By: STEPHEN SEEBER Record Express Staff, Staff Writer

Lititz Borough is investigating the pros and cons of a Rental Inspection Ordinance intended to make apartments more safe for tenants, landlords and EMS responders.

The proposed ordinance is still in committee and has not been brought before borough council, so details are still being refined. Approval, if it occurs, is a long way off. In the meantime, committee members, led by councilman Todd Fulginiti, are gathering feedback.

"This program is going to make the community better," he said, "and it’s not really heavy-handed at all."

An overview, prepared by this borough committee, defines the proposal as "an ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Lititz, to add a residential rental unit regulation, to provide requirements for the licensing and inspection of residential rental units and to require a landlord to insure that tenants comply with applicable codes and regulations."

On Jan. 9, the committee hosted a meeting with Lititz landlords at borough hall. The packed house was an indicator that rental property owners have some concerns with the proposal, or at least want more information. While most recognize the value in safety inspections, some question whether or not bigger government (in the form of a new law) is the best approach to achieve that goal.

By: JANET SCOUTEN Record Express Correspondent, Staff Writer

Last Saturday at the Lititz Public Library, an estimated 120 people gathered in the community room for a free lecture sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation. The guest speaker was Daniel Snyder, who spoke about archeological finds at the Huber, Stiegel, Coleman and Elizabeth Furnace properties in Brickerville.

"Our partnership with the Lititz Historical Foundation is a perfect fit as we both have the mission of providing information and educational programs for the benefit of the local community," said Sallie Rihn, community relations coordinator for the Lititz Public Library. "It’s great that we can pool our resources to offer the public these programs on local history."

Amy Rhoads, events coordinator for the Historical Foundation, agreed: "Sallie Rihn and the staff at the library have been wonderful to work with, and this partnership has led to the lectures being well attended."

As he began his lecture, Snyder introduced his archaeological partner Jeff Dreisbach and welcomed the crowd, saying, "I see some familiar faces in the audience."

Speaking for about 45 minutes with a generous question and answer session afterward, Snyder began with an overview of the history and significance of the Elizabeth Furnace.

John Robert Nissley Jr., 46, of Ephrata, passed away Jan. 15, 2013, at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy.

Nissley was a chiropractor and had clients in Lititz.

He was born in Lebanon to Lorraine (Bobb), wife of Garin Moore Sr. and the late John R. Nissley Sr. John was the husband of Leslie Elizabeth (Smith) Nissley, with whom he shared 16 years of marriage.

John was a member of the Akron Mennonite Church. He was a graduate of Palmyra High School class of 1984. He earned a degree in architectural drafting from Harrisburg Area Community College, an associate degree in sciences at Greenville Technical School and a doctorate degree in chiropractic from Sherman College. He was the former owner of Nissley Family Chiropractic in Leola for 10 years. John was a member of the West Earl Lions Club, a former cub scout leader, West Earl, and a former member and president of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Lancaster. His hobbies were fencing, bicycling and balloon twisting.

Lawrence "Larry" Van Brookhoven, Jr., age 67, of Lititz, entered into Heaven on Jan. 15, 2013. Born in Lancaster, he is survived by his wife: Charlene; three sons: Jeff, husband of Julie; Cory and Andy; two grandchildren: Samantha and Ian; mother: Anne; and his two sisters: Mary and Nanci. He was preceded in death by his father: Lawrence Van Brookhoven, Sr.

Larry loved his family and was a member of the Lititz Moravian Church. He enjoyed trips to his cabin in Huntington County where he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his three best friends "The Bs." He was a lifelong member of the NRA, a member of the Lititz Sportsmen Association and the Lexington Rod and Gun Club. He was the 1994 recipient of the Lititz’s Sportsmen’s Association’s John R. Helter Memorial Award — an award given for outstanding contributions to conservation. He was also a proud Free Mason. Larry was also an avid Penn State Football and Philadelphia Phillies fan.

Larry’s Life Celebration service was held at Lititz Moravian Church on Saturday, Jan. 19th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dean R. Jurgen officiating, followed by a private interment at Moravian Cemetery. Family received friends at the church social hall during the luncheon following the service.

Oscar J. Retterer III, of Lititz, passed away Jan. 16, 2013 in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Bowling Green, OH, he was the husband of Celeste A. DiMarco of Lititz, and the son of Virginia Alice (Castanien) Retterer of Ohio and the late Oscar J. Retterer, Jr.

Oscar held degrees from Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. He was employed by Franklin & Marshall College as the Director of Instructional and Emerging Technologies.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three daughters: Claire, Ella, and Olivia Retterer, all of Lititz; and two sisters: Sherry Mortenson and Deborah Chapman.

He simply asked that his friends and family remember him as he was.

A private service will be held at the convenience of his family and a memorial reception is planned for a later date.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Oscar’s memory may be made to www.cjdsurveillance.com.

Donald E. "Don" West, 77, of Lititz, exchanged time for eternity Jan. 18, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Arthur and Josephine O’Connor West. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan Leibig West.

Don was formerly employed by Warner Lambert as an electrician for 20 years. He sold real estate and life insurance and in 1981 started his own courier business.

Don’s passion in life was playing, singing and writing music. He jointly created and ran the weekly Dutch Country Cowboys country music jam and was president of the Cocalico Valley Jammers. He was a member of many country music bands over the years and continued to play until recently. Don co-founded the Lititz Judo Club in 1970, was active with the Hemlock Archery Club and played on various softball teams in Lititz. He enjoyed hiking, golf, tennis, and in recent years, volunteered as a fire policeman for the Manheim Fire Department.

Florence B. Seidel, 98, of ManorCare, Elizabethtown, formerly of Lititz, passed away Jan. 20, 2013 at her residence. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Walter L. and Jennie K. Terrey Noll. She was the wife of the late Franklin B. Seidel who died in 1966.

She is survived by her daughter: Jennifer (Harry) Risser, Elizabethtown; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Jane L. Hummel and a sister, Ethel Kelly.

Florence was a nurse’s aide and an office worker at the Office of The Aging. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Lititz.

Florence’s Life Celebration service will be held at Spacht Funeral Home, 127 S. Broad St., Lititz on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. James R. Haun officiating. Interment in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading. Friends may call at Spacht Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA 17602. To share your fondest memories of Florence visit lifecelebration.com.

Margaret C. Miller, 80, of Lititz, passed away Jan. 14, 2013, after a lengthy illness, at the Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Lebanon to the late Jacob and Annie (Yorty) Bomgardner and was the wife of Ray W. Miller.

Margaret loved her Phillies and Eagles. She also enjoyed reading.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Russell L. Miller of Carlisle; Robert L., husband of Victoria (McLain) Miller of Lancaster; Diane E. Miller of Tucson, Ariz.; Debra E. Daub of Harrisburg; two brothers: David Bomgardner of Lititz and Harold Bomgardner of Downingtown; seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A viewing was held Jan. 22 at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Rothsville, followed by a funeral service with the Rev. David Rike officiating.

Interment will take place in the Rothsville Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central Pennsylvania, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Eugene B. "Bud" Ludwig, 85, of Brethren Village, formerly of Lititz, passed away Jan. 17, 2013 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the son of the late Howard and Elsie Becker Ludwig, and was married to the late Nancy Brenner Ludwig who died in June 2000.

Eugene graduated from Ephrata High School, served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Okinawa, and was a member of Lititz Church of the Brethren. He worked for Paul Henry Truck & Hudson Car Dealer, Lancaster, retired in 1987 from RCA, and following his retirement worked nine years at Park City.

He is survived by his son: Thomas Ludwig, husband of Carol, Manheim; daughters: Debra Reifsnyder, wife of Daryll, Lewes, Del.; Maribeth Getz, wife of Michael, Newmanstown; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister and four brothers.

Funeral Services were held Jan. 21 at the Lititz Church of the Brethren, preceded by a viewing. Burial was at Longenecker Brethren Cemetery, Lititz. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Lititz Church of the Brethren Youth Fund. To send online condolences, visit: www.richardheiseyfuneralhome.com

James W. Grube, 88, Brunnerville, passed away Jan. 16, 2013 at Cedar Haven, Lebanon. Born in Brunnerville, he was the son of the late S. Wayne and Erla H. Miller Grube. He was married to Alice Werner Grube for 62 years on June 3. Surviving in addition to his wife, is a daughter: Robin A. Weiler, Stevens; two brothers: Dale L. (Shirley) Grube, Brunnerville; Terry W. (Rebecca) Grube, Lancaster; three sisters: Norma E. (Clarence) Rhoads, Kissel Hill; Lois R. Mearig, Brunnerville and Lucille J. (James) Martin, Brunnerville.

Jim graduated from Philadelphia School for the Deaf where he participated in Boy Scouts, camera club, woodworking shop, and played football, baseball and basketball. Jim worked for over 50 years as a master craftsman for the Lititz Planning Mill. He was a member of the Studebaker drivers club and attended international meets in Indiana, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Jim would drive his 1956, 1957 and 1958 President Classics and 1962 Lark Cruiser to the meets where he won best of show and many first, second and third prizes. He also had a passion for astronomy, building his own telescope and observatory, enjoyed photography, hunting and working at the hunting camp in Tioga County.