2011 Year in Review Part 2, Aug-Dec

Here in New Cumberland, we come to expect certain events, like the River Rescue Carnival in August, the Apple Festival in September and the Halloween Parade in October.  While we become accustomed to these annual events, the unexpected ones still shock and surprise us.  If you missed last week's blog, I covered the first seven months of 2011.  To view that entry, please scroll down.  For now, I pick up the year in August.

August was a busy month.  It brought us an old favorite, the loss of a valued community servant, and a new building added to our landscape. The old favorite, the New Cumberland River Rescue Carnival, is like an old friend who comes to visit every year.  Happy for it's arrival, but relieved when it finally goes.

2011 River Rescue Carnival

In mid August, New Cumberland lost a dedicated public servant & volunteer.  Mr. Terry Stoner served New Cumberland with River Rescue, Fire Police, Borough Council and in many other capacities, too numerous to mention.  Thanks to him and his family for the the years of service and sacrifice to our community. In Late August, an earthquake rumbled through New Cumberland.  The 5.8 quake centered in Virginia gave us a little shake, but no local damage was reported. August 24th was the start of the new school year and for students who attend Hillside Elementary School, this meant a brand new building for them.  The new facility, which cost about 11 million dollars, was a welcome change to many, where others thought is was an unnecessary expense.  The school has been open since August and was officially dedicated on October 17th, however the workmen seemed to have struggled to complete the landscaping.  I'll be glad when there's finally some grass growing on that hill, then I'll know they are done.

The New Hillside Elementary School

September What can I say about September that hasn't already been said?  It was a month with drenching rains followed by historic flooding.  Water reached up Bridge and Market Streets toward Second and Third streets.  Some residents and businesses were forced out by the flooding.  All we could do was wait for the water to rise and recede as buildings succumbed to the advancing water.  Even though the water diminished by the end of the month, Borough Park was still saturated and the annual Apple Festival, which takes place there, had to be canceled.

Looking down Bridge Street from Second Street.

Looking down Market Street from Third Street.

Borough Park was covered by the flood waters.

October brought us our annual Halloween traditions.  The New Cumberland River Rescue Halloween Parade is always a fun time for spectators and participants.  Residents and visitors alike watched the bands, floats, and firetrucks make their annual trek down Bridge Street.  Trick or Treat night, always held on the fourth Thursday of October, was very cold this year and found many trick-or-treaters making it an early night.  Trick or Treat night became a sad night for the area as well.  A teenage boy, who had ties to the New Cumberland community, was struck and killed by a car in neighboring Highland Park.  The accident didn't occur here, but many hearts are still heavy from this unfortunate accident.  The end of October brought a freak snowstorm.  The 5-6 inches of  heavy snow weighed down tree limbs and shrubs.   Eventually, the limbs and power lines started to snap and as a result, numerous residents were without power for days.

The opening banner in the New Cumberland 2011 Halloween Parade.

The Hershey Kiss Mobile in the 2011 New Cumberland Halloween Parade.

A freak snowstorm in late October weighed down trees and shrubs.

In November, for the fourth year in a row, Library Journal recognized the New Cumberland Library as one of the best libraries in the nation.  It was one of only four libraries in Pennsylvania to be selected.  Only 262 out of 7,513 public libraries in the United States were chosen for this distinction.  It's nice that our little library was rewarded for all the effort it puts forth into serving our community.
Link to New Cumberland Library
Link to Library Journal's State by State Star Libraries

New Cumberland Library

December brought us Christmas decorations, warmer than usual temperatures, and residential burglaries.  The snowflake lights went up along Bridge Street, the Christmas tree was lit at Elkwood Park and that house on Sixteenth street had the yard jammed full of lights and figures.  It must be Christmas time in New Cumberland.  While these were all welcome signs of the season, the burglaries were not.  According to the New Cumberland Police Department's Blotter, there have been a half dozen burglaries in our little borough since the beginning of the December.  Neighboring communities have been experiencing burglaries, too.  As always, watch for suspicious activity and if you do see something, call the police.
Link to New Cumberland Police Blotter and Website
Link to West Shore Regional Police Website (Lemoyne, Wormleysburg)

While many of us are worried about our homes, our schools may see some changes soon.  December's West Shore School District board meeting included discussion about the possibility of teacher layoffs and consolidation of sports and activities.  No decisions have been made yet.  Please contact  members of the school board to let them know your opinion on these matters.  Below is a link to the webpage that provides a list of all the school board members.
Link to West Shore School Distict Board Members contact information

It's been a year full of ups an downs, celebrations and misfortune, traditions and unforeseen occurrences.  Last year at this time, no one could have imagined that the year would be marked with drenching rains, historic flooding, an earthquake or a clown nose man.  Who knows what 2012 has in store for us?