The Weekly Wrap

A week ago Sunday readers were treated to a video of the beautiful fireworks in Minch Park, a great catch-up for those of us who were unable to make the real show. We were re-introduced to Ryan Vogelsong, a former Octorara student, in his new role as a Major League Baseball All Star player after having pitched for the World Champion Giants this past year with resounding success. We began the day with a Friday pre-fireworks photograph from Jack Mariano, taken from his mother’s front lawn on Fourth Avenue, and were introduced to the new “Report an Issue” feature of the Parkesburg Today that allows residents to report minor, non-emergency problems such as potholes or graffiti on the Internet to alert the rest of the community.

This Monday, we were able to read a piece from The Daily Local News, which finally gave Ryan Vogelsong his due in an article about his achievement in making the National League All Star team this year. Readers were introduced to one of Chester County’s hidden gems, the new Wolf’s Hollow County Park, with a review and photographs of the park. We were given an Independence Day special feature with the lyrics of the national anthem interspersed with photographs of Parkesburg flags in honor of the occasion, including the often ignored second verse of the song.

This Tuesday we found a winner of the Where in Parkesburg contest, Evelyn Townsend, who correctly guessed the identity of the gas station in the photograph (the Turkey Hill now stands in its place) and won two tickets to the Lion’s Club Circus. Taxpayers were alerted to an upcoming Taxpayer Cyber Coalition meeting with keynote speaker, Mr. David Baldinger. Mr. Baldinger proposes to remove the school property tax. We saw notable June 5^th’s throughout history, including the introduction of Spam to the world, the creation of the bikini and the kick start of Elvis Presley’s career. On a tragic note, the Parkesburg community mourned the loss of Collin McElroy, age 16, who was killed in a car accident on Sunday. Our hearts are with his family, and the families of the other boys who were also killed that day.

Wednesday saw the introduction of the Rocco and Anna’s Monday special, an offer that gives, with the purchase of one dinner, the second at half price. Readers were introduced to Miss Abigail Butler, a graduated senior readying herself for an exciting college experience. Other graduates in the news were those from the Canine Partners for Life in Cochranville. The dogs in this program are specially trained to assist individuals with serious impairments due to illness or injury and are now ready to begin bringing light and assistance to many residents’ lives. We also celebrated the 60 years of service provided by Mr.Brayton Hershey to the Christiana Fire Company, who has been working with the company since the age of 18. We also saw the invasion of the Parkesburg Today by a Coatesville filmmaker, Mr. John Hutelmyer, a graduate of Temple University’s Department of Film and Media Arts, and, as it was a very good video, we are willing to overlook this transgression. Tom Houghton, a frequent and successful champion for the reduction of Octorara’s high property taxes was also featured on the blog. Past July 6^th’s were featured as well, including the test of rabies vaccine, the establishment of the dollar as the United States monetary unit, and the day that Anne Frank went into hiding from the Nazis.

On Thursday, we were introduced to Lancaster General Hospital’s plans to build a new outpatient facility at the intersection of Routes 10 and 30. We also learned about Rainbow International, a company that provides water, fire and smoke damage cleanup and restoration to those who need it after disasters. Readers were invited to participate in another “Just for Fun” identification of an old Parkesburg signpost, and Kerry Glenn was disqualified automatically due to his well-known expertise, (though he later answered any way . . . and we're glad he did!).

Friday saw a possible end to the construction in the Octorara High School with photographs of the progress and plans so far. Mr. Kerry Glenn weighed in with his answer to the “Just for Fun” identification process with a well researched, well informed answer and background on the sign and the highway near which it stood. Readers were alerted to a community breakfast on Saturday morning at the Parkesburg United Methodist church (wait, free food?!?!), and to a new recording by local singer/songwriter, Mr. Kevin Patrick.

On Saturday, we learned about a significant past July 9^th, the day in 1868 when the 14^th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, a great step toward the equality of African-American citizens. The upcoming Lions Club Circus on July 14^th was advertised and the Octorara Summer Theater Program, taught by Octorara Alum Ms. Saskia Blaha, an accomplished performer, was highlighted. Readers were introduced to the newest member of the Atglen Fire Company, a brand new fire engine, a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Readers saw in writing what most of us already suspected – traffic in the area is getting worse. For those who missed the July 3rd Fire Company Fair, a video was posted which included the fireworks display.