Lower Paxton teen in movie

Karyn Purcell, a starting guard on the Central Dauphin High School basketball team, has a role in the upcoming basketball movie, The Winning Season.

CLICK HERE for a Patriot-News blog post that includes a photo of Karyn, and HERE for the story that appeared in today's paper.

Saturday night at Roasters

Just Dave is the featured artist tonight at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown. The Colonial Park musical artist (pictured) sings and plays the keyboard, guitar and harmonica.
Stop by anytime between 8 and 10 pm, FREE admission.
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St. Thomas Roasters, website

Disclosure: St. Thomas Roasters is a Linglestown Gazette sponsor. Last week B² started to receive a limited amount of free coffee in exchange for promoting events, products and services offered by the coffee house.

Lovin' Linglestown

Today is the kickoff of a very special Valentine's Day giveaway courtesy of five merchants in the village of Linglestown.

Click on the flyer below to view a larger version, and CLICK HERE for details about the Grand Prize Package!

Townships need to share services

Patriot-News editors made a case today for small cities and communities to join forces to provide police coverage instead of dumping the burden on the state police. This is an issue that's near and dear to state Rep. Ron Marsico's heart.

B² analysis ...

Lower Paxton isn't going to disband its police force, but the township might be able to reduce police costs by forming a regional police force with fast-growing East, South and West Hanover townships.

Heck, why stop at police services? The political boundaries for Lower Paxton and neighboring communities no longer make sense now that villages and former farm fields have been globbed together thanks to suburban sprawl. Besides police, there are other municipal services that could be shared or regionalized.

The current economic recession has cast a light on the need to streamline government at all levels. But, and this is a big but, citizen activism is an absolute must if the system is going to be challenged.

Lower Paxton officials had to work long and hard to avoid enacting a property-tax hike to fund the township's 2009 budget. Odds are a tax hike will be needed next year or in 2011.

The time for action is now, Gazette readers. I'd say a good first step would be to call for Lower Paxton officials to generate a list of services that have the potential to be shared with neighboring municipalities. Take a minute now to make the request by sending an e-mail to the township supervisors.

Lower Paxton news links, 01.30.09

* Here's a cool story about a Lower Paxton man who's headed for the Super Bowl in Tampa.

* Crook cornered Thursday morning at Bon-Ton in the Colonial Park Mall.

Super Bowl Saturday in Linglestown

Please take 2 minutes to view this
Linglestown TV special report.

Video links to Super Saturday events: Super Bowl Breakfast; 2 Soup Dinner; Music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house features Just Dave, 8–10 pm, FREE

Electric blues coming Friday to Roasters

Changing pace a bit, Friday night's edition of music at St. Thomas Roasters in Linglestown will feature the electric blues sound of 61 South, a three-piece band out of Schuylkill County. Click the play button to listen to a Linglestown Radio interview with Sterling Koch, the leader of the band. (4 minute, 20 seconds playing time)

Another Gazette winner

Jen Feinberg snagged the FREE exam and massage at Homza Chiropractic Wellness & Rehab located on Linglestown Road about a quarter-mile west of the historic village. (If you missed the giveaway announcement, check out the last item of this post.)

Hey, it pays to get a daily dose of Linglestown Gazette.

Backyard news, 01.28.09

Controversy rolls on ... Nick Cantone's restaurant is the subject of another letter-to-the-editor in today's Patriot-News. In this one, Timothy J. Marsico says Cantone seems to be the state's "whipping boy" for many issues.

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie ... State Sen. Jeff Piccola has accused Gov. Ed Rendell of "unnecessarily ratcheting up the fear" about looming job cuts for state workers. Piccola's comments are on page 2 of an article in today's Patriot-News.

Aiding crime fighters ... State Rep. Marsico announced Tuesday that a committee he chairs approved legislation that will help state authorities fight against drug trafficking.

_________________________________________________________

This post is sponsored by ...

FIRST IMPRESSIONS’
BOUTIQUE, GIFTS, & DAY SPA

Beat the WINTER BLUES and visit FIRST IMPRESSIONS! Our friendly staff will show you our unique merchandise, or you may tour our Day Spa featuring faux painted wall treatments. You can also make an appointment for a “Complimentary” BARE MINERALS Make-Up Kit Application! CLICK HERE for more details.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS is located at 5943 Linglestown Road
in “The Village of Linglestown”

_________________________________________________________

Proposed housing community ... The Lower Paxton Twp. Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to hear a request from the Parmer Family Foundation on a proposed 150-unit housing community on a tract located near the vo-tech school on Locust Lane. The hearing will be held tomorrow night, Jan. 29, 7 pm at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street.

Gazette giveaway ... I injured my neck at a prayer breakfast back in early November. (This should attract some interesting comments!) Instead of turning my chair to face the featured speaker, I opted to turn my neck to look at him. Twenty-four hours later ... bingo, big-time neck pain and stiffness. The injury eventually developed into a chronic problem.

Last week I said enough is enough and called the folks at Homza Chiropractic Wellness & Rehab in search of some relief and healing. Long story short, I'm on the road to recovery thanks to Dr. Josee Homza and her staff that work out of a remodeled stone building located just west of the historic village of Linglestown on Linglestown Road.

If you have a nagging injury that needs attention, be the second person to e-mail me and I'll send you a certificate good for a FREE massage and discussion with a doctor at Homza Chiropractic, a $75 value. Be sure to include your name and mailing address in the e-mail.

Deadline to enter is Friday, January 30 at noon.

Yuk!

For the record, snow and freezing rain today created a big mess on the roads in the Linglestown area and across Pennsylvania. The snow, ice and muck caused Central Dauphin School District to cancel classes.

For me, spring can't come soon enough.

2-soup dinner Saturday in Linglestown

Take it from me, B², this is an event you don't want to miss. The fire company's soup is really, really yummy!!
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The firefighters of the Linglestown Fire Co. # 1 will sponsor their annual mid-winter homemade 2-soup dinner at the Linglestown firehouse this Saturday, January 31. The dinner will begin at 11:00 am and end when the supplies are sold. The items to be prepared are chicken corn soup and ham and bean soup.

The soups are prepared by the firefighters at the rear of the firehouse, located at 5901 Linglestown Rd., at the west end of the village. Large iron kettles are used in the soups’ preparation.

The soups are available for eat-in service, together with sandwiches, desserts, and beverages served by the Ladies Auxiliary. For take-out service, persons will be provided with containers that are available at the firehouse.

Super Bowl breakfast invite for men

Linglestown Life would like to invite men of the community (and their sons) to attend the 2009 Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, January 31 from 8:30-10:00 am at the church. A continental breakfast will be served. Be part of the Super Bowl weekend excitement live from Tampa Bay. There is no charge for the event. E-mail registration is appreciated but is not necessary.

Highlights of the morning include:

• Fast and furious video footage of the teams playing in The Big Game


• Up close and personal interviews with players and other celebrated guests


• The presentation of the prestigious Bart Starr Award-given to a player selected by his peers who exemplifies character in the home, on the field and in the community.


• Inspirational keynote address
  

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Event location map

More on Arooga's

E-mail received in response to a Gazette inquiry ...

Arooga’s is in the process of putting another restaurant in the location of the now-closed Kokomo’s at the intersection of Linglestown and Colonial roads. We didn’t purchase the old Kokomo’s – we’re simply moving into that location. The process to transfer a liquor license is about to get under way. As for an opening date, we do not have one yet.

– Gary Huether Jr., owner of Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar
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B² note: I was in the Arooga's on Route 22 in West Hanover Twp. last summer with the Linglestown Twilight baseball team. I thought the bar food was pretty good (keep in mind that I'm not a picky eater), and it has TVs aplenty, which is great for sports fans.

Giotti's good to go

Comments under a recent post about Giotti's Family Italian Restaurant revealed that the eatery located behind Commerce Bank on Linglestown Road had been cited for six health violations by Pa. Department of Agriculture inspectors. None of the violations were of a major nature, but they needed to be corrected by the end of this month.

Well, the violations have either been corrected or are being addressed, and Giotti's has been back in good stead with the state since Monday.
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CLICK HERE to view a copy of the Food Facility Inspection Report filed by the Pa. Department of Agriculture.

Hat tip to ymnot for posting info about Giotti's on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com.

Recovered addicts to chat with CD High seniors

Click on the above headline for details about today's presentation.

Need a summer job?

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co. will hold a job fair from 3 to 7 pm today in the Giant Center for part-time and seasonal jobs for anyone 16 and older.

Lower Paxton news links, 01.26.09

CD sports ...

Central Dauphin Rams girls' basketball team suffered their first loss of the season Sunday to a team from the Big Apple. The local sports experts at St. Thomas Roasters in Linglestown opined today that the loss to a tough opponent might be just what the Rams needed to get toughened up for upcoming playoff season. The team is the defending state Quad-A champs, and they've been mowing over all local teams by big margins this season.

Meanwhile, the Rams wrestling team is prepping to defend their District 3 Team Championship.

Let's get political ...

State Rep. Ron Marsico is disturbed about a growing number of municipalities turning over their police coverage to the Pa. State Police (see page 2 of the article).

And, state Sen. Jeff Piccola got a not-so-glowing mention in a Patriot-News editorial about the state's budget crisis.

More talk about Cantone's ...

Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant continues to get publicity from its recent run-ins with the state over smoking and gambling at the Colonial Park eatery. Today's Patriot-News included a letter-to-the-editor that rips the state for raiding the place.

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Arooga's coming to old Kokomo's

As predicted in a Q-Tip last month, Arooga's is going to open a restaurant at the location of the recently closed Kokomo's at the intersection of Linglestown and Colonial roads. Doors are supposed to open in March, according to a report by Sue Gleiter of The Patriot-News that was published Sunday (see page 3).

Arooga's now has two restaurants that are located in West Hanover and East Pennsboro townships.

Government watchdog, 01.26.09

The Central Dauphin School Board will meet tonight at 7 pm in the Lecture Hall of Central Dauphin East High School. I reviewed the agenda and selected three items to highlight:

– State Rep. Ron Marsico will present to the Board a resolution passed by the Pa. House of Representatives that recognizes January as School Board of Director's Month.

– Central Dauphin Rams Club will update the Board on the status of their weight room project at Central Dauphin High School.

– First reading of a revision to the district's graduation requirement.

To view the agenda, click on the plus sign for 1/26/09, and then click on the plus signs to see details about specific agenda items.

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Put a RamBand Card in your wallet

You can get a long list of discounts from local merchants and help the Central Dauphin Band at the same time by purchasing a RamBand Card for only 10 bucks. CLICK HERE for a list of participating merchants and ordering instructions.

Lower Paxton news links, 01.25.09

Local connection at Super Bowl ... Lower Paxton resident Jeff Miller, a former Pa. State Police commissioner, will play a leading role in coordinating stadium security for the Super Bowl in Tampa.

More on Obama's inauguration ... Building on a Gazette story by Jay Purdy, Patriot-News reporter John Luciew talked with Purdy and two other Lower Paxton residents about their Inauguration Day experience last Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Ultimate fox caller ... David Kaprocki of Linglestown has published a book on the ins and outs of fox calling. If you're into hunting, be sure to check out a feature article about Kaprocki that appeared in today's Patriot-News, and a blog post that includes photos.

School food, yum yum … According to a public notice in The Patriot-News, Central Dauphin School District is seeking proposals for providing food service management for the district's cafeteria operations. Deadline for companies to submit paperwork is March 3.

Lower Paxton, Linglestown week in review

This week’s top posts …

* Circuit City short-circuited ... The plug soon will be pulled for good on big-box electronics retailer Circuit City, and Gazette correspondent Harrison L. Michelson tracks down details to aid readers who shop at the Paxton Towne Center store.

* Purdy's Inauguration Day adventure ... Lower Paxton resident Jay Purdy was (sort of a) witness to Obama's historic inauguration ceremony Tuesday.

* Anonymous comments bad business ... Gazette publisher B² makes a case for readers to come out of the closet when posting comments.

* Linglestown Radio is back with another show that previews tonight's FREE live music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in the historic village of Linglestown.

Lower Paxton news links, 01.23.09

Grapplers roll on ... In a repeat of last season, CD High's wrestling team is once again making mincemeat of all comers. Thursday night they snagged a division crown by whipping Middletown. For details, check out a match report by Jeremy Elliott of The Patriot-News.

Panthers hooping it up ... CD East High's boys' basketball team is one of the top teams in the midstate. Thursday night they pulled out a clutch win over always-tough Steel-High. Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News has details on the tense final minute of the contest.

Smoking in the bathroom, err restaurant ... Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant is back in the news for violating the state's indoor smoking ban. This link to a Patriot-News blog post is plastered with reader comments.

Government watchdog ... The Patriot-News reported today that Sen. Jeff Piccola is the only state senator from the midstate who has not paid back the 2.8 percent cost-of-living pay raise that a state law automatically granted lawmakers in December – he's donating the pay hike to charity.

(Source – Piccola is mentioned on page 2)

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Baseball sign-ups … Linglestown Baseball Association is holding registration sessions for the 2009 youth season, and the next sign-up is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 24.

LINGLESTOWN BASEBALL 2009 REGISTRATION

Saturdays: January 24, 31
9:00 am - noon
Wednesdays: January 28 and February 4
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Sign-ups at the Baseball Clubhouse - Koons Park

We've got a winner ...

Megan deManincor has been declared the winner of $5 gift certificate give-away to Doggie Delights on Linglestown Road. Congrats, Megan!

She was the third person to respond to the Backyard News post published yesterday (see last item).

As always, a daily does of Linglestown Gazette is good your mind and pocketbook.

FREE live music Saturday at Roasters

Music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown returns this Saturday, Jan. 24, with the musical artistry of singer and acoustic guitarist Ben Pierson.

I did a Linglestown Radio interview with Ben to get a taste of what he'll be doing during his show, 8-10 pm, FREE admission. Don't surf away from this page until you click the play button and listen to my 4-minute chat with Ben.

Backyard news, 01.22.09

Sheetz wrapz ... B² thanks are in order for the fine folks at Sheetz for giving me a free meal last Wednesday at Hershey Lodge in exchange for a chance to pick my brain on ways to destroy their competitors in the convenience store biz.

And I have to tell you, the group of Harrisburg-area customers at the lunch meeting were highly satisfied with Sheetz, especially the new store on Route 22 across from Ollie's Bargain Outlet. I doubt my suggestion was worth the price of my meal: I'd make more meal runs to Sheetz if they occasionally sent coupons like they did for a time after the new store opened last spring.

I learned that Sheetz tries to match the lowest gas price in the area, recently spent big bucks to purchase equipment to make their own bread and donuts, and donates day-old food to a food bank.

Customers who attended the session received coupons, a t-shirt and a $20 Sheetz Z-Card. Nice!

Pat on the back time ... Gazette congrats go out to Sarah Wilson of Linglestown for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Sarah is a CD High senior, and she plans to major in athletic training at Lock Haven University.

Government watchdog ... Central Dauphin School Board plans to refinance $6 million dollars in debt that was originally borrowed in 2003, and Lower Paxton Twp. is working on a $10 million refinancing of borrowings in 2002 and 2004. Neither public notice that appeared in The Patriot-News included an estimate of savings taxpayers could realize from the deals.

Village business update ... The Merchants of Linglestown are gearing up to do a membership drive, and a handful of village businesses will be sponsoring very cool give-aways to celebrate Valentine's Day. Watch the Gazette for more details. ... Jim and Lisa Clancy soon will be opening a custom frame shop called Framed! in the small building located a couple doors down from St. Thomas Restaurant.

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Smoking no-nos ... Two of the 329 establishments in Pennsylvania that were sent warning letters from the state Department of Health for violating the state's new indoor smoking law are located in Lower Paxton Twp. – Nick Cantone's Sports Tavern in Colonial Park and the now-closed Kokomo's Sports Bar & Grill on Linglestown Road. (Source)

Make your bow wow happy ... Do you have a dog that likes a treat every now and again? If you do, be the third person to e-mail B² and I'll send you a $5 gift certificate to Doggie Delights on Linglestown Road. Be sure to include your name and mailing address in the e-mail. Deadline to enter is Friday, Jan. 23 at noon.

B² editorial: Anonymous comments bad business

I posted a highly entertaining article yesterday penned by Jay Purdy that described his experience at Obama’s inauguration. Sadly, the post prompted several spurious comments from readers named “Anonymous,” a surname that is very popular on the Internet. I deleted comments that did not advance Jay’s story.

For now, Linglestown Gazette is set up to allow anonymous comments since the number of comments posted on the blog still is pretty low, making it easy to keep tabs on them.

But, let me make it crystal clear that anonymous comments are bad business because readers who post them have no accountability for their views and allegations. The lack of accountability oftentimes results in personal attacks against other readers. This is unacceptable in my book.

My goal with Linglestown Gazette is to provide an upstanding source of news and community info about Linglestown and Lower Paxton Twp, and accountability is a mark of all trusted journalistic enterprises.

So, those of you who opt to remain in the closet, please keep your comments clean and out of the gutter.

In saying this, note that my goal is NOT to stifle comments – nothing could be further from the truth. It’s all about creating a situation in which readers will feel comfortable expressing pro and con opinions that thoughtfully add to the content that shows up on Linglestown Gazette.

Hess Express robbed at gunpoint

The Hess Express on eastbound Route 22 (Allentown Blvd.) in Lower Paxton Twp. experienced an armed robbery last night. Click the headline above for details from WHTM TV-27.

Obama inauguration: (Sort of a) witness to history

By Jay Purdy
For Linglestown Gazette

I caught the 5 a.m. bus departure from the Harrisburg Mall.

We made great time, around two hours, to our destination, RFK stadium, jumping onto shuttle buses to make the blazing fast five-minute trip for our bus to creep the final half-mile of the dash downtown in the lightning time of one hour.

Emerging from the bus dressed for the cold like the kid brother in Christmas Story, I calmly walked over to the cherished purple ticket entrance gate on the other side of the Capitol, a trek reminiscent of the Israelites wandering the desert for 40 years, to arrive at my Promised Land, a mass of about 10,000 other holders of rare purple tickets languishing at an intersection only feet from West Virginia – the state, not the street.

But our land flowing with milk and honey remained out of our reach behind 10-foot tall steel barricades. It seems Joshua had issued too many tickets.

Off in the distance, we heard the feint notes of "Ruffles and Flourishes," and the cheers sweeping through 3 million of our fellow citizens, followed by the surprising close methodic crash of the 21-gun salute.

As some of my impromptu compatriots on our version of the "three-hour tour" surrendered to the despair that we were so near, yet so far, I counseled them that things could be worse – George W. Bush could still be president. Those around me agreed and we melted away, each seeking their own path to salvation – a way back to whence we came, consoled that in our way, we were part of history – well, sort of.

The bus made great time back to Harrisburg.
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Jay Purdy is a former Lower Paxton Twp. supervisor, a member of the Lower Paxton Historical Society, an avid Civil War reenactor, and a big-time Obama supporter.
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Photos by Jay Purdy. Top: Buses arrive back in Egypt (RFK Stadium) from the Promised Land. Bottom: Unidentifiable important people bidding farewell as George W. Bush boards Marine 1. Click on pictures to view larger versions.

Backyard news, 01.20.09

B² update ... The stomach virus making the rounds at my house snagged me last night, so I'm a low-energy journalist today. I'm going to keep this update short and sweet.

Government watchdog ... Three of the five Lower Paxton supervisors held a brief meeting tonight (Bill Seeds and Bill Hornung were absent). Notable actions: Reading-based McCullough Consulting Group was hired to assist the township obtain grants for the ongoing sewer improvement projects, and two resolutions were approved for the planned traffic signal at the intersection of Locust Lane and Nyes Road.

Police update ... Bill Hawk, who chairs the Lower Paxton Board of Supervisors, swore in Bryan Walters, a native of Lewisburg, as a new township police officer tonight. Walters recently graduated from the Police Academy at Harrisburg Area Community College. Godspeed to you, Bryan, as you patrol our neighborhoods.

And, the following officers were promoted by Chief of Police Bair: Gary Seifelt, promoted to lieutenant; Timothy Hicks, promoted to sergeant; Justin DePasqua, promoted to corporal; Rich Needham, promoted to corporal. Congrats to all!

LP resident seeking judgeship ... Dauphin County Assistant DA Francis Chardo, a Lower Paxton resident, is seeking election to the Dauphin County bench. He's been involved in some notable cases, including the pending perjury case against Pocono slots casino owner Louis DeNaples, a rich guy in the Scranton area who is rumored to have mob connections.

Love that link love ... Here's a shoutout to Matthew Koons of West Hanover Twp. for linking to the Gazette on his self-entitled news and commentary blog Matthew Koons Reports. Matthew reports that he had a meal at the Chocolate Cafe yesterday and thought it was very good.


Wanna be a guitar hero? ... Hey, if you want to learn how to play guitar or advance your skills, I know just the guy who can show you the way – Music at Roasters regular Frank Cotolo. Check out his ad on craigslist.

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This post is brought to you by the New York City-trained hair stylist and color specialist who pulled off the amazing hair transformation shown below – Bill Trotter of Shag, located in the Linglestown square next to St. Thomas Roasters.

Gazette has connection at Obama's big day

Below is a report received this morning from Gazette reader Jay Purdy ...

Traded my two silver tickets to a guy who wanted to take his wife. He only had one ticket, but it was in the purple area, on the Capitol grounds. Couldn't get much closer without being family, big elected official or Bono. As you look from the front of the podium, it is on the left side and just back from the last row of seats.

My jacket weighs an extra ten pounds from power bars, bottled water and camera batteries. Bus departed at 4:30 am.

If all goes as planned, Jay will be submitting photos and additional commentary about the inauguration.

Backyard news, 01.19.09

Government watchdog … The Lower Paxton Twp. supervisors will conduct their final business meeting of January tomorrow night, Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. Please note that the meeting will start at 5 pm. (agenda)

The agenda includes a couple items related to the long-awaited traffic signal at Nyes Road and Locust Lane.

You can watch a live TV broadcast of the meeting on Comcast channel 20.

CD sports ... The Central Dauphin High wrestling team won a big match Saturday.

Put a RamBand Card in your wallet ... You can get a long list of discounts from local merchants and help the Central Dauphin Band at the same time by purchasing a RamBand Card for only 10 bucks. CLICK HERE for a list of participating merchants and ordering instructions.

It's spring musical time ... Central Dauphin High's spring musical, Annie Get Your Gun, is fast approaching. The box office is now selling tickets for shows on March 11–15. CLICK HERE for more info.



Birthday Bash on tap this Sunday ... The Friendship Center wants you to help celebrate its ninth birthday on Sunday, Jan. 25, 1–3 pm. Come to this special event that will feature entertainment, and of course ... ice cream and cake! For information about the center, call 657-5635. The Friendship Center is located at 5000 Commons Drive. (map)

Cub Scout news ... Cub Scout Pack 27's annual Pinewood Derby and Bake Sale will be held this Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 am–1:30 pm. All the festivities will be at Mount Calvary United Methodist Church located at 175 North Fairville Avene. (map)

Hot foods, soups, and drinks will be available for purchase in addition to the baked goods. Approximately 40 boys will be racing pinewood cars that they have so proudly built with their partners.

Circuit City short-circuited

By Harrison L. Michelson
for Linglestown Gazette

As you’ve probably heard by now, Circuit City is liquidating its inventory and will shutter all their stores in the near future. The national electronics retailer has two Harrisburg-area locations: Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg and Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Twp. in the Paxton Towne Center.

Word of the store’s demise broke on Friday morning, and the Lower Paxton store was crawling with bargain shoppers Saturday morning. Many items were being sold for 10-percent off the marked price.

So what if you have Circuit City gift cards or protection plans? Do not worry. The gift cards will be accepted until they close. Once they close, unfortunately, the gift cards will be worthless. Also, extended warranties purchased at Circuit City will be unaffected by the shutdown since they are backed by third-party companies.

The Jonestown Road location, which a store employee said is the corporation’s seventh best performing store, does not have a definite closing date. (It depends on what the liquidator does, and how quickly the store sells what's left.) The company's Web site says all stores will be closed sometime in March.

When Circuit City filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, they were attempting to reorganize the company to survive into the future. However, there were several issues – including the sharp decline in the price of televisions, their delisting from the New York Stock Exchange, and the recession – that forced the company to call it quits.

Circuit City is only one of a number of major retailers that have turned out the lights in Lower Paxton. Linens 'n Things and S&K Menswear shut down in late December, and Tweeter closed in early December.

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This post is sponsored by
St. Thomas Restaurant,
the only eatery in the village of Linglestown that offers a full-menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CLICK HERE to check out their "Daily Specials."

Lower Paxton, Linglestown week in review

This week’s top posts …

* Lower Paxton TV in the works ... Planning is under way to launch a cable access channel for Lower Paxton Twp.

* Marsico set to start 11th term in Pa. House ... Linglestown Gazette recently chatted via e-mail with state Rep. Ron Marsico, R-Lower Paxton Twp., to get the lowdown on his top issues for the new two-year legislative session that begins January 26.

* Mix-up at Linglestown eatery explained ... Giotti's Family Italian Restaurant is trying to make amends for a mix-up with its credit-card system that caused several days' worth of transactions to be delayed, including some from as far back as last March.

* Linglestown Gazette does the Farm Show ... B² reveals his favorite thing to do at the nation's largest indoor ag show.

* Linglestown Radio is back on the air with a preview of FREE music at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in the historic village of Linglestown.

_________________________________________________________

This post is sponsored by ...

FIRST IMPRESSIONS’
BOUTIQUE, GIFTS, & DAY SPA

Beat the WINTER BLUES and visit FIRST IMPRESSIONS! Our friendly staff will show you our unique merchandise, or you may tour our Day Spa featuring faux painted wall treatments. You can also make an appointment for a “Complimentary” BARE MINERALS Make-Up Kit Application! CLICK HERE for more details.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS is located at 5943 Linglestown Road
in “The Village of Linglestown”

_________________________________________________________

Dollar Tree store robbed at gunpoint

Click the above headline to jump over to a news brief from The Patriot-News.

Roasters music alert

Frank Cotolo was booked minutes ago to do another Music at Roasters gig tonight at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house in Linglestown, 8-10 pm, FREE.

TGIF backyard news, 01.16.09

Lower Paxton and Obama … Central Dauphin East High is hoping to snag soon-to-be President Obama as a graduation speaker. … LP resident’s artwork sports Obama’s autograph.

Dogging around … Dog parks seem to all the rage in Pennsylvania. As you probably know, one is supposed open in Lower Paxton’s Kohl Park this spring. And as I scour the Net for news on my paid job, I regularly spot other communities looking to do the same thing. In fact, today I spotted a proposed project in the Scranton area.

CD b-ballers still undefeated ... The Central Dauphin Rams girls' basketball team, which is the reigning Quad-A state champs, have been torching their opponents once again this season. Wednesday night they rolled over Trinity.

Here comes the judge ... Magisterial District Judge Bill Wenner is seeking your vote to serve another term. His office is in the single-story building along N. Mountain Road located at the entrance to Linglestown Middle School. CLICK HERE to read a press release about Wenner’s re-election bid that appeared in The Paxton Herald.

Let's get political ... State Rep. Ron Marsico is among lawmakers who are ripping Gov. Ed Rendell for breaking his hiring freeze by creating a new $95,000-a-year post for a former state rep from north-central Pennsylvania. CLICK HERE for a video report from the folks at WHTM TV-27, and HERE to read Marsico's letter to Rendell.

Duo to harmonize Saturday at Roasters

Linglestown Radio is on the air with a preview of music at St. Thomas Roasters in Linglestown for this Saturday, Jan. 17, 8–10 pm, no cover.


My guest is Cathy Hart of Blue Scarlett (pictured), a Harrisburg-based duo who will be making their first appearance at the coffee house. Cathy performs with her sister Debbie.

So, stop what you’re doing, click on the play button and tune into Linglestown Radio for a 3-minute show.

Lower Paxton news links, 01.14.09

PennDOT spokesman Greg Penny says work is set to begin on the $4.5 million project to transform the village of Linglestown with a pair of traffic roundabouts and other improvements. Penny said work is set to start in June if all the right-of-way purchases are done. (source)

Lower Paxton Twp. manager George Wolfe said this week that the right-of-way acquisitions won’t be a problem.

CLICK HERE for Gazette archives about the planned village project.

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Lower Paxton Twp. attorney Bernie L. Coates, Jr. is seeking to fill one of the vacancies on the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas. (source)

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Gambling items were seized Tuesday from Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant in Colonial Park, state police announced yesterday. (source)

Nick Cantone, the restaurant's owner, appeared on the Bob Durgin talk show on WHP 580 am Wednesday afternoon to discuss the police raid. He said that his business was being unfairly targeted by the state.

Cantone also made news a few months ago when he openly disregarded the state's new indoor smoking ban by allowing his customers to light up.

Moo-velous Farm Show

Just for fun ...

I made my annual trek to the Farm Show last night. As is becoming a tradition, I hit the food court, took a photo of cow butts and headed back to Linglestown.

The visit was deemed a success because I successfully avoided cow dung and other forms of animal droppings.

My favorite Farm Show thing to do is watch pots and pan hucksters do their thing, but alas, I arrived at the big barn too late to take in a show.

And, yes, I did consume one the world's best milk shakes.
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Danielle Bostic, a senior at CD High and B²'s daughter, took last year's cow shot.

This year Danielle participated in a photojournalism program at the Farm Show sponsored by the fine Americans at The Patriot-News. CLICK HERE to view one of her photos on PennLive.com.

This fall Danielle will attend Antonelli Institute, a photography school in suburban Philadelphia.

Mix-up at Linglestown eatery explained

By Harrison L. Michelson
for Linglestown Gazette

Early this week a comment appeared on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com that accused a Linglestown-area restaurant of ripping off customers by double charging them by hitting their credit-card accounts at the point of sale and a second time months later. (See thread #475)

Giovanni Barone, the owner of Giotti's Family Italian Restaurant located behind Commerce Bank on Linglestown Road, said what may appear to be unauthorized transactions are valid, but a mix-up with his credit-card system caused several days' worth of transactions to be delayed, including some from as far back as last March.

When the system works correctly, credit-card sales made during a business day are batched together and sent to a credit-card processor. From there the data is sent to a bank, and finally money is deposited in Giotti's account.

But, Barone recently noticed that there were 12 to 14 days during 2008 that weren't batched at all. The outstanding credit-card sales were batched at the beginning of this year out sent out to be processed. The next day customers started calling wondering why they were being charged. Others went so far as to think they were being double charged.

Barone explained that there was no way he could give card owners advance notice of the catch-up transactions because the only information he has on file is the last four digits of credit-card account numbers.

To make amends for the confusion, Barone has been offering gift certificates to people who have been affected by the error. If you feel like you have a problem related to this situation, you can reach Barone at 717-652-5656.

Backyard news, 11.13.09

NOTE: Comments about Sheetz (see last item) need to be posted by 11 am, 01.14.09.

Anyone going to Obama's inauguration in D.C. next Tuesday?

At least one Lower Paxton Twp. resident will be on the scene – Jay Purdy. And, if all goes as planned, Purdy will be sharing photos and a brief eye-witness account of the historic event right here on the Gazette.

Purdy made history a few years back by getting elected as a Democratic candidate to Lower Paxton's supervisors board even though an overwhelming majority of voters in the township were Republicans. He has been active with the Lower Paxton Historical Society and is an avid Civil War reenactor.

I've got Q-Tips ... Solid Rock Book Store closed for eternity sometime during the last week or so. ... Bumble Bee Hollow Golf Center on Linglestown Road has divided its property into two lots, but the golf driving range is expected to continue operating for now, according to the new township newsletter. ... Keller Williams of Central PA, a real estate firm, recently moved into the office building on N. Lockwillow Ave. that previously housed a scrapbooking store. The building is located next to the Candlewood Suites motel project that is being constructed at the intersection of N. Lockwllow Ave. and N. Mountain Rd. ... If you're a newbie to this blog, CLICK HERE to learn about Q-Tips.

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Baseball sign-ups … Linglestown Baseball Association will hold its first registration session for the 2009 youth season this Saturday.

LINGLESTOWN BASEBALL 2009 REGISTRATION

Saturdays: January 17, 24, 31
9:00 am - noon
Wednesdays: January 28 and February 4
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Sign-ups at the Baseball Clubhouse - Koons Park

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Grassroot activists keep tabs on local officials ... Community watchdog group SWAN has published another newsletter with recaps of recent township meetings. Below are a few notable items:

– The township Authority voted to raise the quarterly sewer rate by $10. The new rate of $116 will start with the April 2009 billing. (11.25.08 Authority board meeting)

– The township is going to help Koons Pool obtain a loan to make sure the club has enough cash on hand to open the pool this summer. (12.03.08 Parks and Rec Board meeting)

– Linglestown Life church received approval to double the size of its facilities located just north of the village square. The project will add classrooms, a worship center, a hospitality area and a recreation space. (12.04.08 Zoning Hearing Board meeting)

Free lunch on Sheetz ... To my suprise and pleasure, I received an invite from the fine people at Sheetz to have a free lunch tomorrow at the Hershey Hotel. I guess MTOs won't be on the menu??

All I have to do is tell Sheetz executives what my take is on their new store on Allentown Blvd. across from Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

What's your two cents on this store? Post a comment and I'll gladly pass along gripes, compliments, whatever.

Marsico set to start 11th term in Pa. House

Linglestown Gazette recently chatted via e-mail with state Rep. Ron Marsico, R-Lower Paxton Twp., to get the lowdown on his top issues for the new two-year legislative session that begins January 26. Marisco has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 1988.

By Harrison L. Michelson
for Linglestown Gazette

There's no surprise what's front and center on state Rep. Ron Marsico's priority list these days – the sour economy and a looming state budget deficit that is estimated to be as high as $2 billion. "Pennsylvania’s finances will be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session," said Marsico.

Marsico was recently appointed to serve as the Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He hopes the post will help him spearhead the modernization of state laws that deal with small games of chance, a big issue for volunteer fire companies, veterans groups and other nonprofit organizations.

Linglestown is also on Marsico's mind with construction likely to start this spring on the long-awaited village improvement project. "We need to be sure that we maintain the integrity of the village, while doing what we can to increase the interest and economy of the historic town," he said.

For more on what Marsico hopes to accomplish on behalf of Lower Paxton residents during the 2009–2010 legislative session, CLICK HERE for his Q&A with the Gazette.
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Harrison L. Michelson lives in Lower Paxton Twp. and is a student at Harrisburg Area Community College. He has his sights on a career in journalism.