The Friday buzz

Snowstorm headed our way ...

Wintry mix is predicted to be headed our way for Sunday, according to WHTM abc27. Better stock up on milk and bread, and limber up to push some slush.

Last call for leaf raking ...

Lower Paxton Township's leaf pick-up crew is supposed to be in the Linglestown area next week, according to info on the township's Web site. Based on the weather report, you better grab your rake and get cracking before Sunday.

Square project update delayed ...

I was unable to obtain meeting minutes related to the square improvement project. I'll keep trying.

Deer must be getting the better of hunters ...

No reports of deer killed by Linglestown hunters have landed in the Linglestown Gazette inbox. If you bagged one, CLICK HERE to e-mail info and digital photo.

Horsing around ...

Local police were involved in a horse roundup today along Linglestown Road near Central Dauphin High School, according to a Linglestown Forum post on PennLive.com. (See #260.)

Gazette inbox

Hi, I'm fairly new to the area, and find Linglestown very charming. Do you folks know of any potential apartments or houses for rent in the area, minimum 2 bedrooms? Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated!

Please post a comment if you can help out.

Linglestown weekend events

* Friday, 8 pm – Music at St. Thomas Roasters features rockin’ blues performed by 61 South out of the Blue Mountains of Schuylkill County. Tunes start at 8 pm, no cover charge.

* Sunday, 6 pm – Linglestown-area Christmas carol-singing and tree-lighting in the village square, sponsored by Linglestown Fire Co. #1 and its Ladies Auxiliary.

Upcoming events ...

* Saturday, Dec. 15 – Linglestown Life will present the musical "Be Not Afraid." Set in a church's rehearsal for the upcoming Christmas production, the characters learn that despite the fact that we face many fears, perfect love has come in Jesus. The program will be presented at 3:30 and 6:00 pm at the church, which is located just north of the village square.

* Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 pm – Linglestown Legion Children's Christmas Party featuring the Zembo Clowns, the Magician, and of course Santa Claus; reservations will be taken after Dec. 1, call 545-6721 for more info.

Black bear warning, other less dangerous news

In this week’s The Paxton Herald …

The front-page headline screams out in giant 16-pt. type “Black Bear Breaks Out Van Window In Attempt To Get To Pet.”

The paper issues a warning about black bears on Blue Mountain, and urges residents to call police if one is spotted. “This is a potentially tragic situation, so be on the lookout,” reads the final line of the article.

Reported on PennLive.com …

Two masked men rob the Turkey Hill Minit Market on North Mountain Road.

Lower Paxton Township hikes residential sewer rates by $10 a quarter.

Holy Name of Jesus football program receives $15,000 state grant to install a new scoreboard, announces state Rep. Ron Marsico.

Central Dauphin High School students raise more than $82,700 for The Four Diamonds Fund during their fall fund-raising campaign that ended with a 12-hour minithon.

Something's coming soon, but what?

People passing through the Linglestown square today were greeted by a mysterious "Coming Soon" banner at the entrance of the former St. Thomas Creamery. Gee, many things could be coming soon. Is the restaurant being reopened under new management, or is it something else? Please post a comment if you're in the know.

Village notes:

Lower Paxton police are searching for computer thieves who stole about $2,400 worth of computers from Staples in the past three days, according to a post on PennLive.com. Anyone with information on the incidents can call police at 657-5656 or the department’s anonymous tip line at 635-2606.

St. Thomas Roasters is offering $1 off any Latte, Cappuccino or Mocha through December 15, 2007. Send an e-mail to Linglestown Gazette if you want to take advantage of the beverage deal and find out about other specials.

No reports about successful deer hunters have been submitted yet. Be the first to get your mug posted with a limp deer. CLICK HERE to send an e-mail to Linglestown Gazette.

C.D. sports:

The Patriot-News soothsayers are picking the C.D. girls' basketball team to battle with Harrisburg for the top spot in Mid-Penn Conference's Commonwealth Division. The boys' basketball team is predicted to finish mid-pack in their division. CLICK HERE for a preview of the girls' team, and HERE for the boys' team.

Below are dates for varsity home openers:

Girls, Friday, Nov. 30, 7:30 pm, against State College (Tip-Off Tourney)
Boys, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7:30 pm, against C.D. East
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Hat tip to Gazette correspondent Q for tip on "Coming Soon" banner.

Rainy Monday

Today was a tad soggy for hunters, but odds are a few deer were bagged.

Please submit info about Linglestown residents who get a buck or doe. Digital photos would be great.

CLICK HERE to send an e-mail to Linglestown Gazette.
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The local government scene is pretty quiet this week. Only meetings scheduled are Lower Paxton Township’s Shade Tree Commission on Tuesday, and the township’s Zoning Hearing Board on Thursday. Both meetings will start at 7 pm at the Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street.
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I hope to have an update to post this week on the Linglestown square project.
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While driving along Blue Ribbon Avenue today, I spotted a Christmas penguin yard decoration. Has Santa replaced reindeers with penguins?

Village notes

Gazette correspondent Q spotted a new sign at Patton Place retail plaza for a Japanese steak and sushi house. The plaza is located about a mile west of the village along Linglestown Road. It's behind the new Dunkin' Donuts shop and Commerce Bank branch.
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Some people in my neighborhood were busily putting up their Christmas decorations today. For the rest us, I'd suggest waiting until at least December 1 to dig out Christmas lights, bows and inflatable creatures. No need to rush!

Happy Turkey Day

Thankful for readers ...

I'm thankful for Linglestown Gazette readers. Anywhere from 70 to 100 people visit this news blog on weekdays. Traffic has picked up since PennLive.com posted a link to Gazette a few months ago.

Thanksgiving trivia ...

Did you know that celebrating Thanksgiving has more to with the Civil War than the Pilgrims? Check it out HERE.

Bambi beware ...

Monday kicks off another deer season in Pennsylvania. Lower Paxton officials once again won't allow hunting in Koons Park despite a recent deer sighting.

Music at Roasters, Friday evening ...

Relax after your Black Friday adventures at St. Thomas Roasters. CLICK HERE for details and a video teaser.

Upcoming events ...

* Sunday, Dec. 2, 6 pm – Linglestown-area Christmas carol-singing and tree-lighting in the village square, sponsored by Linglestown Fire Co. #1 and its Ladies Auxiliary.

* Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 pm – Linglestown Legion Children's Christmas Party featuring the Zembo Clowns, the Magician, and of course Santa Claus; reservations will be taken after Dec. 1, call 545-6721 for more info

Brainstorming idea ...

What do you think about expanding Linglestown Gazette into a weekly newspaper?

Post-Turkey Day entertainment

Music at St. Thomas Roasters, Friday, Nov. 23, 8-10 pm, no cover charge. The coffeehouse is located just off the square in Linglestown.

Come out for some post-holiday fun and frivolity with Frank Cotolo.

L.P. supervisors to meet; no agenda available

Lower Paxton Township supervisors are scheduled to meet tonight at 7:30 pm, Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. Comcast cable subscribers can view a live broadcast of the meeting on channel 20.

Sorry, I have no link to the meeting agenda because it hasn't been posted on the township's Web site.

In regard to township business related to the village of Linglestown, the biggest pending issue is the square improvement project that is supposed to get under way this spring.

The process of gathering construction bids needs to happen soon if this schedule is going to happen. There's always a concern with big projects like this one that construction prices will come in over the available funding, especially when construction has been significantly delayed.

The biggest hang-up has been securing right-of-way agreements from about 100 property owners along Linglestown Road and Blue Mountain Parkway. Few agreements had been finalized as of mid-September, according to meeting minutes.

Township officials are also working with the owner of Eagle Hotel to find alternate parking locations for customers to use during construction.

Ahh, there's so many questions and so few answers without doing some digging. Maybe I'll scratch around for updated info after the holiday.

Village wakes to first measurable snowfall

Linglestown Gazette weatherman Chuck Roads says an Alberta Clipper that tracked across the Harrrisburg region Sunday night dropped a half-inch of snow on the village by midnight.

Looking ahead to Turkey Day, Chuck is predicting a mostly cloudy and warm day, with a 50 percent chance of showers and a high of 59 degrees.

Source link
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WGAL TV-8 slideshow of viewers' first-snow photos includes a couple pictures of a bear along Blue Mountain Parkway in Fishing Creek Valley.

CLICK HERE for map that shows location of bear sighting.

Hat tip to Q for this snow-related tidbit.

EXCLUSIVE: Sheetz to open next spring

Construction has started on the Sheetz store at in the intersection of Allentown Blvd. and Blue Ribbon Avenue, the former site of Geo's Family Restaurant.

The store is tentatively scheduled to open in May or June next year, according to Sheetz spokeswoman Monica Jones.

It will have 14 gas pumps, and will also feature a car wash, said Jones.

In addition to Sheetz's MTO menu and specialty items like Burgerz and Fryz (sic), the store will offer Sheetz Bros. Coffee full-service espresso bar with Made-to-Order Mochas, Cappuccinos, Lattes, frozen and iced coffee drinks and frozen fruit smoothies and protein shakes.

Linglestown weekend happenings

* Friday – Music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house will feature No Outlet, 8 to 10 pm, no cover, shop is located near the village square.

* Saturday – Holiday food and crafts fair with buffet breakfast at Christ Lutheran Church, 1214 Crosby Street in Linglestown, 8 am to 1 pm, call 545-4211 for more info. CLICK HERE for a map, and HERE for more info on the fair. (See left-hand column of newsletter.)

* Sunday – New Hope Church sermon series called A Dummies Guide to Basic Bible continues. This week's message is entitled The Church: Collection of Religious People or Literally the Body of Christ?

Service starts at 10 am. Come as you are – no need to wear your Sunday best. CLICK HERE for map.

Upcoming events:

* Sunday, Dec. 2, 6 pm – Linglestown-area Christmas carol-singing and tree-lighting in the village square, sponsored by Linglestown Fire Co. #1 and its Ladies Auxiliary.

* Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 pm – Linglestown Legion Children's Christmas Party featuring the Zembo Clowns, the Magician, and of course Santa Claus; reservations will be taken after Dec. 1, call 545-6721 for more info.

C.D. schools in the news

C.D. School District officials updated the school board earlier this week on plans to improve academic achievement. CLICK HERE for the story from today's Patriot-News.

Heard on the streets

Paul, John and Jim …

Is this the name of some British pop group? Could be, but I’m referring to the last three owners of the auto repair shop in the Linglestown square.

According to a source, Jim Murphy, the newest owner who recently opened Murphy's Automotive with his son, worked in a supervisory capacity for Midas Muffler in the Harrisburg region prior to going into business for himself. The customer that I chatted with was very satisfied with her first service job at the shop, a fuel pump replacement.
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Purdy beat Malesic ...

According to the latest edition of The Paxton Herald, Christian Malesic defeated write-in candidate Jay Purdy in last week's school board race even though Purdy received nearly 1,400 more votes than Malesic.

Was the election rigged? Hardly. The paper claims voters were confused by Purdy's name appearing on the ballot in the township supervisor race, and pushed that button instead of writing in his name for school board.

Purdy stopped campaigning for township supervisor in October to run against Malesic, a move that came too late to get his name off the ballot.
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Townhouse construction delayed …

I’ve been told McNaughton Homes won’t start construction this calendar year on The Townes at Autumn View, an 18-unit luxury condo community near Koons Park. The condition of the housing market apparently isn’t suitable for moving forward with the project at this time.

Site prep and street construction have been completed. Installation of underground utilities is almost finished.

CLICK HERE for an earlier post about the housing project.
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Ho, ho, oh no ...

Think twice before decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Check out this story out of Cumberland County.

Public water meeting on tap for village residents

The Village of Linglestown Committee is holding a meeting tomorrow night, Nov. 15, for village residents who want information on having public water lines installed along Linglestown Road during the upcoming square improvement project. Residents now use private wells.

The meeting will be held at Linglestown Fire Company's brick building at 7 pm.

United Water of Pennsylvania will be represented at the meeting to answer questions.

Preview: L.P. supervisors meeting

Lower Paxton Township supervisors will hold a workshop session Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:00 pm, Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. CLICK HERE to view the meeting agenda.

One agenda item pertains to the Linglestown area: There will be a discussion about a proposed soccer field complex at Wolfersberger Park, which is located on the east side of Wenrich Street south of the entrance to the paintball fields. Capital Area Soccer Association, or CASA, is spearheading the project, and hopes to hold youth soccer tournaments and showcase games for top players at the facility.

By the way, Wolfersberger Park currently is an overgrown parcel of open space.

I'm sure one of the big concerns about putting a soccer complex along Wenrich Street is potential hazards to motorists caused by increased traffic on the two-lane road. The road has almost no shoulder and needs to be recontoured to eliminate at least three steep humps. Grooves in the road indicate many cars have caught some air going over the humps.

Gazette updates

Quite a few people checked out the post about Verizon’s planned 2008 launch in the Linglestown area of its digital TV system, marketed as "FiOS TV."

The company is beginning to offer cable TV in the Pittsburgh area. CLICK HERE to view a Pittsburgh news report that describes Verizon’s TV offerings, including price info.
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Last week I introduced you to LifePoint Church, a new church in the Linglestown area. Services are currently being held Sunday mornings at the Friendship Community Center.

I've received word that good progress is being made toward readying its new location, 7733 Hillcrest Avenue, for a grand opening on Sunday, December 9 at 10 am.

Look for the church's new electronic sign (pictured above prior to installation) the next time you drive through West Hanover Township on Route 22.

CLICK HERE to read last week's post about LifePoint.
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Weekend happenings …

* Saturday and Sunday – Grand opening of Hunters Valley Winery retail outlet in Linglestown. CLICK HERE for more info.

* Saturday and Sunday – Open house at First Impressions Boutique and Day Spa, and at Linglestown Flowers and Gifts. Get more details by clicking HERE.

* Sunday – New Hope Church sermon series called A Dummies Guide to Basic Bible continues. This week's message is entitled Discipleship: Who am I and Where in the World am I Going?

Service starts at 10 am. Come as you are – no need to wear your Sunday best. CLICK HERE for map.

Flashback: Visit from "What's Your Name?"

Anyone remember Jesus look-alike Carl Joseph, the barefoot evangelist who wondered around the Linglestown area in 2000 only packing his cotton robe and Bible? He was referred to in the media as "What's Your Name?"

I went to hear him give a speech before a packed house at Holy Name of Jesus' gymnasium.

According to a Toledo Blade article published last spring, Carl is still doing his thing in Alabama, but he is now leading a stationary life due to knee problems from many years of pounding the pavement without shoes.

He is the subject of a documentary film entitled The Jesus Guy. CLICK HERE to view a nicely done Web site on the film.

The Web site includes a film trailer (QuickTime file). It features comments by Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who has received national media attention for his tough stance against illegal immigrants.

Wines available at Linglestown shop

Spotted in The Paxton Herald ...

Hunters Valley Winery of Liverpool, Perry County, is holding a grand opening for a new retail outlet at Linglestown Flowers and Gifts, 5939 Linglestown Road, just a few doors west of the Linglestown square.

This week's special hours: Thursday 11 am-8 pm, Friday 11 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 12 noon-5 pm.

There also will be free tasting at the Chocolate Cafe on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6-7 pm.

Linglestown-area election recap

C.D. School Board race, two seats available: Incumbents Fred Thompson Jr. and Christian Malesic retained their seats with 5,659 and 3.679 votes respectively. There were 1,791 write-in votes, and Jay Purdy most likely got most of them in a losing cause.

Lower Paxton Township supervisors race, one seat available: Republican incumbent David Blain defeated Democrat Jay Purdy 5,317 to 3,294, according to unofficial returns. Purdy stopped campaigning in this race to challenge Malesic in the school board race.
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Information from The Patriot-News

Village shopping alert

The fine folks at First Impressions Boutique and Day Spa and Linglestown Flowers and Gifts sent me a note about their joint Holiday Open House this Thursday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 11.

There will be holiday refreshments and in-store promotions at both shops that are located west of the village square.

I walked past the shops today, and the proprietors were busy decorating the outside of the stores with Christmas decorations and lights.

If you haven’t explored the shops yet, the open house is a great reason to stop by and possibly find great bargains for the fast-approaching holiday season. Remember, there’s plenty of parking behind the shops.

Did you vote?

Today is Election Day in Pennsylvania.

If voting makes you hungry, check out the one-day cafe that is in operation today at Linglestown Fire Co. while the polls are open.

Lower Paxton Township news

* Lower Paxton Township supervisors are meeting tonight. No agenda items directly impact the village of Linglestown. CLICK HERE to view the agenda.

* The township's fall leaf collection is under way for those of you who rake leaves to the edge of the street.

According to the township's Web site, the Linglestown area will be serviced during the week of Dec. 3, 2007. CLICK HERE for more details.

Colts come up short in championship game

Linglestown Colts Midget youth football team lost 20-0 today to the Cumberland Valley Eagles in the Keystone Midget Football Conference championship game.

The Eagles broke open a scoreless game by ripping off 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of untimely turnovers by the Colts.

Highlights for the Colts were a punt block in the first quarter, and a nifty goal line stand in the closing seconds of the first half.

Linglestown had a large contingent of enthusiastic fans at Susquehanna Township High School’s stadium cheering on the team. On Saturday night, team boosters held a bonfire and pep rally for the squad.

To qualify for the league's Super Bowl, the Colts notched playoff wins against Steelton and Mechanicsburg, two very strong teams that had beaten the Colts earlier in the season.

Congratulations to the entire Linglestown Colts organization for a great season!

Bonfire for Colts players at Linglestown Fire Co.

Church nearing move to new location

Some residents in the Linglestown area have been involved in the start-up of LifePoint Church, which has been meeting Sunday mornings at the Friendship Community Center for about a year.

The congregation is gearing up to move to a permanent home in West Hanover Township. Work has been under way for several weeks to renovate the former Skyline View Brethern in Christ Church, 7733 Hillcrest Avenue. (Building is pictured; see map below for location.)

The first service at the new location will be on Sunday, December 9 at 10:00 am.


View Larger Map

Halloween, election, new tunes, things to do

Patriot-News columnist Nancy Eshelman today called for Harrisburg-area municipalities, including Lower Paxton Township, to switch Trick-or-Treat night back to Oct. 31. It was held last Thursday, Oct. 25, this year.

Her logic: Police chiefs wouldn't get together and order citizens to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 19 or to eat turkey on Veterans Day. Makes sense to me.

She also shared a story about Ken Miller, principal of Linglestown Middle School, collecting excess Halloween candy from students and donating it to Ronald McDonald House in Hershey. It took him 20 minutes to pile up 126 pounds of goodies.
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Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 6, and the hottest race on the ballot is for two Central Dauphin School Board seats. Incumbent board member Ford Thompson and appointed board member Christian Malesic will appear on the ballot. Jay Purdy is running against Malesic as a write-in candidate.

The Paxton Herald has endorsed Thompson and Purdy.

Malesic was involved in a huge controversy in August for suggesting that the district's gun policy was too strict.

CLICK HERE to read Purdy's campaign Web site.
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Speaking of Election Day, a one-day cafe will be in operation at Linglestown Fire Co. while the polls are open on Tuesday.
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Public radio station WXPN out of Philadelphia can now be heard in the Linglestown area on 88.7 FM. The station features contemporary music that you won't hear on commercial radio stations.
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Weekend preview ...

* Sunday – New Hope Church sermon series called A Dummies Guide to Basic Bible continues. This week's message is entitled Salvation: What's Wrong With the World (and Me)?

Service starts at 10 am. Come as you are – no need to wear your Sunday best. CLICK HERE for map.

* Sunday – Linglestown Colts Midget football team will face Cumberland Valley in a championship game, 3 pm, Susquehanna Township High School stadium. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students and seniors, free for 12 and under. Go Colts!!!

Speed dating coming to Linglestown

Wow! The 21st century way to find your love match has somehow found its way to good ole Linglestown

Sasha's Hideaway, 6791 Linglestown Road, east of the village will host a speed dating event for single professionals on Nov. 13.

Ages 38-48 meet at 6:20 p.m. Ages 28-38 meet at 8:30 p.m. Attendees will experience up to 12 six-minute dates. Cost is $35 online or $40 by phone. CLICK HERE for more info, or call 576-5077.