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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* 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.