The 'Extra Give' is a 24-hour online giving marathon and more than 300 charitable groups from across the Susquehanna Valley are the beneficiaries.
The new "GiveMobile" was outfitted on Wednesday and will travel to several spots on Friday. The mobile effort will allow even more people to make a donation and are set up with computers and Internet.
The argument between Columbia Borough and the Columbia Water Company caused by a massive sinkhole went to court, the Dec. 5 New Era reported. The sinkhole, caused by a burst water main in 1985, damaged 11 homes in the 200 block of South Fourth Street, and did over $1.5 million in damages. A financial settlement between the water company and the homeowners had been reached in 1988.
About three dozen people braved bone-chilling cold to attend the dedication ceremony of new interpretive signage at Zion Hill Cemetery Wednesday afternoon. The signage depicts Columbia's role in the Underground Railroad, as well as the history of the cemetery where many black Civil War soldiers - most of whom fought with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment - are buried. During the construction of the Route 30 bypass in the late 1960s, many grave markers were dug up and tossed aside. In 1997, funds were raised, and dedicated community volunteers gathered and reset some of the stones, and added markers to probable grave locations.
The addition of the signage is another step in the restoration of the cemetery and the recognition of those interred there.
Columbia's Robert Brinson read from a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Consulting Historian Randolph Harris and Rivertownes PA USA President Albert Storm unveiled the new signage.
One side describes Columbia's role in the Underground Railroad.
The reverse side explains the history of the cemetery where generations of African-Americans are buried.
Randolph Harris described the journey leading to the sign's completion.
Claire Storm thanked everyone who helped bring the project to fruition.
Derek Parker, a descendant of the Loney family, traveled from Washington, DC to attend. (Two Robert Loneys grew up in Columbia. One ferried escaped slaves across the Susquehanna on their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The other was a Union soldier during the Civil War.)
Columbia's Jim Jones showed the landscaping he provided for the site.
Albert Storm concluded the ceremony by recognizing those who contributed to the project.
