP identification when you are carrying a concealed firearm either on your person or in a vehicle.
3. If you are a resident of Florida only and have a CCP from Florida it will continue to be honored in Pennsylvania with all the same rights and recognition as contained in the Reciprocity Agreement between said States.
IMPORTANT
This Notice does not impact the validity of Pennsylvania CCP's issued to residents of Pennsylvania. All valid and unexpired Pennsylvania CCP's remain in full force and effect. Further, if you are a resident of Pennsylvania only and have a CCP from Pennsylvania it will continue to be honored in Florida with all the same rights and recognition as contained in the Reciprocity Agreement between said States.

Thursday, February 7, 2013