October 24th, 2008 Edition

Inside

Side by Side: Does Lancaster County Need Home Rule? ................................................ pg 3 Timely Real Estate Advice from the Cardinal......................................................................pg 7 Hard to Please: British Excellence at Quips..................................................................... pg 12 Entertainment, Trivia Games, and Puzzles..................................................pgs 8, 10, 11, & 14 ...and much, much more!

October 24th, 2008 Volume 1 Number 27

One

e!hold Fre e hous per

ancaster ost

nothing but the truth...

Lancaster's

Cold Case Files Jonathan Luna, Murdered, 12/4/2003

Lindy Sue Bielcher, Murdered, 12/5/1975

JOSH WOOD

Realtor (717) 989-3060 cell (717) 735-8400 office jwood@cbselectpros.com 1000 N. Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Lancaste Search all homes in Lancaster County here: www.searchlancastercountyhomes.com

SELECT PROFESSIONALS Each office is independently owned and operated.

October 24, 2008

Brenda C. Heist, Missing, February 2002

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SPOTLIGHT HOME OF THE WEEK:

Lancaster Township

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Page 2 | October 24, 2008

by Ron Harper, Jr., Lancaster Post

Lancaster's Cold Case Files

B

renda Heist had meat thawing on the matter what." As to the person or persons who Her husband, Lee III, last talked to her at 11:00 counter for dinner when her daughter, know what happened to her mom? a.m. that morning; she at their Lititz home, he eight year-old, Morgan Heist, came home Morgan wonders, "Why didn't they ever tell at his then-Philly job. Detective Schofield said from school that day. about Mr. Schofield: "Lee has an airtight alibi anyone?"

Morgan and her 12 Detective John J. Schofield of and passed a polygraph test. year-old brother, He's been very cooperative the Lititz Borough Lee, were playing the entire time. He makes a wants to know the with the dog outside point to stop in and see me same thing. "I stare at until six p.m., when every now and again." her picture every day, their mom still hadn't Lee III is grateful for the which I keep right by arrived home. attention paid to his missing my desk" Schofield "We came in the wife, who had been working says. Schofield has back door for Lancaster Lincoln an encyclopedic Mercury when she went knowledge of the missing on her day off. case, and helped put "My son looks more like together the poster Brenda, especially around of Brenda Heist, the eyes," says Lee III. describing a 5'8" woman, weighing Morgan's brother, Lee IV Detective Schofield is a student at West Chester 135 pounds, with University.

The former football standout dark brown hair and brown eyes.

"Brenda's car was locked and graduated from Cocalico, but isn't playing college parked in a reserved spot in the Elk's ball. "He hurt his shoulder, but he's at school parking lot in York, on South George to learn not to play football," says his younger Street. We got a call three days later sister, sounding years older than her peers.

Clockwise from top: The Heist family, Lee (son), Lee (Father), and Morgan | So where is the investigation now? Schofield when someone saw a strange car in Morgan and friends | Morgan's self-styled photo, with her color removed. says: "We interviewed her co-workers and have the spot," says Schofield. and just assumed that everything was spent hundreds of hours trying to track normal," says Morgan today. down leads," says Schofield. "I would The kids had last seen their mom love some help." when she dropped them off at Detective Schofield can be reached at school at 7:30 a.m. that morning. A 717-626-6393 neighbor reported seeing her 1998 Mercury Mystique parked in front of indy Sue was only 19 years-old their home an hour later at 8:30 a.m., when she was stabbed 11 times but as far as the kids are concerned, at her Manor Township home on their mom, Brenda Heist, hasn't December 5, 1975. The young bride's come home in more than six and-agrave site was vandalized almost one half years; since she left on February year later. Someone, claiming to have 8, 2002. finished the killer's letter and sent it to Morgan is now a 14 year-old the now-retired police chief of Manor freshman at Cocalico High School, Township, Donald Sheeler. It reads as and has created a new life away from shown at left.

Lititz, where she enjoys her friends, More information can be found school, field hockey and lacrosse, about Lindy and Christy Mirack at: but has mixed feelings about how her LindyandChristy.com. life has turned out. "My Mom was Call the Manor Township Police my best friend," says Morgan. "But, at 717- 299-5231 if you have more I really love the people that I would information. have never met had we not moved from Warwick." onathan Luna was a United States Morgan loves that there aren't Federal Prosecutor found face snobs at school, "You don't have to down in a shallow stream located wear designer clothes at Cocalico, near the Pennsylvania Turnpike on the people are really accepting, no NOTE: is a graphical representation of thetoletter received by police, Story continues on page 6.

This is aThis graphical representation of the letter written the police

by Lindy Sue's alleged killer.

L

J

allegedly written by the killer.

Side by Side: Home Rule for Lancaster County?

October 24, 2008 | Page 3

[Side by Side is a regular feature of the Post, where our editors ask people on two or more sides of an issue to offer their perspectives. In this edition, our question was inspired by the upcoming November 4th Election, where Lancaster County residents will vote to approve or disapprove the Home Rule Charter. -Ed.]

Sam Mecum & Jim Miller

Randolph Carney

Sam Mecum and Jim Miller are members of the Lancaster County Government Study Commission.

Randolph Carney is a Lancaster County taxpayer.

Home Rule’s Superior Performance

O

L

et’s start with the idea that Lancaster County does not have any form of government and we citizens have a unique opportunity to choose the one that will work best for us as we move into the 21st century.

Choice one, County Code, a 19th century form written by the State Legislature mandatorily in effect in 60 of our 67 counties, of whatever size and demographic makeup, and Choice two, Home Rule Charter, a 21st century form written by Lancaster County residents that six counties have used for a bit more than 30 years (a seventh, Philadelphia’s, dates back to 1951) As we compare these two forms, we find many similarities, but some important differences. One form of government, Home Rule (HR), is based on LOCAL control, the other on state control; bigger government with more elected officials in the Code counties, which MUST have 3 Commissioners and 11 row officers, fewer in the HR counties; no citizen referendum in Code counties, citizen referendum in HR counties; a partisan Board of Elections in Code counties consisting of the 3 Commissioners, as compared to a nonpartisan Election Board in the HR counties . More stringent fiscal controls in the HR counties, fewer with Code counties, and so on. At some point, however, we are compelled to ask─ how well has each form of government performed financially, over time, in counties similar in population to Lancaster?

First, what real estate tax rate do they charge their citizens (millage rates adjusted to 100% of market value for a more fair comparison)? The six (6) other class 3 State mandated Code counties average 5.62 mills (22.47 unadjusted) and the six (6) Home Rule Charter counties average 5.18 mills (10.70 unadjusted). Lancaster of course is lower than all 12 at 3.42. Ah, a lower average millage rate for Home Rule counties. Let’s keep score.─HR 1 Code 0 Second, what is that real estate tax rate per capita? The six (6) State mandated Code counties average $231.50 per person and the (6) Charter counties average $214. Lancaster averaged $161. Lower cost per person in Home Rule as well. ─HR 2 Code 0 Third, how much have real estate tax revenues increased over the 27 year history (1978 to 2004) of Home Rule? State mandated Code counties’ tax revenues increased 734% and Home Rule counties’ increased 480%. But here Lancaster falls short having GREATER increases in real estate taxes with an 837% increase.

Clearly, much lower real estate tax increases for Charter counties.─ HR 3 Code 0 Fourth, how much has debt increased over those 27 years? State mandated Code counties increased 5,348% in that 27 year period and Home Rule Charter counties increased 2,051%. And here too Lancaster did WORSE than Home Rule, with debt increasing 2414%. ─ HR 4,Code 0 Fifth, where does total debt stand? The State mandated Code counties average $186.9 million and Charter counties $165 million. Here too Lancaster falls short with $215 million, higher than the averages in both State mandated Code and Home Rule counties. So Home Rule has lower debt as well.─ HR 5, Code 0 Sixth and last, let’s see what Professor David Latzko, of Penn State York has concluded in his 2005 research paper on the subject of the value of county services compared to their cost: “Counties in Pennsylvania operating under a home rule charter, which frees the county government from budget restrictions imposed by the state legislature, do exhibit an expansion of county government, especially in the areas of health care, judicial administration, and human services. However, the expansion of county government is financed by grants from the state and federal governments. It appears that the residents of home rule counties enjoy a greater level of government services yet do not pay higher taxes than the residents of non-home rule counties.”

Dr Latzko’s peer- reviewed Side by Side research paper concluded that per continues on capita county taxes averaged $99 page 6.

No on Home Rule n November 4, voters in Lancaster County will be asked to approve a proposed "home rule" charter. Supporters of this proposal claim it will establish local control of County government, replacing a State mandated structure which has been in place for centuries.

What this proposed "home rule" charter would also do is further isolate County government from the voters. And many of the claimed advantages of this proposal are actually nothing more than empty promises.

One of the biggest changes under the proposed "home rule" charter is the in role of the county administrator. Many of the duties and responsibilities which are currently held by the County Commissioners would be shifted to the new "County Administrator," who would be appointed by the five new County Commissioners.

Consider this excerpt from Section 2.07, under "Powers and Duties" of the County Commissioners: "5. Appoint the County Administrator, who must be approved by the affirmative vote of no less than four (4) members of the Board of County Commissioners."

The "County Administrator" would have wide-ranging powers. Consider these excerpts from Section 3.02, "Powers and Duties of the County Administrator."

"2. Supervise and be accountable for the proper administration of all departments and agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, except those specifically placed under the jurisdiction of any other officer by law or by this charter.

"3. Administer the personnel code as provided elsewhere in this charter, appoint candidates for department head positions subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners, hire all other appropriate employees of the County and, when necessary, suspend or remove employees of the County except as otherwise provided in this charter.

"4. Develop, under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, the multiyear strategic and fiscal plans for the County and provide for the annual review and update of these plans."

In other words, the "County Administrator" would personally control most of Lancaster County government, make most County government appointments, and plan the County government's current and future direction.

This individual would also be responsible for designing the spending plan of Lancaster County government. Here is one of many references to the "County Administrator" in Section 5.02, "Budget Adoption Process": "3. Preparation. At least forty-five (45) days but not more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year the County Administrator shall prepare and submit to the Board of County Commissioners an operating budget and capital spending program presenting the financial plan for conducting the affairs of the County for the ensuing year."

All of these duties - and many more - would be the responsibility of an individual who would be appointed, not elected. This means that the single most powerful person in all of Lancaster County government would be effectively isolated from the voters. That one issue alone is more than enough reason to vote against this proposed "home rule" charter.

Another reason given for supporting this proposed "home rule" charter is that it includes provisions for "Initiative and Referendum". These include methods by which signatures may be collected on petitions to ask the County Commissioners to vote on an initiative (which they may choose to ignore), and how (with many more signatures) a referendum might be placed on the ballot.

Unfortunately, there is one provision in the proposed "home rule" charter which effectively neutralizes much of this promise. Observe the following passage is from Section 6.02, "Subjects of Initiative": "b. The power of initiative Side by Side shall not extend to the current continues on budget or capital program, to the page 6. appropriation of money under the

R E A LT Y S E RV I C E S 717-892-6820

An open letter to Jack Buckwalter

Page 4 | October 24, 2008

October 24, 2008

D

ear Jack,

We wish we didn't have to write this note, but circumstances have kind of forced it.

As you know, earlier this week, it took a judge's Emergency Court Order to allow the Lancaster Post to attend two public events at the "liberal arts" campus of Franklin & Marshall College. Isn't it nuts it has to come to that; you know, having to get a Court Order so a couple of journalists can cover a public civil liberties event!? Bet your guys don't have to go through that.

Anyway, the reason we're writing to you now is that Judge Reinaker's Order was made over the objections of the College's lawyer, Kendra McGuire, a partner in the law firm of Barley Snyder of Lancaster. Barley Snyder, as you know, is also your company's principal attorney.

Jack, this looks bad. It really does. It looks like the powerful law firm of a powerful newspaper company is working to quash the Constitutionally-protected rights of another, smaller, independent newspaper. It makes it look like you guys think your press should be free, but ours should not. That's not such a great deal for us.

Now, we know we've had our differences in the past. We also suspect that you guys might not have as much fun with our little barbs as we do (how could you?). But we remind you, Jack, that we, too, are Americans. And what binds us as Americans is the United States Constitution, and the First Amendment is a foundation of that great document.

If the College's trustees want to hire a man to lead their school who flouts virtually every principle and ideal of its namesake Founding Fathers, that is their business. But when the College he "leads" works to silence the press, that should be your business, Jack. Now is the time to circle the wagons around the Constitution, not retreat into the arms of those who seek to smother it.

You need to fire Barley Snyder, Jack, and you need to do it right now. Stand up for the First Amendment rights that should extend all Americans, including us. By doing this, you will affirm that Lancaster Newspapers is deserving of the name. We hope you'll do the right thing.

Sincerely,

The Lancaster Post Chris & Ron Š Copyright Lancaster Post 2008

Publishers Ronald P. Harper, Jr. Christiaan A. Hart Nibbrig

SkyZLimit Productions presents...

Editor-in-Chief News Editor Chris Hart Nibbrig Ron Harper, Jr.

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Layout & Graphic Design Limehat & Company Staff Illustrator Jordan W. Martin Contributors Melody Harper Ron Harper, Sr. Artie See Mascot Zeph Contact the Post: Email: Letters@LancasterPost.com Phone: 717.431.8145 | Fax: 877.832.8760 Mail: 19 N. Mulberry Street | Lancaster PA 17603

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October 24, 2008 | Page 5

e L to the Editor

Editor: News Editor and Co-Publisher Ron Harper, Jr. once again demonstrates his journalistic laziness and his personal vitriol with an unsubstantiated attack on outgoing Senator Gibson Armstrong. Harper didn't take the trouble to carefully read the public offering of Hamilton Suites Apartments and thus overstates Armstrong's potential earnings by three folds. This is representative of Harper's reporting.

And far worse, Harper attacks Armstrong for having invested in the legitimate "viatical" business. It provides a market for the sale of whole life insurance that healthy senior citizens may no longer require, and enables those facing a prolonged but terminal illness to obtain funds to ease them through the final years.

If Harper has evidence that somehow Armstrong's company is taking advantage of individuals, that would be a valid story. But he presents none.

Harper deserves praise for having spoken out in the past against real and perceived abuses of the public trust. But Harper should stop living off his reputation, perhaps inflated in his own mind, and start doing his homework. He should also find and study a primer in journalistic ethics.

Robert Edwin Field Lancaster Township

be installed to facilitate accessibility for those using wheelchairs. I believe heating and air conditioning would be desirable for everyone's comfort.

I am thoroughly disgusted with the fact that our leaders (rather inaccurate terminology) so often have the ability to find ways to spend taxpayer dollars on such frivolity without allowing any input from said taxpayers.

In my estimation, it is soon time for our elected officials to start showing at least a modicum of consideration for those who helped elect them to their current positions in our city government.

As a final thought, I wonder when our leaders will locate a stagecoach so we can show the world how progressive Lancaster has become?

Donald Shaub Lancaster City

To the Editors: It was quite disheartening to read all those experts and legislators weigh in on preserving a farming “way of life” (Side by Side, 10/17 edition) and see that only one of them mentioned factory farming.

Factory farming, or “Industrialized Agriculture,” is responsible for much of the pollution we have in the county and beyond, as animal waste and farm runoff flows to the Chesapeake, causing the horrendous condition of the bay. The widespread use of antibiotics to maintain the “health” of factory farm animals also causes antibiotic resistance in humans, as the antibiotics remain in the animals’ bodies and washes into the watershed via their waste. Factory farms are literally killing us, as they poison the earth and contribute to disease in our bodies.

In terms of the animals on these farms, the image of a kindly farmer who respects his livestock and treats them well until the day they’re humanely and quickly killed is what most people picture when they think of the cow, pig, or chicken that lies steaming on their plate.

In reality, however, factory farmed chickens are de-beaked as chicks and packed, thousands to a barn, often kept in tiny cages, 24/7. Life for these

Editor: As a citizen, I feel as though I have a right to voice my opinion on another one of our city's inane leaders' ideas on how to promote tourism, thereby increasing Lancaster's revenues from those who opt to visit Lancaster.

Trolley cars were removed from service years ago for good reasons. Now, those in charge have decided to spend millions of taxpayers' dollars in order to bring back one of those dinosaurs in order to bring unsuspecting outsiders to visit this "quaint" little conservative patch of real estate known as " The Red Rose City."

It seems to me that since other currently available forms of transportation must legally be accessible to seniors and individuals with disabilities that this streetcar proposal would fall under the same obligations to our citizens, especially since the citizens will ultimately be footing the bill for this project.

For what it is worth, I am employed locally as a paratransit driver, and my girlfriend relies on her power wheelchair for mobility.

The trolley will require the installation of a kneeler device to allow access for certain people Wholesale Propane and a wheelchair lift for others.

Propane Delivery Also, at every stop along its route, additional curb cuts will need to Tank Sales

animals is a constant state of agitation and terror, frequently spent standing on the corpses of other chickens who didn’t survive the conditions. Pigs are kept in crates that don’t allow them to turn around or lie down – they can only stand or sit, all day, every day, and this drives these intelligent animals crazy ─ literally. They live this way their entire lives, until they’re brutally slaughtered.

Pennsylvania, led by farmers in Lancaster County, could join the growing number of states that have banned many of the “tools” of the factory farm – battery cages and gestation crates, for example – and regulate “factory farming” methods – not the farms, but the methods – out of existence. Farms can be quite profitable, and produce much healthier food, if humane practices are employed. These methods are working well in Canada and Europe, feeding millions.

It’s simply a matter of education, awareness, and a desire for decency.

Brenda Frank Lititz Editors: While I miss the Barnstormers ─ including your great coverage of the team and individual players (which I noticed Lancaster Newspapers started to mimic after your "5 Random Questions" feature first appeared) ─ I am enjoying your coverage of high school sports.

It's great that you're focusing on girls, too, as their teams are often ignored by the press. Please keep up the great sports stories, in-depth features, and think spring, when baseball will be back in Lancaster!

Ann Talbot Lancaster City

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Page 6 | October 24, 2008

WHAT?!? d They sai

"Mr. Harper is not a member of the bar and is not able to represent either entity or Hart Nibbrig in this petition."

~ F&M lawyer Kendra McGuire, a partner in Barley Snyder, during a hearing which she lost to non-lawyer, news editor, Ron Harper Jr.

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Side by Side: Home Rule for Lancsater County?

continued from page 3

Sam Mecum & Jim Miller

Randolph Carney

annually for the 6 HR counties(Philadelphia not included), and $86 for all 60 of the other counties. Charter opponents want to shout that this $13 per year difference is statistically significant. Dr Latzko concluded that it is not, because, when you take a closer look, this per capita tax comparison included counties like Cameron County, 5,900 population and $3.2 million budget, and Forest County, 5000 pop. and $4 million budget, and others like Elk and McKean. All of these small counties provide much less by way of county services than Lancaster and the other peer and Charter counties provide, with budgets smaller than many single departments of Lancaster County government ─HR 6 Code 0.

Opponents of Home Rule here are actually arguing against the smaller government the Charter calls for; against the increased tax and debt controls: against increased citizen access so the Party elite can maintain the patronage power base of elected officials; and they argue against increased fiscal efficiencies that the reduced salaries, and smaller number of elected officials, and revised purchasing abilities will bring us. What is conservative in those arguments?

So ask yourself this question when entering the voting booth on November 4th; do I want an 18th century, state- controlled and financially underperforming government? If so, vote to keep the State mandated County Code. Or, do I want a 21st century government that is LOCALLY CONTROLLED and more fiscally efficient?

If so then vote YES for the Charter and CHANGE for Lancaster County.

current budget or capital program, or to the salaries of those employees of the County in collective bargaining agreements."

This could mean that issues like the sale of Conestoga View, or the formation of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, could not have been undone under this proposal because they would have been current issues, therefore not applicable for "Initiative and Referendum" under this provision.

The next section could have prohibited the repeal of the "hotel tax": "c. An initiative seeking to limit tax increases shall be permitted only when an increase in the rate of any tax proposed by the County for the upcoming year equals or exceeds seven (7) percent of that imposed during the previous year."

There are many more issues raised by the proposed "home rule" charter. Please consider reading the charter for yourself, and drawing your own conclusions. In any event, please don't blindly accept the hype being used to promote this proposal.

The currently proposed "home rule" charter is available to read on the Lancaster County web site at: www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lancastergsc.

There may be a future for "home rule" in Lancaster County. Unfortunately, the currently proposed "home rule" charter is clearly not in the best interests of the people of Lancaster County.

Lancaster's Cold Case Files

continued from page 2

December 4, 2003.

The dozens of stab wounds caused by his own short pocket knife did not kill him; rather, the cause of death is listed as freshwater drowning. His running car was discovered hanging over the stream bed by Sensenig & Weaver Well workers at 5 AM. Bill Keisling author of over half a dozen books, including, "The Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna," has kept Luna and his unsolved murder in the minds of many. Keisling plans on sponsoring a vigil to remind the public on the fifth anniversary weekend, December 7, 2008.

"Remember that the FBI came to Lancaster to try and get the cause of death changed to suicide!" said Keisling said when contacted by phone. "Luna's hands were cut into ribbons and his throat was cut from ear to ear. This was a brutal homicide. The only hope we have is that the change of administrations (with the upcoming presidential election) will get new people at the Justice Department who will not be afraid to investigate."

More information about Luna's death, as well as how to order Keisling's book can be found at YardBird.com/Luna.htm.

If you have more information about this or any other crime, please call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS

October 24, 2008 | Page 7

East Cocalico turns off the tap

by Ron Harper, Jr., Lancaster Post

T

he East Cocalico Township Authority has a $12. 2 million plan to expand its capacity and improve water treatment, but the Township is not building it until developers cough up some cash.

While the Authority has enough water to service it's current customers, there is not enough capacity for developers to tap into it, too. In addition to two new wells, the Authority's expansion plan includes a new membrane treatment facility, which is said to improve the water quality.

And why did this capital plan come about?

Authority members were concerned that existing users would be paying for the increased water needs cause by development. With that in mind, in August of 2007, the Authority sent letters out announcing a pay-before-we-build policy, meaning that developers will have to pay $2,585 capital contribution for every house they wanted to build to go toward developing increased water supply.

The new fee is over and above the tapping fee when those houses go online themselves. At the meeting last summer, the Authority met with some of the biggest developers in Lancaster County who want to build in this bedroom community of Philadelphia, and tell them that when the Authority gets signed commitments and the capital fund contribution for 800 houses or equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) – only then will they Serving Lancaster & Lebanon Counties Since 1962 more forward to expand their capacity.

Until then, no permits will be built using Audiometric hearing testing & fitting We carry all major brands & styles of hearing aids the Township's water supply. At a special Molds, batteries, and accessories meeting formulating the plan, Authority Authorized manufacturers’ repairs & service board member, Dan Becker, explained, Special attention to the needs of senior citizens and those "This Board has made the decision, and I confined to home - We make housecalls! will be perfectly blunt with this: we will Call for FREE hearing analysis! 717-397-2046 not do any of this project until we have 127 College Avenue developer commitment. We will not HOURS: Lancaster burden the existing rate payers with any Monday - Thursday 9AM - 4PM Friday 9AM to 1PM, Evenings/Weekends by Appointment portion of this project above the 25% of the bond issue that will be used to finance Rustin Glass, DC., C.C.S.P. improvements to the existing system.”

900 Centerville Road So far they have a million bucks, Suite B Lancaster, PA or about 400 EDU's pre-paying for the capital improvements to the water (717)898-8900 system. Commercial development, like Advanced Chiropractic that being proposed by the turnpike and exchange require many EDU's. But until cough up a million dollars, Rehab developers the faucet on new development in East Offering: -DTS (Spinal Decompression Therapy) Cocalico will stay turned off.

R.X. Hearing Aid Service

for disk herniations -Cold Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dear Cardinal, What is going on with mortgages? We have good credit scores, earn great money, and the lenders are giving us a very difficult time. Would you be so kind as to give us younger home buyers a fast course in "Credit to Buy a Home 101" ? My husband and I are both teachers, thought we had all our ducks in order, however we do not understand what is gong on. Thanks for your help.

MB and EB, Lancaster City Dear M and E, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT go on the internet and find your credit scores. Every time you do this or apply for a credit card your score gets hit.

First, you need to go to a lender of your choice and get Pre-Approved. Let us say you are approved for $250,000. That should only give you the highest amount you can afford, however, you need to sit down, do your budget, and then and only then determine how much of a mortgage payment you can handle. Also keep in mind the utilities to operate the home. My calculation from past answers is approximately $8.00 per thousand that you will be financing. That includes your taxes and homeowners insurance.

When you choose your lenders, I suggest you choose a bank and a mortgage broker.

Find a Realtor that fits your personality and that you feel comfortable with and do your homework. When you find your dream home, go back to the two lenders, give them the amount you have agreed to pay, and the taxes, and ask them for a GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE. Sit down with your Realtor and go with the lender that gives you the best deal. I also urge you to do business with someone you can sit down with rather than on the phone or computer.

Here is where things get rough. You need to have 3% down; there is no 100% money anymore. Furthermore, beginning in January you will need minimum 3.5% down. Also, you will need at least 4% of the purchase price in closing costs. Bottom line: you need in today's market minimum 7% of the purchase price to buy a home.

Anything less, is going to cause you difficulty. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but with all that is going on, if you do not have good credit and at least 3% of the purchase price, do not waste your time.

I sincerely hope this gives you a little more insight to home buying. You have my number, give me a call with any further questions. PATIENCE is so very important.

This may not be the right time to buy what you want however there is something out there that can fulfill your needs five or so years down the road you can buy that big dream home when your career and family are established. Remember that the majority of our parents started small and built up their equity to what they had when they retired.

We are living in times when we want it all now, and look where it has gotten us!

The Cardinal Please send your real estate questions to the Cardinal: bcmiller1@comcast.net

Page 8 | October 24, 2008

Yesterday &

Today

by Lancaster Post Staff

The Watt & Shand store at Park City Mall, circa 1970.

See more images at www.mallsofamerica.blogspot.com.

</DigitHeads>

by Robert Fuller & Laurie Fuller Limehat & Company - www.limehat.com

Speaking of...

T

his week – and for a few more columns in the future – we thought we’d deal with some questions that we’ve been repeatedly getting from readers, clients, friends, and family – and even coworkers here at the Post. And by the way, dear readers, please keep your questions coming, because we’re happy to help. You’ve given us some great ideas for columns, and we look forward to your continued input.

Speaking of questions, we’re often asked, “Is it OK if I leave my computer on all the time?” and it’s a good question. The answer is Yes. And No. Yes, you can leave it on most of the time, but No, we don’t recommend leaving it on if you’re going out of town for the weekend or on a long vacation. Power outages, malfunctions that need your immediate response – error messages, virus attacks, etc… – make leaving your computer on and unattended for long periods unwise. We leave ours on virtually 24/7, unless we’re going away, and it’s usually fine.

Sometimes if my laptop starts to run slowly, though, and applications crash or start doing funky things, I’ll restart it just to kind of “shake the Etch-a-Sketch”. That usually solves the problem.

Speaking of application crashes, “What causes that?” our friends would like to know. Well, it could be any number of things, but the most common problem is memory, or not having enough of it. Not that your computer didn’t come with enough memory, but maybe you’ve got too many things running at the same time, and maybe one or more of the applications are “memory hogs”, or applications that don’t make efficient use of memory. When an application crashes, end it (when prompted to End Now) or if it’s just acting up and doing odd things (taking forever to do simple things, for example), shut it down yourself and reboot. If the software repeatedly crashes or starts acting up, it could be a virus or there could be a problem with the software itself. Run a virus scan (with up-to-date virus software) and if that doesn’t turn up anything, re-install the software. Many applications come with a “Repair” option, which you can try before uninstalling and reinstalling the software.

TIP: If an application crash happens, and you’re a Windows user, always click the “Don’t Send” button in response to that little prompt that comes up and asks if you want to report the problem to Microsoft. If you send it, you’re also sending all sorts of personal information to Microsoft, and frankly, they don’t need to know any more about you than they already do.

Now a Bon Ton, here's the same corner of the Park City Mall in October of 2008 Have some vintage photos of locations in Lancaster County you’d like to share? Contact us by email (Humans@LancasterPost.com) or phone (717.431.8145)!

Can you identify this location?

The answer is on page 14.

Speaking of uninstalling, people often call us to ask “Why can’t I just delete the folder to get rid of that application?” Because that doesn’t really delete the software. When software is installed, it plants all sorts of files throughout key areas in your computer to support its proper functioning whenever you run it. If you just delete the main folder for the application, you’re leaving all those files in your system, and the software won’t ever be completely gone – and leaving them behind may cause problems. Instead, if you’re a Windows user, open up the Control Panel, run Add or Remove Programs (Programs and Features if you’re a Vista user), select the undesired application from the list, and follow the prompts to properly and thoroughly delete it. While you’re in the list, look for other programs that you don’t use anymore – or programs you never installed or never meant to install that you don’t need. You can uninstall them, too, and free up some hard drive space.

Speaking of programs you never meant to install, “How did that get on my computer?” people often ask us. This can happen in many ways, but most often, it happens when you download what you think is a file – a picture, something on a website – and what you’re really getting is a program. Other times it’s software that’s installed to run a piece of hardware, like a printer, a scanner, or a digital camera. The first time you connect the device to your computer, a program can be installed without you realizing it, perhaps when you go to the manufacturer’s website to register the device, or if the device comes with a setup CD. If you later get rid of the device, it can be a surprise to see the software still there on your computer months later. If it’s there and you don’t have the device anymore, uninstall it.

Speaking of… well, that’s it for this week. As we organize all the questions we’ve received, we’ll put another column together. We hope there’s been something useful for you here, or at least something you can share Visit Wendy Jo’s stand at Central Market on with a computer-challenged Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays! friend.

order online: www.wendyjos.com

October 24, 2008 | Page 9

This is where we re-write the press releases from the local police departments. Obviously, we have fun with the rewrites, but after some self-reflection, we thought it was important to affirm – in accordance with the United States Constitution – that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Maybe he’d be able to pass an Anger Management course According to Manheim Township police, a resident called them to her home after her son kicked in the storm door. Apparently, the 17-year old boy got mad when his parents tried to converse with him about his grades (we’re betting they weren’t good), at which point he stormed out, and as is appropriate for someone storming out, he kicked the storm door.

The boy will be charged with Criminal Mischief, and we’re figuring the $50 to replace the door is coming out of his allowance.

They should have sent him to his room After having a fight with his parents on October 16th, a young man who lives on East Liberty Street in Lancaster was cited for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct. He was so upset by the argument, he went outside and “created a disturbance.” If he ever meets the Storm Door Kicker from Manheim Township, maybe they can start a support group for teenagers with irritating parents.

Now, if they’d had the right tools…

Matthew Wagner of Marietta reported that someone tried to break into his car to steal his tool box. The car was parked at Fisher’s Millwork in East Petersburg, and while the thieves managed to do about $300 worth of damage to Wagner’s car, they failed to obtain the desired item. Ironically, they didn’t have the right tools to successfully unlock the vehicle or break the window.

Lactose Intolerance On October 18th at a little after noon, Antonia Lary and his girlfriend were having a fight, in their car, which was parked in front of the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant on Fruitville Pike. The 22-year old male was cited and released, and luckily, nobody was hurt in the “scuffle”, as police called it in their report. Good thing it was during the day on a school day, or the place would have been crawling with kids, and they don’t need to see that sort of thing. Was it the abundance of cheese-laden items on the menu that set them off?

Hey, kid… they’re for NASAL congestion Manheim Township Police report that on October 18th, a 16-year old boy from Conestoga was seen stuffing about $34 worth of Coricidin tablets down his pants. He then left the KMart without paying for the medicine, and was nabbed by store security. His dad was called, and the boy was released. We’re betting that was a fun ride home.

Well, he did say he needed change… a lot of change It may not be safe to stop by the ol’ Turkey Hill these days, certainly not late at night. On October 19th, Manheim Township Police were called to the Turkey Hill on Granite Run Drive when the clerk reported that she’d been robbed. It seems a man had come in, said he needed change, and when she, being a good person, opened the register to help him, he ran around the counter and helped himself to a few handfuls of cash.

She wasn’t hurt, but will probably not be offering to break that $20 for anyone else, anytime soon.

But was the pumpkin OK? Jay Riehl of Gap reported that on October 19th, someone threw a pumpkin at his passenger side car window, and cracked it. Showing a complete lack of compassion for the innocent gourd, the police report failed to mention the pumpkin’s condition after the altercation.

Got a tip for the POST ?

Leave a message @ 800-832-8760

POST NEWSPAPER BOX & DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS:

BRIGHT RED BOXES: Lancaster • East Orange & North Duke, by the Lancaster County Courthouse • 555 North Duke Street by Lancaster General Hospital’s entrance • East Chestnut St. at Prince St., across from the Police Station • 19 N. Mulberry Street • Marietta Ave and North School Lane, one block west of James Buchanan’s home • Harrisburg Pike, across from the Iron Hill Brewery STORES & BUSINESSES: Akron Akron Nutrition Center 22 North 7th Street Columbia Hinkle’s Pharmacy 261 Locust Street East Petersburg Blue Eyed Six Antiques 1961 State Street Ephrata The Brew House & Bistro 52 E. Main Street Ephrata Public Library 550 S. Reading Road Martin’s Country Market 1717 W Main Street Parkhill Jewelry 5 West Main Street

Elizabethtown Darrenkamp’s Market 191 S. Ridgeview Road Lancaster Apple Tree Restaurant 100 S Centerville Rd. Charlie’s Place Market E. King & N Shippen Sts. Dominion Pizza 938 Columbia Avenue Dosie Dough 323 W. Lemon Street Figure Firm 1400 Elm Avenue Hess Station Yale & Columbia Aves.

Lancaster County Library 125 N. Duke Street Rainbow Pet Creations 305 N. Queen Street Square One Coffee 145 N. Duke Street Tabor Community Services 439 E. King Street Trailer Village Grocery 2801 Columbia Ave Triangle Express & Lube 1615 Columbia Ave Villa Nova Sports Bar 1310 Harrisburg Ave Wheatland Beer Distributors 1701 Columbia Ave

Leola Lantz’s Discount Groceries 105 Horseshoe Rd Lititz Weiser’s Market 680 Furnace Hills Pike Manheim Francisco’s Pizzeria 30 S. Main Street Marietta Shank’s Tavern Front & Waterford Streets Mount Joy Darrenkamp’s Market 945 East Main St. New Holland Yoder’s Country Market 14 South Tower Road Martindale Eby’s Store 562 Martindale Road Maryland Johnson’s Discount Liquors Millersville John Herr Village Market 25 Manor Ave

Mountville Mountville Inn 61 E Main Street George’s Restaurant & Pizza Castle 14 W. Main Street Oregon Oregon Dairy Markets Oregon Pike Paradise The Revere Tavern 3063 Lincoln Hwy. East Quarryville Hess Gas Station Rte. 222 South Citgo/Subway Rte. 222 South Quarryville Library Peking Chinese Restaurant Good’s Store Sam’s Pizza Ross’ Feed & Grain D&J Farm Store & Hardware Maplehoff Dairy Bartville Store & Deli Pleasant Valley Store Sproul Road Little Britain Store Tanglewood Citgo

Wakefield Maplehoff Dairy Wakefield Post Office Willow Street Valley View Restaurant Musser’s Market at the Buck Beer Distributor at the Buck Holtwood Supply Beer Distributor (Willow Street) Kmart (Kendig Square) Willow Valley Darrenkamp’s 106 Willow Valley Square Wrightsville American Legion Post 469 South 2nd Street Sue’s Market 214 Hellam Street Wrightsville Pizza 203 Hellam St YOU CAN BE A POST DISTRIBUTION SITE, TOO! CALL: 717.431-8145 or send an email to: Distribution@LancasterPost.com

Page 10 | October 24, 2008

! be your ad ld u o h s is h T ding it, You’re rea ? aren’t you

31.8145 Call 717.4se in the to adverti

ancaste r

The Entertainm

ost

Family Fun

ONGOING FAMILY ATTRACTIONS: Ephrata Cloister Ephrata, PA | 717.733.6600 One of America’s earliest communal societies, best known for its original art and music and distinctive medieval Germanic architecture.

Simple fare & fine spirits since 1920 Open Monday - Friday 12pm - 2am Front & Waterford Sts. Marietta, PA

717.426.1205

Got Family Events?

Send them to the Lancaster Post for inclusion in our Entertainment Guide!

Call : 717-431-8145 or email: Humans@ LancasterPost.com

Hands-on House Children’s Museum Lancaster, PA | 717.569.KIDS A children’s museum dedicated to helping kids learn, and making sure they have lots of fun in the process.

Hans Herr House and Museum Willow Street, PA 717.464.4438 Cross this threshold and experience colonial life as you enter the oldest residence in Lancaster County.

Harsco Science Center Whitaker Center, Harrisburg 717.214.ARTS Question everything and break boundaries! Three floors feature more than 240 fun and informative exhibits that explore physical science, natural science, life science, mathematics and technology.

Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre 126 N. Water St., Lancaster, PA 717.394.8398 “Sleeping Beauty” Through November 15th, Shows start 11 a.m.; $9 Lancaster Science Factory Lancaster, PA | 717.509.6363 Experience the hands-on, interactive learning experience of The Lancaster Science Factory, where children of all ages will discover that Science is FUN! Landis Valley Museum Lancaster, PA | 717.569.0401 Largest Pennsylvania Dutch Living History Farm & Village in the country, interpreting German Heritage from 17401940, including tours and craft demonstrations.

North Museum of Natural History and Science Lancaster, PA | 717.291.3941 Generating excitement and curiosity about natural history, science and technology and offering something for everyone.

Strasburg Rail Road Ronks (Strasburg), PA 717.687.7522 Fun train ride through Amish Country. Enjoy shops, dining and activities at the station.

Let’s Go to the Movies!

Check out reviews and showtimes - and buy tickets online - for theaters in the Lancaster area. Simply enter your zip code at the following sites: www.movietickets.com www.fandango.com www.moviefone.com Support a local independent theater: Point of View 121 West Frederick Street, Millersville | 717.872.4131

HALLOWEEN FUN! Oct. 24 - 26 - Pumpkin Patch Weekend - Spring Gulch Resort, 475 Lynch Rd., New Holland, PA 17557 717-3543100. Kids pick out a pumpkin from our pumpkin patch and decorate it for prizes! Pumpkin pie baking & eating contests, hayrides & trick-or-treat. Pumpkin Dance Saturday night with Square Dancing followed by a DJ Dance.

TREATS for Mom & Dad: Oct. 25 - Wine & Cheese Train Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg. 717-687-7522.

The $30 fare includes First-Class accommodations on the Parlor Car and complimentary wine, cheese, and crackers.

Beer, mixed drinks, premium wines, non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages are also available for purchase. 6:00 pm.

Oct. 26 - Children's Halloween Parade - Downtown Lancaster, Penn Square to Lancaster Square, Lancaster.

Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. Event includes costume judging and prizes. 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Oct. 27 - Lititz Lions Halloween Parade - Lititz Borough, Lititz, PA. 7 pm.

Specials:

66 N Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603 717-394-6977

Restaurant & Lounge

Monday: Texas Hold 'Em sign up 8pm; starts 8:30 $2 Coors Light bottles; $10 well pitchers Tuesday: 50 cent tacos, $3.50 Corona bottles; $1.50 lager drafts Wednesday: Karaoke with Greg 10pm to 1am $3 Guinness Drafts; $5.50 domestic pitchers Thursday: Ladies Night, Karaoke 10-1pm $4 Cosmos; $3 Blue Moon drafts Friday: DJ Image 10-2

ment Guide

October 24, 2008 | Page 11

Keep them

posted!

Tell o

Things to do, places to go, people to see.

Grownup Stuff ART, THEATRE, ETC... :

LancasterARTS www.lancasterarts.com 717.509.2787 FultonTheatre Building Character Glorious!

342 N. Queen St. 12 North Prince Street Warehouse B, Lancaster Oct 23 - Nov 9 717.394.7201 Sun: 2pm, Wed: 2pm and www.buildingcharacter.biz 7:30pm, Thu: 7:30pm, Fri: 8pm, Sunday Market (10/26) Support local artists, businesses, Sat: 2pm and 8pm HACC- Lancaster Campus and farmers by purchasing Coming Out:15 Artists/15 locally-grown produce, great food, art, antiques, and Years of Common Roads collectibles. Check the website East Building- Room 203 for details and other events!

1641 Old Philadelphia Pike Oct 6-30 Eastern Market Heritage Center of 308 E. King Street, Lancaster Lancaster 717.358.9368 Fall Workshop: Printed www.historiceastside.org/ Christmas Cards Wednesday (4-7pm) and Jasper Yeates Educational Saturday (9-2pm), through Center Oct. 25th. Art, crafts, antiques, 24 South Queen Street and great food in a combined Sat Oct 25: 9am-5pm indoor/outdoor setting. Support local artisans, merchants, and Whitaker Center farmers! Don't miss the last 222 Market Street, Harrisburg weekend for 2008!

717.214.ARTS www.whitakercenter.org Sunoco Performance The Heritage Center 5 West King Street, Lancaster Theater An Evening with Lisa 717.299.6440 www.heritagecentermuseum.com Williams Medium & Clairvoyant Through December 31st, 2008 October 29th, 7:30 pm.

Psychic Photography: Now in the IMAX Theater: Lancaster’s Spiritualist - Dark Knight Connection - Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk - U23D

True Espresso

s at See u arket Coffee Roaster rn M Easte h 10/25! g throu Wholesale Coffee ...for restaurants, coffee shops & businesses

Catering

...for any special occasion prepared by an expert Italian barista

717-278-2546

www.trueespresso.com

NIGHTLIFE: Annie Bailey’s 28-30 E. King Street Lancaster | 717.393.4000

www.anniebaileysirishpub.com

Live Entertainment

Bube’s Brewery 102 N Market Street Mount Joy, PA | 717.653.2056 www.bubesbrewery.com The Catacombs Pirate Feast - Sundays Call for reservations The Biergarten Live music every Sunday The Bottling Works Live Music Fri, Sat, & Sun. Team Trivia on Tuesdays, Karaoke on Sundays Ghost Tours every Friday at 10 pm, call for reservations Chameleon Club 223 N. Water Street Lancaster | 717.299.9684 www.chameleonclub.net Check their website for a complete list of performers.

Lancaster Dispensing Company 33-35 N. Market Street Lancaster 717. 299.4602 www.dispensingco.com Now smoke-free!

Live Entertainment

ur advertis ers you saw th em in the

ancaste r

ost

Molly’s Pub 253 E. Chestnut Street Lancaster 717.396.0225 www.mollyspub.com Now Smoke Free!

Weekly drink specials, live entertainment Prudhomme’s 50 Lancaster Avenue Columbia | 717.684.1706 www.lostcajunkitchen.com Smoke free Weekly Events: Every Friday night DJ & Karaoke w/ Steve Murray 9pm -12am.

Every Wednesday - LIVE Acoustic 70’s w/ Keith Kinard Every Thursday: “Name That Tuna” from 7:30 – 10 pm The Underground Restaurant & Lounge 4031 Columbia Avenue Columbia, PA 17512 717.684.6000 Weekly Events: Fridays: DJ Dance Parties at 10pm Saturdays: Bands/Karaoke at 10pm Sundays: Swing Dancing at 6-9pm

Bars!

Nightclubs!

Restaurants!

Send us your entertainment events!

Send the location, date, and details to: Humans@ LancasterPost.com or call:

717.431.8145

The Village Night Club 205 North Christian St Lancaster, PA 717.397.5000 thevillagenightclub.com Open ‘til 2 am Wed., Fri., & Sat. Live Entertainment

The Mountville Inn 61 E Main Street - Mountville, PA

(717) 285-9907

“a sociable joint” Wednesdays: $2 Labatt’s bottles Every Thursday: DJ NED TUGENT spins Classic Rock!

Pool – Darts – Jukebox Open 7 days – Beer-to-Go

Historic

Revere Tavern 3063 LINCOLN HIGHWAY EAST PARADISE, PA 17562-9651 PHONE (717) 687-8601

Page 12 | October 24, 2008

Email Hard to Please at: HardtoPlease@LancasterPost.com

Hard to Please Restaurant reviews by a very discerning diner.

British Excellence

T

his is not an easy column to write this week. It is not because Quips in Lancaster isn't good. It is because of its excellence -- food, service, ambiance -- that makes writing about it hard. This dedicated food writer knows a "find" when he comes across one, and he likes to keep them to himself.

But responsibility to you, lovely readers, overrides selfish desires, and demands a faithful report. So here it is.

Quips was chosen on the recommendation of friend of the Post, RB Campbell, who lives nearby. I won't say that RB is rigid, but if salmon is on the menu, that is what he will Beer-battered fish sarni order. So, when he said Quips had the "best salmon I've ever tasted," I thought this might be a restaurant worth trying.

We arrived on a Monday evening and were seated quickly in the bustling pub. It is a cozy, nicely-lit, wood-floored, and paneled establishment. The bar is a large horseshoe of burnished wood that faces you as you enter. The crowd has yuppie overtones, but without the usual obnoxiousness of that set. I was comfortable, which was a lucky strike for RB, as we know.

Our server this night was mom-to-be, Leah Margerum, who was as knowledgeable about her menu as any waitress we've seen. Leah ran down the specials and described the nuances of various dishes with aplomb. (I learned later from a colleague that the really sharp, Leah, runs her own separate, healthy baby food business.)

RB had no questions, and in fact didn't even open his menu. He (surprise!) ordered 'Miss Sarah Pocket's Salmon,' a fresh Norwegian salmon steak, baked, and topped with 'Honest Tom's Extraordinary Crab.' It is served with rice 457 New Holland Ave., Lancaster and a vegetable, which were green beans on this day.

I selected 'Mr. Charles Darnay's Tips Gorgonzola,' 717.397.3903 sautéed Tenderloin Tips with mushrooms, peppers, onions, in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce, mixed with penne pasta.

We split both dishes, and I was first impressed by the portions. Enormous. The half-orders were sufficient.

Then I was absolutely amazed at how good the food was.

The salmon was fresh and moist, expertly cooked, just superb. The sides were also prepared with care; the rice tender and fluffy; green beans, crisply sautéed.

My dish, the tenderloin tips with the cheese sauce, was magnificent.

It reminded me of a gourmet stroganoff. The creamy melding of the Gorgonzola, onions, peppers, and tender beef was extraordinary, and something I will be having again.

A word must also be spoken in praise of the very best blue cheese salad dressing I have personally ever eaten. I enjoyed it with a house salad, and it is the best house salad you will find. (I asked for a small cup of the dressing to take home. Shhhhh.)

We closed with a vanilla bean cheesecake and a cup of fresh, delicious coffee. The dessert was fabulous, sided with a dollop of fresh whipped Miss Sarah Pocket's Salmon, served with rice and green beans. cream. Meals do not get much better. They really don't.

Quips is quirky, and that's one of the things I liked best about it. It's been a business (mostly an inn) since before the Civil War. They call the food "fayre," name dishes after Dickens characters, and serve beautiful, edible flowers with meals. Owner Cathey Roland understands that it all revolves around the food, and with Executive Chef, Brian Walkuskie, and Assistant Chef, Nate Kreider, she has experts in the cockpit. The establishment is known for its traditional British staples, like Bangers & Mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), fish & chips (served traditional style wrapped in British newsprint), and sarnis, British-style sandwiches.

The highest compliment I can pay to an establishment is to pay them a return visit. Since my first visit Monday, I've already returned once, and am planning my next visit very soon, probably Monday for football and Quips' popular chicken wings. That's three times in one week. Draw your own conclusions.

Quips Pub

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

[Reviewer’s note: This column (Hard to Please) is intended to direct the diner to the better eateries in Lancaster County. We are truly ‘hard to please,’ and do not review every restaurant sampled. We’ve eaten at, and decided to not review several local establishments because either the food and/or service was sub-standard.

We want to tell you where to go, rather than where not to go; after all, those people are trying, too.]

welcome to

my UR) (O kitchen Hempfield Area Food Pantry: Food from the Heart

E

leven years ago, Deirdre Thomas was a mother of a five year old, had cancer, and needed food. She went to the local food bank and, though grateful for the help, felt it could have operated more efficiently for the people needing the assistance.

Today, Deirdre is the Coordinator of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry, formerly known as the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (ZELC) Food Pantry of Landisville. The non-profit gives food to about 1100 people per month, and free meals are served the second and fourth Thursday of the month to between 40-60 families.

For six and half years, ZELC has been providing food to a growing, but unseen hungry community of Countians.

"We also offer them a place to sit and talk," says Deirdre.

"It seems like people don't understand there is so much of a need for this kind of thing. Come in on a Wednesday or a Friday and just see how thankful these people they are."

"Many of the people we see have to make choices between medicine and food," Deirdre continues.

"Often they have special dietary needs, like sugar-free or saltfree foods. The items they can eat are more expensive, but we try to meet their needs.

We also try to give them ideas of how to make things different in terms of recipes."

At Christmas time, the Food Pantry provides an additional box of food and a gift for children under 12.

Here is the Traditional Thanksgiving Meal that will be served on November 27: Turkey Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes/gravy Rolls Stuffing Vegetable Dishes Salads Pies Cold Drinks & Coffee ... and more!!!

The Hempfield Area Food Pantry is open Mon.-Wed.-Fri. from 10am to 1pm. Food can be donated at the office: 85 Brandt Blvd., Landisville. Phone 898.2911(church) or 715.3867 (food pantry). Volunteers are welcome to stock/ drive/serve/greet.

October 24, 2008 | Page 13

How We Met...

by Lancaster Post Staff

Couple: Christopher and Jennifer Blakesley Years Together: 13 years married, 3 years dating Anniversary: May 13, 1995

An Adorable Mess Jen: "In January of '92 my friend, Ginger, and I were ice skating at Long's park when I spied Josh, a friend from school. He was with this really cute guy I didn't know named Chris, who I promptly began to flirt with. Ginger always got the cute guy, but I was determined it would be different this time."

Chris: "Josh and I decided to go ice skating before the Super Bowl. Girls were the farthest thing from my mind, but before I knew it we were in a snowball fight with these two girls I had never met before.

Jen tackled me. I thought the only tackling I would see today would be on TV. Jenny was adorable, and I was more than happy to let her win."

Jen: "Chris called me a short time later. Our first conversation was three hours long, and I hate to talk on the phone! I was a senior at McCaskey and Chris was a junior at CV, so we talked mostly about high school stuff. We began to hang out, but a short time later Chris left a single, long-stemmed red rose on my bed with a note asking me if I wanted to make it official."

Chris: "Our first date was on Valentine's Day. I took her to TGI Friday's at Park City, and then we took in a movie. After about a year I was smitten and started ring shopping.

I found one with beautiful cut and clarity, but I was a little short on funds. So, they agreed to hold it for me until I could save enough money for a down payment. Well, about a week before the pre-determined time to make a down payment, the jeweler called and said if I came in today, I could have it with less money down. I did not have a car, so I rode my bicycle from Lampeter to Jen's house on First

Rose

Garden

Bed & Breakfast

Romantic Getaways • Discounts for Military Personnel • Gift Certificates

www.RoseGardenBedandBreakfast.com 1566 Lime Valley Rd • Strasburg, PA 17579 • 717-687-0705

Street in Lancaster to borrow her parents' car. I picked her up after her nanny job and asked if she minded going to Park City to pick up a ring for my mother. While Jen was distracted, I explained to the clerks that I didn't want Jen to know this was for her, but while my back was to Jen, a clerk came up and asked her if she wanted to see the ring."

Jen: "I thought it was kind of weird that she asked me if I wanted to see Chris's mother's ring, but I soon realized it was for me. Poor Chris; he was bummed. After we left the store Chris said, "Oh, by the way, will you marry me?"

Chris: "I didn't even get to ask her father…that didn't go over too well.

Jen: "Our honeymoon was interesting, too. The weather was horrible.

We went to Cape May and took the ferry ride, but it was overcast and miserable. Then we decided to go to Washington, D.C. It was like a monsoon! We could barely see where we were going in our little red Ford Escort.

We got stuck on a one way street and circled the White House about four times! It reminded me of the Chevy Chase movie, European Vacation".

Chris: "We couldn't even find the Smithsonian. After a shooting in a hotel nearby, we decided to spend the rest of our honeymoon in Baltimore."

Jen: "About three weeks after our misadventure, we heard that you could no longer drive around the White House. We wondered if it was because of a certain red Escort that kept circling it a few weeks earlier!"

Chris: "It's true a lot of my best laid plans got messed up, but what an adorable mess."

Massage Therapy Call Joe Grzybicki at (717) 201-7868 visit www.myspace.com/morphysique Chair Massage | Table Massage Massage Available at Your Home or Office Call for details!

PARKHILL JEWELRY if you can dream it... we can make it!

717.733.8800 www.parkhilljewelry.com

5 West Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522

Page 14 | October 24, 2008

F U N A N D G A M E S

The solutions to this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzles can be found on page 18.

Send us your suggestions for Lancaster Trivia Crossword Clues!

Puzzler@LancasterPost.com

Sudoku

Lancaster County Trivia Crossword Easy one... you can do it!

Genius Level... use a pencil!

ACROSS

5 Bethel ________Methodist Episcopal Church, on Strawberry Street in Lancaster 7 We have about a million of them in Lancaster County, and they're integral to keeping the bug population down 12 President of the Lititz Borough Council 14 He's the Lancaster City Arborist 16 According to the Farm Bureau, __________ Agriculture is a system of farming that improves environmental quality and makes the most efficient use of farmland 18 The fastest-growing Oak tree, and also a native to Pennsylvania 19 The original name of what is now the Stauffer Mansion in Manheim Township 20 One of the few nature preserves remaining in Lancaster 21 The company that owns Wilbur Chocolate 22 Perry __________, Director of Public Works for East Hempfield Township 23 They have three grocery stores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Lancaster, Willow Street, and Mount Joy

DOWN

1 Mayor Rick Gray's special events office goes by this amusing acronym 2 The big vintage knick-knack presently standing at the corner of Orange and Chestnut Streets in Lancaster City 3 Club on Water Street in Lancaster, famous as a venue for local and nationally-known musicians 4 A family of plants that includes peas, beans, and soybeans, all grown in Lancaster County 6 Pickled relish made from cabbage, carrots, beans, asparagus, cauliflower, and peas 8 He left his family and creditors behind in Baden, Germany to find his fortune in America, and an Inn in Lititz bears his name 9 An important, but dwindling, natural phenomenon in Lancaster County 10 _______ World Industries is headquartered in Lancaster 11 Chief of the Pequea Indians in the early 1700s, also a friend of William Penn 13 Home of the Point of View independent theater 15 _______ Covered Bridge, also known as the Pequea #10 Bridge 17 Market Master at Lancaster's Central Market

This starkly modern building rises from the landscape at 1800 Fruitville Pike.

October 24, 2008 | Page 15

... of the week

New Era gives Corbett Puff Pastry

W

e wish we had something a bit harsher to award the Lancaster New Era editorial staff than our paltry 'Puff Piece of the Week.' But since that's all we've got, we're giving it up this week to editor Ernie and his still cutting edge mates for their Oct. 17 item, "$8M Lititz cocaine ring crushed 5 charged â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including teen mom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with selling drugs here and in York, by Janet Kelly."

Here we have a front-page picture of Attorney General, Tom Corbett, posing with the seized contraband, whose Photo by Richard Hertzler, Lancaster New Era confiscation, it is implied, was surely due to his diligence. Now, we don't like cocaine dealt in our neighborhoods, just like you, but this piece felt a lot like a free political advertisement for Corbett, who (what do you know?) is running for reelection in two weeks.

Is the Charmin-soft coverage a result of a little LNP payback for Corbett going easy on five LNP "reporters," who blew by those flashing red lights on the secure County website to get a story? If so, that is really taking one for the team, eh, Schreibmeister?

The "article" also implies that the pizza joints were somehow involved by gratuitously mentioning their names. The "article" itself indicates the businesses had nothing to do with the drug sales, so why was it necessary to name the establishments? Why not just give their locations?

So, for awkwardly paying back a favor in public, and for slamming innocent, hardworking business owners by associating them with crimes they did not commit, we give Ernest Schreiber and those who follow him our treasured Post 'Puff Piece of the Week.'

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Page 16 | October 24, 2008

Artist Spotlight

C.B. Lilly: Writer

"I

never set out to write youth fiction, but when the idea for Blame it on Barbara came to me I fell in love with it. When I was around the same age as the character in the book I remember feeling like people didn't take what I had to say seriously because I was "just a kid," and I vowed then to remember how that felt when I became an adult myself. And I think I've honored that promise, at least I hope I have.

"I'm not really sure when or why I decided I wanted to be a writer. In fact, I'm not sure it was something I decided at all; it was more something that just was. It's the one part of my life that I've never questioned.

At times maybe I should have, but I honestly can't imagine doing anything else.

"Knowing what I wanted to do, however, and actually making it a reality are two vastly different things.

When I first started out I was primarily focused on writing for film and television. After graduating from my tiny little high school in rural Pennsylvania, I moved all the way to Los Angeles and attended the USC film school with a major in screenwriting.

"After graduating from USC, I spent ten years on the west coast, and while I was constantly writing I never quite figured out how here will be a First Friday to make a living at it. A lot of my friends from the cinema program book release party for chose to go into other fields when they weren't able to find writing jobs, but I decided instead to try my hand at writing novels.

Blame it on Barbara at 237 "The main characters in the book are kids, and it's about things I W. Chestnut St. Lancaster, think kids will identify with and be interested in, but it's not "written on November 7 from 5 for kids" in the sense that it's not written down to them. Are there to 9 p.m. The author will words in the book that the average 10-year-old may not know? Sure. be at the reception. For But that's how we learn, by reading new words and learning new more information, contact: things in the context of stories we're interested in." pizzanightpress@gmail.com.

T

it on Excerpt from Blame

Barbara, by C.B. Li

lly:

government ts, classified en ag le ub do nish of agents, cartoo rt with tales po A re CI r al he re d , he elusive ke FBI agents "Barbara finis urse, the ever road trips, fa co e in of st d, de an an , cl the er secrets, s to protect like cat litt il d ta le de el sm w fe o wh a and left out r scariest thugs, carnies wasn't only he d some things ge It an ch o. ps e ly Sh Ca Calypso. leave out the e could never sh t bu , nt ce inno st. " also her greate moment, it was

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"Exercise is one of the most under-utilized tools for health," Joe says. "Regular exercise—as little as 20 to 30 minutes a day—increases the efficiency of every system in your body. It also offers an opportunity to work off aggression and stress in a healthy way."

Joe, also a licensed massage therapist, believes that using more than one approach to good health is a key to achieving it. "When you combine both physical activity and massage, amazing things can happen. Not only are you treating the pain in a relaxing way, but you are also getting to the root of your problems."

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Adopt a Pet... Save a Life!

The Humane League of Lancaster County...

The Best Place to Find a Best Friend!

Something to Wag Our Tails About!

T

he Humane League of Lancaster County held its 19th Annual Tailwagger's Trot on October 12th, 2008 at Lancaster County Park. The sky was blue, the weather was warm, and everyone had a wonderful time. Nearly 500 people enjoyed live music, face painting, and visiting with various vendors and rescue organizations. Two dogs and one kitten from the Humane League were adopted and many new friends were made. The Humane League would like to thank all of the Tailwagger's Trot participants, vendors, sponsors, staff, and volunteers who made this day such a success! A total of over $37,000 was raised this year, more than $10,000 over last year's event total! The animals at the Humane League appreciate your support!

Angie ID # 114051 Mercy, ID # 113853

At just two months old, Mercy was already abandoned and fending for herself as a stray cat. Thankfully, a kind Samaritan found Mercy and brought her to the Humane League of Lancaster, where the shelter staff quickly fell in love with this pint sized sweetheart. Mercy loves to snuggle and is quick to purr. When she isn’t busy making herself at home on your lap, Mercy enjoys exploring and playing with her cat toys!

"Can you believe that I came into the shelter as a stray dog?!

I know, I don't understand how it happened, either. One day I was safe and sound at home with my family when I decided to take a little walk.

I guess I got a bit lost and ended up here at the shelter. I am confused and sad that my family did not have an ID tag on my collar and that they did not come looking for me. I am ready to put the past behind me, though, and start a new life with you! I have already had some training and know "sit" and "paw." I get very excited when you give me treats and I am the ultimate lap dog...after I run off all of my energy, that is!"

PLEASE don’t buy a pet ADOPT one and save a life! www.humaneleague.com

There are millions of homeless pets in the United States – and more are born and abandoned every day. For more information on the animals awaiting adoption at the Humane League, please call: (717) 393- 6551 or visit them at 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster.

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Page 18 | October 24, 2008

Athlete of the Week: Hannah Ertzgard

Lancaster-Lebanon League Individual Leaders

Garden Spot Spartans Volleyball

All sections (thru 10/23/08)

Scoring Kyle Fisher, (Cocalico), 128 pts.

James Capello (Lebanon) 114 pts.

Aaron Achy, (E. Lebanon Co.), 102 pts.

Rushing Kyle Fisher, (Cocalico) - 1,281 yards Dakotah Lightfoot, (Columbia) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1,196 yards Eric Resch, Warwick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1,142 yards Passing Kyle Smith (Lancaster Catholic) 1587 yards Jeremy Knosp (Manheim Central) 1568 yards James Capello (Lebanon) 1562 yards Tackles Joe Strangarity (Garden Spot) 100 tackles Graham Musselwhite (N. Lebanon) 96 tackles Terry Clark (Northern Lebanon) 80 tackles Sacks Dakota Royer (Manheim Central) 7.0 sacks Jarod Cartwright (Solanco) 5.0 sacks Mike Buffington (Solanco) 4.5 sacks

F

irst, the Garden Spot Spartans beat defending League champion Hempfield in the League semi-final, then won a thrilling championship match against powerful Penn Manor in the Lancaster-Lebanon League final.

Most of the publicity went to the team's superstar hitters, Ashley Schnader and Rachel Wenger. An overlooked, but vital, member of Coach Dennis Werner's squad is senior setter, Hannah Ertzgard, whose 42 assists in the championship were key to the team's triumph.

Ertzgard's talent went largely unseen the last two years, because the Spartans' setter was playing behind the legendary Maria Horning, one of the best volleyball players ever to come through the school. This year, Ertzgard had capitalized on her opportunity as a starter.

Hannah Ertzgard is also one of the very top students in her graduating class, and no one will be surprised if she is the valedictorian. Because of her talent, intelligence, and sportsmanship, the Post honors the impressive Hannah Ertzgard as our 'Athlete of the Week.'

My Excellent Tailgating Extravaganza

Puzzle Answers!

-by Chris Hart Nibbrig

S

uperfan and superfriend of the Post, Cody Harkins, gave a brother a real nice birthday present and took him to a real live NFL football game. Cody, a Redskins superfan, is a season-ticketholder and generously shared his superexpensive seats with me.

We left Lancaster County around 9am and convoyed with Cody's Redskins fanatic buddies, Mark Salyards, his sons, and a couple of other guys, good dudes, all. As is their tradition, the boys pit-stopped at Burger King for food and fortification for the long two-hour drive ahead.

Arriving around noon with about 25,000 other people, the fired-up fanatics found their reserved parking space, cranked up the music, started up the grill; and proceeded to tailgate their country butts off for the next three and half hours. The other tens of thousands of tailgaters were a trip. There were full bar set-ups; satellite TV; games and parking lot contests; and some of the best food I have ever seen or smelled. It was like a massive urban street festival with a football theme.

The line to the portable bathrooms were a source of amusement. At one point, we took a poll to guess how long it would take to use the bathroom. The guesses ranged from 15 minutes to 32 minutes. It took 17 minutes to reach the goal line.

Around 4pm, I walk into the stadium, while Cody dances into it. The game day experience is enhanced at least a hundred fold when you go with a person who has as good a time as Cody.

As games go, it was a boring, sloppy one, yet I couldn't have had a better time. Cody's seats are great; just below the luxury boxes, which provide a perfect vantage. And the 'Skins won, which was thrilling for Cody and the guys. I am now a 'Skins fan (until they play the Jets, my team.)

Leaving with 100,000 other people is a thrilling experience, if by thrilling you mean sitting in a stationary car for about 40 minutes.

But that was small payment for an experience I'd do again in a blink. Hail to the Redskins!

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Dakota Royer: Football Player

G

rowing up, the kid loved football and he loved Penn State. He grew up big, strong, and he was fast, and now the kid, still just a junior in high school, finds himself invited to Penn State for homecoming against Michigan, one of about 15 prized high school recruits the school is trying to woo.

Welcome to the world of Dakota Royer, the 6'3", 215 pound, heat-seeking missile of a defensive lineman for the Manheim Central Barons.

"I didn't so much admire a player at Penn State," says Royer, "I just kind of looked up to the whole school."

Today, Royer is a force on a 6-2 (3-0 in League) Barons squad. The versatile Royer not only leads the entire LancasterLebanon League in sacks, with seven, he is among its leaders in pass receptions.

.com

: pbase

Photos

"He's a pretty terrific player," says pretty terrific, legendary Barons Head Coach, Mike Williams, also the team's offensive coordinator. "He can run, make great catches, and is very coachable. And he's only a junior. He's going to get better."

Royer has gotten better, it seems, by the game. He got a lot of attention as a freshman and sophomore, and during that time has improved his 40 yard dash time from a normal 5.3 to a Division I-level 4.6. He got faster by traveling an hour, each way, twice a week to Downingtown, after school, to "Speed School," where he learns the techniques of speed. The kid has a work ethic. So considering the tradition of excellence established by Williams, the physical gifts of the kid, it is not surprising that schools like Michigan, Notre Dame, and other top-tier schools are interested in Royer, who is projected to play linebacker at the next level.

"Dakota is a talented young man," says Defensive Coordinator, and former Barons star, John Brubaker. "He's a committed football player who is athletic, has size, and can run -- a coach can always use a player like that."

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The increasing notoriety doesn't seem to faze the kid. He's pretty regular. "I like to hunt," he says. "Deer and goose. I've been going into the woods since I was two, with my dad. I just like the challenge of it, and the adrenaline rush. With the geese, you can hear them coming. And with the deer, they can just quietly get right up on you. It's awesome.

I've been butchering deer since I was seven."

Royer is the well-mannered, but rambunctious, son of Eric, a Lancaster city firefighter, and Tina, a dental hygienist. He's got a younger brother, Gunnar, who's ten. The athlete got his name when his mother was With teammates Joe Gruber pregnant and came across the and Lowen Johnson. name while reading and just loved the sound of it The difficulty of being a high school football superstar obviously weighs on the likable Royer. "It's awesome," he says. "I'm havin' a great time." He enjoys off-field time with girlfriend, Logan Hollinger.

"She's wonderful," blushes the football stud. "She's beautiful, kind, and she helps me study. She helped me study for a chemistry Dakota with Defensive test and I got an 'A'!"

Coordinator, John Brubaker.

The kid is grading out just fine on the football field, where he will undoubtedly have many choices a year from now, and very well may end up playing on Sundays one day. He doesn't know which university he will choose.

"I want to keep my options open," he says.

"It has to feel like the right place for me. I don't want to sit Call Joe Grzybicki at (717) 201-7868 on the bench for four years." visit www.myspace.com/morphysique What's the best feeling Yoga, Strength and Conditioning, Kickboxing you get playing Call about Group Classes and Private Sessions football?

"Sacking the quarterback," the kid says with a smile, and without hesitation.

"Man...when that happens, all the lights go on and it's...it's ...awesome."

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Dakota Royer leads Barons into the Playoffs story on page 19 Photo: pbase.com

Inside... (page 18)

● Athlete of the Week: Hannah Ertzgard ● Lancaster-Lebanon League: Individual Football Leaders ● My Excellent Tailgating Extravaganza by Chris Hart Nibbrig

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