Albatwitch Day founders receive letter of commendation from Lancaster County commissioners

Rick Fisher shows a letter of commendation he recently received from the Lancaster County Commissioners recognizing the Albatwitch as the official monster of Lancaster County for the month of October. Fisher and Chris Vera are the founders of Albatwitch Day. 

Rick Fisher recently received a letter of commendation from the Lancaster County Commissioners recognizing the Albatwitch as the official monster of Lancaster County for the month of October. The letter also wishes success with the festival and notes the Albatwitch legend that describes the Albatwitch as a small bigfoot-like creature that steals apples around Chickies Park. “We certainly don't blame the Albatwitch for wanting to make Lancaster County its home, many do,” the letter adds.

A copy of the letter, shown here, is from Fisher's Facebook page.

Fisher, a published author and vice president of the Lower Susquehanna Archaeological Society, is one of the founders of Albatwitch Day, along with Chris Vera, Columbia Market House manager and president of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society.

October 5, 2024 marks the 11th anniversary of the Albatwitch Day Festival.

Happening today - Saturday, October 5, 2024 - at Mount Bethel Cemetery

 

[LNP | LancasterOnline] Man charged with raping woman in Manor Township at large, considered armed and dangerous: police

Police are searching for a man charged with rape who they say is armed and dangerous after assaulting a female in Manor Township Thursday.

Manor Township police charged Efrain T. Mateo Jr., 49, with rape and eight related offenses for an assault on the 3500 block of Blue Rock Road in Manor Township. The department said he frequents Manor, West Hempfield townships and Columbia Borough.

Police said if anyone has information on Mateo's location they should call 911 and not approach him.

Mateo is male, has light brown skin, is 5 foot 7 inches tall and 180 pounds. He is known to drive either a white Ford Escape SUV, grey Honda Pilot SUV or grey Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

Mateo previously pleaded guilty to terroristic threats and simple assault in 2021 and was sentenced to probation.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/man-charged-with-raping-woman-in-manor-township-at-large-considered-armed-and-dangerous-police/article_0cda7b3e-8246-11ef-be81-c70a3b17b7bd.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share 

Lending a hand at the Columbia Dream Center

The Columbia Dream Center provide opportunities for people through a variety of programs, as well as resources such as a food pantry and a shelter for men and women. The center moved its shelter into the Columbia Presbyterian Church in April of 2023.

"Columbia has the second-highest homeless rate in the county," Jenn Hollinger, outreach coordinator for the center, said. "Lancaster city is first, and then here. It's a dream to be able to do a family shelter, because there is a great need here, and we are looking for a shelter building. It just hasn't manifested itself yet."

Read more about the center's work at https://townlively.com/lending-a-hand-at-the-columbia-dream-center/

#townlively #community #news #church #columbiadreamcenter #shelter #foodpantry #freelunch #clothingbank #homelessness #volunteers #blessingsofhope #handsacrossthestreet #dinners #powerpacks #columbiapa #Pennsylvania

More short-term closures scheduled for Veterans Memorial Bridge | Local News | lancasteronline.com

Additional short-term closures of the Veterans Memorial Bridge between Columbia in Lancaster County and Wrightsville in York County (Route 462) are scheduled to take place Monday beginning at 11 a.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.

The closures, which are expected to last about 15 minutes each, are needed so a contractor can install jacks beneath the Wrightsville side of the bridge. Delays are expected.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/more-short-term-closures-scheduled-for-veterans-memorial-bridge/article_a96112fc-81c3-11ef-87dd-5ff925b3e5ac.html 

Albatwitch Day October 5, 2024 at Columbia River Park

 

Safety concern over use of e-bikes on river trail resurfaces at Marietta Council meeting | Community News | lancasteronline.com

When: Marietta Council meeting, Sept. 10.

What happened: A safety concern over use of e-bikes alongside pedestrians on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail resurfaced again — an issue that has come up for discussion during the past several meetings.

Quotable: "Without regulation you might as well put a brown tent over the town and make a circus of it," resident Harold Kulman said.

Potential solution: Brandon Harter, borough solicitor, had suggested posting signs about possible lofty punishments should accidents result from speeding e-bikes. Council members continue to discuss and seek the most effective solution to the continued rise in the use of e-bikes, particularly on the river trail.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/safety-concern-over-use-of-e-bikes-on-river-trail-resurfaces-at-marietta-council-meeting/article_2c559ed2-77a9-11ef-b2b7-1358bf718fca.html