Millersport news: Christmas Cantata practices begin Dec. 2; performance Dec. 16

The annual Christmas Cantata offered by Millersport Community Theatre and Millersport Methodist Church will begin practices on Saturday, Dec. 2 and continue practices on Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16. Practices will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of Millersport Methodist Church on Refugee Street in Millersport. The Cantata is directed by Josh Whetstone accompanied by Rita Mohler. Anyone who is interested in singing should plan to attend all rehearsals. The Cantata is scheduled at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in the sanctuary with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

Lions international director

International Director Ron Keller and Lion Kitty Keller spent two weeks visiting Lions in Kenya and Egypt as part of his International Director duties. While in Cairo, Ron was appointed by International Lions President Dr. Patti Hill to lead an International Membership Development Committee. The other members of the committee are ID Ramakrishnan Mathanagopal of India, ID Balkrishna Burlakoti of Nepal, ID Luis Jesus Castillo Gamboa of Panama, PIP Gudrun Yngvadottir of Iceland, Leo-Lion Board Liaison Alicia Kiri Beer of Canada, and LCI staff Kyle Hartje and Noel Mason.

Senior citizens

The Millersport Senior Citizens met Friday, Nov. 17 in the Lions Clubhouse. Nancy Davis offered a prayer. The 24 members present enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings catered by Melody Boyer.

Following lunch President Ed Otte conducted the business meeting. Those with November birthdays were recognized: Mary Sue Slater, Gail Barber, and Debbie Gant. After some discussion, it was decided that the first meeting in December would be a potluck lunch and the second meeting would be a catered meal by Melody Boyer. Nominations for officers for 2024 were: President Ed Otte, Vice President Richard Neff, Secretary Ruthanne Hammel, Treasurer Debbie Gant, and Chaplain Nancy Davis. Door prizes were won by Mary Sue Slater, Anita Bailey, John Hammel, Marty Holtz, Carol King, John Hoermle, Richard Neff, Pam Ricketts, Floyd Hart, Alice Graham, Debbie Gant, Karen Mosher, Bill Yates and Ruthanne Hammel. The meeting was adjourned for cards and Bingo.The next meeting will be a potluck lunch held at noon Friday, December 1st in the Lions Clubhouse. Anyone who is 55 years of age and older is encouraged to join for fun, food and fellowship.

Festival meeting

The next Sweet Corn Festival meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 in the Festival Office building. The focus of the meeting will be future capital improvements and the 2024 Festival Office Budget.

At the September Festival Committee meeting approval was given for a community event “Rockin’ on the Block” to be held at Historic Lions Park on May 25-27, 2024. New Lions Nick and Samantha Lewis are the organizers of this event and have a committee in place to plan an event that benefits first responders and veteran organizations.

Village council

The Millersport Village Council met Nov. 14 in the Municipal Building. The parade with Santa will start at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, and the tree lighting will occur at the end of the parade. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact Mayor Gary Matheny. The parade will stage at the elementary school parking lot.

The Water Department reported that nearly 500 Neptune radio read meters have been installed since October 1st and will be finished by the end of February 2024. Residents are being notified to set up appointments for the meter replacements.

There was a preconstruction meeting with the Righter Company who will be installing the iron filter. They will possibly begin by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Southwest Licking has a permit to install a water line under Route 70 and provide water to the truck stop. If both parties agree, they will run the water line south to the Fairfield County line and the village will run a water line west along Route 79 to meet them. Southwest Licking sent a preliminary cost estimate.

The insurance company reimbursed the village $61,000 for the well pump that collapsed and fell 200 feet to the bottom of the well.

The American Legion building will be signed over to the village. Council will hold a meeting at the American Legion so everyone can see what the facility looks like and what will need to be done for improvements.Street Supervisor Dan Phelps has been picking up leaves, took down the flags in town and at the cemetery and will soon put up the holiday decorations. Help was given the village of Thornville with leaf pick up because of issues with their equipment.

The Sewer Department will replace electric boards when they arrive and is attempting to replace outdated equipment. The plant has finished the seasonal disinfection process and will resume in the spring. The Supervisor is looking for grant money for upgrading the facility.

Police Chief Mark Consolo sent statistics for October. The department issued five traffic warnings, one traffic citation and had one dispatch run.

Commissioner Jeff Fix asked to meet with council concerning the Fairfield County Land Use Plan. Mayor Matheny has a number of dates that are days the Commissioner can schedule. The Mayor will get back with Commissioner Fix and pick a date that will start at 6 p.m.

Councilor Beth Butler followed up to go over the steps needed to establish rules, guidelines, fees and a 3% bed tax on short term rentals. The Lancaster City ordinance is one of the models being looked at to implement. After much discussion, it was agreed to set a follow-up meeting to move forward on a Millersport Ordinance for bed tax and registration fees and then with the input from the residents of the Village of Millersport discuss effects.Walnut Township Fire Chief Robert Price sent a report for October. Station 631 made 46 runs, Station 632 made 14 runs, and Station 633 made 28 runs. The department made 19 mutual aid runs.

A resolution authorizing wage increases for 2024 was given second reading. A resolution authorizing supplemental appropriations was given first reading. An Ordinance increasing cemetery appropriations was given first reading. An Ordinance authorizing temporary appropriations was given first reading.

The village received a Nature Works Grant in the amount of $19,152.00 to replace the old wooden swing sets.

Parking was closed at Miller Park so holiday lights could be placed and the park could be decorated.

Residents who are interested in being a part of the committee for the 2025 Bicentennial are asked to contact Vince Popo at 614-562-7320.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Millersport news: Christmas Cantata practices begin Dec. 2; performance Dec. 16