About Town - June 11, 2023

This week's photos of Columbia

(Click/tap on photos to see larger, sharper images.) 

Smoke from Canadian wildfires covered the area for a few days this past week. The orb in this photo is the sun made pink from the smoke.

Here's a look at the Wrights Ferry (Route 30) Bridge.

A videographer filmed the spectacle from Columbia River Park.

That's Columbia in the distance, under all the smoke, as seen from the high school. 

[Photo: Angie Brock Floyd]

Here are a few more shots.

Dozens of minnows continually jumped from the water during the event.

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A shifter showdown was held at the Market House on Saturday.

Four judges sampled the sandwiches.

Hinkle's won first place in both categories, custom and original. Home Goodies took second place in custom, and Rose's Deli took second in original.

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Part of Saturday's Railroad Day event was a trolley ride through town. Chris Vera and Jerry Wasche took turns as tour guides on the continuous ride, pointing out sites of interest, shown here and below.

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Environmental inspectors were on-scene at the former airfield property, digging and probing at the site of the former Pickel's Convalescent home near the bottom of Plane Street. 

They were also out on the field, looking around.

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Speaking of inspections, workers were checking out the Veterans Bridge this week. They were slowly making their way across from the Wrightsville side. 

                

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This cross at the bridge plaza seemed appropriate, but unfortunately the bugs got  to it.

A lucky osprey caught a fish dinner.

Visitors are still confused about where the trail starts. Redoing the markers might be a start in fixing the confusion.

Utility pole replacement on the 100 block of Walnut Street.

Watch out for that swinging hook!

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Flowery sign

The fire company responded to a problem with a gas pump on the 300 block of Chestnut Street.

Be kind.

More progress at the former drive-in site.

Coming soon on the 400 block of Chestnut

Riverfest coming June 24

One of several devices(?) under the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Reflection

Artist's rendition of the bridge

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This was parked curbside on North 3rd.

It turned out to be this portable traffic signal.

Sign down (again)

Camera maintenance

Cliff Logan, Jr. of AE Balloon Flights landed his balloon safely in a field this morning.

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And last but not least: a trailer.

Flag Day ceremony held in Locust Street Park Sunday afternoon

 

About 35 people attended today's Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Locust Street Park, which was presented by the Columbia-Middletown Elks #1074. Veteran Ryan Sexton was the guest speaker. Mayor Leo Lutz, the Frontier Girls, Columbia Cub Scout Pack #35, Boy Scout Troop #35 and others also participated.
 

Guest speaker Ryan Sexton spoke about what the flag means to him.

Balloon lands safely in Musser's field

 

A Sunday morning call for an aircraft in distress ended with a safe landing in a field at the Mussers' property along Route 462. Cliff Logan, Jr., owner of AE Balloon Flights, landed his balloon at 8:05 a.m., as shown below.

Thunder on the River happening June 17

On Saturday, June 17, be prepared for the sound of thunder in Columbia. This isn't ordinary thunder from a storm, however. Instead, it will be sound of hundreds of engines revving at noon as part of the Thunder on the River event. Hosted by the Columbia Lions Club, Thunder on the River will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along and around Locust Street and in Locust Street Park.

MORE:

https://townlively.com/thunder-on-the-river-3/ 

AIR QUALITY PROTECTION INFORMATION/HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY INDEX | Columbia Borough Police Department

Go here:

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/air-quality-protection-informationhazardous-air-quality-index 

What is causing the smoky haze over Lancaster County?

More than 160 Canadian forest fires around Quebec are sending a torrent of smoke and smog to the northeastern United States — including Lancaster County — according to the Associated Press.

The National Weather Service out of State College has issued hazardous weather outlooks for more than 30 Pennsylvania counties, including Lancaster, saying the smoke from the wildfires will result in unhealthy air quality and elevated risk of wildfire spread. The outlooks run through Tuesday of next week.

Lancaster’s air quality has been rated as very unhealthy by the national air quality index AirNow. It recommends older adults, children, teens and those with lung or heart conditions to avoid physical activity outdoors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a tight-fitting respirator mask, either a N95 or P100, to protect vulnerable populations from exposure to smoky or ashy environments.

"Songs and Stories of Kids and Kindness" at the Locust Street Park Gazebo on June 8