SHIPPENSBURG — Steven B. Burg, professor of history and chair of the history and philosophy department at Shippensburg University, was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to study and lecture in Sweden, and he couldn’t be happier.

“The awards are highly competitive, and so I felt really honored to have been selected,” Burg said.

Steven Burg, professor of history and chair of the history and philosophy department, was awarded a Fulbright grant to lecture and study in Sweden this fall. Courtesy.

Burg is one of the 1,100 U.S. faculty and professionals chosen for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in 2013-2014, according to a news release from the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

During his time in Sweden, he will share his knowledge of historic preservation at the federal, state and local level in the United States with the University of Gothenburg’s Department of Historical Studies department.

“They were interested in bringing international perspectives to the topic,” he said. “I’m going to be traveling around the country visiting sites and talking to experts in the field of historic preservation to learn more about the way Sweden undertakes its historic preservation efforts.”

During his time, he also wants to share his experience in the area of cemetery preservation.

“I’m also planning to do a research project focused on the ways that Gothenburg’s cemeteries reflect the city’s immigration history,” Burg said.

Fulbright awards, which include several different programs for students as well as professionals, is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, according to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

They are designed to increase understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Since its inception in 1946, it has funded 318,000 people; 119,800 from the United States, according to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Burg was invited by the University of Gothenburg’s Department of Historical Studies in the spring of 2012, who offered to host him if he was awarded a Fulbright Scholar’s Grant.

After submitting his application and proposal in the summer of 2012, it was reviewed by both the Fulbright Commission in the United States and the Swedish Fulbright Commission.

He also hopes that he can share insights he gains during his journey.

“I’m hoping to share some of those experiences via Skype with my students here in Shippensburg,” Burg said.

Burg has also received two faculty teaching awards, two TIPS-Teaching Innovation and Pedagogy Spotlight Awards at Shippensburg University in 2009 and 2011, and was appointed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to become a member of the State Historic Preservation Board.

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Lauren Cappuccio can be contacted at lcappuccio@publicopinionnews.com and 262-4754.

After investigation, it was determined a water main break had occurred around the 300 block of North Fayette Street and borough workers were called to locate and fix the problem, according to police.

Once located, the water was shut off, stopping the break and restored pressure.

SHIPPENSBURG – Shippensburg Memorial Park Pool re-opened for the season this past weekend, just in time for the upcoming 8th Annual Drew Michael Taylor Family Fun Carnival on June 28.

From 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shippensburg Memorial Park, the foundation is teaming up with Phantom Shadow Entertainment to bring at least 10 large inflatables, according to organizer Marcie Taylor.

The event usually draws a few hundred people, Taylor said. In addition to inflatable bounce houses, slides and carnival games, there will be a DJ and food such as popcorn, cotton candy and sno-cones.

Memorial Park Pool was closed earlier this month after a part of the pool that helps with recirculating was found to be damaged, according to Shippensburg Borough Manager Earl Parshall. But now, with its re-opening, it will be available during the carnival for families.

Wrist bands cost $10 and give attendees unlimited access to the events. All proceeds go toward the educational and grief and loss support programs of the foundation.

“It is one of the most reasonably priced nights out for families in the area,” said Taylor. “Kids can ride and play an unlimited amount of times.” <p>
The foundation is a charitable organization created by Randy and Marcie Taylor of Shippensburg, to honor their son Drew, 3, who was killed in an auto accident in the Outer Banks on June 13, 2006.

This event was one of the first created to raise money for the foundation after Drew was killed.

“It has been a tremendous success,” said Taylor. “I think so much of it is because of what it supports. Very few organizations deal with grieving children. At some point, it doesn’t always happen to everybody else.”

Taylor also said they usually have a fire truck come to the event as well for children to be able to check out.

For information about the event or foundation, please visit www.drewmichaeltaylor.org or check out the foundation on Facebook.
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Lauren Cappuccio can be contacted at lcappuccio@publicopinionnews.com and 262-4754. <p>

The plant, located in Apam, Ghana, serves 250,000 people and is the only source of clean ice and freezer storage within 100 miles. Prior to the fish blast-freezing plant, now known as the Apam Community Cold Store, fishermen had no choice but to leave unsold fish on the beach to rot at the end of the day. The blast-freezer makes it possible for fishermen to keep fish fresh for several days at sea, to transport unsold fish inland for sale in rural villages and to store excess fish for times when the catch is light. The demand for block ice is strong. Ice has sold out every day since the plant opened to the public in January 2013. 

The first customer for ice in Apam, Ghana. Courtesy.

The project was the brainstorm of several Rotarians who began traveling to Apam in 2006 on humanitarian trips organized by Building Solid Foundations, a non-profit organization based in York. They wanted to create a sustainable economic and community development opportunity in Apam. “Not a hand-out, but a hand-up” is how Building Solid Foundations volunteer and York Rotarian Dr. Marsha Bornt describes the effort.

District 7390 Rotary Clubs, led by West York Rotary, contributed $31,000 toward the project. Their contributions were matched through a Rotary District Grant. Building Solid Foundations provided the balance of the funds needed to complete the project. Several Central PA businesses donated equipment and services. Members of the Rotary Club of Apam, other residents of Apam, and Building Solid Foundations volunteers, provided the labor to complete the project.

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

The Shippensburg Rotary Club #5365 was chartered on April 16, 1924 and meets on Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. at Knute’s Public Grill, 15 W. King St., Shippensburg.

Building Solid Foundations is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization established in May 2003 by Grace Quartey and Dr. Seth Quartey, native Ghanaians who now live and work in York, Pa. The mission of Building Solid Foundations is to improve the quality of life in rural Ghana by working in partnership with Ghanaians to build capacity and self-sufficiency in the areas of water, sanitation, health, education, and economic development. Additional information can be found at www.buildingsolidfoundations.org or contact Hollie Walkley at 717 718-5751.

At approximately 1 a.m., Doyle and another male became involved in a verbal altercation inside Orkey’s bar, according to police. Doyle was refused further service and left and the other male stayed inside for approximately an hour and left.

Police report that the male was approached by Doyle outside and another altercation ensued and the other man sustained injuries.

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Welcome back!  This may be a short blog post only because I’m in the middle of multiple changes and lack a little something called “time.”  This week is all about the fast-paced, new changes that have occurred on The Farm.

First up, moving.  This has become a major reason why I don’t have time to write my normally massive blog post (don’t worry – I’m sure I’ll be back to normal soon).  Life feels like one of those games where there is only one available space and you have to shuffle the tiles until they are in order.  Of course, with the lack of space you are forced to take 20 steps to achieve the one move that you really wanted to complete.  

Buck and I are on our way to The Farm and should be moved in around the end of this month.  Buck’s dad, Big Buck, has been working tirelessly to renovate the basement of the farmhouse that Mama Hen and Dad Villa live in.  After it’s completion, I will share pictures.  We will live there while we plan out our big house – meaning we need to actually agree on certain factors like what our house will look like.  Adding to the challenge of moving, we are moving from a larger space to a smaller space but need to keep in mind that we will be moving into a bigger space in the future.  I may even have to enter into a world that I do not fancy – yard sales. 

The newest tractor on the farm, The Gray Ghost.

Second change, this was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride because of the delicate nature of the situation.  For those reasons, I’m going to refrain from divulging the entire scenario.  So what’s the big deal?  We have a new tractor for The Farm.  The Gray Ghost is a 1946 Ford 9N – it’s pretty darn sweet looking.  Lots o’ blood, sweat and tears.

Third on the list, I finally bit the blogging bullet and purchased a website.  Although it is not the name of  The Farm, it looks awesome.  I wanted to gain more viewers for the blog, promote our Etsy store, and also add in farm friendly recipes.  Check it out if you get the chance – www.thecharmingfarmer.com.  FYI, Dad Villa is not The Charming Farmer – he doesn’t want to be associated with anything charming.

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Meg B. lives in Newburg, chronicling life on a small family farm with plenty of animals, fanatical family members, and loads of adventures.

Pennsylvania State Police said Carroll Brown was participating in the community yard sale Saturday when someone took the 1907 Alexander Hamilton gold $1,000 certificate from his fold up table.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 249-2121 (Incident No. H02-2214928).

Shippensburg Produce and Outreach is a non-profit volunteer organization providing fresh produce, eggs and outreach to Shippensburg residents and surrounding communities.

“Shippensburg Produce and Outreach has been experiencing steady growth and I am excited about working to increase our ability to provide residents with healthy produce and local eggs,” Shaffer said, “SPO is also looking forward to expanding its outreach services.”

Shaffer previously was the program coordinator of Emergency Services and Food Pantries at the South Central Community Action Program in Franklin County. She has been working in the social services field since 2010.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication/Journalism from Shippensburg University in 2002. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on public relations in 2009.

A native of the Shippensburg area, Shaffer is looking forward to serving her community by increasing funding and awareness for SPO. Shaffer will focus on public relations and fundraising.

Shippensburg Produce and Outreach is a faith based non-profit organization called by the grace of God to love one another, helping those in need by responding with food and/or services. SPO has no single church affiliation.

Through grants, donations, and gleaning, SPO is able to help those in need in the surrounding Shippensburg community. Volunteers are always welcome every Tuesday at Katie’s Place from 4 pm to 6 pm to help with distribution.

Ms. Shaffer can be contacted by email at director@shipout.org or by phone at (717) 477-9100.

The investigation by the AG’s Child Predator Unit is part of ongoing efforts to target the online sharing, downloading, and distribution of child pornography.

Keith Bell (Courtesy)

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane identified Keith Bell, 53, 92 Rustic Drive, Shippensburg, Cumberland County; as one of two men arrested this week. The other is Gary Toro, 25, 9201 Outlook Ave., Philadelphia.

Bell was arrested on June 12 following an investigation by agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section into the downloading and sharing of numerous files containing images of pre-pubescent children engaged in sexually graphic acts and poses.

A special agent traced what was identified as child pornography back to an IP address and a court order to disclose the holder of that address was issued to Cumberland Technologies International. Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Richard Lewis signed the order.

Cumberland Technologies responded that the owner was Keith Bell. Through a Department of Transportation search a driver’s license was located for Bell, providing an address and a make and model of car registered to him, which furthered the investigation. Additional information from this investigation shows Bell has two children, one a minor, and that he works as a pastor at the Upper Strasburg Church of God.

Agents executed a search warrant at Bell’s Shippensburg residence, and seized four laptop computers, a desktop computer, and other electronic media, which will be analyzed by the Attorney General’s Computer Forensics Unit as part of a continuing investigation.

Bell is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Bell was preliminarily arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Adams and held in the Cumberland County Prison in lieu of $150,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2013.

The case will be prosecuted in Cumberland County by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. In the Toro case, according to the criminal complaint, agents conducting an online investigation found numerous online files, which contained depictions of children under the age of 18 engaged in sexually graphic acts and poses.

Agents identified Toro as the individual sharing those photographs. Toro was arrested on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, by agents from the Attorney General’s Office, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department.

A search of Toro’s Outlook Avenue residence resulted in the seizure of a laptop, which will be analyzed by the Attorney General’s Computer Forensics Unit as part of a continuing investigation.

Toro is charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Kane thanked the Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.

Toro was preliminarily arraigned in Municipal Court of Philadelphia County, which set bail at $25,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 27, 2013.

The case will be prosecuted in Philadelphia County by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.