Linglestown side-yard business

The sound of lawn mowers has returned to the Linglestown area following recent rains, which is good news for a local merchant who quietly repairs, refurbishes and sells mowers and other gadgets with small engines.

If you're looking for a new mower guy, consider stopping to see Charlie Lanza at 5943 Larue Street in the village.

I recently bought a used mower from him. He seems like a good guy. At the time of my purchase, he was recovering from injuries sustained while competing in a motocross event.
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VIDEO: Dr. Johnson sworn in as CD superintendent

Linglestown pulls out win to take baseball playoff lead

Kyle Hollingsworth homered

In baseball action, Linglestown Twilight clawed their way to a 6-5 win Monday evening at Koons Park against the Middletown Brewers to take a two games to one lead in the best-of-five first-round East Shore Twilight League playoff series.

By the way, if you're unfamiliar with the sandlot league, it's an adult league with many current and former college players and a few former minor league players. The brand of play is pretty darn good for an amateur league.

Linglestown got the win in the bottom of the first extra inning when second baseman Marc Frailey found a hole in the left side of Middletown's infield to score left fielder Nate Shroy, who singled earlier in the inning.

Our hometown team will try to close out the series on Wednesday when the series resumes at Middletown High School. First pitch is set for 5:45 pm.

CLICK HERE for a game report from The Patriot-News.

Twilight game notes — The winning pitcher was Steve Booker who relieved starter Chris Nolan in the eighth inning. ... Twilight slugger Sam Nott injured a leg running the bases in the first inning and left the game. ... Nate Shroy led the team offensively with two-hits. ... Designated hitter Kyle Hollingsworth solidly stroked a ball into the basketball courts at Koons Park in the fourth inning. By my count, it was his fifth roundtripper of the season. ... And, Steve Booker, who played minor league ball, went yard for the first time this season with a third-inning blast.

Sandlot playoffs: Linglestown squares series with shutout victory

Andrew Roman had 3-hit game

Linglestown Twilight, the village's entry in the local sandlot baseball league, had all the right stuff Sunday as they whipped the Middletown Brewers 6-0 to even a best-of-five first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Pete Hayden (9-1) once again turned in a marvelous pitching performance in blanking the Brewers. He gave up nine hits but was able to hold the Brewers in check by only walking one and forcing two grounders that were converted into inning-ending double plays.

Also, Hayden had a lead before he threw his first pitch thanks to a two-run homer by power hitter Sam Nott in the first inning.

Shortstop Andrew Roman has a good night at the plate, going three-for-three with a run batted in and two runs scored.

Game three of the series will be played Monday at Koons Park with the first pitch at 5:45 pm.

Twilight notes — Hey, would you consider doing me a favor?

Please come out to Linglestown Twilight's playoff game Monday evening at Koons Park at 5:45 pm and make some noise.

It's free and it would be so cool to have a crowd hooting and hollering as our team seeks to win the playoff championship.

Please share this blog post with your friends and family. And, if you come out to the game, please stop by and say hello. (I'll be at the announcer's table located behind home plate at the refreshment stand.)

Linglestown square is peachy

Here's another look at agricultural pursuits in the village.

Believe or not, the delectable peaches pictured above is growing on a tree located on the Linglestown Road side of the Eagle Hotel.

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown topped by Middletown pitching gem

It was an omen of what was to come when Middletown Brewer shortstop Justin Antes, the game's first batter, slapped one over the fence Saturday at Koons Park in game one of a first-round, best-of-five playoff series.

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team that deserves your support, was beat 5-1 by a stellar pitching performance by Middletown's Zach Whitman, who hurled a five-hitter that included a whopping 11 strike outs.

The two teams will meet again today at the Middletown High School field at 5 pm, and game three is slated for Monday at Koons Park with a 5:45 pm first pitch.

Linglestown locks down top baseball playoff seed

Marc Frailey had 4 RBIs Friday

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team, produced an awesome offensive show Friday evening at Nye Field in Hummelstown, winning a one-game playoff 12-5 to capture the East Shore Twilight League's regular season championship. CLICK HERE for a game report by The Patriot-News.

Twilight's playoff campaign starts today, 1 pm at Koons Park against arch rival Middletown.

Good stuff cheap Saturday at American Legion

There is sure to be oodles of bargains this Saturday, July 28, at the Flea Market at American Legion Post 272 located across from Hornung's Ace Hardware in Linglestown, 8 am-1 pm.

Be there or B²!

Linglestown has shot at league pennant

Linglestown victory celebration in '08

Thanks to Palmyra losing a game Wednesday, Linglestown Twilight has a date Friday evening in Hummelstown for a one-game playoff for the East Shore Twilight League pennant and top seed in the playoffs that start this weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 5:45 pm at Nye Field in Hummelstown, free admission.

Palmyra needed to close out their season with two wins to claim the title, but they lost 8-3 Wednesday on their home field to a scrappy Lawnton club that is still in the hunt for a playoff bid.

Linglestown and Hummelstown split a four-game series over the course of the season. I expect Pete Hayden, Linglestown's top hurler, to be on the mound in a match-up with Hummelstown ace Jimmy Miller.

Linglestown was the East Shore Twilight League's top club in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
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CLICK HERE for directions to Nye Field in Hummelstown.

CD superintendent to be sworn in Monday

Dr. Carol Johnson

The public is cordially invited to the swearing in of Dr. Carol Johnson as superintendent on Monday, July 30, at 8:30 am in the Lecture Hall of Central Dauphin East High School. Refreshments will follow in the cafeteria.

On a related note, four schools in the district are listed on the state's lowest-achieving list. CLICK HERE for a news brief from The Patriot-News.

Community happenings of note ...

Steven Courtney (center) & the Suitcase Musicians

* Want to have fun and feel like a kid again? You have a chance to do just that this Friday, July 27, at the final, free TGIF concert at Brightbill Park that will feature Steven Courtney. His children's music and family-entertaining songs inspire imagination with creativity added.

Be sure to bring along a lawn chair. If it rains, the concert will be moved into the Friendship Center located behind K-Mart along Rt. 22.

The concert series is sponsored by Lower Paxton parks department, Metro Bank and Hoffman Ford.

* Classic Car Show is coming to Central Dauphin High School this Sunday, July 29 . CLICK HERE to learn about this brand new event sponsored by the girls' lacrosse and cheerleader squads.

* The Linglestown Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will be holding a spaghetti dinner on Friday, August 3. It will be held from 4-7 pm at the Linglestown Fire Company, 5901 Linglestown Road. The cost will be $8 for 12-adults and $4 for children under 12. The meal will include spaghetti w/ meatballs, rolls, desert and drink. Bring your family and come on out and have a good time while helping the fire company's Ladies Auxiliary. If you have any question call Deb at 315-6945.

 
* Lower Paxton's Night Out for Public Safety will be held August 7 at George Park. CLICK HERE for details.

* Did you know that you don't have to be a member to cool off at Koons Pool? CLICK HERE for pricing to hang out at the pool as a daily walk-in patron. And, the pool will reopen today after being closed a couple days to repair a pump.

Frustrated Phillies fans should cheer on local team

In sandlot play, Linglestown locks up playoff spot

Our hometown team, Linglestown Twilight, came up with a four-run fifth inning to scratch out a 6-3 win Tuesday at Koons Park over the always tough Middletown Brewers. With the win, Twilight finished with a 14-9-1 record, earned a trip to the league playoffs and stayed atop the standings, tied with Hummelstown.

Bryan Stovall got winning hit Tuesday

Twilight pitcher Chris Nolan (3-1) pitched a steady ball game for six innings to get the win and Evan Phillips struck out two in a one-inning relief outing to earn a save.

Offensively, Twilight catcher Bryan Stovall swatted the key hit in the fifth inning, a high bouncing single over the third baseman's head that scored two runs. Right fielder Kyle Hollingsworth sealed the victory with a solo homer in the sixth inning.

Palmyra has a chance to overtake both Linglestown and Hummelstown by winning the two games remaining on their regular season schedule. If Palmyra loses one, Linglestown and Hummelstown will play a one-game playoff Friday with the pennant and top playoff seed on the line, according to a Patriot-News report. Check the Gazette on Friday morning for schedule information.

Twilight notes — Center fielder Sam Nott finished the regular season with 10 home runs. His latest display of power happened Saturday when he rocketed two balls over the fence at Koons Park against Steelton. ... Pete Hayden, the team's pitching ace, finished the regular season with very respectable 8-1 record. ... Former Central Dauphin pitcher Bryce Wolford recorded his first win of the year Saturday against Steelton. ... Finally, I'd like to organize a flash mob for a playoff game. It would be cool to have people come from all directions into Koons Park a few minutes before the first pitch to cheer for our hometown team. Watch the Gazette for more details.

URGENT – French boys need Linglestown-area hosts

Host families are urgently needed for five French students who will visit our area August 2-22.

Five boys, ages 16 and 17, would like to meet an American family and see our way of life. They all speak English, are fully insured, and have their own spending money. Families receive $80 a week toward expenses.

For complete information, contact John Robinson at 545-2979 or via email. Also visit John's website.

Cool island sounds featured at FREE concert tonight

Get out your Hawaiian shirt and sandals and head over to Brightbill Park tonight (Friday, July 20) at 7 pm for the freebie concert sponsored by Lower Paxton's parks department, Metro Bank and Hoffman Ford.

While sitting on you lawn chair (be sure to bring one), you'll be treated to the "Jimmy Buffet" vibe of Tropical Soul. This popular trio will make you feel like you're lounging on a tropical shore with your favorite drink that had a tiny yellow umbrella sticking out of it.

If today's wet weather doesn't move out, "don't worry, be happy" because the concert will be moved into the Friendship Center located by the K-Mart on Route 22.

Tonight's forecast at noon:  Cloudy with scattered showers. Lows in the lower 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. CLICK HERE to get weather updates.

Stray firework explodes at Koons Park

The start of a sandlot baseball game was delayed Tuesday evening at Koons Park by about 10 minutes by two policemen canvassing the field with police dogs.

I was told the police were there in response to a firework that exploded in the area of field. It probably was a leftover from the fireworks show held at the park on July 3 that was missed by the cleanup crew.

Tonight I got the rest of the story from a woman who attended the civic association meeting – a Lower Paxton Township employee touched off the firework when he hit it while mowing the grass with a riding mower. Apparently, the explosion knocked belts off the mower's underside, damaged the blade and scared the bejesus out of the worker.

Linglestown civc group gearing up for busy fall

Doug Kepler (pink shirt) leads meeting

About 26 people attended the Linglestown Area Civic Association (LACA) meeting Wednesday, including Bill Minsker who spearheaded the reorganization of the group and recently returned from working several months in Poland. Forty-four residents have joined the group to date.

So far this year LACA manned a booth at the Spring Fling, sponsored a float in the Memorial Day parade, and worked with PennDOT to acquire the "Yield to Pedestrian" signs located at crosswalks in the village.

In the works is a historical event during the Fall Festival on Oct. 20-21, the annual Carol Sing on Dec. 2, and a New Year's Eve celebration in the square that will feature ringing in 2013 with special edition hand and cow bells. Also, initial work is under way for 250th anniversary of Linglestown in 2015.

Keeping the village clean is a LACA activity too. The group is set up with the state to do four pick-ups per year with the first one slated for Sept. 8.

Prior to ending the gathering with an ice cream social, Minsker encouraged everyone to use Linglestown instead of Harrisburg for residential mailing addresses to promote the village.

Email the Gazette if you'd like info on how you can get involved.

It's time to wake up, Gazette readers

One of the primary reasons that I do what I do is to persuade Gazette readers to get "politically active" in public affairs, especially Lower Paxton Township and Central Dauphin schools.

Please do me a favor this morning by giving a Patriot-News op-ed piece a read. It may stir a few of you to consider how you can get involved in bettering your community.

The important section of the op-ed makes the case that Pennsylvania no longer needs or can afford 2,562 municipalities.

Think about what is involved in operating 2,562 municipalities. Ugh!

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown surges into second place

Linglestown player/coach Ken Connor smacked winning RBI Sunday

Our hometown team, Linglestown Twilight (11-7-1), jumped into second place in the East Shore Twilight League by going 3-1 last week. Technically, they were undefeated. (You'll have to read the rest of this post for the story.)

Last Wednesday, Twilight traveled to Dauphin and won 4-1. Pete Hayden was the winning pitcher and Sam Nott hit a solo homer.

The next night at Koons Park, Chris Nolan (2-0) had a good outing to lead Twilight to a 9-2 win over last-place Steelton. Shortstop Andrew Roman had a great game, going three-for-four with a homer and three runs scored. In the sixth inning, Sam Nott put the game away with a grand slam.

Palmyra tagged Twilight with their only loss of the week Friday in Lebanon County, but it took some questionable tactics by Palmyra's skipper to get the 8-7 win.

After giving up eight runs in the second inning, Twilight, trailing 8-7, rallied in the top of the seventh inning to take a 9-8 lead. Palmyra then slowed down play to delay recording the third out and the umpires eventually called the game because of darkness, negating Twilight's two runs scored in the seventh inning.

The week ended on a high note Sunday at Koons Park with Twilight scoring two runs in their final at-bat to down Dauphin 4-3. Right fielder Corey Ellsesser singled in one run and player/coach Ken Connor got the winning RBI. Continuing his stellar season on the mound, 35-year-old pitching ace Pete Hayden (7-1) recorded another complete-game win.

Twilight note — Linglestown hosts Lawnton tonight at Koons Park, 6 pm. As always, I need a volunteer to operate the electronic scoreboard.

Free Concert Tonight at Brightbill Park

Timesless performing at St. Thomas Roasters

Timeless, a band based in the Linglestown area, will be performing tonight from 7:00–8:30 pm at Brightbill Park. The show, sponsored by the Lower Paxton's parks and rec department, is free. All you need to do is bring a lawn chair ... that's it.

I think you'll enjoy listening to this group. They do a variety of songs from the 1940s to today with a mix of all genres.

Bountiful crop in Linglestown square

Most folks passing through the Linglestown square probably aren't aware of this small garden that is yielding a big crop of tomatoes and beans. It's located behind the former barbershop on the the square that is now a nail salon.

By the way, I have a backlog of stuff that I'll be dribbling out over the next few days. Check back daily for updates that you won't find in The Patriot-News or The Paxton Herald.
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Gazette editor B² on mend after flipping out

Beyond some lingering neck stiffness, I'm nearly back to normal after going airborne in York County last Saturday.

The ding on the helmet is proof that wearing one is a must. Please give me holy heck if you see me tooling around the village with the breeze blowing through my hair.

Add "Tomato Man" to Linglestown's lexicon

There's a little gem of a produce stand, called Tomato Man Produce, located in the neighborhood behind Linglestown Middle School. To be specific, it's at the corner of Mimosa Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Good stuff at good prices? I'm not sure, so you be the judge and post a comment about what you learn.

View Tomato Man Produce in a larger map

Gazette roundtable tackles how to get politically active

About a dozen people showed up for the Linglestown Gazette roundtable tonight at St. Thomas Roasters. I'll post an overview later this week about the topics and issues that were discussed.

Thanks again to the fine Americans that came out tonight, and thanks to baristas Molly and Pagan for serving up the java and tea.

Finally, thanks go out to George Kunkle for serving as honorary Mayor of Linglestown for the evening.

LIVE BLOGGING: CD School Boad meeting

Actions taken by the school board tonight ...

Dr. Carol Johnson

* The board unanimously approved a revised policy that outlines digital information that needs to be retained by the district. This step was taken in part to save a few thousand dollars in technology costs.

* MAJOR STAFFING VOTE #1 -- An employment agreement with Dr. Carol Johnson to serve as the district's superintendent from July 12, 2012 through July 12, 2016 was unanimously approved. No details were given about salary and benefits.

According to The Patriot-News on Tuesday, Johnson will be paid $168,000 per year.

* A labor contract with AFSCME labor union was unanimously approved. No details were given about the agreement.

* MAJOR STAFFING VOTE #2 -- The board unanimously approved an employment agreement with Director of Business Affairs Karen McConnell that changes her title to Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administrative Operations. Her contract will run from July 12, 2012 through July 12, 2017. No details were given about salary and benefits during the meeting, but The Patriot-News on Tuesday reported that her salary is still under discussion.

This staffing change was described as a change in the way the district's administration is organized, according to board president Ford Thompson. It is similar to the setup used by other large school districts in Pennsylvania, he said.

* Personnel report approved 8-0 that included hiring of an assistant principal for CD East High School. CLICK HERE to view the report.

* Tax appeal settlement for JC Properties was approved 8-0. No details were given about the agreement.

* Board member Janis Macut will replace Thompson as the district's representative with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit.

* Thompson noted that the tenure of Dr. Luis Gonzalez as the district's superintendent will end this Friday. He wished him well in his future endeavors. By the way, Gonzalez is a resident of Linglestown.

* Board member Brian Faleshock noted that the budget for Dauphin County Technical School is looking good for the upcoming year.

Next board meeting will be held August 6.

OTHER NOTES:

* WHTM abc27 had a camera crew at the meeting and The Patriot-News probably had someone there too. They interviewed Thompson after the meeting and probably asked him about the compensation packages approved for Johnson and McConnell. (Just a guess on my part.)

On this point, I believe the board should err on the side of openness and share public information – like salaries of top administrators – with the public prior to voting. It's public information and forcing citizens who attend meetings to rely on the media to get key facts and figures defeats the purpose of attending meetings.

* I spoke during the public-comment period to update the board on the CD Roundtable held last month and tomorrow night's community chat.

Also, I passed along an idea submitted to the Gazette by Rich Krampe who suggested that arrangements be made to televise the board meetings over public access stations provided by the Comcast and Verizon cable systems.

There's probably expenses tied to using the cable channels, so I offered an alternative approach -- stream the meetings over the Internet and have students produce the broadcast. And, I suggested that students could help operate a website that focuses on pressing issues facing the district.

No board members commented on my suggestions.

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown splits pair to remain in 4th place

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team, ended play this week with a record of 8-6-1 and remain in fourth place in the tightly packed East Short Twilight League.

Zach Seaman

Twilight traveled to Hummelstown on Thursday and banged out 12 hits to win 8-2. Pitching ace Pete Hayden went the distance to run his record to 5-2. The offensive star was third baseman Zach Seaman (pictured) who had a multiple hit game that included his first home run of the season.

Saturday at Koons Park, the Middletown Brewers eked out a 1-0 win over Twilight at Koons Park with a strong pitching performance by veteran hurler Adrian Huber.

Linglestown starter Evan Phillips (1-2) pitched a one-hitter during a six-inning outing, but issuing a walk to the leadoff batter in the sixth inning proved to be the game's turning point. The runner moved to second on a beautiful sacrifice bunt by Huber and then scampered home on a hit by Chuck Kline.

Twilight was in position to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when they had runners on first and second with one out, but Huber closed out the game by getting Wyatt Hoover to fly out to the shortstop and striking out Corey Ellsesser.

Twilight notes — Linglestown has a busy week ahead with 6 pm away games Wednesday and Friday at Dauphin and Palmyra respectively, and games at Koons Park on Thursday against Steelton at 6 pm and Sunday against Dauphin at 5 pm.

Proof that B² has a hard head

B² poses with post that took him down

I did a "Glen Rock flip" this morning while biking on the York County Heritage Trail with Barb.

While checking out the scenery in the borough of Glen Rock, I smacked into the pictured post, flipped over the handlebars and touched down on my head. I never saw the post. One second I'm rolling along and the next I'm on the deck seeing stars.

CLICK HERE to read more ...

FREE concert Friday at Brightbill Park

Friday evening you can grab a lawn chair and head to Brightbill Park for a FREE concert by the Lower Paxton Township Variety Band courtesy of the township Parks & Recreation Department, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Under the direction of Jim Milbrand, this crowd-favorite community band swings into the park with an array of jazz and swing standards to make you get up and dance! The LP Variety Band is made up of local musicians of all ages.

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown wins slugfest with Lawnton

There were fireworks a day early at Koons Park as Linglestown Twilight's Sam Nott (pictured) launched four home runs Monday to lead your home team to a 15–13 victory over Lawnton.
CLICK HERE to read a game summary published by The Patriot-News.

Twilight notes —  Twilight pitcher Patrick Reagan (1-1) recorded his first win in the  Lawnton game. He relieved starting pitcher Adam Chernicoff in the fourth inning and put down Lawnton one-two-three in the seventh inning to set the stage for Nott's walk-off homer in the bottom half of the inning ... Linglestown's record going into tonight's game at Hummelstown was 7-5-1, fourth place in the East Shore Twilight League ... Next home game is Saturday, 2 pm at Koons Park against Middletown ... And last but not least, a volunteer is needed to operate the electronic scoreboard on Saturday. Please stop by the refreshment stand prior to the game if you'd like to help.

Community chat, FREE coffee on tap Tuesday at Roasters

Hey, the good turnout at the CD roundtable has inspired me to sponsor another get-together in Linglestown for those who want to make a positive difference in our community.

Mark it on your calendar right now — Tuesday, July 10, 2012 starting at 7 pm, at St. Thomas Roasters coffee house, which is located in the Linglestown square.

The topic will be ...

3 Steps for Getting
Government that You Deserve

I believe that we live in a great country but there are growing storm clouds brewing in all levels of government. Fortunately, our form of democracy provides ways for citizens to impact governmental affairs, especially at the local level.

My concern is that too many people are too cynical, too lazy, too apathetic, too uninformed or a combination of these things to fight for government that genuinely serves you and me.

Let's talk about it on Tuesday, July 10 at Roasters, 7 pm.

I'll give a brief talk on the topic and then open it up for questions and discussion.

Be there or B²!
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FREE beverage on B² ... All participants will receive a FREE small coffee or tea. This is the last call for this bribe.

Also, please email this blog post to five people who you would like to attend this event.

Hall of Famers revealed

There are four charter inductees to Linglestown Gazette's Hall of Fame. To qualify, this intrepid foursome subscribed to the Gazette's FREE email updates and joined the blog's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Congratulations and a pat on the back go out to the following Gazette Hall of Famers:

Elyse Rinehart

Dave Ziser a.k.a. Q

F. Scott Patterson

Kim Martin

CLICK HERE for info on how you too can inscribe you name for eternity on the membership role of this prestigious club.

Twilight uses quick strike to take down Palmyra

In sandlot baseball action, Palmyra's Tyler Reed mowed down Linglestown Twilight's batting order with good location and a speedy fast ball through five innings Saturday at Central Dauphin High School.

But, things changed in a hurry in the sixth inning when out of nowhere Twilight erupted for four runs to take a 4-3 lead and won the game by putting away Palmyra with a nifty three-up, three-down top of the seventh inning.

Twilight catcher Bryan Stovall and left fielder Wyatt Hoover both delivered clutch singles that plated the four runs, and Pete Hayden (4-2) was the winning pitcher.

Heading into the week, Twilight owns a 6-5-1 record and is in fourth place in the highly competitive East Shore Twilight League.
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Twilight notes — In Saturday's game, center fielder Sam Nott made a spectacular diving catch ... and, first baseman Sean Frailey displayed cat-like reflexes in recording an unassisted double play off a line drive that he snagged and then put out the runner at first ... Twilight plays Lawnton at 6 pm tonight at Koons Park.