Rams rule in girls' playoff hoops action

CD Rams girls' basketball team rolled over Philadelphia's Simon Gratz tonight 65-41 in a state tournament preliminary round game contested at nearby Milton Hershey’s plush gymnasium.

This was the first game that I attended this season. On the offensive end, the Rams moved the ball very well, and highly acclaimed sophomore Alyssa Thomas clearly is the team's go-to player.

In the video, the Rams are in white uniforms, and Thomas in #30.

Linglestown church does YouTube

Linglestown Life is on YouTube! The church's series, Jesus on Trial, a video/drama/sermon message, is now available online. (Click the Jesus on Trial logo on this post to go to the church's YouTube page.) The Jesus on Trial series is a provocative look at how Jesus is placed on trial in everyday life. The series can be experienced live Sundays at the 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am services through Palm Sunday, March 16. The trial will end on Good Friday, March 21, during the evening service at 7:00 pm.

Things and stuff department …

* Signs vandalized in Linglestown area. CLICK HERE for details, and HERE for a map that shows the crime location.

* Music at St. Thomas Roasters on Friday night, Feb. 29, will feature Paul Zavinksy, 8 pm, no cover.

* CD School District may ditch besieged Capital Tax Collection Bureau. CLICK HERE for the story from The Patriot-News that includes comments from school board member Justin McShane and other local officials.

* Keep an eye out for this low-budget presidential hopeful. He was spotted this week in Chambersburg. CLICK HERE to check out one of his YouTube videos that were produced in Pennsylvania.

CD sports update …

* CD Rams ice hockey team topped Hempfield 8-2 to reach the CPIHL playoff semifinals, where they will meet Lower Dauphin.

* Three members of the Rams girls’ basketball team have been named to the Mid-Penn Conference Commonwealth Division All-Star Team – Alyssa Thomas (First Team); Lindsey Meyer (Second Team); Gabby Singer (Honorable Mention).

Hump day specials

* Toni Gilhooley, a former Pennsylvania state trooper who resides in Lower Paxton Twp., has formally announced a bid to unseat Congressman Holden. CLICK HERE to read an article penned by John Micek, state Capitol report for the Allentown Morning Call.

On a side note, Micek occasionally performs at St. Thomas Roasters. He is a member of a group called Milkshake Jones.

* CD sports notes: The Patriot-News named sophomore guard/forward Alyssa Thomas to the District 3 AAAA Girls’ All-Tournament Team, and the 7th grade CD Rams boys’ basketball team at Linglestown Middle School finished the season with a record of 19-0.

* I added a new gizmo, a Twitter box, in the sidebar under the picture of the square. Be sure to check it out each time you visit Linglestown Gazette for reminders of local events and breaking news. If you’re a hardcore Gazette reader, sign up for a free Twitter account to get updates on your cell phone or via Instant Messenger.

* PennDOT, the state’s transportation agency, is expanding its network of traffic cameras in the Harrisburg area. Pictured below is the view from a camera at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 83 located east of Linglestown. CLICK HERE for a map that shows locations of other cameras.

Linglestown postcard

Cardinal spotted today in the yard behind Linglestown Gazette headquarters.

Linglestown Tuesday update

* CD Rams ice hockey team dropped a CPIHL playoff game Monday night to top-seeded Hershey by a count of 4-1. This was CD’s first loss in the double elimination tournament. Next game is against Hempfield.

* If you see a pothole on the highways and byways around Linglestown, call PennDOT’s pothole hotline by dialing 1-800-349-7623, or 1-800-FIX-ROADS. The hot line is available 24/7.

* Linglestown isn't the only village in Pennsylvania slated to get a makeover. CLICK HERE for info on happenings in Bucks County.

* Speaking of the Linglestown improvement project, residents in the construction area should receive a letter this week from the township that contains a proposed right-of-way acquisition agreement. (See thread #328 on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com.)

* Check out a “smart car” that would be good for motoring around Linglestown.

* Need some help getting on top of your finances? If so, consider attending a FREE event called Gaining Financial Control Seminar sponsored by New Hope Church, this Thursday night, Feb. 28, 7 pm. CLICK HERE for more details.

Monday tidbits

Letters to the editor … I found a couple letters worth noting in recent issues of The Patriot-News – L. Marie Cooper of Lower Paxton Twp. gives her take on Comcast changing its channel lineup; and R.E. Richwine of Shermans Dale, Perry County, comes to the defense of embattled Capital Tax Collection Bureau, which serves the Linglestown area. (See the last paragraph for a reference to CD school board member Justin McShane.)

Greenway plan to be discussed … Lower Paxton Township supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed Greenway Plan on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at the Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting.

CD sports update …

* Rams hockey team squares off against Hershey tonight in playoff action at Twin Ponds East – check back tomorrow for the result.

* Rams girls’ b-ballers will play their first game in the state tournament Friday against Philadelphia school Simon Gratz at Milton Hershey, 6:30 pm.

* Seven members of the Rams wrestling squad are prepping for the 2007-2008 state individual wrestling championships that will be contested at the Giant Center on March 6-8.

Linglestown closer to public water

If you take a walk through the historic village of Linglestown, one thing you won't see is fire hydrants.

That's because public water service currently isn't available to village residents who live along Route 39 and some side streets. Water lines owned by United Water of Pennsylvania go around the village, but not through it. Property owners get their water from private wells, including some that were hand dug in the early part of last century.

But this situation could soon change.

CONTINUE READING >>

Rams grapplers win District 3 title

The Central Dauphin Rams wrestling team won its second straight Distict 3 team title Saturday at Hersheypark Arena. The team's lone gold medal winner was junior Simon Rice in the 112-pound weight class. CLICK HERE to read a report by Patriot-News wrestling guru Rod Frisco.

CD wrestling update

On the mats Friday at Hersheypark Area, seven Central Dauphin grapplers advanced to the PIAA District 3 Class AAA semifinals that will be contested today at 1 pm. The championship round is scheduled today at 6:30 pm.

Those advancing were (weight class shown in parentheses): Clayton Youtz (103), Simon Rice (112), Patrick Wieger (119), Kenny Stank (130), Marshall Peppelman (140), Walter Peppelman (145), Tony Dallago (152).

CD is rated by those in the know as one of the top teams in the state.

Think spring ...

CD girls snag Distict 3 bronze medal

CD Rams girls' b-ballers upended Cedar Crest last night 64-55 in the District 3 Class AAAA consolation game contested at Hershey High School. The team will face Simon Gratz High School, a Philadelphia school, next week in the first round of the state tournament.

Linglestown storm watch

Bread-and-milk stock up alert … Snow, freezing rain and sleet are headed our way for Friday.

Music at Roasters … If you live in the village and get tired of being homebound Friday night, pull on your boots, bundle up and head over to St. Thomas Roasters for acoustic classic rock and originals by Just Dave, 8 pm, no cover.

CD sports … Rams girls’ basketball plays Cedar Crest tonight in the District 3 Class AAA third-place game, 7:30 pm, Hershey H.S. –– Rams wrestlers compete in the District 3 Championships on Friday and Saturday at Giant Center. –– Rams ice hockey team defeated Hempfield 3-1 in Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic League playoff action.

Looking for some love? … Here’s advance notice of another speed-dating event at Sasha's Hideaway on Tuesday, March 4. CLICK HERE for details.

Craft show alert … Central Dauphin High School Band Boosters Association will host its 18th annual Spring Craft Show at Central Dauphin High School on Saturday, March 8, from 9 pm to 3 pm. Admission and parking are free.

Wednesday need-to-knows

* Space entertainment … Full moon and total lunar eclipse are on tap tonight. Beware of werewolves!

* Antiques event coming to Linglestown … Lower Paxton Historical Society will hold an antiques appraisal at 6:30 pm, Monday, Feb. 25, at St. Thomas Roasters located in the square in Linglestown. Anne Kearney, appraiser, will speak. For more info, call 545-8704.

* Girls’ b-ball update … CD Rams will play Cedar Crest in the District 3 Class AAAA third-place game Thursday night, 7:30 pm, at Hershey. CD East Panthers qualified for the district championship game on Friday night, 8:30 pm, at Giant Center against Wilson of Berks County. For those of you trying to keep score, Wilson knocked off the Rams by a point Monday night in the semifinal game.

* Let’s get political … Congressional hopeful Toni Gilhooley of Lower Paxton Twp. will unveil her campaign platform next Tuesday, Feb. 26, at her campaign headquarters, 114 Walnut Street, Harrisburg. She’s spicing thing up by offering free grub – CLICK HERE for details. (Hat tip to Pennsyltucky Politics Blog written by Brett Lieberman of The Patriot-News.) Gilhooley, a Republican, is seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Holden of Schuylkill County, who represents Linglestown residents in Washington, D.C.

* Car talk … I’m going to get my car inspected at Murphy’s Automotive, formerly John's Service Center, located on the square. This will be the first time handing over my trusty 1998 Saturn SW-1 to the mechanics working out of the shop located in the square.

LP meeting on tap; square project on agenda

The Lower Paxton Township supervisors will conduct their second and final business meeting for February 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. CLICK HERE for the meeting agenda.

The township is in the process of acquiring land-use agreements from about 100 property owners for the Linglestown improvement project, and the supervisors will meet behind closed doors tonight prior to the public meeting to discuss right-of-way issues.

On a related matter, I tentatively plan to attend the Village of Linglestown Committee meeting on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 pm at the Linglestown Fire Company’s brick building. The committee is advisory group to the township on the planned improvement project.

Wilson's near buzzer-beater beats CD

Girls' basketball update ... Wilson junior center Amanda Sawlsville drained a rainbow 18-foot jumper with 5 seconds remaining to lift the Berks County squad past Central Dauphin 41-40 in a District 3 semifinal game the Rams led for all but 37 seconds. CLICK HERE for more details from The Patriot-News.

Monday mishmash

* Today is Presidents’ Day. Can you name Pennsylvania’s only president? CLICK HERE for the answer and some related trivia.

* CD wrestlers continued their dominance on the mat Saturday night at the District 3 Class AAA section tournament, taking home one-half of the gold medals. On the hardwood, CD girls’ basketball team faces a tough game today in the District 3 semifinal game against top-seeded Wilson, a Berks County school; 5 pm tip-off at the Giant Center. Wilson defeated the Rams earlier this season.

UPDATE, 7:30 pm – Wilson topped CD by one point, 41-40, according to a forum post on PennLive.com. I think CD still qualifies for the state tournament, but don't take that to the bank.

* Lower Paxton Township police department has started a program to keep closer track of sex offenders.

* A Linglestown couple, Dave and Connie Moul, tried their luck by playing one-armed bandits Saturday at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

Gazette feedback ...

* I just recently discovered your website. I really enjoyed all the news and information about our local community. Thanks again for this great service. – JQ

* Love the blog! Thanks for your time. I've been reading for awhile now and I'm a great fan. Keep up the good work! – Anonymous

Linglestown weekender

* CD girls’ basketball team won a close one Friday night against Hempfield to advance to the District 3 semifinals against Wilson on Monday at Giant Center. CLICK HERE for video highlights.

* Monday is Presidents' Day, and it looks like rainy weather is headed our way.

If you have young kids and need something to do Monday when schools are closed, consider checking out Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg. It’s Citizens Bank Foundation Community Day featuring free admission to Harsco Science Center from 9:30 am to 5 pm and to the Select Medical IMAX Theater from 10 am to 4 pm.

TGIF Linglestown

* I posted a remixed video of highlights of the photography show staged last month by Central Dauphin students. CLICK HERE to view it.

* Gazette congratulations go out to the Central Dauphin girls’ basketball team for winning their first round District 3 playoff game last night, and to Central Dauphin wrestler Walter Peppelman for being named the WGAL TV-8 athlete of the week for his outstanding performance at last weekend's state team championship.

Thursday updates

BREAKING NEWS … The location that formerly housed Senor Pepe’s Tex-Mex restaurant will soon be reopened as a new eatery, Mikado Japanes Steak House and Sushi Bar, according to a banner at the property located at the intersection of N. Mountain Road and N. Lockwillow Avenue. ("Japanes" was the spelling used on the banner.)

More reviews for St. Thomas Restaurant; pink paint debated …

We went to STR and felt the food was pretty good for the price. (Had a tasty sandwich.) The menu is extensive, lots of selections, and waiters quite friendly. Plan to return to try something on the dinner menu.

We went there because it's important to do our part to support growing businesses in the village, and found it worth supporting!

One suggestion: that pink wall paint has to go ... needs something warmer feeling to make it feel a bit more cozy. It's not an ice cream joint anymore!! – Anonymous
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Our family had lunch at STR on Sunday. We all enjoyed it, the food was good, and the server was great. There were lots of people in there. And I like the pink. – KM

Gazette feedback … This blog has got to be a lot of work and I admire you for doing it. It is the kind of local reporting the Patriot-News should provide, but does not. You might run a little ad in the shoppers or the Paxton-Herald to let people know you are out there.
– Anonymous

Editor's note: Thanks for the positive feedback. I’m going to stick with word-of-mouth advertising, so please tell your family and friends to check out Linglestown Gazette.
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Please consider subscribing to this blog's RSS feed. It's FREE and easy to do. In the right-hand sidebar, click on the orange icon or "Subscribe to Linglestown Gazette" link, and then follow the instructions.

Using a feed is great way to automatically find out when new information is added to Linglestown Gazette. I use an online feed reader called Bloglines.

Welcome to Tax-sylvania

According to The Patriot-News, Pennsylvania is No. 1 for tax collectors. The state has a whopping 560 local wage tax collectors, including the embattled Capital Tax Collection Bureau (CTCB) that serves the Linglestown area and many other towns and school districts in the Harrisburg region.

CLICK HERE to read about legislation proposed to modernize and streamline the state’s earned income tax-collection procedure.

For the latest murmurings about CTCB, CLICK HERE for a story by beat reporter Diana Fishlock, and HERE for an editorial by the newspaper’s editorial board. Central Dauphin School Board member Justin McShane is mentioned in both items.

I think lawmakers should also work on reforming the way local property taxes are collected. Having tax collectors in every municipality seems to be another government procedure from the horse-and-buggy era.

Other news …

* CLICK HERE for the Linglestown Middle School’s honor roll for the second marking period.

* There’s a great get-away location a few miles from Linglestown in the Fishing Creek Valley – Felicita Resort. The resort’s owner, Harrisburg attorney Richard Angino, is seeking approval to build 40 "golf rental villas."

Snowy Tuesday gabfest

Township meeting tonight, weather permitting … The Lower Paxton Township supervisors are scheduled to hold a workshop meeting tonight at 6 pm, Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. CLICK HERE to view the meeting agenda.

Linglestown-area agenda items: Mark DiSanto, representing Triple Crown Corp., to inquire about the zoning designation of property at the northeast corner of Parkway East and Linglestown Road, and a behind-closed-doors chat, referred to as an executive session, about the proposed sale of the Wolfersberger Tract along Wenrich Street to CASA for a planned soccer tournament complex. (State law allows local elected officials to meet privately to disuss a possible sale of township-owned land.)

Let’s get political … Former state trooper Toni Gilhooley (pictured), a Lower Paxton Township Republican, is hoping to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, who represents Linglestown residents in Washington, D.C. Ms. Gilhooley told the Reading Eagle that she’s for permanent tax cuts and securing the nation’s borders. CLICK HERE to read the entire profile piece.

In other races, Republican state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola will have competition in November on the Democratic ticket. He will face either Judy Hirsh of Susquehanna Township or Alvin Q. Taylor of Lower Paxton Township. Finally, state Rep. Ron Marsico is unopposed.

St. Thomas Restaurant gets so-so, good reviews …

* Family of three wasn’t wowed with dining experience Saturday evening: Sodas came out warm, French onion soup OK, New England clam chowder pretty watery, open face turkey sandwich average, Delmonico steak dinner disappointing, waitress was friendly but the place was dead.

* We just had lunch [at St. Thomas Restaurant] – nice place, decent food.

Editor's note: Try it, you might like it. If you do, post a comment or send e-mail to Linglestown Gazette.

Other stuff …

* Jury convicts Lower Paxton Twp. man of Web threats.

* Are you using your vacation time? Many U.S. workers prefer work to play.

VIDEO: Linglestown Monday madness

Report links: CD girls' basketball + CD wrestling (1) + CD wrestling (2) + CD wrestling video + Capital Tax Collection Bureau + Valentine's Day video + Hollywood Casino video

VIDEO: CD students confront fears through art

Central Dauphin High School students in Michael Bricker's photography class recently were asked to express their deepest fears in black-and-white photography and writings. Their work was put on public display last month in a newly renovated space in downtown Harrisburg at The Harrisburg Maennerchor. The video presents highlights of the show entitled Facing The Demons Within.

A selection of students' photographs and writings is now on display at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 301 Market Street, Harrisburg. The exhibition is presented in conjunction with the Patriot-News Scholastic Art Award exhibition, on display in the DOSHI Gallery at the museum from February 6-25, 2008.

TGIF Linglestown

Crooks nabbed on N. Mountain Road (Hat tip to bakabaka); Five Guys burger joint is open at Colonial Commons shopping center; Another letter to the editor from a resident taxed by problems at Capital Tax Collection Bureau; Thumbs-up to the Western omelet that I downed earlier this week at St. Thomas Restaurant, the new eatery located in the heart of the village square. Also, I overheard a waitress say that there are a growing number of “regulars” showing up for breakfast; Frank Cotolo, who will be appearing tonight at St. Thomas Roasters with guitar in hand, does a weekly podcast that has a worldwide audience – CLICK HERE to check it out.

Music at Roasters

Frank Cotolo, a former Hollywood insider who lives in the booming metropolis of Grantville, will present his “giveaway night” musical entertainment extravaganza at St. Thomas Roasters, Friday, Feb. 8, 8-10 pm, no cover.

Stop by, grab a cup of Joe and get in the running for whatever Frank is handing out.

Jesus to go on trial in Linglestown

Linglestown Life will place Jesus on the stand during upcoming Sunday morning worship events (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am). The presentation will feature innovative media, drama and a provocative look at how Jesus is on trial every day.

The church’s design team has been working for several months to recreate the reality of Jesus’ original trial into a modern context. “Bringing such a complex issue to the stage for Sunday morning has been a real challenge,” shared Pastor George Reynolds.

The series of messages is for the individual with questions that they would like Jesus to answer. From issues like natural disaster to school shootings, we’ll ask Jesus how these fit with our perception of what the Bible reveals about who Jesus is.

The series, Jesus on Trial, begins Sunday, February 10 and continues through Good Friday, March 21. For more information, call the church at 545-5200 or send e-mail by clicking HERE.

CLICK HERE for a map.
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Upcoming events at Linglestown Life ...

* Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 am – 4 pm … Girls of Grace Nation, $15 per person, includes lunch, door prizes and more. CLICK HERE for more info.

* Friday, March 7, 7 – 8 pm … CyberSafety: Protecting Your Kids and Teens Online presented by Special Agent Dennis Guzy from the state Attorney General's Office, no charge, open to the public.

Want a new you?

New Hope Church is hosting a series of seminars that are aimed to help you improve and maintain your health.

The presenter will be Mark Everest of Occupational Athletics, an organization that is based in the Linglestown area. Mark travels throughout the U.S. appealing to businesses and individuals about the importance of preventative health care and safety. He is a radio host on Open Road network on XM satellite radio.

The public is invited to attend the first seminar entitled Gameplan for Aging this Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 am at the church. CLICK HERE for a map.

Tuesday musings

Huh ?? … Hey, check this out. There’s a sign seeking a barber to fill the space on the square that was the longtime home of St. Thomas Barbershop operated by Jim Griffiths.

In case you’ve lost track of Jim, he’s cutting hair at Progress Barbershop. Call him at 571-5124 if you need his services.

The hills are alive with the sound of music … Central Dauphin High School will present the stage show The Sound of Music on April 4-6. I hear ticket sales are brisk for some showtimes. CLICK HERE for info on ticket sales.

Linglestown on the air … I think it would be cool if Linglestown had community-based, nonprofit radio station that would have a broadcast reach throughout the village and a few nearby neighborhood. Heck, I’d be interested in spearheading the project. The station could focus on local news ignored by commercial media outlets, broadcast local sports events and church services, and promote community events and businesses. But, and this is a big but, it looks like Congress needs to take action to make licenses available for would-be broadcasters like me. CLICK HERE to learn what you can do to make a Low Power FM radio station a possibility in Linglestown.

Community service project in the works … Tentative plans are in place for Linglestown Gazette and Amelia’s Grocery Outlet on Mountain Road to sponsor a food-collection drive sometime after Easter to benefit a local food pantry.

Linglestown Monday

Linglestown Chocolate Cafe has new look … The counter area in the back room that was used to place orders has been closed off, making the eatery a full-service restaurant. By the way, the Chocolate Cafe offers more than chocolate desserts. CLICK HERE to get an overview of the menu.

I was at Chocolate Cafe on Saturday night, and the place was hopping with patrons.

News bloggers needed for nearby communities … There’s a need to duplicate what’s happening on Linglestown Gazette in other central Pennsylvania communities, like Grantville, West Hanover Township, Colonial Park, Middletown, Hummelstown, etc. If interested, e-mail Gazette publisher Bill Bostic by clicking HERE.

Township officials will meet Tuesday night … The Lower Paxton Township supervisors will conduct their first February business meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 pm, Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. Comcast cable subscribers can view a live broadcast of the meeting on channel 20.

Prior to the meeting, the supervisors will continue discussing a proposal by CASA to use an undeveloped tract of township-owned land located just east of Linglestown along Wenrich Street for a soccer tournament complex.

CLICK HERE to view the agenda.

Linglestown church to offer helping hand

New Hope Church, 584 Colonial Club Drive, is kicking off a series of community programs and services called "Partnership for Hope," and all households in the Linglestown area should receive a flyer (pictured below) in the mail this week.

Please e-mail Linglestown Gazette if you have not received a flyer by the end of this week.

Gazette mailbag

I just wanted to say thank you for this wonderful blog site. I just moved to Linglestown a few months ago (not from too far, but it's still a different area with different restaurants and such) and it is wonderful to learn about the goings-on through your blog. Thanks again! – SM

Just want to thank you for your work on the Linglestown Gazette. My wife and I are somewhat new to the Linglestown and you really keep us up to date on community events. Thanks for your hard work. – SS

Candidate needs help

Congressional hopeful Toni Gilhooley, one of the candidates who will be participating in tomorrow's petition-signing party at St. Thomas Roasters, is in need of some backers, according to political blogger Brett Lieberman of The Patriot-News. CLICK HERE to read Brett's post.

New eatery gets thumbs-up

I made my maiden voyage last night to St. Thomas Restaurant, located in the heart of the village square. (I had great excuses for eating out – my wife works late Thursday nights, and I'm not too good in the kitchen.)

My food selection was a deluxe cheeseburger that included fries and coleslaw, and my daughter got a Greek salad. I was very pleased with the meal, the food was prepared in good time, and my waitress, Amanda, was very pleasant. Cost for the two meals was $13.99 before tip.

There was a steady flow of customers during the 6 pm hour. I overheard one couple say that they had stopped for meals at the eatery four times since its opening a few days ago.

St. Thomas Restaurant appears to be a good place to get a quick meal. It's great to have a place within walking distance for grabbing a bite to eat in Linglestown.

CLICK HERE to review the menu, which is quite extensive for a small restaurant.