A happy ending to the story

Dear Cole,

A note of thanks to you for posting the "found cat" on your site a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately, not one person has inquired about this cat, but there is a happy ending thanks to the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.  I am writing to get the word out about the excellent facility that they operate.  Their services include no-kill animal rescue, low-income feeding program, and low-cost veterinary services.  I would encourage everyone that is able to help to do so, they have a wish list and several drop-off locations all over Lancaster County.  Luckily, there was room for the cat I was fostering and for a nominal fee, I was able to surrender her into their care.  She was tested for FeLV and FIV prior to being accepted.    They will continue to monitor her behavior and health, prior to putting her up for adoption.  The services that the Pet Pantry provides are invaluable.  The staff was empathetic toward my situation and went out of their way to help.
[Name withheld by request]

Columbia's Dean Young named Texas State Poet Laureate

2014 blew by, and I didn't get around to posting this announcement.  Dean Young, formerly of Columbia, was named 2014 Texas State Poet Laureate. He is also a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Dean was born and raised in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School. 

Go HERE for the story.

Go HERE for Dean's Wikipedia page.

On top

Yesterday, it looked as though a hawk was trying to get closer to heaven on top of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church on Locust Street. 

Lookin' good at 855 Chestnut

The remodelers at 855 Chestnut have done a good job of removing the midriff bulge at the back of the house and matching the siding with the color of the brick.  It's a beautiful structure and will shine once again if or when it's totally restored.

But for some reason, I still can't help picturing this going on inside.

Cartoon

New Year's pork & kraut pairing evolves from ancient desire for plentiful harvest

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/new-year-s-pork-kraut-pairing-evolves-from-ancient-desire/article_5011229e-90ee-11e4-b716-eb72ac4896b6.html

Fire on Kinderhook Road

Several local fire companies responded to a dwelling fire on the 1700 block of Kinderhook Road in West Hempfield Township this morning.
(Photos by Owen Shirk)