today’s news and information gleanings from here and there! Today’s Weather! Today in History!
Quote for today… “Ignorance has always been the weapon of tyrants; enlightenment the salvation of the free.” – Bill Richardson
- “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.” says an old Indian proverb … It’s going to be beastly hot; here is CDC heat guidance. Be safe!
- An opening invitation from The Dollar Castle Plus – Dropped in to chat with owner, LuAnn, yesterday afternoon, and she gave us this invitation to share with Columbia residents and visitors.
- “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded” – You got that right, Yogi; but they still approved CVS? (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era)
- Columbian Teresa Musser’s letter to the editor in today’s Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Eracondemns wanton vandalism: “On the holiday of our nation’s independence, we reflect on the sacrifices of our men and women whothrough their military service endured for our freedom.As usual, I made my way to Laurel Hill Cemetery in Columbia to see if a flag had been placed on my father’s grave. He was part of the Korean Conflict and proud of it. I looked for the spike with the Korean Conflict emblem to be posted in the ground, flag intact. Imagine my disappointment to find, for the second time, the metal holder had been stolen.My father was Maris B. Gainer Jr., a Navy veteran aboard the U.S.S. Carolina.However, tucked in the dirt stood the American flag. The local VFW Post and volunteers from the post in Columbia had not missed the Navy cross on the tombstone. I want to thank all the volunteers from the Columbia VFW Post who placed all those flags on the graves, thus they are celebrated and remembered. Many of these volunteers are vets themselves, like Bob Yohe. Also, I acknowledge the vets from the Gainer, Musser, Douglas and Haldeman families, especially Dave Musser. I salute all the local organizations for their tireless efforts in support and honor bestowed on our living and deceased veterans.In closing, to the person who stole that metal Korean Conflict flag holder, please replace it. Remember, your freedom was not free.
- In the old song there are lyrics that say, “First you say you do, and then you don’t, And then you say you will, and then you won’t;
You’re undecided now, so what are you gonna do?” This story is in today’s Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era. - Here’s your big chance – to show off your “know-it-allness” – There’s a sure winner right here in Columbia.
- In case you want to know more about Legionnaire’s Disease …
- Dunno’ why, but … this legal notice is in today’s Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era; somewhere there was a disconnect – at the offices of the newspaper or the zoning folks?
Columbia news, views & reviews 
I could care less about Centerville Rd. We need to be focused on Columbia Borough and getting the 441 truck route back on track. It’s now been pushed back to 2014!!!!!
The reason we included the article about the Centerville Road (East Hempfield Township) was for relevance and to demonstrate how the indifference, insensitivity and lack of thought that decisions made by elected representatives impacts the citizens they pledged to represent. Sadly, in too many instances we see the ugly head of corporate interests manifested and repeatedly “money talks” and the voices of citizens are subordinated (or muzzled). Here is the text of a letter to the editor in the July 21, 2011 Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era about the issue. ““The illogical approval of the free-standing CVS drug store at the intersection of Marietta Avenue and Centerville Road came as no surprise during the July 6 meeting of East Hempfield Township Supervisors. It became clear where this board’s interests lie — certainly not with those who elected them. Residents were instructed to speak only if they had something ‘new’ to add. Concerns voiced at previous meetings ‘were a matter of record.’ Several residents expressed their disapproval. The board members nodded, (appearing to listen), closed comments and discussed their views. Despite our appeals and concerns, within 10 minutes, the 3-to-2 decision to favor big business and destroy our neighborhood was made. Commercialization of Marietta Avenue has begun.”