Columbia family grieving, healing weeks after 12-year-old took his own life

Columbia seventh-grader Robyn Bittenbender came home from the Fairmount Behavioral Health System clinic in Philadelphia on Sept. 8. 

It was the conclusion of a one-week stay for Robyn at Fairmount, which offers behavioral health treatment services. 

"He felt good coming out of Fairmount," mother Deana Fisher recalled. 

Two days later, on Sept. 10, on what was Suicide Prevention Day, Robyn took his own life.

He was only 12.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/columbia-family-grieving-healing-weeks-after-12-year-old-took-his-own-life/article_235b1428-50dd-11ed-b65c-8bc2ccc0a688.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share 

'Time to start working together:' Pastor asks Columbia Borough Council for aid regarding homeless population

When: Columbia Borough Council meeting, Oct. 11.

What happened: A pastor's plea for council's help to deal with Columbia's homeless population spurred a 35-minute discussion on how handle the problem of keeping residents safe while helping others receive housing, jobs and counseling.

Quotable: "I do believe it's time to start working together," said David Powers, the Columbia Presbyterian Church pastor who leads Hands Across The Street, a charity that has helped homeless people since 2010.

Issues: The organization has to relocate its homeless shelter at 291. S. Fourth St. because the Lancaster Mennonite Conference, which owns the building, plans to lease it to another congregation. The shelter will have to move in late March or early April, Powers said. In addition, nearby residents have complained about noise and vagrancy around the shelter.

Finance: Evan Gabel, borough solicitor, noted that rules probably prohibit council from donating any money.

Quotable: "What I really want is a dialogue," Powers said. "Homeless people are people. I really don't want to be on two sides of a trench."

Council comments: "We've outgrown what we can handle," Council President Heather Zink said about the borough's homeless population. Eric Kauffman, council vice president, said, "We do have compassion and empathy for all people, but our priority, as borough officials, is the taxpayer of Columbia Borough. When we put them in harm's way, we're doing an injustice."

Response: Powers noted that the shelter has helped several Columbia families find housing and jobs.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/time-to-start-working-together-pastor-asks-columbia-borough-council-for-aid-regarding-homeless-population/article_6707396e-513b-11ed-aa64-e78f78ea753e.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share 

Global Time Wizard at 515 Locust Street to be closed until 2023

 

Pa. flags to fly at half-staff in honor of soldier, 17, killed in Korean War and recently identified

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered that all United States and commonwealth flags fly at half-staff on Saturday, Oct. 22, in honor of a soldier killed in the Korean War and only recently identified.

MORE:

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/10/pa-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-soldier-17-killed-in-korean-war-and-recently-identified.html 

Daylight saving time 2022: When do clocks change?

Folks will have to turn back clocks for daylight saving time 2022 on Sunday, Nov. 6. This means an hour more of shuteye, so go ahead—treat yourself to a later night out the day beforehand.

MORE:

https://www.pennlive.com/life/2022/10/daylight-saving-time-2022-when-do-clocks-change.html 

Second batch of Hometown Hero banners being installed in Columbia

 
Borough worker Bob "Bull" Warfel hangs a Hometown Hero banner on the 100 block of North 5th Street on Thursday. 

The second batch of Hometown Hero banners is currently being installed at various locations in the borough. According to Bob Smith, who is spearheading the project, 51 banners will be hung this time around. A few weeks ago, 35 were installed, mainly on Locust Street and adjoining streets. The banners commemorate Columbians who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. military. 

Agenda - Budget Work Session - Columbia Borough Council - October 20, 2022

 

Download the budget sheets HERE.