THE MAYOR’S REPORT: After the fire, North Washington update and other news
So, I’m typically an early riser. As you know, I author my reports to you Sundays. This report began at 6:30 a.m. No porch sittin’ today as we’ve been doing quite often here of late. I just donned my raincoat to check the rain gauge. Yesterday morning, as I helped with the WRGG shredding event, it drizzled the entire time. The gauge had one inch of rain so far (yesterday and overnight). I’ll check it again later today as I will be writing in blocks all day and this evening.
See the pictures:Education in action: Greencastle-Antrim School District hosts Art & STEAM Expo
Keep the fun going:Fund drive underway as Greencastle playground begins second century
Two weeks ago, I had you riding with me in various fire engines … from a 1951 International pumper to the modern-day diesel engines. Now, I will write about after the fire is out. Then what? I’ll also provide an update on the North Washington Street project, Small Business Week (through May 4), and Mother’s Day. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and let’s sit together as we simply visit Greencastle in the springtime.
There’s still work to be done after the fire is out
The fire is out. You’re still on scene with me as a firefighter.
Pre-connected hoses deployed along with 400 feet of supply hose from the rear of the apparatus. Fifty years ago, the supply hose was 2 ½-inch hose with threaded brass couplings. Today’s supply hose is large diameter (LDH) with quick connect, light weight couplings. The LDH holds a much larger volume of water to supply the fire attack engine(s) on scene. All the deployed hose must be rolled up and returned to the station for proper washing and drying.
The fire engine holds 1,000 gallons of water. You’re now down to 200 gallons of water and have one quarter of a tank of fuel which means you’re out of service unless a tanker has filled your water tank. As you return, you must stop for fuel. Arriving back at the fire station you want to get the apparatus in service as soon as possible as a stand-by crew from another fire station will be ready to return to their home.
Back at the station, the water tank is refilled from a standpipe inside the fire station. The soiled hose is laid out on the apron, or inside (depending on the weather), scrubbed and washed while clean, dry hose is packed on the fire engine.
Lots of equipment (hand tools, self-contained breathing apparatus, etc.) was used on the fire ground. All now must be inventoried, cleaned, disinfected, dried and repacked on the apparatus.
The apparatus must be washed and dried (inside and outside). The fire department engineers will check the motor and pump fluid levels as regular maintenance is conducted by the volunteer engineers or by a certified mechanical facility that specializes in fire apparatus and pump systems.
Turn out gear (helmets, coats, pants and boots) must be properly cleaned and disinfected as well. The fire department has large washers for this very important purpose as soiled materials, that may have carcinogen (chemical) residue that must be mitigated.
You may have been on the fire ground for three hours. Then, back at station, clean-up and equipment preparation may be another hour or two depending on available personnel on station to perform a variety of tasks. Preparation and clean-up haven’t changed much over the last 50 years. Just more tools, safety equipment, and larger apparatus.
Interested in volunteering to help with these chores? Stop by the Rescue Hose Company and pick up a membership application. Consider volunteering.
North Washington Street update
What’s happening with the North Washington Street reconstruction project? All such projects are subject to the weather. Large scale projects have a construction sequence overview.
Ganoe Paving continues to work between Madison Street and Grant Street. Curb and sidewalk demo is now complete with new curb and sidewalk pour scheduled in May. Milling the current blacktop, new stone base, asphalt paving and tree plantings will occur in June. Motorists have access to the Evangelical Lutheran Church and to the rear of their properties.
What's happening:North Washington Street project will boost safety and walkability
The same sequence will begin between Baltimore Street and Madison Street in late June with completion in late August. Again, all is dependent upon weather conditions.
The contractor will help motorists and pedestrians as much as possible. This summer, please consider using Baltimore Street along with parking lots in close vicinity to the post office. You’ll still have access to the borough office by using East Pine Lane (alley from North Carlisle Street).
More on springtime in Greencastle
I thank the G-A Christian Women’s Fellowship, G-A Ministerium, and the Greencastle Presbyterian Church for hosting the National Day of Prayer last Thursday. Thank you to the attendees, the speakers and those who have viewed the program on-line.
Last week was National Small Business Week. Pennsylvania has one million small businesses employing millions of Pennsylvanians. Please join me in patronizing our local businesses year-round as they give back to the community, other businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. I am thrilled to see many visiting our downtown from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. In the United States, Mother’s Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12.
In 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908. Moms are special people in our lives. Do something special for your mother this weekend. If mom has passed away, think of those happy times and wonderful memories. Maybe do some porch sittin’ with iced tea and reminisce.
As we close this writing there’s now 1.1 inches of rain in the gauge. Please mark your calendar for May 27, 2024. We commemorate Memorial Day. Fly your flag the prior weekend on the Monday of this solemn occasion as we honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. We are blessed!