COLUMBIA SPY

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Keep your feet off the wall!

Seen at Stover's today . . .

Resident speaks out about lack of discipline at CHS

Columbia resident Joni Albright Groom spoke out about the lack of discipline and follow-through by administrators for bullying incidents at Columbia High School. Groom spoke to the Columbia School Board at its September 15 meeting, with about 100 residents in attendance:

"I was born and raised here. I'm a true Columbian. I love our town immensely. It is part of who I am. The reason why I'm addressing you this evening is because of the ongoing problems at our schools with lack of suspensions. I watched the video that has been circulated widely this past week of the altercation in the classroom. It is very shocking to me, to say the least, and very disturbing to me that even before the physical altercation took place just how out of control that classroom appeared to me. Example: Students walking around, cellphones out, sitting on desks. In plain words, they were basically doing whatever they felt like. That's what it appeared to me.

"I witnessed firsthand, as I was employed at CHS for 21 years in the kitchen, prior to my retirement this school year. I've seen students throwing food at each other, teachers, co-workers, janitors, me, etc. I've seen students purposely make messes, be destructive, using foul and inappropriate language to myself, teachers, etc. Most of the time they were reported and written up, but the problem is most of the time they were never disciplined. In one such incident, I was personally threatened by a student, serving lunch I was, she said to me, 'I'll come back over that counter after you and I'll beat your m-f-ing a-s-s.' Guess what, this student was never written up or punished for this incident. Never. She was right back in there. In fact, she was never even taken out of the cafeteria that day. Never. I'm not so sure our teachers get the full support from the administration for handling these ongoing discipline problems.

"Mr. Strickler, I read where you said that the reason they had their cellphones out was because they were turning them off before class. Well, I plead Dr. Hollister and yourself to take a trip up to the high school and see how many cellphones are being used other than in the cafeteria. I've seen it firsthand.

"I really don't know what the solution is to these problems, but I hope we can all work as a community to make this a safe place for our students who want to learn and get a good education. In closing, there is an African proverb that says, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Well, I guess that's what it takes."

Borough properties - some for sale, some blighted

The County Sheriff's Sale List for Wednesday, September 28, 2016, includes properties that have been cancelled, postponed as well as those that remain active.

Currently, there are nine Columbia Borough properties on this list.

There are about 64 properties for sale in the borough at this time - three in one block alone.

At the borough's September 14 Safety Committee meeting, Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Helm said there are now 25 properties in Columbia on a "blighted" list.

There will be an "information only" meeting regarding the "Land Bank" on September 26, at 6 p.m.

This meeting immediately follows the public meeting for interviews for market manager at 5 p.m.

Committee looks at Marketplace Revitalization Project

A "Columbia Marketplace Revitalization Project" was presented during the borough's September 20 Public Property Committee meeting.

A group of four presenters, led by Cullen Farrell and Robert Irwin, gave a 45-minute presentation about an Aquaponic Booth to be housed inside the Columbia Market House near the entrance to the dungeon.

An Aquaponic system combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.

According to the presenters, the system would provide education as a micro-farm for children. Re-branding Columbia, economic stimulation, tourism, were among other purported advantages of having an Aquaponic Booth.

The presenters reassured the committee that if the booth is built, they will stay with the project in Columbia. One presenter said he plans to relocate to Columbia and wouldn't just be here on weekends.

Adding a greenhouse at the borough farm was also proposed. Borough Manager Greg Sahd asked if it would provide crops year-round. "Yes, 10-12 harvests per year," a presenter said.

Committee Chair Pam Williams asked if foods grown this way taste the same as foods grown in the ground and was told it will be an individual taste decision. Fish would also be sold at the Aquaponics Booth.

Presenters said that they have already discussed the proposal with Council President Kelly Murphy, Ron Miller, market vendors, and some "other folks." Murphy said "We have to try something different here." Roche FitzGerald said, "It's a really cool thing, and it's all the rage on the west coast."

Mayor Lutz said, "I'm 100% for it, but we need to move fast." Lutz advised the group to look into grants but added that one cannot start a project and then apply for grant money to be reimbursed. The grant application must be done prior to the project.

The group plans to offer three styles for the Aquaponic Booth, and open the selection process to the public. Choices would be on display at the market so that patrons can offer comments and participate in the decision. The style displayed during the meeting looked like a small red barn - almost a "Playskool" style.

Also on the agenda under "Old Business..."

Kevin Lehman was at the meeting to share details of a concept already presented to the River Park Advisory Committee. According to the agenda, Lehman was slated to go first, but the Aquaponics presentation was permitted to go first. Lehman left during that presentation and did not return.

Family fun night at library Sept. 21

Family Fun Night happens on Wednesday, September 21 at 6 PM. This program will feature some special guests from our community. The children will be making care packages. Children do not need to bring any supplies or items.

There is a limit of 20 children and registration is required. Age range is 5-12 and children MUST be accompanied by a caregiver. Sorry, NO walk-ins.