High school principal Troy Price alerted parents throughout the school district with an e-mailed letter Monday morning:

A very sad thing has happened in our school community. This past Friday, one of our students, Tiffany Cumberbatch (12th grade), passed away. We are profoundly saddened by her death and our condolences are extended to her family and friends.

No further details were available.

Counseling services are available for students in all grade levels, and parents are encouraged to discuss the subject with their children.

For additional resources, contact the high school counseling office at 626-3700, the Lancaster Help Line at 299-4855, or Crisis Intervention at 394-2631.

Tiffany’s full obituary is published on page A8 in this week’s Record Express.

Photo by Fine Line Photography
Tony Blair of Lititz meets Tony Blair of England during last week's Chamber of Commerce dinner in Lancaster.

Two Tonys, the former British prime minister and current Lititz pastor, were the toast of the satellite room at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry dinner in Lancaster last week.

The Tony Blair who was the face of the United Kingdom as prime minister from 1997 to 2007 was the celebrated keynote speaker. The Tony Blair who is president of Evangelical Seminary and one of the senior pastors at Hosanna! in Lititz was a quiet observer at the annual event.

This is the "Tale of Two Tonys," an unlikely meeting:

For years, Pastor Tony has been known as "the other Tony Blair."

"I’ve introduced myself that way for 15 years now," he said.

Prior to that, he went by Anthony, but when "the other Tony Blair" became prime minister, people started making the connection.

"Eventually, I had to give in," he said. "I just decided to have fun with it."

He even has business cards that say, "Tony Blair, Prime Minister." In the age of identity theft, Scotland Yard might take issue with that. All joking aside, Pastor Tony never fathomed that he might actually meet "the other Tony Blair."

"I was quite surprised last night (May that I had the chance," he said. "I knew nobody was going to get too close to him."

Pastor Tony, wearing his "Tony Blair" name tag, was watching Prime Minister Tony on-screen in a satellite room during the packed event.

"People thought it was hilarious that my name was Tony Blair," he said, "and there were some folks from the chamber who started taking me table-to-table and introducing me. Tony Blair (the prime minister) was supposed to stop by our room and make a few comments before he left, and, well, there he is…"

Prime Minister Tony spoke for five minutes and, before he moved on, someone shouted, "We have our own Tony Blair here!"

Prime Minister Tony invited Pastor Tony forward, past the Scotland Yard security.

"I’ve been wanting to meet the man who has made my life interesting for the past 15 years," the pastor told the prime minister.

They compared blue collar Blair family lines, but couldn’t determine if there is a connection — then posed for a photograph.

"It was very gracious of him to invite me out of the crowd, shake my hand and talk to me," said Pastor Tony. "He’s the one who said, ‘Where’s the photographers? Let’s get a picture.’"

But this was more than a brush with celebrity for Pastor Tony.

"The man I saw there last night came across as a very humble, perhaps sadly wise, mature leader," he said. "There was a tone in him that we don’t often hear in American politics."

Prime Minister Tony, during his address to the entire chamber, talked about leadership:

"This is the thing about leading change," he said. "First they’ll tell you that you can’t do it. Then, if you do it, it will be hell. Afterwards, you’ll wish you had done more of it."

"I have shaken hands with a couple of U.S. presidents over the years," said Pastor Tony. "This was probably even more exciting than that. In part, because of the name. In part, because of the role this man has played in history. It was a good evening."

As a pastor who lives in Lititz with his wife Carol and two daughters, Rachel and Alia, the prime minister’s message of faith was equally moving.

"One of the things about Tony Blair is he’s been very vocal about his faith, particularly since leaving office," said Pastor Tony, referring to the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. "He’s trying to have grown-up, mature conversations about faith and what role it has in the world. It was good to hear him address that last evening as well."

One quote from Prime Minister Tony that Pastor Tony took note of was, "There is no bigger or better purpose in life than to serve others." So, while there may be two Tonys, they are one in that regard. More BLAIRS, page A14

Photo by Stan Hall
In front of the mural, from left, are Alicia Jagels, student; Seth Pala, student; Ed Gower, Susquehanna Bank corporate facilities manager; Dave Callis, with Susquehanna Bank; Kelly Geiges, student; and Bob Hochgertel, PCA&D illustration department chair.

Artists from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design have been painting a new mural on Susquehanna Bank’s Mill Building on 7 N. Lane.

The mural’s archway theme depicts local landmarks and prominent historical moments, including: Lititz’s role in the Revolutionary War, a Moravian star, our rich railroad heritage, Lititz Springs Park, edible icons the Wilbur Bud and Sturgis pretzel, our downtown shops, and the old paper mill (now the site of Susquehanna Bank). The space between the arches is decorated with images of local flora and fauna.

The people in the painting are not historical figures from Lititz history, but meant to be anonymously enjoying the scenes (kids at the park, couple in front of the paper mill, family shopping downtown, etc.).

Thirty gallons of paint embellish the roughly 1,500-square-foot surface area.

Illustration department chair Robert Hochgertel supervised majors Seth Pala, Alicia Jagels, Kelly Geiges and Allison Farris.

Representing Susquehanna Bank at the public acknowledgment were Ed Gower, assistant vice president and facilities manager, and Mary Rankin Stadden, public relations director.

Warwick School District Board of Directors Tuesday adopted a preliminary 2012-13 district budget in the amount of $61,761,232. The preliminary budget calls for a .7 mil increase in property tax, or 3.91 percent, to set the total millage rate at 18.6. According to district calculations, the new rate will propose an increase of $119 on a residence appraised at $170,000.

The district held numerous meetings and an educational forum on the budget process throughout the year. The board made no comment on the budget Tuesday.

Instruction costs make up 55.04 percent of expenditures in the proposed budget, accounting for more than $33 million. Support services come in second at 26 percent of the budgeted expenses.

Revenue for the district comes primarily from local sources. $40,331,051, or 65.3 percent of total revenue, comes from real estate taxes, tuition, wage and real estate transfer taxes, rent, public utility tax, and other forms. Alternative funding accounts for $50,000 and the district projects $143,000 coming into the district in the form of athletic revenue.

Superintendent Dr. April Hershey stated the district’s recently announced alternative funding program for signage at the district’s athletic fields received a hearty welcome from the community. The district sent mailers to each household and every local business in the district outlining the program.

"In a week and a half we have commitments of over $20,000 already and over 65 additional inquiries … about purchasing banners," Hershey said. "So, that’s been very successful in a few short days."

Continuing with revenue, the district will pull $3.6 million from the district’s fund balance to meet the 2012-13 budget. In prior years the district has tried to avoid dipping into the fund balance and budgetary reserve to aid the budget. State revenues are expected to total $17 million and federal income adds $572,701.

Almost entirely across the board, revenues for the district are down from the estimated 2011-12 budget to the proposed 2012-13 budget. Interim real estate revenue dropped from $205,000 to 80,000. Over the past two years, the district received $202,676 in state accountability grants-those funds are not available for the upcoming school year. The district’s fund balance, which ended the 2010-11 school year at $8,359,651, will potentially drop to $3,282,294 by the end of 2012-13. According to district calculations, the fund balance is projected to be in the negative by 2013-14.

The board will vote on the proposed budget at the next regular business meeting on June 19 at 7 p.m. in the district office.

In other news, the board announced some changes in leadership at the elementary level. Stacie Bardell was approved to become principal of John R. Bonfield effective July 1. Bardell fills the opening left by Dr. Peggy Montgomery whose retirement was approved earlier this year. Moving from Bonfield is fourth grade teacher Jennifer Murphy who will become the principal of Lititz Elementary. She will replace Melanie Calender who has transferred to district administration as the Director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs.

The board also thanked those in attendance and all teachers by honoring teacher appreciation week with an official proclamation. Hershey commended the Warriors Against Hate team for providing the largest contingency of participants to the Lancaster YWCA’s Race Against Racism. In the race, Emily Cameron of Lititz won the female age 14-18 class with an overall finish of 77th.

Prior to the regular business meeting, board President Dr. Timothy Quinn asked for a moment of silence to remember Warwick senior Tiffany Cumberbatch. More SCHOOL BOARD, page A14

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Editorial copy

Friday, May 25, at noon.

The Record Express office will be closing at 3 p.m. Friday, May 25 and re-opening Tuesday, May 29.

The Record Express will publish a special section dedicated to local veterans, past and present, in its May 24 issue.

Our news department collected submitted photos from the public through the May 15 deadline. Unfortunately, no additional photos can be taken at this time.

Look for your neighbors in next week’s issue, and remember that your community newspaper is "All About You."

The fate of the Ephrata state police barracks remains unknown after a joint state House Judiciary Committee and Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing Monday. State police Commissioner Frank Noonan said a decision to close the law enforcement outpost would be made within a month.

As part of the proposed troop realignment of state police, Noonan suggested eliminating the Ephrata barracks, which patrols Elizabeth, Caernarvon, Brecknock, and the northern part of Salisburg townships. Those areas would be covered by Lancaster station.

"(Ephrata station) has lost over 50 percent of the geographic coverage area that they were responsible for, and that has resulted in a drop in more than 50 percent of the incidence," said Lt. Colonel George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations for the state police. "The bottom line is we now have a station that is greatly overstaffed," he said.

According to calculations that have been done of the area covered by the Ephrata barracks, the workload can be covered by a minimum of eight to 10 troopers, said Bivens. Currently, there are 26 people working at the station, including 18 troopers, five supervisors and three civilian staff members.

The hearing held at the Family Center of Gap has left some government officials concerned, particularly about response time. Bivens said that because troopers should be patrolling, not at the station waiting for calls, response time wouldn’t be affected by the closure of Ephrata barracks. Noonan added that public safety would not be impacted.

"I disagree with Commissioner Noonan’s contention that there will be no public safety loss with the removal with Ephrata station," said State Rep. Gordon Denlinger. "Ephrata station has a huge impact on public safety. I remain fully committed to fighting the preservation of the station. It’s my hope we can see a reversal of his position," he said.

Denlinger has received calls and letters from residents and from members of the law enforcement community, but concerned citizens and officials will have to wait even longer for a decision in regards to Lancaster station’s status as a headquarters until the state budget is more clearly defined.

The $187 million set aside in the budget for the state police would need to increase by an estimated $20 million for Troop J to remain a headquarters, said Noonan. According to the realignment plan, the headquarters would be moved to Troop L in Reading.

"Every trooper performs important work and contributes significantly to the overall safety of our communities and the quality of life your constituents have come to expect," said State Police Fire Marshal Brian Herr in his testimony. "The elimination of Troop J headquarters in Lancaster County cannot be good for effective policing, no matter how it is spun," he said.

What came as a surprise to officials was the announcement by Noonan that specialized units, including fire marshals, accident reconstruction units, drug investigators and forensic services would remain in Lancaster.

"There’s no intent to change [the specialized functions] now or in the future, unless the demands change," said Noonan.

Initially, the proposed realignment meant specialized units based in Lancaster would move to Philadelphia or Reading. Much of the testimony by local officials was based on the possibility of the specialized units being moved, and some were skeptical about future plans.

"I am concerned that [moving Troop J headquarters] would eventually lead to changes in Lancaster and a loss of the other resources and a loss of the specialty services," said Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman. "If you make it a substation, it’s going to be a substation," he said.

State Sen. Lloyd Smucker said he shares concerns and frustrations regarding a lack of communication with the realignment plan.

"Each time the answer in regards to what happens to these special units is different, and today is the first time that I heard all the special units would remain in place, completely different than what was said before," said Smucker. "I’m not sure there is a detailed plan. If there is, it certainly hasn’t been shared with us," he said.

If specialized units are moved, officials say many issues will arise, including compromised investigations.

"If the (fire marshal) positions are moved to Troop L or K, this would require an additional hour to two hours in response times," said Herr.

Lancaster County Commissioner Scott Martin said this would impact volunteer firefighters. If it takes too long for a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal to arrive at the scene, volunteers might leave the scene of an extinguished fire, said Martin.

Some officials were not made aware of the realignment plan or the potential changes by the state police.

"I’m disappointed that I was not provided an opportunity to give any input whatsoever," said Stedman. "These decisions that are going to be made are going to have a real life impact on the real life people of Lancaster County," he said. More STATE POLICE, page A14

The Lititz Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m.-noon for its fifth season. The market is located on North Water Street, 1/2 block off of East Main Street in Downtown Lititz.

Nineteen stands will offer a wide variety of high quality products. Some favorite stands returning this year include Two Ladies Baking and Kuntryside Orchard. New stands will also line the street.

"I believe the market will really appeal even more so this year, to those who love to cook" said Kelly Withum, Lititz Farmers Market coordinator.

This year, the market is accepting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

"It has come to our attention (that) there are many more people who are under-served in our community than we realized," said Withum. "We really want to help to insure these families have the opportunity to have fresh nutritious foods. SNAP and the Lititz Farmers Market are a natural fit.

"Besides the high quality of fresh produce, bake goods, meat, cheeses, eggs, plants, cut flowers and gourmet dog biscuits, there will be all type of activities," she said.

The schedule for this year is as follows:

? May 19: Opening Day: Flower and garden demonstrations and pollinator talk

? June 9: Dairy Day: Cows, ice cream and games

? July 14: Dog Days: Dog show, rescue dog demonstrations and other dog care information

? Aug. 10: Produce Day: Open on Second Friday

? Sept. 15: Kids Day: All types of kids activities

? Oct. 13: Apple Day

Lititz Farmers Market Vendors

Two Ladies Baking: Artesian breads, sticky buns, cookies

? Charles Family Farms: Strawberries and tomatoes

? Kuntryside Orchard: Produce and orchard products

? Forever Green: House plants, terrariums, specialty plants and cut flowers

? Moses Martin: Raw milk and cheese

? Lititz Pickle Company: Pickle products

? Upohar: Prepared ethic foods

? Aaron’s Books: Independent book seller with cookbooks, gardening and preserving books

? The Garden Patch: Can goods, herbs and flowers

? Two Pups Pastries: Gourmet dog biscuits

? Sandy’s Gourmet: Canned goods, gourmet jams and jellies

? All Things New: Green cleaning products

? The Scarlet Runner: Prepared, smoked foods

? Lime Valley Mill: Heirlooms, grass fed meats and eggs

? Sugar Whipped Bakery: Cupcakes, cake pops

? Bountiful Feast: Prepared food, sandwiches, wraps

? Blossom Hill Gardens: Herb, vegetables plants, annuals and perennials

? Stroudt Wonderful Good Bread and Cheese: Bread, cheeses and honey products

? The Pie Shop: Sweet and savory pies More FARMERS MARKET, page A13

Born in Soudersburg, Raymond was the son of the late C. Roy and Mabel E. (Wiker) Wenger.

He graduated from East Lampeter Township High School and served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Raymond and Jennie operated Wenger’s Greenhouses, located at the Strasburg Pike and Lincoln Highway East, from 1946 until retiring in 1972.

In addition to Jennie, he is survived by two sons: Thomas, husband of Marian Wenger, of Willow Street; and R. Neill, husband of Jane Wenger, of Lititz; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by a daughter: Kathy; and two brothers: Jay W. and Donald W. Wenger.

Services and burial in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery will be private.

Consider sending a contribution in Raymond’s memory to the Salvation Army, 131 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

Bachman Funeral Home, Strasburg, is handling the arrangements. For more information, visit bachmanfuneral.com.

She was the loving wife of the late Gary Weidman Sr., who passed away in May of 2001.

Daughter of the late Vincent and Sara Longstreth Hearn, Winnie was a graduate of the Warren G. Harding High School, class of 1956, in Warren, Ohio. After high school Winnie was a WAC in the U.S. Army, discharged in 1958.

She was employed at the Lititz elementary and middle schools as a cafeteria worker and was later employed as an assistant nurse at Moravian Manor. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are four children: Lori, wife of Brian Sollenberger, of Lititz; Gary, husband of Frances Weidman Jr., of Manheim; Hope, wife of David Shaub, of Lititz; and Angela Weidman, of Mount Joy; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; an aunt: Evelyn Capan, of Lititz; a sister: Hattie Johnson, of Warren, Ohio; and a brother-in-law: Bart Gibble, of Lititz.

Her brother: Charles Martin preceded Winnie in death.

Services and interment are private and at the convenience of her family.

Spacht Funeral Home, Lititz, has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information, visit lifecelebration.com.