Wednesday, November 25, 2015

LASA work continues in Columbia


LASA crews will continue cleaning and televising sewer mains to assess pipe conditions and update mapping in Columbia Borough. They will also be locating, uncovering and inspecting manholes. Please direct questions to Maintenance Supervisor John Vilga 299-4843 ext 5819 or Maintenance Director Albert Knepp 299-4843 ext 5831.

Go HERE for more information.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Council nixes tax reduction

Columbia Borough Council voted 4-3 Monday night to keep the current property tax rate at eight mills. Council had previously discussed the possibility of a reduction of a quarter of a mill, to 7.75. A quarter of a mill costs the average homeowner about $25 a year, but generates $85,000 for the borough.

Meeting of the Whole tonight at 6

Columbia Borough Council will hold its Meeting of the Whole tonight at 6 at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street. Citizens are urged to attend.

Rich Gerfin named chair for Tree Society membership drive

The Columbia Tree Society has begun their annual membership drive for 2016. The Society is the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission. Membership dues enable the Shade Tree Commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough.

Over the last 21 years, the Shade Tree Commission planted approximately 790 trees in the community as well as maintaining street trees, and has received the National Arbor Day Foundation's "TREE CITY USA" designation for 23 consecutive years. 

The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as yards, parks and public places, as trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, reduce air pollution, calm traffic and lower noise levels. Manageable storm water runoff results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens reduced impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable, sustainable environment. 

Shaded homes and tree-filled yards make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs and increased re-sale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to storm water runoff reduction. 

Rich Gerfin

Charles "Rich" Gerfin lll has been selected by the Shade Tree Commission to be the honorary chairperson for this year's membership drive. 

Rich is a long time resident of Columbia and is one of the town's biggest supporters in community service and youth activities. He has been a volunteer most of his life and started by serving as a fire fighter with the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company where he served as a bingo worker and long time treasurer. 

He has served on committees for the local Memorial Day and Halloween Parades. He has also been a Past Financial Secretary of Columbia United Methodist Church and Treasurer of the Sunsnappers, Columbia Lions Club, and the Columbia Education Foundation. 

He initiated the construction of the Columbia High School Football Field press box at no expense to the borough taxpayers, and spearheaded the project to enable the High School Football Concession stand to pass health codes. He currently holds a state office with the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. 

Rich is a 1959 graduate of Stevens Trade School, now College of Technology and serves on their Alumni Board. Please consider making a contribution to the Columbia Tree Society.

A flyer from the 2nd Annual Columbian Roast featuring Rich Gerfin

Membership categories are as follows: 
  • Student     $2.00 
  • Individual $10.00 
  • Family      $20.00 
  • Business   $50.00 
  • Life          $100.00 
Memorial Certificates for deceased loved ones can be purchased for $50 and will be presented at the annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday April 29, 2016 at a site to be determined. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at the Columbia Borough Municipal Building, located at 308 Locust Street. 

Please make checks payable and mailed to: Columbia Tree Society PO Box 509 Columbia, PA 17512. 

A copy of the Shade Tree's annual report to council can be requested by writing to the same address above. 

Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are Bill Kloidt - Chairman, Amy Evans - Secretary, Mark Zeamer - Treasurer, Ron Fritz and Josh Birk. 

The Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers throughout the year in maintaining street trees and park trees. lf interested in participating, please attend a Shade Tree Commission meeting, held the 2nd Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Borough Municipal Building, or call the Columbia Municipal Office at 684-2467.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Columbia Market - A Sunday success

Dozens of visitors made the market a success again this Sunday, as they sampled fine foods and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Sunday market has been an ongoing success and will reportedly continue through December.

 Isabelle Warfel of Isabelle Cuisine offers international foods.

 Dillweed gets things moving, this time with an extra "banjer."

 Cullen Farrell of rijuice, shows the organic cold-pressed juice his company makes from fresh fruits and vegetables.
(No high fructose corn syrup!)

 A few of the flavors

 Laura Lopez of Laura B's

 Gina Frey of Half Nuts Popcorn Co.

 Jordan and Alisha watch over Kat's Sweet Shop and Cake Pops and More

 Folks enjoy Dillweed and a variety of fine food.

 Ron and Sue Worby at Susquehanna Blue Smoke

Don Haines chats with visitors.

 Isabelle helps a customer.

 And so does Cullen.

Chef Pierre DeRagon heats a dessert.

 A bass player ponders E, A, D, and G

 A picker picks.

A strummer strums.

And a watcher watches.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Market House open 10-3 on Sunday


Milt Friedly to teach printmaking workshop Dec. 1


Master printer, Milt Friedly will teach 6 approaches to making original one of a kind Monotype prints.
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6-8:30 p.m. at the SCCA.

Sign-up thru our website: www.sccaartstore.com
Go to classes, find the workshop and click on Eventbrite.

Cost: $35
All Materials included