First Night Linglestown 2010?

I’m still seeking a few adventurous souls who want to join me in planning a New Year's Eve celebration next year in the village of Linglestown.

I think it would be cool to create a fun event with at least one feature that would improve the odds of the village getting some positive publicity. It would help if the midnight activity is something other than lowering a pickle, wrench, lollipop, whatever – it seems like nearly everything imaginable is being dropped, including a sprint car in Port Royal.

Staging a First Night celebration should be fairly easy to do if planning gets started early in 2009. What do you say? E-mail B² if you're at least willing be part of this community project.

In the meantime, check out a report that details what's happening tonight across Pennsylvania.

2008 Look-Back: Community connections

2008 has been a breakout year for Linglestown Gazette as far as reaching into the community and connecting with groups and readers. There are far too many people I’ve come to know and appreciate to list everyone in this space, but I do want to mention a few key community connections:

Steve Econ and everyone connected with the Linglestown Twilight baseball team for making me part of the team during this year's championship season. It was unforgettable run, and I’m looking forward to the 2009 season.

Gazette contributor Q for sending in a steady stream of Q-Tips.

Ken Stambaugh for taking me on a flyover of Linglestown, and for being the first and only Gazette reader to date to submit a feature article.

The Merchants of Linglestown for inviting me to participate in the start-up of the business group, and for the businesses that signed up to be Gazette sponsors.

It was a pleasure making new acquaintances with members of community watchdog group SWAN and Linglestown Fire Company.

Last but definitely not least, I appreciated the readers who took time to introduce themselves to me during my travels around Lower Paxton Twp. Thanks for encouraging me to continue publishing the Gazette.

Happy New Year!

Bill Bostic, a.k.a. B²
Publisher

2008 Look-Back: Lending a helping hand

Linglestown Gazette and Amelia’s Grocery Outlet teamed up to sponsor two food drives in 2008.

The first one was held in April and benefited a food pantry operated by Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church located on Derry Street in the city.

The food collected during the drive held in November went to the emergency food pantry operated by LifePoint Church located along Route 22 in West Hanover Twp.

Thanks so very, very much to all readers who made contributions!

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This post is brought to you by the fine folks at St. Thomas Restaurant located near the flagpole in Linglestown. Check out the lineup of daily specials by clicking on the photo on the right. Today's special is 12 wings for $5.

"It’s a pretty good place to eat – lots of variety and not pricey." – KM

Another Boston Tea Party in the works?

Lower Paxton Twp. resident Judy Schaefer expresses her big-time displeasure with the bail-out mania in Congress, and suggests that the nation could use a second Boston Tea Party to shake things up.

Check out her op-ed in today's online and hard-copy editions of The Patriot-News.

What would a modern version of the Tea Party look like? Weigh in on this question by posting a comment.

2008 Look-Back: Exclusive sports coverage

Linglestown Gazette offered expanded coverage of the Linglestown sports scene this year.

The main focus last summer was on the Twilight baseball team that won a second straight league championship. Several game reports included video post-game interviews with players and coaches, including one that featured catcher Bryan Stovall get a pie in the face.

Occasional reports were published about midget, pony, teener and Legion baseball action.

A Gazette thank you goes out to Steve Econ, Mike Shaffer, Fran Roman and Karen Cattabiani for filing game reports this season.


This year marked the second season for exclusive coverage of Linglestown Colts youth football. Eileen Arnold submitted game scores. Thanks Eileen!



Please e-mail B² to set up coverage for amateur sports teams based in Lower Paxton Twp.

Assault, robbery reported at Springford Apartments

Lower Paxton Twp. police are investigating man who was robbed Sunday night at the entrance to the Springford Apartments located along Locust Lane, according to a news brief by The Patriot-News.

Lower Paxton skate park down but not out

T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News takes an in-depth look at the planned skate park at George Park that has been delayed due to the denial of a state grant application.

The project is being spearheaded by Central Penn Freedom Group.

2008 Look-Back: It pays to read the Gazette

To say the least, 2008 has been a transition year for Linglestown Gazette, with this blog going from a barely perceptible blip on the local Internet scene to a daily must-read destination for a steadily growing following.

One thing that has spiced things up a bit this year was a series of contests. Things kicked off in March with a Name-That-Street Contest and ended with the awarding of a huge pile of loot to the winner of the world’s first-ever Mowing Contest.

The year also included a pair of Trivia Contests (click HERE and HERE), a gift certificate giveaway to St. Thomas Restaurant, and a raffle sponsored by Linglestown Fire Company that netted a $1,000 Visa gift card for a Gazette reader.

For those of you who missed out on the fun this year, don't fret – more contests are on the way for 2009.

Backyard news, TGIF edition, 12.26.08

Once again there won’t be anything dropping from Linglestown’s locally famous flagpole or anywhere else in the village on New Year’s Eve. Let’s try to come up with an event to ring in 2010. What do you say?

The Merchants of Linglestown broached the idea earlier this month, and my guess is that they’d get involved if a few Gazette readers join forces with me, B², to get things rolling.

Please e-mail B² if you like planning fun events. Also, e-mail if you have doable ideas on what to drop at the stroke of midnight.

And, if you attend a celebration next week, please e-mail anything that you see that would be worth considering for Linglestown’s First Night gathering. CLICK HERE for a listing of events compiled by The Patriot-News.

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Sticking with the entertainment theme, I continue to be amazed and impressed with the musical talent showing up to do their thing for FREE, yes FREE, at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in the historic village of Linglestown on Friday and Saturday nights, 8–10 pm.

Tonight’s featured artist, Lee Thomas, is a former Harrisburg resident who now calls Myrtle Beach home. “I’ll do a smattering of covers, old standards to modern day stuff, rock, pop, some originals, and some Christmas music,” said Thomas during a telephone interview. Her friend and writing partner Jim Renaud of Camp Hill will sit in for a few songs. Thomas, who plays acoustic and electric guitar, has a CD out and is working on a new one. Please consider joining me for java and tunes by Lee.

Moe Weimer and The Snoods are on tap Saturday evening.

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This post is brought to you by St. Thomas Restaurant located near the flagpole in Linglestown. Time is running out for getting the "Gazette Special." Click on the photo to the right for more details and to see B² go on a mad dash through the village.

"It’s a pretty good place to eat – lots of variety and not pricey." – KM

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Hey, check this out … Central Dauphin Rams boys’ basketball team made some noise this week by heading into the holiday break with a very respectable 4–1 conference record. Their win Monday night over Steel-High, the defending Mid-Penn and state champs, got my attention. They went on the clip Cumberland Valley on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Central Dauphin Rams girls’ basketball team (7-0) kept their perfect record intact Tuesday by rolling over Cumberland Valley 60–36.

Vacation Raffle winners selected

Linglestown TV was on hand Christmas Eve at Linglestown Fire Company for the SUPER TRAVEL RAFFLE drawing.

A Linglestown Gazette reader was the winner of a $1,000 Visa gift card – more proof that it pays to read the Gazette!

Have a happy HO, HO, HO!

Christmas is a holiday that has a myriad of meanings and traditions. This time of year sometimes drives me crazy.

But, during a quiet moment a few days ago, my mind squeezed out a reassuring thought that everyone can take away from the roots of this annual celebration – You are not alone.

Merry Christmas!

-B²-

PS – Just for fun, CLICK HERE for a cool high-tech Christmas video.

Fire victim appreciates Linglestown Fire Co.

I received an e-mail from Mark Shirk, the Blue Meadows Farm resident whose family was displaced last summer by a fire that destroyed their home. CLICK HERE to read his heartfelt message.

Gazette postcard, travel raffle update

I captured this photo Sunday at one of the stops during the Santa Run sponsored by Linglestown Fire Company. Blue Mountain had an unusual look with sunlight reflecting off the ice-covered trees.

Prior to taking this shot, my chauffeur, Chuck Hoffer, spotted what looked to be a pair of shiny silver needles hovering in the sky. Was it a UFO? Or, was Chuck hallucinating. No, this tidbit isn't material for the township gossips. The mountain was shrouded by a cloud with the ice-covered TV antennas on Blue Mountain poking through the billowy vapor.

On a somewhat related note, be sure to check the Gazette this evening to find out who won the fire company's SUPER TRAVEL RAFFLE. The drawing will take place today at around 4 pm, and I plan to post a video to announce the winner.

Major tire heist reported in Lower Paxton

Thieves ripped off tires valued at $20,000 Monday night from Service Tire Truck Center, 4000 Fenton Avenue. The Patriot-News has more details.

Backyard news, 12.23.08

Updated at 10:12 am with info about Linglestown Life's Christmas Eve services ...

* Gazette congrats to Central Dauphin Rams two-way football player Justin Shirk for being a first-team all-state selection. Shirk’s teammate Jack Lippert, a defensive lineman, and CD East Panther punter Cody Webster were selected on the second team. For more details, check out a story by Rod Frisco of The Patriot-News.

* Over 300 people recently signed up to win a Free American Girl Doll at Olivia's Tea Room in the historic village of Linglestown. The drawing was held at a Holiday American Girl Tea held on Dec. 14, and the winner was Isabella Sucheski (pictured) of Harrisburg. The doll is valued at about $100.

Olivia’s Tea Room and other tea parlors in the Harrisburg area got some ink last week in The Patriot-News. CLICK HERE to read the section of the article that focused on Olivia’s.

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This post is sponsored by …

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* The Lower Paxton Township Police Department, as part of its minority-recruiting program, will host a minority police applicant preparation course on January 13 from 6–10 pm at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. The purpose of the course is to assist minority applicants in preparing for the police officer hiring process. CLICK HERE for more details.

* A big thank you goes out to Gazette readers who entered Linglestown Fire Company's SUPER TRAVEL RAFFLE. I turned in the tickets to Fire Chief Bill Payne for the drawing that will take place on Christmas Eve. Entries are still being accepted today – stop by the fire station along Linglestown Road to buy a ticket.

* Also, I want to thank Gazette reader Diane Boyer for sending me some holiday cheer in the form on an online gift certificate to a local restaurant of my choice. Much appreciated!

* If you’re in search of a place to get into the true spirit of the season on Christmas Eve, consider attending a candlelight service at New Hope Church, 584 Colonial Club Drive. Service times are scheduled for 7 pm and 9 pm Wednesday evening, and the 7 pm service will include child care for ages 5 and under.

And, Linglestown Life welcomes everyone to its Christmas Eve celebrations, Wednesday at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 pm. At 5:00pm, the children will present their musical, Carriers of the Light. During the 7:00 and 9:00 pm candle lighting service, the birth of Jesus will be celebrated with carols and the Christmas story. Also at 9:00 pm only, Holy Communion will be served. The church is located one-half block north of the square in Linglestown at 1430 N Mountain Road. Call 545-5200 or e-mail for more information.

Police seek help to crack murder of LP woman

Updated Tuesday, 9:05 am ...

Police are seeking the public's help in solving a 2001 murder in Cumberland County of Tina Myers of Lower Paxton Twp. For the story, check out an article from The Patriot-News.

WHTM TV-27 has a video report about this case.

Santa makes early visit to Linglestown area

Continuing an annual tradition that started in the late 1940s, Linglestown Fire Company members served as Santa's helpers by taking him on a pre-Christmas tour of its service area Sunday afternoon to deliver goodies to boys and girls. The weather was brisk but dry for the 29-stop run, and most of the stops had sizeable groups awaiting the jolly old elf's arrival.

"This is the best fire company's best event," said longtime firefighter Bill Minsker, who drove a 1941 Ford fire truck that served as Santa's sleigh. "My first memory of the fire company is waiting for Santa to arrive."

"This is what makes it fun to be part of the fire company," added First Assistant Chief Chuck Hoffer, Jr., the organizer of the run.

A Gazette thank you goes out to Fire Chief Bill Payne for allowing me to tag along to capture video highlights of this fun event.

Crime in Lower Paxton making news

Better make sure you lock your car doors. Lower Paxton Twp. police have been investigating more than 60 vehicle break-ins, many of which appear to be related, according to The Patriot-News.

Plus, I stopped at the Commerce Bank along Linglestown Road to use the ATM this morning and wondered why a Fox TV-43 camerawoman was taking a shot of the bank. It turns out that it was robbed Friday night by by two men wearing ski masks. CLICK HERE for a news brief by The Patriot-News and reader comments.

4 sure ways to WOW your special lady Christmas morning

TGIF backyard news, 12.19.08

* It’s Friday, and that means it’s time for an update on music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house.

Tonight’s artist, Paul Zavinsky, has made many appearances at Roasters. Paul, who works at WITF TV-33, digs classic folk, country, blues and rock tunes that he sings while playing guitar and occasionally mouth harp. Plus, he’s willing to take requests. Join me tonight at Roasters, 8–10 pm, to hear Paul do his thing. As always, FREE admission.

Saturday night, Roasters will feature The Pratts (pictured), a couple from Mechanicsburg that performs Christian and cover songs, along with a few original tunes. I heard them in October, and they get a B² thumbs-up. Stop by Roasters 8–10 pm for some good stuff.

* Hey, did you hear that Santa is scheduled to tour the Linglestown area Sunday afternoon?

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This post is sponsored by ...

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* Last call to enter Linglestown Fire Company's SUPER TRAVEL RAFFLE. Drawing will take place on Christmas Eve. Need more info? All you need to know and more is only a CLICK away.


* I had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face for the first with a pair of loyal Gazette readers during my travels Thursday – Stence Miller and Erica Streisfeld.

By the way, Erica is a notable blogger on the area’s food and wine scene. Check out her work on examiner.com and on her blog Wisdom for Winos.

Backyard news, 12.18.08

CD, CD East doubleheader … Central Dauphin Rams topped Central Dauphin East Panthers in a backyard match-up of highly ranked girls’ basketball teams Wednesday night at a jam-packed East High gym.

The contest was close through the first half (Rams led 27–24 at the break), but the second half was a different story. The Panthers went stone cold midway through the third period, and the Rams, led by junior guard/forward Alyssa Thomas, easily pulled away to a convincing 62–43 victory to go 5–0 for the season. More from The Patriot-News.

In the nightcap, CD East’s boy’s team topped the Rams 73–52. For details, check out the game report from The Patriot-News.
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Pictured: CD Ram Sarah Dowhower (right) is shown defending against a CD East guard in last night's game. (Click on the photo to view a larger version.) Photo by B².

School opens eatery … Dauphin County Technical School located on Locust Lane in Lower Paxton Twp. recently opened a newly expanded, state-of-the-art restaurant called The Carcjou Corner. CLICK HERE for a feature article from The Patriot-News.

Question of the day … Has anyone made a move to do personal banking at the First National Bank of Marysville branch located on N. Mountain Road in Linglestown? If so, please post a comment on what prompted you to make the move.

By the way, the bank recently merged with Halifax National Bank.

Question of the day #2 … Does Verizon’s cable TV system include the public-access channel that is on Comcast system's 20, the channel that broadcasts Lower Paxton Twp. meetings? Please post a comment if you’re in the know.

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Fabulous and over 40!

News from Gazette sponsors ...

PAT … AGE 55 … AND LOOKING FABULOUS!

Believe it or not, this amazing transformation recently took place in Linglestown.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.
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Click on photo to view a larger version.

Lower Paxton watchdog, 12.17.08

Headlines from Tuesday night’s business meeting conducted by the Lower Paxton Twp. Board of Supervisors …

* The 2009 general operating budget of just over $18 million that retains the current property tax rate was unanimously approved. Board Chairman Bill Hawk praised the township's administrative staff for making the necessary cuts to stave off a tax hike.

A proposed fee for township-based youth sports groups to reserve space in parks for practices and games was cut from the final version of the budget. The supervisors most likely will revisit the issue next year, said township manager George Wolfe.

* Megan Stine, a lifeguard at Friendship Center, was honored for saving the life of a youngster who nearly drowned in the center’s indoor pool.

* In an item related to the Linglestown improvement project, an agreement with a price tag of over $68,000 was approved for the project’s engineering firm, Arora and Associates, P.C., to do work related to condemnation of properties.

Getting white in Linglestown

The National Weather Service has issued a winter-weather advisory until 1 pm Wednesday. The forecast calls for snow and sleet to accumulate up to one inch this afternoon, and a very thin coating of ice could occur overnight.
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Photo taken at 3:59 pm today by B²

CD cancels Tuesday after-school events

Click the above headline for a news brief by T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News.

School board names acting superintendent

Click the above headline to read a news brief by T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News.

Backyard news, 12.15.08

* Here comes Santa Claus … Linglestown Fire Company will once again chauffeur jolly old Santa Claus in an antique fire engine throughout the area to deliver candy canes and oranges to children at 29 stops this Sunday, Dec. 21. CLICK HERE for more info on times and locations of Santa’s tour.


* Government watchdog … The Lower Paxton Township supervisors are expected to adopt a no-tax-hike 2009 budget Tuesday evening when they conduct their final business meeting of year at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street, 7:30 pm. Comcast cable customers can watch a live broadcast of the meeting on channel 20. (meeting agenda)

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This post is brought to you by the fine folks at St. Thomas Restaurant located near the flagpole in Linglestown. Check out the lineup of daily specials that started today by clicking on the photo on the right.

"It’s a pretty good place to eat – lots of variety and not pricey." – KM

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* Rams, Panthers to battle on court, mat … This week’s high school sports schedule has three contests between cross-town rivals Central Dauphin and Central Dauphin East:

Girls’ basketball, Wed., 6:00 pm at CD East
Boys’ basketball, Wed., 7:30 pm at CD East
Wrestling, Thur., 7:30 pm at CD East

* Lower Paxton briefs … Man arrested following stabbing in township. … Meet one of the sign guys who’ve been working along Allentown Blvd. (Route 22) in recent weeks. (CLICK HERE for full-length article.) … Lawyer who lives in the township announces bid for seat on Dauphin County bench.

* Question of the day … Linglestown’s locally famous square currently is missing an item? Post a comment if you know the answer.

Kokomo's no more

As predicted in a Q-Tip last week, the Kokomo's sports bar on Linglestown Road across from the Weis store was shuttered Sunday night, and a reliable source has told the Gazette that Arooga's will soon fill the spot.

According to a report published by WHTM TV-27, the owners of Kokomo's have been delinquent on their payments since May 2007.

Co-owner Cindy L. Barowski told The Patriot-News that Kokomo's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and employees were notified Friday evening (Dec. 12).

Additional comments about the closing of Kokomo's can be found on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com – see thread #464.
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Photo by B²

Early Monday quickies, 12.15.08

* A big Gazette welcome goes out this morning to this blog’s newest sponsor, First Impressions' Boutique, Gifts and Day Spa. Stop by and get some "retail therapy" today!

* Justin Shirk, quarterback and linebacker for the Central Dauphin Rams football squad, snagged both the defensive and offensive player MVP honors in the Mid-Penn Conference’s Commonwealth Division.

Other Rams named as to the division’s all-star team: Jack Lippert (defensive and offensive end); Paul Coleman (defensive back); Kyle Jackson (receiver); Marcus Simpson (receiver); Dan Fisher (punter and placekicker)



* Colonial Park resident Just Dave (pictured) performed Saturday evening at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown. I found his art to be a good listen. He’ll be back on Saturday, January 31.




* State Rep. Ron Marsico was back in the news again Friday. This time he joined other state lawmakers who are objecting to a felon who’s helping build a slots casino in western Pennsylvania.

* B² update #1 … My family traveled last Saturday, Dec. 6, on a Lower Paxton Twp.-sponsored bus trip to the Big Apple. We walked the streets of Manhattan and weaved our way through a massive crowd that gathered at the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center (pictured).

The township’s Park and Recreation Department will be sponsoring another New York “Day On Your Own” on Saturday, April 18.

* B² update #2 … The B² family tramped over hill and dale Sunday to cut down a Christmas tree (pictured). We went to a cut-your-own-tree place in Fishing Creek Valley that is charging $30 a tree no matter what the size. To find the place, take Blue Mountain Parkway over the mountain to Fishing Creek Valley Road, turn left and go 1.6 miles – a sign marking the tree farm is on the right.

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This post is sponsored by …

LP police working trio of robberies

One of the three robberies took place at Choice Cigarettes in the village of Linglestown. Click the above headline for details from The Patriot-News.

Contest: St. Thomas Restaurant drawing

In this edition of Linglestown TV (LTV), the winner of a $10 gift certificate to St. Thomas Restaurant is revealed.



Click the tiny photo to view a 1 minute, 19 second video about St. Thomas Restaurant. The eatery is located near the flagpole on the square in the historic village of Linglestown.

CLICK HERE to read a Patriot-News article about St. Thomas Restaurant.

St. Thomas Restaurant menu (PDF file)

Restaurant hours: Monday–Saturday, 6:30 am–9:00 pm; Sunday, 6:30 am–3:00 pm

Weekend happenings, Dec. 12 - 14

Friday–Saturday … Holiday Customer Appreciation Days at Linglestown Flowers and Gifts – Friday, 10 am–7 pm; Saturday noon–4 pm (map)

Friday–Sunday … Colonial Park United Church of Christ, located behind Best Buy off of Rt. 22, is doing a live nativity – Friday 7:00 pm–8:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 6:30–8:00 pm

Friday … Local singer-songwriter Marie Smith will be the featured musical artist at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown, FREE admission, 8–10 pm. Marie described her style as “a cross between folk and pop.”

Saturday … Music at St. Thomas Roasters features Just Dave who specializes in doing a wide range of classic covers and some newer stuff. He plays guitar and electronic keyboard. Just Dave will start pumping out tunes sometime between 7:00–7:30 pm, no cover.

Saturday … Christmas cantata at Linglestown Life (click on the poster to view a larger version)

Police probe business fire in LP

Click on the above headline to read a news brief from The Patriot-News.
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More details from Linglestown Fire Co.

Thursday's BIG event

Click on the poster to view a larger version.

This week's Christmas events

The Central Dauphin Band Boosters Association is sponsoring a Holiday Dinner Dance this Friday, Dec. 12, 6:00–8:30 pm in the high school cafeteria. The evening will feature the high school's jazz bands and instruction by "Dancin' Dave and Eileen Ewing." CLICK HERE for more details.

Below is a video of the CD Jazz Band performing earlier this month at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg.

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Gazette readers are cordially invited to attend a Christmas musical at Linglestown Life this Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3:30 and 6:15 pm. Admission is FREE, and you are encouraged to join with friends and family to come and allow the true meaning of Christmas to enhance your holiday season.

Linglestown Life is located one block north of the square in Linglestown, 1430 N. Mountain Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112. For more information, contact the church office at (717) 545-5200. (Click on the poster below to view a larger version.)

Backyard news, 12.10.08

● I received this Q-Tip today:

Word has it that Kokomo's on Linglestown Road will be no longer as of Friday or sooner. The sports bar will probably close for a short while and reopen as Arooga's. Who didn’t see this coming?

● The Patriot-News reports today that Comcast and Verizon are selling new channel plans. For what it’s worth, the charts for service package offerings make my head spin.


● State Rep. Ron Marsico has turned the staffers at the Greater Philadelphia Film Office into a bunch of nervous Nellies. CLICK HERE to find out why.



● On the frozen pond, Central Dauphin goalie Kevin Consevage posted a shutout Monday in the Ram’s 2–0 win over Hempfield at Twin Ponds. Check out the video from WGAL TV-8. (Rams Ice Hockey website)



● You gotta play to WIN ... Please take a few minutes to enter the latest Gazette contest that is a linked to a video ad for St. Thomas Restaurant in Linglestown. Entry deadline is this Friday, Dec. 12, at noon.

Bank celebrates HQ opening

The Linglestown area is now home to the headquarters of Centric Bank, which has transformed the former Hollywood Video store located in front of Weis on Linglestown Road into a beautiful corporate office and bank branch.

Centric Bank President and CEO Patti Husic and her staff hosted a corporate unveiling Tuesday evening to celebrate their move from Susquehanna Twp. to Lower Paxton Twp.

Centric Bank is locally owned and provides a wide range of personal and business banking services. They specialize in making the lives of small business owners easier.
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Photos by B²

No-tax-hike LP budget nearly official

The property tax rate assessed by Lower Paxton Twp. is slated to stay right where it is next year, according to a news brief filed by T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News.

Township administrators closed the budget gap during the last week from about $184,000 to just over $3,000, which is a miniscule amount in a $18.5 million spending plan.

The township's 2009 budget will be officially adopted next Tuesday during the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Ad: B² takes care of the hungries

UPATE – 5 entries received as of Wednesday, 3:03 pm. Deadline to enter is Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at noon.



I have a favor to ask all loyal Gazette readers …

First, please check out the video. Next, let’s spread the word about St. Thomas Restaurant, a Linglestown eatery located in the village square, that’s featured in the video – it’s definitely worth a try.

I have $10 gift certificate for St. Thomas Restaurant to give away to the winner of a drawing that will take place this Friday, Dec. 12. Follow the two-step process described below to enter the contest:

1. Send an e-mail to at least five of your friends and/or family members who live on the East Shore and ask them to watch the video. (Be sure to include the ad’s YouTube page address – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXfK-U9IWAM – in your message.)

2. To enter the contest, forward a copy of the e-mail to B² that shows the e-mail addresses of the people you contacted, and most importantly, includes your name, address and telephone number.

I’ll post a video Friday to announce the winner. Good luck!
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A jumbo-sized B² thank you goes out to Danielle Bostic, Jay and Kim Mumper, Dave Marple and my lovely bride, Barb, for agreeing to appear in the video!

Backyard news, 12.08.08

* CD Rams girls’ basketball team, the defending PIAA Class AAAA champs, started the season in style by winning the Rams’ tip-off tourney Saturday. In the title game, they defeated a talented Downingtown East squad by a count of 42–30. CLICK HERE for a game report penned by Andrew Shay of The Patriot-News.

* Gazette congrats go out to a pair of Linglestown firefighters, Shawn Magaro and Shawn Drees, for becoming career firemen. (Source Link)

* The Lower Paxton Twp. Board of Supervisors will be meeting in a workshop session Tuesday at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street, 6 pm. CLICK HERE to view the agenda.

Workshops are non-televised meetings that are used by the supervisors and township staff members to discuss issues in depth. The public is welcome to attend.

* You can help keep Linglestown Gazette on the cutting-edge of happenings in Lower Paxton Twp. by sending news tips and community calendar items to B² via e-mail.

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Time is running out to enter Linglestown Fire Company's SUPER TRAVEL RAFFLE. Need more info? All you need to know and more is only a CLICK away.

Chilly tree lighting held in Linglestown

About 50 intrepid souls turned out Sunday evening despite sub-freezing temps for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting held at the square in the historic village of Linglestown. Take a look at the video to see the merry-making that you missed by staying snuggly warm at home.

Sunday's BIG event

Christmas Tree Lighting and Merchants' Open House in the historic village of Linglestown sponsored by Linglestown Fire Company. Several merchants will be displaying balloons outside their businesses to identify their participation in the tree lighting event. (Click on the announcement shown below to view a larger version.)

SRO crowd at Roasters

A big crowd turned out Friday night at St. Thomas Roasters in historic Linglestown to hear some good old fashion rock n' roll and pop tunes performed by a local group. (Pictured, left to right: Chuck Kester, Patty Tamayo, Dan Bailey and Dave Kaprocki)

More music is on tap at the coffee house tonight with acoustic folk rock courtesy of Ben Pierson, FREE admission, 8–10 pm.

Police make arrest in Linglestown store heist

Linglestown man with a McIlhenny Avenue address is accused of robbing a jewelry store on N. Mountain Road at gunpoint last month. CLICK HERE for a report by Matthew Kemeny of The Patriot-News.